Chapter 2

You grinned as you skidded to a stop right at the training grounds. You turned wondering where Iruka had reached. 

"Now that I think about it I didn't see him behind me for a while after I ran off."

Your eyes flashed left to right. "Finally made it." you flinched. Eyes widening you looked over at the tree behind you. He was standing upside down on a branch. "Wow..I really didn't think you'd get here before me." He laughed. "I was a Jonin before you were even a full Genin. " you puffed your cheeks as he jumped down. When he was close, he pat you on the head. 

"It's so cute how you thought you'd win. Still so naive (Y/N)." you slapped his hand away with a frown.

You turned your back huffing. "Whatever..." your eyes looked a bit sadder now.

"He's still treating me like a kid.." Iruka walked to your front, leaning to the side to see your eyes.

"What's wrong, are you that annoyed that I won?"

"It's nothing, let's just start." Iruka knew something was bothering you but he didn't push.

His hand slipped in his back pocket, pulling out a kunai. You did the same, taking a stance.

"I'm not going easy on you, Iruka-sensei~" you taunted. He smirked.

"Likewise."

~~

Over three hours of constant punches and kicks, both of you crashed to the ground. Your face was covered in dirt as you laughed loudly. Iruka looked equally as tired. "You've gotten quite good (Y/N). I almost couldn't keep up." you scoffed at Iruka's comment. "Don't insult me I used to be Anbu remember." you boasted. He smiled. "I'm very glad you've gotten so strong. I know that I don't have to worry as much when you're away on a mission." He reached over patting you on the head. You frowned, standing up. Your eyes were low. 

"You don't have to keep watching over me Iruka, I'm not the little kid you use to know. " Iruka followed your movements standing. He took your wrist lightly, turning you around. "What's gotten into you suddenly?" you bit you lip, glaring at him.

"What am I to you Iruka!" you yelled. He flinched at your tone.

"I-I don't understand what you-"

"It's not a hard question, what am I to you!?" you demanded stepping forward. You were now up in his face, gripping him by the shoulders. He was looking down at you panicked.

"D-Does she know!?!" Iruka wasn't sure what to do. How was he supposed to answer that question without ruining years of friendship. He'd been helplessly in love with for as long as he could remember. Looking over you as a kid was always his excuse. He remembered how much you had helped when he lost his parents. You were relentless in your quest to stop him from being all alone. When the both of you started to get older he couldn't help but notice just how much you meant to him. But...you were always with Kakashi. How could he compete with that?

Over the years it seemed like you and Kakashi just got closer and closer. Now he feared you might be in love with Kakashi.

What if you were asking this to turn him down gently so you could pursue Kakashi. Iruka wasn't sure how he'd manage if he had to bare watching the two for you as a couple. His heart ached just thinking about it. But what about you. He couldn't be selfish. If you knew he cared for you and said anything, you might accept him solely out of pity. "I can't tell her...she'd just feel bad for me. I won't get in the way of her happiness.."

Iruka was so immersed in his thoughts he never noticed the hopefulness in your eyes. You were sure of it when you saw the shock on his face. "He must feel something for me...even if it's just a little... " The smile fell from your face when he raised his hands, shrugging your hold off his shoulders. His head lowered as he pushed you back lightly by the shoulders.

"I see you the same as I've always had (Y/N). You'll always be someone I have to look after. You're like a sister to me." your lips quivered as everything slowed down. You stood there with wide eyes.

"I see.." you could practically feel your heart break. Iruka looked back up. Expecting to see a relieved expression on your face. Shock overcame him at the tears that were now gushing down your cheeks. The sheer hurt that reflected in your eyes felt like a punch to his gut.

"(Y-Y/N) I-" he stepped forward to touch you but you jumped back. Your eyes hardened as you wipe the tears from your eyes into you sleeves roughly.

"I don't need you to look out for me. Just leave me alone please. I can take care of myself." Without another word you disappeared.

Iruka stood there frozen.

"What have I done.."