My Sunshine

The Winter Festival - Iruka

Haru had spent a month at the hospital, laid up in the bed with her broken leg.  He had made sure to stay with her every night, often doing paperwork in a hospital chair, using her side table as she slept.

He hated having to go to the Academy, knowing his lover and best friend was in the hospital.  He was constantly fielding questions from students, asking if their Sensei was doing okay.   Doing his best to stay focused on his work, as soon as he could get away, he would run home, shower, change clothes, refill his overnight bag, and rush back to the hospital.

Sometimes he would stop and grab something delicious for her, like an Ichiraku Ramen Pork Bowl. But he always hurried back to her side.

The kids from the Academy came by to visit frequently, usually let by Bumi, who often showed up with flowers picked from the park. Iruka would sit back and watch her interact with them with a smile on his face. She was so good with them, and they admired and respected her.

She had only left the hospital once that month, and that was when he broke her out of the hospital in a wheelchair to take her to the Fall Festival. It was so much fun, eating junk food and playing games, even when Mizuka spotted them. She only gave them a grin and a thumbs up as she walked off with Kakashi.

There was a new lightness about her, and he was overjoyed. She was a woman who had conquered her fears. She had literally beaten her demon. And while he knew she would probably always be recovering from the past, the source of her trauma was now locked in Hozuki Castle.

But, that was months ago.

All that mattered was this moment: The Winter Festival.

Haru was stunning in a maroon kimono with bright red embellishments. She had her hair up in a high ponytail with adorable tendrils falling in front of her ears. It was topped off with a matching maroon bow. She was more beautiful than usual, which was really saying something

Tonight, she was out of her wheelchair, testing out her newly healed leg for the first time. She had lost muscle in that leg, and she was walking with a limp, but she was walking. She walked beside him as they passed the booths. They greeted people they knew, which was a lot of people. Many students showed their pleasure in her being out of the chair, giving her fist bumps, high fives, and hugs.

The winter festival was beautiful every year, but this year with Haru made it extra special. There was a new confidence in her since the run-in with Ryujin eight weeks ago, and it made her even sexier in his eyes.

She excitedly moved from one booth to the next, looking at the rows of sweet treats carefully and watching the children play carnival games. He stood behind her, hands on her hips, as she watched the festivities. He watched over her shoulder.  Enkay even came up and gave her the small stuffed fox that he had won. She accepted it with a big smile on her face. Bumi passed them with a critical look on his face, but after a moment, he gave Iruka a thumbs up.  These kids were very protective of Haru, and it made him smile wide. Iruka gave him a thumbs up as well. Bumi nodded.

Music was playing in the middle of the park. Iruka whispered in her ear.

"Would you like to dance?"

She turned to face him and grinned.

"I would love to."

He took her by the hand, escorting her to where the other couples were dancing. She took the small stuffed fox and tucked it into her small satchel under her kimono. He took her hand and held it over her head, spinning her slowly as she giggled before pulling her close and dancing slowly with her.

"The last time we danced together like this, I told you that you were my best friend."

He chuckled.

"I'd never felt so flattered or so heartbroken. But I know that's what you needed: a friend. And even if we just remained friends, that would have been enough-"

"Just being with me is enough, right?"

She grinned at him as she teased him; he kissed the tip of her nose.

"I know I said that a lot, but I meant it. You're worth it, Haru. The last year and a half has have been incredible. You've blossomed into a confident person. I fall more in love with you every day."

"Me too. That's why I have to ask you something."

"Hmmm?"

Haru reached back into the small satchel inside of her kimono and pulled something out. She took a deep breath, a smile spreading wide across her face as she opened it.

"I wanted to ask you if you would spend forever with me. Iruka Umino, will you marry me and be my husband?"

There was a wedding ring in the box. He gazed at her in disbelief, but she was serious as she grinned at him.

"Haru... yes. Of course I'll marry you."

They gazed at each other for a beautiful moment before she gently took his left hand and slid the band on his ring finger. He gazed at it, still not sure if this was really happening.

"I am going to buy you the biggest engagement ring the jewelry store has."

"Nah, just a band will do. Save that money for our honeymoon."

He scooped her up into his arms and held her tightly as the other couples danced around them, his face buried in his shoulder. She whispered in his ear.

"I knew I had to be the one to ask. You're so sweet; I knew you'd be afraid I would feel trapped. But I don't feel trapped with you. I feel ready to forge our life together as the Umino clan. You're an incredible partner, Iruka."

He kissed her passionately, feeling the tears forming in his eyes.  As everyone else danced around them, he stood and savored savored this moment of bliss.  He was going to marry the love of his life, the person on the other end of his Red String.  They were about to start the next chapter of their lives.