My Sunshine

The Beginning - Iruka

Iruka stood in front of the window, a towel wrapped around his waist. It was their first morning waking up in Tenchi, and it still felt like a dream. He ran a hand through his still wet hair, letting it dry before he put it up. Tenchi was gorgeous. The snow was falling softly and quietly, blanketing the town in white.

He did something he would've never done before: he took a week away from the Academy to enjoy his honeymoon. They didn't want to wait until summer break, and Anko was more than happy to fill in for him for the week. Even Shikamaru offered to teach Haru's Shinobi Analytics classes until she returned, although he didn't seem very excited about it.  Iruka suspected that he was coerced by Temari.

He rested his forearm against the frame of the window, leaning in and taking in its beauty. This was the first time he had ever been here without tedious circumstances. No illness. No injury. No waiting on word from a healer on a teammate's injury status. Just beautiful hillsides and snow. And the loveliness of waking up next to his beautiful wife in their warm Inn room. He looked back at his sleeping bride, who had luxuriously stretched out on the bed after he rose to take a shower. He turned back to the window, gazing out once again.

And, suddenly, his thoughts turned to his parents. Would they be proud of him? He had come so far since he had to step out on his own at the tender age of eleven. A Chuunin at 13, an Academy teacher at 18; his life looked normal. He was fond of his students. He fought in the Fourth Great Ninja War. He became the Academy principal after that.

And now, this beautiful creature had entered his home, his heart, and his life. And now, she was his bride. And he was no longer the only Umino. He had no doubt that his parents would have loved Haru, and it made him sad that they would never get the chance to meet their daughter-in-law.

"Iruka-kun?"

He snapped back to reality, turning to his bride who was now awake, sleepily rubbing her eyes, giving him a smile.

"Are you okay, my Love?"

He smiled at her, walking back to the bed.

"Yeah, just thinking about the past. And how beautiful the town is. It's so peaceful here."

She smiled beautifully at him, stroking his cheek with her fingers.

"This place is lovely. I can't wait to go exploring today."

"Me too."

Leaning forward, he kissed her tenderly. She ran her hands through his drying hair. He could feel her confidence radiating from her aura, which was comforting. When they parted, Iruka placed his forehead against hers.

"My family would've loved you, Haru. I'm so sorry that you'll never get to meet them."

She caressed his face in her hands, her eyes closed as she clearly soaked up this moment.

"I'm sure I would have loved them as well. Even though they aren't here with us, we can always honor their memories."

"I'm not the only Umino anymore; I'm sure they would like that."

"I'm sure they would've been very proud of you. They raised a good man, even though they were taken too soon. You made me believe that there is good in the world, and that there are good people in the world. From the moment you found me, you've been proving how incredible you are."

He felt tears forming in his eyes.

"Thanks Haru, we take care of each other."

"We sure do. And now that you're back in bed, I can take care of you some more."

He grinned as he took his towel off and and slid under the covers, holding his wife. She shivered.

"Are you okay?"

She chuckled.

"Yeah, my body isn't used to these cold winters yet. But, that's okay. I have you to keep me warm."

She reached her wedding banded hand up, gazing at it. He raised his as well, entwining fingers with hers.

"Your parents would also be proud of the life you've made for us. They would be proud of the patriarch you've become. I'm proud to be an Umino and I finally get to wear your clan symbol. Our clan symbol."

"Our clan symbol... My beautiful matriarch."

"Two years ago, this life would've been unimaginable. This only existed in the books I would sneak and read at night. I've gone from drugged and abused to loved and cared for."

"You're worth it, Haru. Every second of loneliness was worth the wait. You're my soulmate."

He rested his forehead against hers before kissing her lovingly.

"I love you so much, Iruka-kun."

"I love you, too. I can't wait to see what the next chapter of our life together looks like.

Haru giggled softly into his ear.

"I'm sure it'll be beautiful, how can it not be? But, right now, I want to make love to my new husband and then get bundled up and explore Tenchi together. Ooh, and get breakfast."

"Anything you want to do, my Love."

She kissed him deeply as she slid on top of him. Caressing her beautiful body, he was excited for their new life together.