I wanted so badly to call out to Rimi, but I knew that'd be a waste of time since she can't hear anything. I had to practically jog to catch up with her because she was walking pretty fast. I don't blame her. Now I see why she never wants to associate with anyone; she thinks they'll all be like Sakura and have such unimaginable ignorance.
Finally getting close to her, I reached out to turn her to face me and felt her flinch under my grasp. I forgot I should've been more subtle and made sure she could see me, but I was more worried about her well being and eagerly wanted to make sure she was all right.
She stopped, but didn't face me. Every time I tried to look at her she'd turn her head in a different direction, trying really hard to block me. This made me frown, because this is the first time she shut me out in such a way. It was unsettling, and I had the never ending urge to just comfort her in any way I could.
Sighing and running a hand through my hair, I did the first thing that came to mind. With her back still facing me, I wrapped my arms around her small frame and pulled her to my chest. Resting my head on her shoulder, my embrace tightened when I felt her start to shake slightly in my hold.
Finally facing me, my heart dropped as crystal tears flowed down her face. Her broken expression was unbearable, and she finally lost it as she hugged me back while crying into my shirt.
I surprisingly didn't mind at all. I wanted to comfort her. I wanted her to hug me back. I wanted her to let it all out. I wanted her to feel safe and secure.
I wanted her to come to me if she needed me.
I don't know how long we stood there, but I simply rubbed her back soothingly letting her know she could take all the time she wanted. I definitely wasn't taking her back to that party. If she's going to open up, then she'll do it one step at a time.
When she finally calmed down enough, I wiped her remaining tears away and that earned a small smile from her. I smiled bin return, trying to make her feel better, but what she did next shocked me beyond belief.
"Thank you, Sasuke."
That's the first time I heard her wistful voice.