It was about time they had a boys' day out. After all the training Iruka was hearing Naruto did, he figured he should treat his favorite student the hard working genin to a meal. Of course, when you offer to treat Naruto to ramen, it's almost impossible that he'll refuse the proposal.

So, that's how Iruka ended up where he was now. He rushed to send two known brawlers in the class out of the school quickly so he could finish up filing and go to meet up with the blonde vessel.

"Ma, maaaaa!" He hated grading, absolutely hated it. Especially with open response questions, such as what should be done in response to intruders or ideal places to make camp during a winter forest night when it is lightly snowing and the moon is out. There was this one dunce who thought it was really funny to answer all these questions with things like "well, durr, I would have finished and been home by then; no snow for me" that made Iruka have to write a response.

"This kid is definitely getting a note home..." The scar faced chuunin looked up at the clock before panicing. "Crap! It's already five!" He stuffed all the papers into a desk drawer before running to the class room door. In his haste, he didn't even bother shutting it. "I said leave the building, you two!"

Why were they always fighting?!

---

Insane school day--still nothing compared to his last, more "interesting" class--aside, Iruka had arrived at the Ichiraku Ramen Bar, though he was entirely too tired to check if he had arrived before Naruto. The sometimes ungrateful kid would probably dig in before him anyway, but wouldn't leave within him arriving. He was hasty, not a jerk.

Iruka pushed back the flaps partially blocking entrance into the eatery before realizing how crowded it truly was. Children and adults, all eating their early dinners. Iruka sighed loudly, bleary eyes and dark bags connecting as he closed his lids. All he wanted was conversation and a big bowl of chicken ramen, dipping style.

Was that so much to ask!? Apparently, it was. Back when he was a kid, he tried to be the joke instigator. Now he was usually the butt of the jokes. Dear universe, he thought solemnly as he opened his eyes and tried to spy out Naruto or a seat, why do you wait so late to be funny?

_{[sorry it's so short >_<;]}