Chapter 11

Rin's eyes fluttered open as the sunlight pour into her room from the unobstructed window. She was about to pull the blankets over her head and roll over when a certain blonde haired kunoichi came into view, causing a groan. "Temari-chan, it's too early for this. Go away..."

"Is that what you're gonna tell that girl when she wakes up?" Temari asked with a smug grin upon her face. The nights events were a blur, but Temari's words and tone of voice spoke volumes. Rin rolled over the find snow white locks tossed around the pillows, and one of the most beautiful women she'd ever seen.

Then she shot into a sitting position as the events of the night had come back to her in a flash.

"I... I... I..." Rin struggled for words. Winda was naked. She was naked. Clothes littered the floor around the bed. Her mind and pulse were racing. She couldn't exactly lie her way out of this one when Temari was standing right in front of her, drinking in the sight like she'd just found an all you can eat buffet.

"You finally got some." Temari chuckled holding an open hand out for her. "I must ask for a high five, girl."

Rin groaned, pushing her hand, lack lusterly against Temari's whilst the other one ran through her now short hair. Between Temari's squeals and the sunlight erupting from the window, a headache was forming right behind Rin's eyebrows. The aching muscles and increasing nausea weren't helping matters any.

A small sound from behind her and the shifting of the bed alerted Rin to her partner's stirring. "Mmm, is everything okay, hun?" Winda was sitting up next to her, her chin coming to rest on Rin's shoulder.

Rin looked into the girls beautiful blue eyes, and got lost in them. "Yeah, everything is fine." Rin wrapped an arm around the snow white princess she'd pleasantly woken up to, and eased them into a lying position. "Sun just woke me up is all." Then Rin attempted something she'd never tried before. She closed her eyes, focusing all her chakra into one task, and when she opened them again, Temari was nowhere to be seen.

Then Winda leaned in and placed her lips upon Rin's, only this time, Rin didn't pull away. She fell into the kiss, slightly parting her lips, hoping Winda would get the hint and she soon felt a velvety tongue enter her mouth. Rin pulled her partner closer, until their bodies were pressed against each other. She relished in the feeling of Winda's smooth skin pressing against hers.

When the pair finally came up for air, their lips parted, but their bodies were still intertwined as they stared into each others' eyes. This was heaven. Rin was sure of it. If not heaven, then some alternate universe where she could have a life that wasn't spent on the run, hunting down rogues.

Those thoughts overtook Rin's mind, and she began to question what she was doing. The night with Winda had been a blissful one, but it was the only night Rin was going to be in Konohagakure. Her mind reeled as she tried to think of ways to let the girl down easy without causing too much grief, but as she gazed into those bright blue eyes, she knew that no matter how Winda had taken it, Rin was going to hate having to leave her behind.

"I know that look..." Winda's voice was soft and sad as she scanned Rin's face. "You feel like you made a mistake by sleeping with me."

"No, that's not it." Rin said softly, brushing a few strands of white hair away from Winda's eyes. "Actually, I don't regret that at all." Rin paused again, still trying to find the right words.

"But?" Winda knew it, there always was a but.

"But I'm on a mission..." Rin stated sadly. "One that's going to take me far away. One that I have to accomplish." She searched Winda's face for some sort of understanding, but the girl's sullen expression was tearing Rin's heart apart. Such a wonderful night being ruined by the day after. Deja Vu.

"Yeah, I figured as much, but ya know... girl's gotta hope."

"You don't actually have to." Hinata appeared in front of them and Rin mentally cursed herself for not having full control over her ability. "You can stop running, stay here, and have a life, if that is what you want."

Rin thought about it. She thought about settling down with Winda and leaving her previous life in Sunagakure behind. She could get a job here and live out of the apartment Kiba was currently paying for. She could abandon her mission and just live in peace. She could do all of that, if it weren't for a stubborn bastard of a puppet master that she was sure would stop at nothing to find her.

"I think I need to go for a walk." Rin said, sliding out of bed, much to Winda's dismay.

"I guess this is the last time I'll see you then." Winda frowned, moving to get out of bed herself before Rin stopped her, pinning the girl to the bed by her wrists.

"I promise I'll be back." Rin said, holding Winda to the bed with a loving smile. "And when I get back, I expect to find you here just like this." Rin smirked before pulling Winda into a sweet kiss. "Maybe we could even have some fun when I get back."

