{004.} You live in my memories...but you die in them, too.

[medic_plz]

[accidental/involuntary video post]

Hey, wha--

[And then she can only sit and stare at her computer monitor as the memory--her memory--plays, stunned and horrified and struggling to stay in control of her emotions all over again, because for her, this still only happened about a month ago.]

...

[ooc: Apologies for manga (memory lasts from 243

Comments

[Action tag]

[copy_enigma]

[ Is currently sitting on the rooftop, reading by the ocher rays of sunset while he waits for Rin to show up. Hopefully she isn't too tired from being dragged around by Sakura. ]

Re: [Action tag]

[copy_enigma]

Rin felt so small and fragile in his arms, Kakashi could not help pulling her closer, urging her to just let everything out. The pain of reliving Obito's loss in her memory and now of finding out about Minato was crushing her, he knew. But he also knew it wouldn't break her. Rin, as he'd learned in the worst of times, was incredibly strong. So much stronger than he'd given her credit for in the past and certainly stronger than he'd ever been.

As the sky continued its decent into darkness, Kakashi rubbed soothing circles onto Rin's back, waiting patiently as she cried out the pain he never could. He wondered if Rin knew how much he loved her, if she knew how proud of her he was, if she knew she shouldn't feel guilty.

Re: [Action tag]

[medic_plz]

It took a while, but eventually Rin did cry herself out, her sobs subsiding into quick, shuddering breaths and quiet sniffles, which in turn dwindled away into a calm silence. It was a welcome feeling, that relieved emptiness that always came after a necessary catharsis such as this; she'd needed it, though it always left her feeling a little blank, a little lost, just for a short time.

Thankfully, Kakashi was there to check that sensation, a warm, solid, completely trusted presence, one she didn't have to be ashamed for having this emotional outburst in front of, because he knew. He understood. He'd been through it, too. And cool and aloof as he might've been in the past, he was telling her now through the steady, gentle pressure of his embrace that he cared, that she was a precious person to him, that he would be there for her.

If she'd had any tears left, they likely would have welled up again; as it was, all she could do was cling to him a little harder.

Re: [Action tag]

[copy_enigma]

Feeling Rin grow calm in his arms, Kakashi continued to stroke and pat her back. It was the first time he'd really held and comforted her like this. When Obito had died those many years ago, Kakashi was too busy trying to cope and hide his own pain that he hardly let anyone near him. This, holding Rin exactly like he was doing at this very moment, was what he should have done so long ago. But, stupid fool that he was, he'd kept everything to himself.

By now the sunset was just a purple stain in the sky and the city was lit up below, its artificial light blocking many of the stars. A waxing, honey-colored moon was rising, barely breaking through over the city skyline.

He wouldn't speak a word until he was sure Rin was ready.

Re: [Action tag]

[medic_plz]

It was getting cooler, the heat of the muggy summer day gradually dissipating as the last traces of daylight faded away, and the wind was picking up a bit--still not forceful enough to put them in any real danger, and not cold enough to really be uncomfortable, just enough of each to make itself noticeable and to give Rin another reason to be glad of Kakashi's company.

Heaving a low sigh, she pulled back a little, loosening her hold on Kakashi enough to look up into his face, the eyes she raised to meet his tired and puffy and red-rimmed but still clear and bright, her face wan but her expression soft and grateful.

Re: [Action tag]

[copy_enigma]

As soon as Rin looked up at him, Kakashi felt something heavy inside of him being lifted away, a sense of relief as if he'd just gotten out years of his own pain and tears, vicariously, through Rin. He met her gaze with a placid smile and shared with her a meaningful silence far above the evening bustle of the city.

Of course, he knew Rin's thoughts would probably be stained with the memories she'd witnessed that day for the rest of the night and possibly tomorrow. But perhaps he could give her something good to think about, too.

"I have something for you," he said quietly. "...From Obito." It was something he'd meant to give to Rin long ago, before their time together was abruptly ended.

Re: [Action tag]

[medic_plz]

Rin blinked up at him, clearly nonplussed. What on earth could he have for her from Obito? Her voice was slightly scratchy from all her crying, and she had to swallow a few times before it would work well enough for her to ask.

"Something...?"

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[copy_enigma]

Kakashi looked into her eyes and nodded, still holding Rin loosely in his arms. He was silent when he leaned slowly closer, pressing his lips to her colorful cheek in a tender kiss. Then as soon as the kiss was planted, he pulled away tasting the salty moisture of tears, and smiled. Even though Obito was still the missing member of their reunited team, having Rin with him here, so close, felt almost as if the Uchiha was present with them.

Re: [Action tag]

[medic_plz]

Rin's eyes went wide as Kakashi leaned closer, but she trusted him, so she didn't flinch or pull away. Still, she felt her cheeks go pink at the brief touch of his lips against them.

A little startled, she raised a hand to her face, her fingers hovering over her cheek for a moment, but not quite making contact. The focus of her gaze flicked back and forth between his eyes, and once again she wondered just how literal Obito had been when he’d said he would become Kakashi’s eye, or if he'd been being entirely figurative. She wondered if Kakashi even knew.

...From Obito...

I'm sorry, she thought, focusing her gaze on the scarred side of his face, on the eye that showed red by the gleaming city lights below, and this was one decision that she didn't feel at all guilty about. I cared for you, too, and miss you so much, and I'm sorry, but if things hadn't changed, I still... Her focus shifted to the right side of Kakashi's face, that single dark eye--one of the things that had stayed the same

Re: [Action tag]

[copy_enigma]

He could tell by the way her eyes had shifted from one side of his face to the other that Rin was thinking about something - or someone in particular. Kakashi's smile was still in place as he patted Rin on the back once more and pointed to the tissues still in her lap.

"..Guess you don't really need those anymore, ne?"

Now, in the cooling breeze, he could feel a dampness on his skin where Rin's tears had soaked into his shirt, not that it bothered him. Above them the sky had deepened to an inky blue with only the brightest stars shining through, the moon continuing its slow ascent into the sky.

Re: [Action tag]

[medic_plz]

"I guess not," she agreed a bit sheepishly, though she soon found a good use for them--trying to pat the wet spots she'd left on his shirt dry. Once satisfied that she'd done the best job of it she could, Rin tucked the crumpled tissues into her medic's pouch to throw away later, then leaned back on her hands, looking up at the night sky.

The city lights were too bright for any but the brightest of stars to show up, but the night was clear, so there were still a few handfuls of them scattered about. Even the stars looked different here, she thought, though that could've just been because she could see so few of them.

It was an curious sort of peacefulness, sitting up here beneath the open sky with Kakashi while the City hummed and pulsed beneath them, enjoying a silence that was companionable rather than awkward and appreciating the simple pleasure of her teammate's company.