'Sometimes you can't let go of what's making you sad. It was the only thing that made you happy.'
The wedding would be beautiful. He could see it in her eyes.
He silently watched her, hobbling with crutches from one bench to the next as she flitted into and out of shops, making arrangements for her special day.
He'd been discharged a week ago but had been given exercises to do and medication to take regularly.
Rin was going to be married in a month. She would send the invitations out tomorrow.
Obito smiled wistfully as she rung up her shopping and politely wished the cashier a happy day.
She was glowing.
"What a cute couple you two make!"
"Oh no…" she said, embarrassed. "He's just a friend."
It stabbed him but he didn't utter a sound.
She looked at him sheepishly. "Sorry about that Obito. Are you tired?"
He shook his head even though his legs were aching and the crutches were biting into his palm.
A second more in her presence. Another second. And another.
He would squeeze every last moment to be with her, when she didn't belong to anybody else and he could pretend he still had a chance.
"You know Obito" she said as she handed him an ice cream and sat down on the bench beside him. "You're my first ever friend."
And he started. What?
"Kakashi started out as my boyfriend, and before him I never really had any meaningful relationships. So," she looked up at him soulfully. "Thank you, for doing this with me. I know you must be tired."
She smiled sweetly and hugged him.
He hugged her back, careful to keep the ice cream away from her hair.
I love you.
If she wanted a friend, he'd be her friend.
Forever.
Another piece of his heart chipped and fell away.