"Why Rin-chan," Winda said in an exaggerated tone with a glowing smile radiating from her pale cheeks. "You're not just using me for my body, now, are you?"

"Would never dream of it," Rin giggled, "But I just need to think about some things. Is that awright with you?"

"That depends," Winda smiled up at her.

"On?"

"If you have coffee when you come back." Winda smirked and Rin swore this girl in her bed was one in a million.

"Will do, now go back to sleep, I'll be back in about an hour." Rin said, pulling the blankets over the girl, kissing her lightly on the cheek before she got quickly got dressed and left the hotel.

"You like her." Hinata said, following Rin down the road and into the woods. "Your face, your actions, everything about you right now is making that abundantly clear. I can tell she likes you too, so what's the problem? Just be with her. Happiness isn't this complicated!"

"But it is, Hinata-chan, and you know why." Rin exclaimed once she was sure nobody else was around to see her screaming at air. "This isn't right. If you remember correctly I have certain puppet master boyfriend that is out looking for me right now and I slept with somebody else!"

"A boyfriend you haven't seen in a year, that's probably already become Kazekage and written you off as dead." Hinata said coldly, throwing her hands in the air in disbelieve. "A boyfriend who was being a complete jerk to you when all you were attempting to do was care for him." Hinata hadn't realized how angry she had been at Kankuro for his treatment of Rin until just that moment, but once she'd discovered it, boy did it start to cloud her judgment. "Yet Winda actually connects with you, and you're pushing her away because of a self imposed mission that you already doubt yourself on."

Rin knew Hinata had a point, but Rin also knew there were two others who needed to cast their votes. She closed her eyes, reaching out to the spirit realm with all her might. She pulled Gaara and Temari into her world, getting slightly dizzy from the use of so much chakra while being hung over.

"You little brat! How dare you shove me away like th-" Temari was cut off by Rin's hand covering her mouth to keep her from speaking, which only made Temari angrier, until she noticed the look of uncertainty that plagued Rin's features. She slowly moved Rin's hand from her mouth, her tone growing softer as she spoke. "What's wrong?"

"Hinata-chan thinks I should abandon my mission and stay here with Winda-chan." Rin stated dryly. "And before you start going crazy, I'm in no mood for theatrics. If you start, I'm forcing you away again." Rin hadn't meant for it to come across so coldly, but being how early it was, her hang over, and the uncertainty she was already feeling, she was in a very dismal mood.

"Is that what you want?" Temari asked, wrapping her arms around Rin in a motherly hug.

"I want a life that isn't a constant battle, yes," Rin began, choosing her words as carefully as she could, given the circumstances, "but I don't like the idea of your murderers getting off either." Rin began to feel woozy again and decided to sit on the ground, her back on a tree for support.

"Stay." Gaara said, his monotone voice as clear as ever. All six eyes found their way to the crimson haired ninja, obviously awestruck. "Let Sunagakure worry about our killers. If you are happy here, you need to stay."

"I don't know if it's true happiness though." Rin relented, pushing the palms of her hands into her closed eyes, trying to clear her head. "I came into town yesterday and slept with the first person I liked, I don't know if I am truly happy or if this is merely a byproduct of being alone for a year."

"Synthetic happiness is still happiness, Rin-chan," Gaara stated, walking over to her, kneeling beside her. He could feel Hinata and Temari's eyes glued to him, trying to figure out who this strange man speaking of happiness and abandonment of a mission was, but he couldn't have cared less. "After the year you've had, you deserve some speck of happiness."

"But you guys... Kankuro-kun... Sunagakure. It's all too much." Rin whimpered, staring into Gaara's seafoam green eyes as tears streamed down her face. "I don't want to have to choose."

"So don't choose, hun," Temari said as her and Hinata joined Gaara kneeling beside her. "You're barely out of you adolescent years. Stop worrying about us. Stop this thirst for vengeance. We're always going to be here with you whether or not you find our killers." Temari pulled Rin into a giant hug, running her fingers through the girls hair in a soothing manner before whispering in the redheads ear. "Stay here."

Rin's mind was still buzzing with her fear and discontent, but right now, she'd decided the others were right. She knew deep down in her heart that she'd miss Kankuro, but he was all but lost to her at this point. Taking a risk was all she'd done as of late, but as Winda's deep blue eyes, snowy hair and radiant smile came to mind, she thought she'd take one last risk.

