Before you start delving in the chapter, I just wanted to take a minute to thank my readers. I really appreciate the support from you guys. Ya'll are awesome! I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint! Please continue showing your enthusiasm for this story. Feel free to PM me and blow up my comment board! There's so much more where this comes from! :D Enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 4
After the sealing of the tailed beast that now dwelled inside of me, I woke up in the hospital with Kakashi half propped on the edge of the bed. He was fast asleep and my entire body felt like it hadn't woken up with the rest of me. I could barely move my appendages. It seemed that the sealing and being under Kakashi's Sharingan had taken more out of me than expected. I guess it made sense now as to why I was waking up in the hospital.
My memory was hazy but I had just spent the equivalent of two long weeks inside Kakashi's genjutsu. When in reality it had only been a day or so. I would have to talk to Kakashi when I could physically move and speak in order to find out just when the hell we were. All I wanted right then was to see Obito. And even though I couldn't remember exactly what had happened while I was under, I remember a searing pain that started in my abdomen and spread throughout my body which lasted for almost a full week. The rest of the time I dreamt of Obito and the old team. I had relived memories for the duration of that time before I had woken up. Most of them were good memories, but a few of them were a little more challenging to get through. Some of them weren't even my memories, but Kakashi's.
There was one in particular that stood out to me. It was one of Kakashi's memories from Kannabi bridge when I had been captured and taken hostage. Initially, Kakashi was going to leave me and continue to carry out the mission. It didn't surprise me one bit. Back then, Kakashi was all about sticking to the rules. But I can't say it didn't hurt. And then Obito said something to Kakashi that seemed to strike a fire in him. He said, "It's true that those who break the rules are scum. But those who betray their friends are worse than scum!" It occurred to me that I was only rescued back then because of Obito and his ninja way. His devotion to his friends...to me. And then he nearly lost his life saving the both of us. We're alive today because of him. Damn it...we were going to wrack up a pretty hefty debt if he kept rescuing us all the time like that.
After about fifteen minutes I was able to regain my full range of motion. I sat up in my hospital bed and nudged Kakashi awake who awoke with a start. "R-Rin! You're awake!" he exclaimed, standing up and sitting next to me on the bed. I gave him a slight smile as he took my hand in his. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm doing okay so far. Kind of weak but I'll manage. Your sharingan is no joke Kakashi!" I exclaimed, rubbing the back of my neck. "Have you heard anything about the boy?" I asked him and he released my hand and just sat there, staring at me for a good long while.
"Rin...You've been out for three days. They investigated further and found that the boy who saved you on the battlefield was indeed Obito. The problem is that it seems like half of his body has been regenerated using an ancient jutsu of the First Hokage's. They're still trying to figure out how it's possible. And apparently Obito is being sent to the foundation in order to harness the new powers that come along with that." Kakashi explained and my entire body began to shake as I held back tears.
"S-so...it is him? It's really Obito?" I whispered, more to myself than to Kakashi. But Kakashi felt the need to answer anyway.
"Yes Rin. However...there's more one thing." Kakashi replied.
"Huh?" I questioned, wiping away the first tear that trailed down my cheek.
"I managed to overhear the hokage and his chief advisors talking about Obito. It seems Obito's been compromised for the past two years and rehabilitating from his accident at Kannabi bridge under the care of...who he claims to be Madara Uchiha." Kakashi finished and my jaw dropped in disbelief. I had heard the stories of the once great Madara Uchiha from long ago. But he should have been dead a long time ago.
"M-Madara Uchiha? How is that possible Kakashi?" I asked him, unsure of what was going on anymore. "And wait! You said Obito is being sent to the foundation right? Does that mean we don't even get to talk to him?" I bellowed, grabbing Kakashi by his shirt, balling the material up in my trembling fists.
"I..I don't know Rin. Probably not. The foundation has strict guidelines. It's likely we won't see him again for some time." he explained and my eyes grew wide.
"But that's not fair!" I exclaimed, tears streaming down my face as I shook Kakashi by his clothing. Kakashi seemed a little weary of my reactions. I didn't blame him. I was going off.
"Hey now, what's going on in here?" Minato Sensei's voice broke through my rage and I released Kakashi, hearing him fall backwards off of the bed. "Oh! Rin, you're up."
