My Sunshine

The Safe Option - Iruka

Iruka could barely contain his excitement throughout the day, spending his whole day grinning to himself at his desk as he filled out paperwork and went through student charts. It was Friday, and tonight was the night the fall festival began. Haru had missed the summer festivals since she was in the hospital, so he was excited to finally get to take her to one.

He was nervous to ask her to go with him. He didn't want it to sound like a date. But her eyes lit up at his invitation. He wanted to ask her because he wanted to treat her to a nice evening, insisting that she go out and get whatever she wanted for the night. She had went out last night with Ino, Temari, and Karui to go shopping. She beamed at him when she told him that what she purchased was a secret, and he would have to wait for the reveal. This evening couldn't come fast enough.

He returned home after having to stay late to speak to a couple of parents; quickly taking a shower and getting dressed in his kimono. He didn't see Haru, assuming that she as busy getting ready. When he came out, he found Haru in her bedroom, putting on makeup. She turned to him, smilling shyly and nervously.

"How do I look?"

She was absolutely stunning. The yellows and purples of her kimono really suited her.

"Haru, you look beautiful."

She blushed deeply, speaking softly.

"Thank you. You look very nice, too."

No he was the one who was blushing.

"Thanks. Are you ready to head out?"

She nodded and they stepped out of the apartment and into the cool November air. The festival was in Senju Park, which was next door.

Her eyes lit up as she stepped into the park, which was filled with lanterns and lit booths. There were drums playing in the background. It was lively, and he was afraid that Haru would easily become overwhelmed. But she looked more excited than ever, looking around with her arms clutched against her chest, as if she didn't know where to start. He came up and put a hand on her elbow.

"Hey, are you hungry? We can try as many booths as you want. There are so many different foods here."

She turned to him with child-like excitement.

"I want to try them all!"

He chuckled.

"Get whatever you want. As much as you want."

They went from booth to booth, where Haru sampled a little bit of everything.

He closed his eyes and smiled. This was perfect. Haru was happy, and he was with her. They were enjoying it together. Students came up to them and said hello, as well as friends.

Over the past few months, Iruka had spent a lot of his time in his office contemplating things with Haru. He realized that the pull he felt toward her had become a warm fullness radiating from his chest. He finally let himself form the words in his head: he was in love with her.

And, who would't be? She was blossoming into someone bubbly and fun. Now that she spoke more freely, she was just as intelligent and interesting as he first suspected. She was sweet and incredibly grateful, even though she didn't need to be toward him.

Loving her wasn't an option. She was ten years younger than him and absolutely beautiful. Every time she looked at him with her violet eyes, his heart skipped a beat. When he held her at night, he wished the sun would never come up. Some nights, he would watch her sleep peacefully and wonder who in the world would hurt such a precious person. All of the men who treated her like shit and not one of them could recognize the pure light coming from this being?