"Thank you," Rin said to her friends in quiet relief. "Thank you all, so so much." She basked in the love that the small group had for each other. The bond that not even death could break. She looked around at all their faces and was overcome with an immense sense of belonging. A sense of home.

"Now, ya gotta tell me," Temari squealed, pulling back form their hug. "How was she? Novice or expert? Giver or receiver? Top or bottom?"

"Exiting stage left..." Rin furrowed her brow, concentrating her chakra, and in an instant Temari vanished causing Gaara and Hinata to chuckle. "I warned her."

The other two nodded in agreement. It had been a nice moment while it lasted, but Temari always seemed to step right into trouble. "So have you made your choice?" Hinata asked, examining Rin's features.

Rin nodded, portraying what she could only hope was confidence. "For the time being, I'll stay in Konohagakure with Winda-chan. I mean it's odd, she is the first girl I've ever..."

"There's my cue." Gaara interrupted, causing both female's eyes to switch to him. He sighed and stood up before disappearing into thin air. The last thought he needed was that of someone he saw as a younger sibling losing her virginity.

"As I was saying," Rin continued, focusing her gaze on Hinata. "Winda-chan is the first girl I've ever been with, and while the general concept seems similar, it still kinda feels foreign." Rin explained to the raven haired kunoichi who was listening intently. "Was it the same for you and Temari-chan?"

"Didn't you just boot Temari-chan from this conversation for mentioning sex?" Hinata asked with a slight giggle before taking a seat next to Rin against the tree. "I mean, that seems kinda unfair now."

"Temari-chan wanted me to pain her a word picture of everything Winda-chan and I did last night," Rin corrected, resting her head on Hinata's shoulder. It was still too early to be awake. "I'm simply asking if you felt awkward the first time you and Temari-chan had sex."

"Made love." Hinata corrected, gently raking her fingernails through her friend's crimson hair. "At first, a little bit. I mean it didn't feel like I was doing anything wrong, or that I wasn't ready, but that feeling didn't last long. When you're meant to be with someone, it doesn't matter their gender, age, rank, or anything else for that matter, being with that person just feels right. Like you're on some fluffy cloud in some far off land where no matter what, everything will be okay." Her eyes focused on the young girl's face that now was gazing up at her in a mystic wonder, like a child hearing a bedtime story. "Is that how it felt with Winda-chan?"

Rin thought hard. Being near Winda did lull her into a sense of serenity. Being with her felt amazing. She thought and thought, and the more she thought, the more at peace she became. "We just met, Hinata-chan." Rin said trying to calm the emotions that were steadily growing within her, but she had no claim to her mind when Winda came to it.

"Sometimes, Rin-chan," Hinata said, her voice seemingly off on some far away thought, "that is all it takes." She looked down at the girl with a smile. "I'm not trying to tell you how to live your life, but sometimes, Rin-chan, you have to keep it moving in a forward motion. If you can hold you, you will cross this ocean. There's no sense of letting your emotions get in the way 'til the door keeps closing. Just be happy and live your life."

Rin's sense of security was starting to sing a lullaby to her, so she decided it best to get up from her relaxed position and stretch before she could fall asleep. She still had to figure out what happened to Kiba last night after the bar and get back to Winda.

"Don't forget about the coffee!" Hinata squealed a joyous smile on her face. When Rin shot her a puzzled look and cocked her head to the side, Hinata realized she'd been unaware. "You were thinking aloud."

"Ah," Rin nodded in understanding, making her way back into town. "Don't worry, I won't forget about the coffee." She was fully prepared to start her search when she a thought occurred to her. "Hinata-chan, you wouldn't happen to know where Kiba-kun lives would you?"

Hinata blushed slightly, taking the lead. Of course she knew where he lived. He'd been her teammate after all. They slowly made their way down the bustling streets of Konohagakure, partially so Rin could admire the beauty she'd only ever heard stories about, and partially so Hinata could reminisce about the good times, however few there were.

Hinata saw the ramen shop Naruto frequented, the flower shop Ino had worked at once, the book store her and Kurenai had visited on numerous occasions when Hinata needed an escape. All the memories flooded her mind and she felt a twinge of regret for ever having to leave this village.

