My Song to You

5

Once the paperwork for adopting Naruto were finished and accepted Iruka took the clinging child to his room. There Naruto packed his things and the two left the orphanage. Iruka had a smile on his face as he looked down at the anxious child beside him. He had no car, but he promised Naruto that he'd get one soon. The older of the two was definitely the best match for the hyperactive knuckle head. Iruka is a kind person whose friends didn't have anything negative to say. He worked hard and was rewarded for it. Having Naruto just made him happier than he could possibly be on his own.

Naruto on the other hand was terrified. He wanted to be adopted so badly he didn't care who came to get him. This however was something far more than what his young mind could comprehend. He had some sort of connection to Iruka, as if he were his granny. Surely that couldn't be. Granny was gone, had been for a long time. Naruto was saddened under the scary thoughts of possibly being rejected and sent back. There was only one thing to do in his mind. To see where this would go, if he could have that family.

The two walked in silence unsure if the other was willing to speak first. Being the adult Iruka cleared his throat as if he was going to break the silence, he didn't. Naruto took a deep breath knowing the adult holding his hand and walking with him was just as nervous as he was. He looked up at the man and took in more of his features. Iruka's hair was brown just like the potatoes Shizune murdered by peeling them. His eyes were darker though, almost like the grilled chicken Shizune served in the summer. Naruto laughed at his childish way of comparing Iruka to the disastrous food Shizune made.

"What's so funny?" Iruka asked stopping at a cross walk and looking both ways before crossing.

"Nothing. Are we almost there?" Naruto asked instead of being honest.

"Yeah, see that building there? That's our home." Iruka smiled as he pointed at a brick building with posters of movies and random store sales.

"An apartment?" Naruto asked curious.

"Yeah, it's not really fancy. It is cozy though. It's a two-bedroom apartment on the top floor. There's even a balcony you could look out from." Iruka said rather proud.

"I thought you had a house." Naruto whispered a little too loud.

Iruka flinched at the assumption of him. He stopped walking and turned to Naruto who eyed him strangely.

"I'll get us a house soon, then you can have a backyard or pool if you want. Right now, though I just want you to be happy and not worry about that." Iruka smiled.

Naruto nodded and looked at the building they had gotten closer to. It was taller than him of course. There were posters of movies and stores that had seen better days. The bricks were fading in color due to the weather. There were tons of windows where the sun could have shined through, but since it had set there were lights coming from them. Naruto wondered what his bedroom would look like as they climbed the stairs now. He smiled to himself as his heart raced thinking of what Iruka's home was like. It must be warm and cozy like he said. It must have the best food every day. Filled with lots of love and laughter.

Iruka pulled out the keys for their home and unlocked the door. He stood back nodding at Naruto to open the door. Naruto did just that. He turned the knob and pushed the door in slowly. The smell of chocolate and sugar brushed against his face. His stomach growled for the sweets that came to mind. He stood in the doorway looking into the living room. There was a couch in the middle with a T.V. sitting on a small table with controllers resting on top of it. There was a coffee table in between the T.V. and couch with nothing on it. Naruto took his shoes off and stepped inside.

He looked around for anything like family portraits, but he didn't find any. He looked for a shelf full of family movies or videos of Iruka's family, there were none. The living room was bare. Naruto looked back at Iruka then he ventured into the apartment further. He walked around the corner that was on the opposite side of the living room. He stood at the opening of the kitchen. It was clean. The counters had a toaster, blender, microwave and cabinets sitting above them. The range had a plate with a small chocolate frosted cake. Curious Naruto walked over to it. Iruka came in after shutting and locking the door.

"Ah, I made you a cake. I... heh I thought we could have a small welcome home party. It's kind of late though." Iruka laughed at his late idea.

The cake had blue frosting in a very sloppy handwriting that read 'Welcome Home'. Naruto's heart clenched at the thought of him having a home and family. He smiled at Iruka and hugged him tightly.

"Thank you." Naruto whispered.

Iruka laughed and hugged the child, "Come on, you still haven't seen your room." Iruka informed and took Naruto's hand.

The two walked out the kitchen and turned left. They walked down the small hallway and came to a door. Iruka opened it to reveal the bathroom. Naruto complained that it should have bubble bath soap like Shizune had for the kids. Iruka promised to get him some and took him down the hall further. Iruka stopped at the second door and opened it.

"This is my room. If you feel like you can't sleep alone or scared, you can sleep with me." Iruka nervously said.

Naruto took a quick glance of the room. It was a bit messy as if Iruka ran out of time to clean. The walls had a few pictures of a couple smiling or of the couple with a child throughout its years. Then to the far right beside the closet was a picture of Iruka and two graves. Naruto now understood why the living room was empty of family, Iruka didn't have any.

"She's pretty." Naruto feeling as if he should say something.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. She was really nice too. Always made sure I had a smile and made the best cookies." Iruka solemnly said.

Naruto pulled Iruka out of the room and asked for his not wanting to make Iruka sad. Iruka shut the door and walked to the last door of the hall. The door was opened and inside Naruto could tell Iruka wasn't sure of what age the kid he was going to adopt was going to be. There were tons of toys for all age range and a crib still in the box, a twin sized mattress on a frame and a diaper changing station also still in its box.

"Sorry. I... uh, wasn't sure." Iruka admitted.

Naruto laughed and walked inside, "I like it." Naruto smiled. He dropped his backpack on the bed and headed to the toys.

"Well, welcome home Naruto." Iruka chuckled.

"Yeah. Home." Naruto laughed happily.