Hello and Thank You for Calling

Two Ships in the Night



"Hello and thank you for calling Konoha Tourism. My name is Iruka. Are you interested in our free travel guide or can I assist you in making a reservation."



"Um... I think I have the wrong number..."



"I'm very sorry sir. What number were you trying to reach?"



"Um... It's not important..."



"I'd be happy to look it up for you sir."



"Wow! It's like two o'clock in the morning and you're so polite. You don't even sound fake!"



There was a chuckle on the other end of the line. "Well, that is due in part to large amounts of caffeine. And I do like helping people."



Naruto smiled. The man had a nice voice. "I actually live in Konoha, so I don't really need tourist info." He waited a moment to see if the man would cut him off now, he didn't. "I was calling an online college... I can see where I dialed it wrong..."



"Then you don't need me to look it up for you? What do you plan on studying?" Naruto knew he was just being nice, but he really liked the sound of the man's voice, it was rich and warm.



"No that's okay. Counseling. I like kids. Oh wow, didn't that sound creepy?!" He cringed.



Iruka laughed. "It's okay I think I know what you meant. I'm a school teacher. I answer phones part time."



"You mean you do this at this time of the morning and then go deal with other people's kids all day?!"



Iruka chuckled again. "Yes, but I enjoy both." That sounded like a lie to Naruto. He scratched his blond head.



"Well I probably better let you go, so you can get the tourists into Konoha..."



"That's is what I'm here for. Thank you for calling... I didn't get your name..."



"Naruto."



"Well Naruto, thank you for calling Konoha Tourism. And if there is nothing I can do for you... I hope you have a good day and good luck with your on-line classes."



"Thank you Iruka. You have a good day too."



He hung up the phone with a twinge of regret. Sometimes when he met people he could just tell that they would be important to him. He usually went out of his way to keep those people close.



Naruto had that feeling now, but there wasn't anything that he could do about it, right? He re-dailed the phone feeling a little lighter and happier for the exchange, but also a little forlorn as well.



`fin`