"Uuuuuuuuugh," Rin groaned, pulling Hinata from nostalgia. "Are we there yet? My feet are starting to hurt."

"You don't make a good morning after drunk," Hinata smirked at the young girl who was practically dragging along. "Perhaps you should just stick to talking to us as your preferred method of stress relief."

"Or, ya know, sex." Rin stated, deadpan, taking pride in the blush that now spread across Hinata's face.

Not long after their short exchange they arrived at Kiba's house and luckily, he was already awake. Once he noticed them, Rin felt off. She couldn't quite put her finger on it but she suddenly felt weaker and groggier than she had on their trek up to the house. "Hey, Rin-chan..." The wolf ninja called to the pair, waving, before continuing awkwardly, "H-hey, Hinata-chan."

Then it clicked in Rin's head. "YOU CAN SEE HER?!" Rin shrieked as understanding tore through her brain. "What... wai... how..." coherent thoughts couldn't even be formed as this new information burrowed it's way into her skull.

"I'm guessing I shouldn't be able to?" Kiba asked as he approached the pair on the street, Akamaru trailing lazily behind.

The closer he got, the less strain Rin felt, but the more curious she'd become. "No wonder I passed out yesterday at the pond," Rin contemplated. "My chakra is enveloping you as well, allowing you to see Hinata-chan."

"You really think so?" Hinata asked, reaching out her hand, trying to touch Kiba's shoulder, but it passed right through him. "Guess I can't make contact with him the way I can with you yet, but it's still so weird."

"Putting that disturbing image out of my head," Kiba said with a shiver. No much unnerved him, but his former friend phasing through him was not a thought he'd like to dwell on. "Have you made plans on how to infiltrate the Hyuuga compound yet?"

"Actually, I'm not doing that." Rin said with a smile upon her face. "I'm not running anymore."

"So you're going back to Sunagakure then?" Kiba asked with a raised eyebrow.

Rin shook her head, taking the headband from around her neck, placing it in Kiba's hand. "I'm staying here in Konohagakure," she explained is a soft tone, closing Kiba's hand around the sand headband. "I don't wanna be a kunoichi anymore. I don't wanna fight anymore."

Kiba looked down into Rin's eyes and saw the soft girl she'd been so long ago. He still saw pain deep down, but the light that danced in them now was seeping it's way into him. Rin had attained something in her short life that very few could honestly say they'd ever achieved. Inner peace.

He didn't second guess her. He didn't ask anything. He simply wrapped his arms around the girl in a hug, letting her know she wouldn't be alone. "You gave me my friend back, and for that I am eternally in your gratitude, Rin-chan."

Rin smiled, hugging him back. "Good, you can start making it up to me by explaining to me exactly what the hell happened to you last night," Rin smirked, pulling away from the embrace, "and buying me two cups of coffee."

Kiba bowed before her, motioning for her to lead the way which caused Hinata to giggle. Never before had she seen Kiba acting so nonchalant, but she had to admit it fit him pretty well. Kiba turned to Akamaru, instructing him to stay, and the faithful dog obeyed, watching the trio as they made their way down the road.

"So... last night... about that. See what had happened was..." Kiba was trying really hard not to make the conversation awkward with the knowledge he'd obtained.

"Kiba-kun, I'm much too tired and hung over for this." Rin's annoyed tone was obvious as they made their way to the coffee shop Rin had spotted on the way over. "Just spit it out."

"When I got back to the room, I was unlocking the door when I heard moaning coming from within," Kiba explained, noting the blush that caused Rin's face to match her hoodie. "I figured you'd met a guy at the bar so I decided to give you your privacy and just came home."

"You're half right," Hinata chimed, taunting the girl. Payback was a bitch. "She did bring someone back to the room, but it certainly wasn't a guy." The death glare Rin was now shooting in her direction only caused Hinata to laugh. "Aww, its okay Rin-chan. She was cute. I'm sure Kiba-kun would agree with me on that."

Kiba tried really hard to not dwell on the awkwardness, but there was simply a question that had to be answered. "Anyone we know?"

"No, just some random girl." Rin said quickly as the coffee shop came into view. "No big deal. One night stands happen all the time."

"I'm sure Winda-chan would slap you for saying that!" Hinata laughed loudly, leaning on Rin. "Wasn't she scared letting you leave the apartment this morning for fear of never seeing you again? Now you outright say she was a one night stand, which we both know is a lie."