"Minato Sensei! You promised me that when I woke up I would be rewarded by getting to talk to Obito again! You can't go back on a promise!" I cried, getting up on my knees on the bed, about to run over to my teacher. Minato Sensei quickly made his way over to me and placed his hands on my shoulders to lower me back down.
"Now, now Rin! Just calm down. Obito is fine! He's agreed to meet with you both. The Foundation hasn't taken him into custody yet. You'll get to spend a limited amount of time with Obito before he's sent off for training. So whatever you two have to say to him, make it count. You've been granted another chance to say goodbye. Only, this time around, Obito isn't going to die. It'll just be for the next two years until he's harnessed the Senju's power." Minato Sensei stated after persuading me to relax a little.
"Take me to see him! I want to see Obito now." I replied, tears staining my bed sheets as they fell down my cheeks.
"I understand how you feel Rin. But you need to rest. Obito will come to you once you've been discharged from the hospital. Besides, they're still running some tests and interrogating-I mean...Obito's got his hands full right now." Sensei stated, letting out a sigh and turning to Kakashi. "Kakashi. Have you been here the entire time? You look exhausted." Kakashi nodded after getting up off of the ground. I suddenly felt awful for going off on him like that. It wasn't his fault any of this was happening. And plus, I hadn't realized he had been here by my side the entire 3 days I was out. He must have really been worried about me.
"Kakashi...I'm sorry. Forgive me for my outburst." I stated, bowing my head as much as I could to apologize for the way I had acted. Kakashi's eye popped and he took a step towards me, placing an open hand on my head.
"It's alright, Rin. I understand. I've been thinking about him too. But it seems we're both going to have to wait a little longer. Why don't you get some more rest. You won't be visited by Obito unless you're discharged." Kakashi told me and I peered up at him as he removed his hand from my head.
"You should go on home and get some rest yourself Kakashi. Rin will be alright now. Obito promised to visit you too, ya know." Minato Sensei suggested and Kakashi glanced from him to me with a reluctant stare. I let out a small giggle.
"It's alright Kakashi. I'll be fine. Thanks for worrying about me." I stated, taking his hand in mine and giving him a genuine smile. "Go get some rest. If Obito stops by, tell him I'd like to speak with him."
"Will do, Rin. You can count on me." he stated, winking at me as he took his leave. Minato Sensei turned his attention back to me.
"How are you feeling Rin?" he questioned and I looked back at him and paused for a moment, trying to assess my condition. I had been so worried about Obito that I hadn't really been paying much attention to physical health since I had woken up.
"Well...I suppose I'm okay. A little fatigued and sore, but I think I'll make a full recovery. I expect to be out of here by first thing tomorrow morning!" I exclaimed, pumping my fist in the air with convincing enthusiasm. Minato Sensei stared back at me as he pondered.
"That's a fantastic optimistic attitude you've got there. Just take it easy okay. I'd like to introduce you to someone who may be able to help you train and control Isobu once you're fully recovered. The war should be coming to an end soon since we were able to foil the enemy's plan to use you in order to destroy the village. Thanks to your rescue mission, we were able to seize control of the situation and gain the upper hand in this war. Once it's over, you'll be appointed to study under one of the three Sannin, Lady Tsunade." he explained and I couldn't believe it. I was going to study under Lady Tsunade? Her accomplishments in the current ninja war were legendary!
"I-It would be my honor, Minato Sensei!" I exclaimed, bowing my head to him to insinuate a respectful thank you. Minato Sensei simply chuckled at my enthusiasm and patted me on the head before making his way towards the door.
"I'll do my best to convince her to take you on as a student. Just make sure you're doing your best until then, okay Rin?" Sensei told me before he made his way out of the hospital room.
I was able to go home early the next day. The townspeople gave me a mix of sympathetic and disgusted looks as I made my way through the streets of the Leaf village. I tried to just keep my head down and ignore their judgemental stares. Apparently the stress of the sealing took a toll on my body. I was walking home on one crutch, with my other arm in a splint. Nothing was broken per say. Just some hairline fractures. But the regenerative power from the tailed beasts chakra that now flowed through me would heal my injuries twice as fast as they normally would. At least there was some kind of upside to becoming a jinchuriki.
