Rin is unsure of her emotions upon Tobi's return. Part of her wishes he would leave her, yet her basis for security and comfort is limited to just him.
"One of these days, I will find out how you keep getting into the room without making a single noise," Rin mutters from the bed.
When Tobi moves to turn on the bedside lamp, there is almost a humorous expression to his face, as if he has been stifling a laugh.
"They did not have this when I got the antidote so I had to go elsewhere," he says. He lifts a small silver jar of something that looks to be ointment, "But I had to administer the antidote first before I went searching."
"You went searching for that?" Rin asks inquisitively.
His watch scans the bruise and scratch marks on her arms, neck and shoulders. There is a passive component of anger and regret that skirts his features.
"Yes, it is good," he says softly, "the next best thing after an exceptional medical nin."
He gives her a small smile of regard.
"I will live, they're just minor ailments," she says quickly.
"You'll let me help, won't you?"
The pleading in his voice is stark with layers of hurt and resentment.
Her expression softens. She moves to the edge of the bed as a signal of relent, and when he sits beside her, she automatically slides the straps of her nightdress from her shoulders.
The blue-purple bruises are distinct against the paleness of her skin. It is scattered across her arms and chest like splattered ink. The marks are a horrific resemblance of the painful assault she had endured. Yet her mind is unusually relaxed, and perhaps it is Tobi's presence that is drawing such negativity away from her.
His touch is something she secretly revels in, and though it is purely out of a medical context, she cannot help but appreciate the comfort that is transpiring into other more indecent sensations.
He does not linger too long on each mark, but when he moves to the next bruise, his touch never wavers from her.
His temperament changes the instant he progresses to the delicate area of her neck. There is an uncontaminated convoy of austere emotions the further he continues.
Rin knows she needs to leave, but no longer can she utilise a large portion of her ninjutsu or even her evasive abilities. Her chakra has permanently depleted to an incredibly low level, and the more her memories return, the more vulnerable she will be.
"I'm sorry I couldn't help you earlier," Tobi says.
His comment breaks her reverie.
"Why are you apologising? I got into this situation myself," she answers grimly.
"I promised myself I'd protect you," he says hollowly.
"Quite a presumptuous promise there, considering I was going to leave, unless you had in mind to follow me wherever I go."
Her voice is cold and stiff. Though she is aware of his good intentions, his coddling action is what piques her. She is an independent woman who is used to fending for herself, yet even in dire times, there is an element of pride that gets her into deeper trouble than she can imagine.
When Tobi looks overtly defeated, a sudden stab of guilt hits her. Why is she like this?
"Because being otherwise will get you into another string of emotional turmoil," her conscience says.
"Sorry, I didn't mean it in a condescending way," she says.
His responding expression is considerably lighter, though a hint of grimness persists across his features.
"Don't apologise, you have every right to feel the way you do and I won't deny the fact that I've hurt you more than enough," he replies contritely.
His expression of regret hits hard. Perhaps Tobi does not come across as someone who would be remorseful for his wrongdoings? But in the past few hours, she has seen a different side to him. This repressed personality is something she closely associates with the real Tobi.
"I'm sure you have your reasons," she says.
"That isn't an excuse."
Their conversation stalls momentarily. The silence is unperturbed yet conjectural between them.
"I've missed you," Tobi says quietly, and he is looking anywhere but at her.
Two weeks ago, Rin would have given anything to hear such tender words from him. Though she has built some emotional wariness in the past few days, there is still a component of desire reserved only for him.
"I think that is all I can see," he finishes up with the medical application, "Although, I don't know if there are anymore further…"
He swiftly glances the top of her cleavage.
"I think there are," she answers softly.
"Did you want to do it?"
He hands her the jar without looking.
"No."
And without awaiting his response, she slides the dress to her waist. The soft fullness of her breasts reflect a delicate glow against the dimness of lighting.
There is apprehension in Tobi's watch. The nervous look he gives signify that he likes what he sees. But behind that darkened gaze, she sees the same austere emotions. It rises ever so dangerously when his fingers lightly grazes the bruised mark that is so stark against the paleness of her breast.
He breathes deep to quell the indignation of such ailment, as if revenge is not enough to satisfy what those men had done to her.
He is light with the application, and not once does he falter against the harsh injuries. Perhaps because it is done on such an alluring part of her body, but it seems he too is relishing in the sweet moment of their unspoken intimacy.
When Tobi completes the treatment, Rin takes his hand and presses it firmly to her chest. His skin is warm against hers. It is a palliative sensation she seeks to utilise as a subjugation to the emotional and physical pain of trauma. His fingers splay against her in response. And ever so slowly, he encapsulates the voluptuous softness in his hand and gently caresses in a delicate motion.
"Rin, you are so beautiful," he says softly.
Though the bruising beats uncomfortably, the gratifying movement of his touch overtakes the affliction in a swirl of pleasure.
"Will you make the pain go away?" She asks.
The words are automated, a clear yet passive invitation for escape.
He stares at her in scepticism. There is a level of discomfort that rises across his face as he lets go of her.
And she regrets the broken contact. The surge of dull bruising pain quickly transpires.
"Please make me forget about what happened. I don't want to be alone," she continues brokenly.
"I won't take advantage of your state," he replies warily.
"And if you are not, what will you do?"
The question is more out of inquisitiveness than anything that represents an underlying motive. But instead of answering, he moves closer, until he is holding her face in his hands.
"Rin, please stay."
"I will," she whispers, "will you?"
Those last words escape in an unsettling tone, as if there is mistrust and bitterness.
But he gives her a small nod at the questioning.
"You can show me then," she says.
And though there is a strong element of fear behind his gaze, the rest of him speaks otherwise.
His kiss is soft and gentle, and if anything, she so wants to lose herself in a safe, secure world - a world where only he can give her.