Not recognizing the name Kiba decided Rin had endured enough torture and decided a change of subject would better fit their current situation. "So two cups of coffee for you, right?" He asked, approaching the counter. Rin nodded, leaving Kiba to order.

"Ya know, I'd expect that kind of mental torture from Temari-chan, but not from you." Rin growled quietly to Hinata once they were alone.

"You know he can still hear us right?" Hinata asked with a grin on her face and another blush took over Rin's facial features.

"Fine," Rin said, still keeping her voice low. Kiba may have known about Hinata, but none of the other people on the street did, and if Rin was going to succeed in making a life in this village, appearing like a crazy person talking to a lamp post was not the way to do it. "Can we get off the topic of my sex life yet? Don't you two have something else to talk about. You haven't seen each other in a year."

Hinata shrugged before starting to fade. A sudden wave of exhaustion washed over Rin and began stumbling backward. Hinata's hand darted out to catch her, but she phased right through Rin. Her chakra was at it's limit again, but this time she wasn't going to pass out. She severed the connection to the spirit realm just before her head hit the pavement.

"Ow, motherless fuck." Rin screamed, clutching the back of her head. Everybody on the street stopped and stared at the girl, curled up on the ground shouting random obscenities.

"You okay?" Kiba asked, offering his hand to her. "If you feel like you can't, don't try to move."

"I'll live. I've had worse." Rin said, taking Kiba's hand, using him as leverage to pick herself up off the ground.

"I know, I've seen." Kiba said, helping her over to a picnic table where he'd set the coffee down. "Where's Hinata-chan?"

"Had to break the connection in keep myself from passing out." Rin explained, moving the set of creamers and flavored sugars from the center of the table to right in front of her, taking the lids off both cups. "Whole lotta good that one did me." she remarked before staring down at the two cups of coffee, remembering she'd forgotten to ask Winda how she liked it. 'Dammit' she cursed herself.

"I see," Kiba said, sitting across from her. After getting settled he looked at Rin and noticed her hesitation. "Something wrong?"

"I forgot to ask Winda-chan how she liked her coffee..." Rin relented, looking from the coffee to the creamers and back. "What if I screw it up and she doesn't like it?" Rin groaned, mentally kicking herself for already messing things up.

"Just make hers like you'd make yours." Kiba offered with a smirk. "I'm sure she'll like it."

"But mine's really sweet." Rin said, hesitantly grabbing a hand full of sugar packets. "Not everybody likes their coffee so sweet."

"I'm sure it'll be fine." Kiba spoke comfortingly, but then went back to business. "Rin-chan... you aren't staying in Konohagakure because of Winda-chan are you?"

Rin looked up for the coffee she'd just emptied ten sugar packets into to meet Kiba's gaze. "Maaaybe," she said in an uncertain tone, not sure of where Kiba was going with this question.

"Are you sure?" Kiba asked, taking Rin's hand in his own. "That's a big decision and yesterday you seemed hellbent on your mission. You shouldn't give all that up for someone you just met."

"It's not just the girl." Rin said, returning to the task at hand, pouring Vanilla flavored creamer into both cups. "I mean, it's mostly the girl, but I've been at this for a little over a year now, and, well... I'm tired." Rin grabbed a plastic stirrer and began stirring the super sweet mixture. "I'm tired of fighting. I'm tired of running. I'm tired of hoping and wishing and praying every single night that the next day will be just a little bit better, that we'll find a solid lead and I can put this nightmare behind me. That never happens, though. Every day brings with it new problems, new wounds, and it was really starting to get to me. Perhaps a decision like this doesn't seem like the best, but dammit, I'm tired of thinking and questioning myself. Hinata-chan, Temari-chan, and Gaara-kun all told me to do what I feel is right and right now, that's staying here."

Kiba scanned the crimson haired girl in front of him with understanding. The struggle she endured every single day was not one Kiba could even begin to fathom. Anytime he'd been on a mission he'd always been with a team. Rin had been on her own for over a year. Nothing and no one to count on. He didn't know how many battles she'd fought, but the person in front of him had probably endured more than he'd experience in a whole life time. "You're right," Kiba relented, nodding. "You deserve this."