I made it to my house finally but nobody was home. My parents and sister were all capable shinobi. So it stands that I would probably be living alone until the war was over. And nobody really knew when that was going to be. The word on the street was that the Leaf had taken the upper hand in the war since the enemy's plan to destroy the village with Isobu failed. Unfortunately I would not be allowed to enter the war again since I had just become a brand new jinchuriki and I had absolutely no idea how to control the tailed beast that dwelled inside of me. I made my way up to my room and propped the crutch against the wall and sat down on the edge of my bed. I let out a sigh, propping my foot up and taking the brace off of my ankle and stretching it carefully. My mind began to circle back to Obito and wondering where he was and what he was doing. I had so many questions to ask him and so many things to tell him that I couldn't organize all of my thoughts. I honestly didn't know how I was going to react when he showed up.
I grabbed my journal out and began writing down my feelings, trying to process how I felt about Obito's return. Of course I was overjoyed that he was alive still. But part of me was so very angry. I was mad that he never tried to come back. How could he just leave me-I mean...us. How could he just leave us in the dark like that? All of the nightmares, all of the sleepless nights. There hadn't been a single day since his alleged death that I had truly smiled. And yet, he was alive the whole damn time? Why didn't he come back? On top of that, he should have just let me kill myself. Everyone would be a lot better off if I had. Especially me. The tears began to well up and sting my eyes as I scribbled my thoughts down furiously. There was a new darkness in me that I felt festering from deep down inside of me. It was a darkness that I had never known before. As the first tear escaped and streamed down my face, only to hit the paper in my journal and smear the ink, I heard a familiar voice speak up from my window.
"Am I interrupting something?" Obito's voice struck my ears and I froze mid scribble, my pen trembling slightly. I turned around quickly, seeing him sitting on my windowsill with one leg propped up as he leaned against the frame. I guess I had left my window jarred open before leaving in a hurry for the last mission. I must have had this dream a million times in the past two and a half years...that Obito would return, and just appear in my room. Just like this.
"O-Obito…" I whispered, as my eyes landed on him. He was wearing all black clothing, his hair now cut back to around the length that it used to be. He wore a temporary eyepatch over the eye that he had given up to Kakashi almost 3 years ago. And for some reason he had this stupid grin on his face. What the hell was he smirking about? The anger inside of me compressed and then I just snapped. I stood up quickly and I made my way over to the window where he sat, ignoring the pain in my ankle in every step.
"Hey there Rin." he greeted me and gave me a crooked smirk. Before I could realize what I was actually doing, my hand flew across his face and I smacked Obito hard. Obito's one eye popped in surprise and he raised his hand to touch the cheek I had hit him on. His expression as he stared back at me reflected a great amount of hurt that was now written on his face. As I stared back at him and I had realized what I had just done, the tears that I had been holding back poured out like a fountain and I pulled him into my room, feeling the breath leaving my lungs. I threw my arms around his torso and buried my face in his chest.
"I'm...I'm so s-s-sorry!" I exclaimed, crying into his chest, my entire frame shaking. "O-Obito!" I cried, my knees buckling from the adrenaline and the pain in my ankle. Obito caught me and sat me down on the bed, getting on his knees so that he was eye level with me.
"You have to be more careful Rin…" He sounded so sweet...sincere almost and every part of me wanted to just forgive him right then and there, but I couldn't. His crooked smile came back as he touched his cheek where I had slapped him. It looked so red and absolutely pulsating with pain. "Well one thing's for sure, you've gotten a lot stronger."
"W-what happened to you? I thought you were dead Obito!" I exclaimed, wiping the tears away with my sleeve. "What have you been doing this whole time? Why didn't you just come back?" I asked him, my eyes burning from the tears.
He rubbed the back of his neck, looking so uncomfortable with the question, avoiding my eye contact as he looked around my room. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally sighed and looked up at me.
"I...I don't know how to explain all that happened back then, but believe me I really wanted to come back. More than anything else…" He looked so worried and lost almost. What the hell had happened and why did he seem so scared to tell me? Was he worried that I would look at him differently? Maybe even resent him?
"Obito...You don't have to be afraid to tell me. I'm sorry...for slapping you." I stated, bowing my head and looking down at my hands. "It's just...I'm pretty pissed at you for leaving me. I mean, us!" I quickly corrected my statement, my face growing hot. "Me and Kakashi...it broke us to lose you." I followed up, so that it didn't seem like it was anything more than the loss of a close friend. "Do you have any idea the kind of nightmares I had after watching you die?!" I exploded, automatically standing up again without thinking. And then the pain in my ankle surged immediately and I fell back down on the bed.
