Falling for a Teacher (An Iruka Umino Love Story)

Falling for a Teacher Chapter 2

Arai’s first week at the Academy had gone well.  As well as it could go with Hikari taking care of the house.  Between her work in the mission office and in the market, she was never home it felt like.  Their parents were gone on a mission, meaning Arai was alone most evenings.  Saturday morning couldn’t come soon enough.  Hikari only had the morning shift in the market, meaning she would be home all afternoon to spend time with her little sister.  

Hikari sighs tiredly as she arranges the fruit at a friend’s stand, rubbing her eyes occasionally.  She checks the fruit over once more for bruises and turns around to find Iruka waiting patiently.  She jumps slightly, gasping in surprise at the sudden appearance of the man.  

“Good morning Hikari-chan.” he greets, giving her a warm smile.

“Good morning Iruka-kun.  How are you doing today?” Hikari replies, stepping out of his way so he can look at the fruit.

“I’m doing alright, how are you?  You don’t look like you’ve been sleeping well.”

“Things are busy.  My parents are out on a mission so I’m watching Arai.  But between my shifts here and in the mission room, I don’t have much time for sleep.  Plus, I’ve been putting off missions to take care of the house.  Tsunade-sama is getting irritated with me.”

“You shouldn’t have to take care of your family like that.  It’s your parents job to watch Arai, not you.”

“They don’t see it that way Iruka-kun.  Don’t worry about it.  She’s my sister, it’s not a burden.”

“You need sleep though Hikari-chan.  You shouldn’t push yourself.”

“Are you trying to take care of me Iruka-kun?” Hikari teases, taking note of the fruit he had picked out so far.  

“I would if you’d let me.” he chuckles, “But you’re so independent that you don’t want anyone.”

“Doesn’t mean I don’t need someone.” Hikari replies, “That’ll be fifty yen.”

“Here you go.  See you around Hikari-chan.  Get some sleep tonight okay?”

“I’ll try Iruka-kun.  Have a good day!” she waves goodbye to the brunette chunnin before returning to her position at the stand.  

“You look happy Aneki.” Arai comments when Hikari returns home with a bag of food.

“I am, how are you doing Imouto?”

“I’m good!  I practice my shurkien and kunai throwing today.  Come look!” 

“Alright, let me put the food away then I’ll come see.  You’ll have to show me how good you’ve gotten!”

“I’ll go clean up and get my weapons!”

“Sounds good Imouto.  I’ll be out there in a minute.”

Hikari smiles after her sister, emptying the bag onto the counter.  She sighs as she fills the almost empty cabinets with at least some food before sticking the bag by the door.  She slips off her shoes and makes her way to the porch to watch Arai.  

“Let’s see it then.” she encourages with a smile, and Arai nods before quickly throwing the different weapons.  Most make it to the general area of the center but a few miss.  

“Look at you!  That’s great Imouto.  Do you want some advice?” 

“Of course Aneki!  You’re a pro!”

“If you hold your wrist just like… this.” she positions her sisters wrist on the kunai, “You’ll throw straighter.  It’s just about the aim now.”

“Thanks Aneki!” 

 “Alright, finish up with your practice and clean up.  I’m gonna shower and change.  Then we can do something alright?”

“Okay!”

Hikari makes her way up to her room, rubbing her shoulders and back before kicking her door shut behind her.  She pulls off her leggings and long t-shirt, dropping them in the basket by the door as she heads to the bathroom.  Making sure the water is hot, she steps in and relaxes under the pounding water. 

When she returns downstairs, Arai is waiting by the door patiently.  She holds out Hikari’s shoes, allowing her older sister to slip them on before the two of them leave the house.

“Where do you want to go?” Hikari questions her sister as the two walk down the street.

“The park!  I know my friends are going to be there today!”

“Alright, let’s go to the park then.”