"I hate to have to do this, but I actually have to get back to the room. I told Winda-chan I'd be back in an hour and I don't want her thinking I would break my promise." Rin said solemnly, returning the lids back to the coffee cups. When she saw the sad look upon Kiba's face she offered the best thing she could. "Wanna walk me back?"

"Sure," Kiba chimed as they simultaneously rose from the table and began their walk back toward the apartment. "It's paid for through the week, by the way," Kiba smiled at Rin who looked at him in shock. "Kinda paid for it before you told me about the Hyuuga raid thing, but now I'm really glad I did, and I'll swing by later tonight after my team meeting to meet this wonderful Winda-chan and bring you guys some food."

Rin went from shocked to flabbergasted. "Kiba-kun, I can't ask you to do that. You're being too generous and I'm starting to feel like I'm taking advantage of you."

Kiba shook his head, motioning his hand like he was brushing off what Rin had said. "It's not a problem, Rin-chan. It's the least I can do," He flashed another smile at her before continuing. "Besides, you're staying in Konohagakure, so you can make it up to me later. This is our stop." He came to a halt at the entrance to the hotel. When Rin just stared at him, he decided to give her a quick hug and said goodbye.

Rin was still awestruck from the generosity and was looking at the ground when she'd noticed something sticking out of the pocket of the hoodie. Kiba had used that hug to slip a few yen into her pocket, and when she looked up to protest, he was nowhere in sight. The rest of the way to the room she mumbled obscenities to herself under her breath, cursing the dog man for being so nice.

When she finally reached the room, she took a deep breath, opening the door and was pleasantly surprised to find Winda sitting up in bed, still nude. "Hey," Winda greeted her with a smile as Rin kicked the door closed behind her, making her way over to the bed, setting the coffee down on the bedside table.

"Hey, I thought I told you to go back to sleep." Rin smiled, taking off her hoodie much to Winda's enjoyment.

"Had to make sure you'd find your way back," Winda's tone was cheery as Rin stripped down in front of her. "Plus that mention of possible fun got me a little excited." Winda grinned as Rin crawled into bed beside her. Once the kunoichi had settled in Winda kissed her softly which Rin gladly reciprocated.

"So, I brought back coffee," Rin noted, motioning her head to it.

"So you did," Winda gleamed, taking the cup farthest from her in her hand. When Rin noticed which one she'd taken she tried to stop her.

"Actually, that one's mine." Rin pointed out.

"So?" Winda asked, and took a sip before Rin could stop her. Once the milky brown liquid hit her tongue her eyes lit up in pure appreciation. "What did you do to this coffee?"

"See, I tried to warn you you might not like it," Rin said, reaching over Winda to grab the other cup from the bedside table.

"Not like it?!" Winda asked, looking at Rin. "I LOVE IT! It's so delicious!" Winda began guzzling the coffee down, and Rin just stared, dumbfounded.

"It's not too sweet?" She asked, watching as Winda took sip after sip after sip of the tooth rotting sugarfest in the cup. "I used like 15 packets of sugar for mine."

"No, its amazing!" Winda exclaimed, setting the near empty cup back on the bedside table. "Now I know your secret to tasting so sweet."

A blush filled Rin's face as she sipped the slightly less sugarfest she'd concocted for Winda. It took all her willpower to keep the liquid in her mouth and not do a spit-take to the obvious mention of their encounter the night prior, but figured she'd return the compliment. "You didn't taste too bad either." She said sheepishly.

Winda smiled, climbing out of bed, pulling the blackout curtains closed before sauntering back over to Rin who just watched in amazement. "So, are you still tired? Cuz I think I could use a bit more sleep." Winda smiled, climbing on top of Rin.

"Yea, kinda," Rin said, gazing up at the beauty whose snow white locks now tickled her face. "A day in bed kinda sounds nice, and if you're a good girl, perhaps when we wake up later we can have that fun I spoke up earlier." Rin taunted, causing a shiver to rock Winda's body.

"I would like that very much," Winda cooed, laying next to Rin, curling as close to the smaller girl as she could get. Rin returned her coffee to the bedside table before sliding under the comforter, wrapping her arms around Winda who sighed contently. It wasn't long before they both drifted off to sleep.

Rin panted hard basking in her afterglow as Winda collapsed next to her in pure satisfaction. "That... was... amazing!" Rin said in between deep inhales. "Holy hell." She was trying desperately to regain some form of composure but was sure that wasn't happening anytime soon.