"I...whenever I saved you...that was the first time I was actually strong enough to get away from him...I…" His voice sounded wavering almost, as though he was holding back years of repressed emotions. "I didn't mean to put either of you through that much pain. I'm so...so sorry Rin."
I didn't respond at first. I just reached out and grabbed his hand, pulling him down to sit next to me. I couldn't fight the urge to reach out and touch his face...the side that had been crushed beneath that giant boulder several years ago. It looked a lot better than I expected it to. I had to make sure I was really talking to Obito. I couldn't help the skeptic in me. As much as I had dreamed about having him back, real life isn't a fairytale. And people don't come back from the dead. But here he was...sitting on my bed in my room…
His face flushed red under my touch, placing his much larger hand on top of mine, "You know, this is something I never thought I would get the chance to do. Sit down next to you, talk...this." His voice dropped down quieter on the last part, almost stuttering as he was saying it.
My face flushed and I bit my lip, drawing my hand back rather suddenly as I realized what I had been doing. Damn it! I just couldn't control myself tonight. "S-sorry! I...It's just...it doesn't look so bad." I stated, avoiding eye contact. "And...I think you stole my line." I added, feeling as though he had just read my mind.
A flash of sadness seemed to flash in his eyes, but he slowly moved his hand down, glancing in the mirror at his face. "Yeah, it always surprises me as well that it's not worse. It's still pretty difficult to look at though. But what do you mean that I stole your line?"
"Obito...I relived your death...every single night when I fell asleep. And every time...I would try to do something different and try to save you. But nothing I did ever worked...and when I wake up...you're always still...gone. And I just...I just wanted you back!" I replied, more tears streaming down my cheeks. "And I thought I'd never see you again...actually, when you saved me. Initially I was pissed. B-Before I knew it was you. Because while I was trying to save the village, a part of me was so happy. Because I thought I might finally be able to be with-" I cut myself off, "...s-see you again."
His eyes widened as he realized exactly what I was meaning, doing his best to wipe away my tears with his thumb.
"Y-you were going to kill yourself...to be with me? But w-why? I mean, we were on a team yeah, but I...I'm not worth killing yourself for. You have so much to live for Rin!" His voice was cracking as tears actually began leaking from his eyes. He didn't seem to notice them at first as he couldn't seem to stop looking at me.
"We were more than just teammates Obito. We were best friends, remember? It's just...you were always the brightest sun in my life...and when you faded out...I was left in a cold and dark place." I stated as I broke eye contact with him. This was harder than I thought it was going to be. "It's...it's hard to explain." I whisper, not ready to tell him how I really feel about him. I thought, when I believed he was dead, that if I could just have the chance to see him one more time, that I would for sure tell him everything. But now that he's back...and he's alive and well, it was just something that I wasn't ready to face yet.
"I know...I remember we were best friends...it's been so long to have someone actually care about me. Sometimes it's rough to remember all the good in the world when I have seen so much...bad. I want to have time to fix everything with everyone...but sometimes I worry there will never be enough time." He finally realized that he was crying and wiped his eyes, sniffling as he cracks a smile. "At least I know that I can still do that."
"Oh Obito…" I replied as I smiled lightly at him and helped him wipe the rest of his tears away, "You were always the crybaby." I poked fun at him, letting out a small laugh. "But...you're leaving again...aren't you?" I asked, my smile falling once again. "Minato Sensei said you were being forced into the foundation. You're coming back this time right? How...how am I going to make it through another two years without you?" I questioned, my frame shaking slightly again. I didn't even want to think about making it through the next two years of my life separated from him again.
He looked down, thinking for a moment before looking up at me smiling. "Of course I'm coming back this time, I promise you! As for how we will make it through, maybe we could write letters? Kakashi will be going all over the place since he's joining the Anbu, right? Including the foundation?"
"Well...well yeah!" I replied, letting out a laugh, perking up a little. "I'm sure he'd be thrilled to be a messenger for our little love notes though." I stated, not realizing what I had just said.
"L-love notes?!" He blushes heavily, his eyes as wide as saucers. "I...I would really like that to be honest. Kakashi will be just fine!"
"O-Oh! I-I mean…" I began and then let out a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of my neck, "i-it was a joke, Obito!" I exclaimed. "But...I'd really love to be pen pals." I replied, smiling up at him. "Just don't forget."
