She should have been home hours ago. But Rin felt better working at the hospital where time seems to pass by faster than when she's at home waiting and missing and fretting about Kakashi since he's away on a mission again, another A-class one by the sound of it since he won't say anything about it and wasn't able to tell her when he'll be back. She just looked forward to his safe return.
Kakashi had a way of greeting her every time he gets home. It's always with a kiss on the head, a kiss on the lips and a hug. It wasn't always in that order though. Once she got to the door to welcome him home she might get a hug first, then a kiss on the lips and then a kiss on the top of her head. Or it could be that he would plant a kiss on her lips first, then receive a kiss on her forehead then a hug. Or he would keep his lips pressed to her head as he's embracing her, standing there by the door until he's satisfied then he finally gives her a peck on the lips. She could confess she also looks forward to these.
As Rin exited the hospital gates, she surveyed her surroundings first, remembering how Kakashi would always "happen to pass by" just when she stepped out of the hospital. She smiled inwardly at the thought. But tonight, like the past few ones, like those times when he's away on a mission, he did not show up.
She walked into the night, down the now mostly quiet streets that led to the house she now shares with him. And then on a dark alley, she heard a voice call her name.
"Rin."
She thought she was just imagining things. But the voice was soft but clear. Out of the shadows Kakashi appeared.
He walked over to her, saw a wonderful smile spread on her face, took her hand on his and gave it a gentle squeeze. They walked the rest of the way wordlessly.
Once they got home, she helped him off his chuunin vest and watched as he sluggishly took of his gloves and forehead protector. To her, he looked weary. "You should have went straight here to rest, Kakashi," she said as he placed the rest of his things on the shelf near the door. There was no response from him. "I'll prepare us something to eat," he heard her say as he shoved his sandals into a corner with one foot. She turned away to walk to the kitchen but felt a gentle grip on her arm stop her.
He pulled her back, tucked some stray wisps of her hair behind her ear and pulled down his mask just at the last moment before his lips touched her forehead. And then he placed an arm around her waist to pull her closer, she tilted her head upwards to receive her kiss on the lips. He then placed his other arm around her back to pull her even closer, giving her the last part of his greeting: a nice tight hug.
"How are you feeling, Rin?" he asked. Their bodies were still pressed together, close enough for her to faintly feel his heart beating through his chest.
"I feel..." she started to say but she gave the question a thought. How did she feel? She could've said she felt just as tired as he was, or sleepy, or maybe a bit hungry. But she felt one thing more than anything. She replied, "I feel loved."
And Kakashi said, "You certainly are."
