The liquifying sensation dissipates in a distorted motion, but just as quickly, her body reassembles itself into solid reality.
Without waiting for her, Tobi continues ahead. His watch is transfixed on a wooden inn that is strongly reminiscent of a palace. And although immense in its size, the structural focus resides in its facilities and services. Regardless, the still atmosphere of the inn's secluded location is a worthwhile tradeoff for its lack of rooms.
Rin continues to gaze in Tobi's direction. She is uncertain if she should say something to bridge the uncomfortable tension between them. But the disappointment sits heavy so she swiftly catches his strides.
"Why are you doing this?" she asks.
He does not answer.
"Please speak to me," she continues firmly.
For a fleeting moment, his expression is still and vacant, but it is then replaced by a convoy of rancorous emotions that are perhaps suppressed rather than newly accrued.
Without speaking, he adjusts his mask and strides toward the inn entrance.
She follows through and enters a seemingly deserted lobby that smells strongly of incense and alcohol. She did not expect such an offensive greeting, considering the beauty it exuded on the outside.
Tobi, however, proceeds, and is unaware of the hurt that is now transpiring across Rin's face. But she tells herself that his current actions have nothing to do with the intimacy they shared earlier.
Stop making excuses for him!
She stiffens at the thought. Is she really making excuses? Did he not reciprocate his feelings for Deidara?
She inhales deep to stifle the disconcerting thoughts.
A plump woman sits at the front counter and watches their approach with an incredibly artificial smile on her face.
"Good evening," she says politely, "Yes, I remember," she continues, and she hands them both two sets of keys.
But scepticism and confusion harrows her mind.
It's like she expected me.
Does that mean Tobi knew he would win her over and bring her back here?
"Where is Deidara?" Rin asks.
"It needs to be sealed at the right location. He is taking it there," Tobi answers quietly, and she knows he is referring to the three tails.
"Won't you need to be there for the sealing-"
"I will when it is ready," he interjects brusquely.
His tone is dismissive.
They ascend the stairs where their rooms diverge in opposite directions on the fifth floor.
Are they just going to go their separate ways now?
Say something!
"Tobi-"
"Goodnight," he interrupts quietly.
Then he strides in the opposite direction and leaves a bewildered Rin behind.