"A joke…right, but no, I think we can make due. One of us will just have to make sure to tell him that he's our messenger bird." He smirks at me and chuckles, "I nominate you!"
"W-why me?!" I exclaim, "F-fine...but only one condition." I accepted his nomination, looking shyly up at him.
He looked down at me curiously, "Why not you? And what is your condition?" He reached up and moved a strand of hair out of my eyes. My face turned hot almost instantly and I bit my lip, breaking eye contact with him.
"Will...will you stay with me...just for tonight? I don't like being alone." I answered, when in all honesty that was just an excuse. I was used to being alone. I just wanted to milk every second I could with him before he left again.
"I would absolutely love to stay the night!" He blushed as he realized just how over eager he sounded. "I mean...yeah, I want to make sure you don't get up in the middle of the night for snacks and get hurt again."
I let out a stifled laugh. "Wow Obito. You're so lame!" I teased him. "It's okay to be excited." I stated, my face turning red as I grabbed his hand and pulled him back down on the bed. "I've waited so long for you…" I whispered, curling up against him, not caring how it looked to him. If it weirded him out, oh well! He was going to have to deal with it!
He pulled me closer, being careful not to hurt me and kissed the top of my head. "I've waited so long for you as well Rin." The butterflies ran rampant in my stomach at that moment. I buried my face in his chest, my cheeks so hot that I thought it would burn a hole through his shirt. I couldn't help the little squeal that escaped me as I tried to muffle my reactions.
"I missed you...Obito." I whispered back to him, nuzzling against his neck. I couldn't stop myself from placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. "You really have no idea."
Obito's face turned crimson, reminding me of when small displays of friendly affection would cause him to blush. He leaned in and kissed me gently on the lips, pulling away and smiling. "Oh believe me, I have a pretty good idea because I missed you too."
"O-Obito!" I exclaimed, touching my fingers to my now tingling lips. My eyes had grown wide with surprise. My face just burned even brighter.
"Oh don't stop on my account!" We both hear from the window, looking over to see Kakashi sitting there, arms crossed over his chest smugly, and chuckling at what had just unfolded before him.
"Kakashi! Do you know how to use a door?" Obito exclaimed, incredibly embarrassed at Kakashi of all people finding us like that.
I reached over Obito and grabbed my shoe, throwing it in his direction. "What the hell Kakashi!" I exclaimed. "You're ruining my night with Obito!" I hissed at him. Kakashi easily dodged the shoe I had thrown at him and let out another laugh.
"You two are adorable." he chuckled.
Obito sighed, looking over at me and shaking his head. "I see some things never change huh?"
"As annoying as it is, I guess not." I laughed nervously. "What are you even doing here Kakashi? Creep." I poked at him.
"Just wanted to stop by to see if you kids needed anything...food, drink...protection maybe?" He chuckled, winking at us and Obito took the opportunity to throw my other shoe at him, once again getting dodged and sailing out the window.
"It...It's not like that Kakashi!" I exclaimed, twirling my hair in my finger. "R-right Obito? I mean...we were just…" I began but then couldn't come up with a good excuse. "Ohhh! I don't owe you an explanation. Go get my shoes!" I cried out, blushing so hard that it was starting to make me dizzy with how much blood had flooded to my face.
"I was just joking you two, I'm just glad you're finally admitting how you feel to one another." He smiles behind his mask, causing me to chuckle.
"Well now, it looks like we get to focus on getting someone for you!" Obito stated as Kakashi's eyes widen as he jumps out the window. Obito ran over there, yelling about getting Kakashi a girlfriend only to get pegged in the face with both of my shoes. "Oww! What the hell!?"
I couldn't help but to bust up laughing at the scene playing out before me. I was laughing so hard I was practically rolling. I had tears in my eyes once again, but they were more from laughter than anything else.
"H-hey...Obito? Are you okay?" I managed to breathe out through fits of laughter.
He turned around and had a nice sized shoe print on his face and he was pouting. "No, I need you to kiss it and make it better!" I stopped laughing in that instant and smirked at him, beckoning for him to come back to bed.
"Maybe I will." I stated, winking at him. Since the cat was already out of the bag. Or at least halfway.
He sat down next to me, leaning forward and waiting patiently for a kiss.
"Close your eyes silly." I told him, chuckling at his obedience. He closed his eyes and leaned in closer, his nose touching mine.