"You weren't too bad yourself." Winda smiled at her, having had much more time to recover from Rin's ministrations. "I just hope you'll feel the same way tomorrow."

"Definitely," Rin breathed, finding a steady rhythm her lungs could accommodate. "Kinda glad you sprung that kiss on me now."

"What can I say? I felt something in the club and then again when we were slow dancing." Winda turned on her side to face Rin. "Decided to take a chance you'd feel the same."

Rin thought about it. She had felt at peace with Winda on the dance floor. She'd felt a surge of adrenaline when Winda had wrapped her arms around her for the slow dance. She felt her heart skip a beat when Winda kissed her, and now here in bed she felt something she'd almost forgotten. Joy.

"I do," Rin said, pulling Winda closer to her. "Thank you for an amazing night."

"Ya know if ya wanted to talk to me you didn't have to fake bumping into me at the club," Winda smirked, curling into Rin's embrace. "You're cute enough, I wouldn't have written you off right away as some loser looking to get in my pants... though given the current situation, I'm starting to wonder if that had actually been your attention from the start."

Rin lit up like fireworks. "That actually was an accident. Fighting, my balance is perfect. Dance floors... not so much," Rin slurred a little on her words, but she was sure Winda could understand her well enough. "Being drunk didn't help any," she added with a slight giggle.

"I see. How much did you drink?" Winda asked, raising a disapproving eyebrow at her partner.

"Only one glass of sake, but I've never drank before." Rin said, wholeheartedly.

Winda decided the answer was good enough and pecked Rin's nose with a kiss. "Perhaps that one drink was a good thing then, but word to the wise, don't make it habit, there's some really messed up people out there that will probably take advantage a girl alone in a club. I'm sure your other dance partners would like to meet you without the alcohol involved."

"Whoever said I wanted OTHER dance partners?" Rin asked, not knowing if it was her or the alcohol talking. "I've got the hottest one in bed right now, no real need for anyone else."

Winda gasped at Rin's words. "What are you saying?"

"Welp," Rin looked into Winda's deep blue eyes with a grin on her face. "I'm saying I like you, and I'd love to dance with you again sometime." Rin proclaimed triumphantly.

"I figured by your headband and your line of work that this was sort of a one time deal..." Winda's words trailed off as she took in Rin's features.

"I'd hope not," Rin exclaimed, brushing her lips against Winda's in a teasing fashion. "You blow my mind, and I'm not just talking about sex. Your smile is beautiful, your acceptance is wonderful, and you're one hell of a dancer. The sex isn't bad either."

Winda didn't waste another second before capturing Rin's lips in a hungry kiss, pushing herself close to the kunoichi. She didn't care how long she had with Rin, every second would be precious to her. She wished her heart would stop right there so she could die this happy.

"Hey sleepy head," Rin chimed as Winda's eyes fluttered open, feeling something stroking her hair.

"You're still here," Winda noted. She was sure Rin would have disappeared while she slept.

"Yep," Rin smiled at her, brushing the long white hair back from Winda's eyes with her fingertips. "Thought I'd leave without saying goodbye?"

Goodbye. The word Winda had dreaded hearing since that morning. She closed her eyes, fighting back tears, and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, trying to seem cool with the idea of Rin leaving. "I mean, you're not that cruel, but yeah, kinda."

Winda picked up her blouse from the floor and was in the process of putting it back on when Rin jumped out of bed, pinning her to the wall facing her. The kunoichi was undoubtedly strong but she wasn't hurting Winda in any way. Even by pinning her to the wall, Rin's touch was gentle. "What do you think you're doing?" Rin asked in a seductive tone, her face mere centimeters from Winda's.

"Well you said you were gonna say goodbye, so I was getting dressed to do so," Winda explained, wishing like hell Rin would lean in and kiss her. She cursed herself for the thought, but she couldn't help it. Every time Rin touched her, Winda's body and mind acted of their own accord.

Rin leaned in close to Winda, her breath hot against the snow angel's ear. "I'm not saying goodbye," Rin whispered lovingly. "I'm yours."

Winda's world stopped as her heart skipped what she could only assume as an entire minute of beating. "You're..."

"I'm staying," Rin said, capturing her lover in a kiss that sent electricity flying throughout both their bodies.