"Like this?" He says in a funny voice, wanting to make me laugh which he easily accomplished as I couldn't help but giggle. He really had grown up physically, but he still had that amazing sense of humor that attracted me to him in the first place.
"That's it." I state, calming myself down grabbing him by the chin and pressing my forehead against his. I pressed my lips to his once again, feeling every rush of emotion running through me as I did so. I slowly pulled back and looked up at him, trying to read his face.
His eyes fluttered open as he smiled at me sweetly and pulled me gently against him, letting me rest against his chest. "Thank you Rin, thank you so much for this…"
"No...thank you...Obito." I whispered, curling up with him once again. "Hey…" I say, smiling at him and hoping to freak him out a little just for the fun of it. "What if Kakashi was right about us needing protection?" I asked him, curious as to what kind of answer he would give me. As much as it was just a cutesy joke, he really was attractive. In every way. If I could have, or if I would have had the guts to do so, I wouldn't have minded losing my virginity that night.
He kissed the top of my head, smirking against my hair. "Well then, I certainly wouldn't take them from Kakashi. Who knows how long he's been holding onto them!" I let out a laugh and nuzzled up to him again.
"We really do have to find him someone...I think I might know just the girl. But um...Obito?" I asked, my face turning red for the thousandth time that night.
"What is it Rin?" He asked curiously, gently playing with my hair and not really letting me go. Almost as though he was afraid that I would disappear.
"I never thanked you...for saving my life. And for coming back...I...I lo-" I began to say but then stopped myself. What if he wasn't ready for the L word yet. I mean...what was I thinking? He had just gotten back.
He smiled, his hand resting on top of my head as he leaned down until his lips were level with my ear. "I love you too Rin, I always have. To be honest...I was a little worried that Kakashi had stolen you away from me by now. I kind of had the feeling that you were crushing on him back in the Academy days. As for saving your life, I will always do my best to protect you. I'm sorry that I haven't been in your life for so long, I wanted nothing more than to be here with you."
I didn't even realize it but a single tear slipped down my cheek as the butterflies in my stomach wreaked havoc once again. "I had a small schoolgirl crush on him once upon a time, sure. But it was nothing compared to my true feelings for you." I propped myself up and kissed him once more. "And, you must be mistaken Obito...you never once left my heart. You were always with me." I told him. "Just don't ever leave for good again...promise?" I hadn't realized it but I muffled those sentences against his mouth through the kiss, which caused him to laugh.
He smiled into the kiss and put his forehead to mine. "I promise you Rin, now you need to rest and in the morning I will make you breakfast ok? How does that sound?"
"That sounds perfect, Obito." I smiled into his chest and felt the exhaustion of the day creeping up on me as my eyelids grew heavy. "And you better be here when I wake up." I threatened him, closing my eyes.
"I won't be going anywhere ok? Nothing could pry me away from you, if I have a say in it!" He said softly and protectively, causing me to blush heavily.
"I...I didn't know you felt so strongly about me." I stated, my voice muffled slightly from talking into his chest.
He cuddled me closer, rubbing my back and laying against my fluffy pillows. "I could never really put it into words or actions before, now it feels like I have the confidence to do so."
"Well...I guess I can't blame you there. I've had the same struggle, being unsure if I should really tell you." I tell him, feeling myself beginning to truly relax for the first time in years.
"I'm so glad that we made some progress at least. I don't expect us to make it work overnight but I am glad for the opportunity." He nuzzles against my hair, inhaling and exhaling a few times and I feel his body fully relax against me.
"It's going to be hard...starting a relationship right before you're shipped off to the foundation. I wish...I wish I had more time with you." I tell him, feeling whole again, for the first time in a long time. And it was about to be ripped away from me the very next day.
"I know it will be difficult, but as long as I know that I have you to come home to...that makes everything worth it." He says, his voice much more gentle as he was exhausted from the day. I chuckle against him.
"You'd better come home to me." I reply, smiling into his chest. I reach up to touch his face once again, kissing him softly. "Let's get some sleep. You seem tired, Obi." I tell him, never getting tired of the feel of his lips.
"Always." He whispered against my lips and gently began drifting off to sleep, right there in my arms. I nuzzled back up to him and followed closely behind, receiving the first night of peaceful rest I had gotten in two and a half years. And for once, I didn't have that damned nightmare.