Title: Rin

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

Warning: Unbeta and horrible grammar. Language.

Chapter 37

It was a domestic day for me and Naruto since it was weekend. We were doing cleaning around the apartment and Naruto was tending his plants at the veranda. He was never stopping me from being surprised and amazed. I never thought that he loved gardening very much. Sometime, he would bring back a vase of nearly died potted plant and nursed it until the leaves grew and the plant became alive. That boy had green thumbs. I even asked him to plant some tomatoes and chilies and he did it very well. I was very happy with the outcome and Naruto groaned softly when he saw the tomatoes in his dinner.

I was folding my clean clothes and Naruto was doing his when a knock sound heard from the door. We both stopped from our work and looked at each other before the blond boy stood up.

"I'll get it!" Naruto shouted and ran to the door.

Quickly putting away the folded clothes, I slowly stood up and walked to the opened door. My eyes caught Genma who smiled at Naruto and changed into serious expression when he met mine. I nodded stiffly and quickly grabbed my flak jacket. Patting Naruto's shoulder and gave him a brief hug, I said softly to him.

"Take care of yourself and make sure the house is clean when I'm back."

"Sure Rin nee-chan, take care," Naruto replied back and grasped slightly on my arms.

Closing the door, I looked at Genma. It was a good thing he didn't judge the way I treated Naruto and entrusting the house to the kid. I knew he was one of few people who didn't care much about Naruto presence, but I couldn't be very comfortable with it. I didn't know what was it but I guessed it was a protective feeling towards the Uzumaki kid.

"They got the situation under control, we're going to help to bring back the injured," The senbon user explained.

I nodded. "I see," I said softly while I felt relieved emotion flushed through my body. No one died, I was glad but I still felt a little bit worry. Who was injured?

I waited silently and wrote down a seal design on a seal tag. Iruka was still in deep sleep after we had brought him and Hayate back to Konoha and went to the hospital as soon as we could. He had a pretty serious head injury and other scratches on his arms mainly at visible part of it. Other than that he was physically fine. Shiro had left the room once he done treating the brunet and had me to inform him as soon when Iruka woke up, thus here I was. Shio was following Hayate condition. Placing the finished fifth seal tag on my lap, I looked at sleeping Iruka. There was thick bandage was circling around his head while his ponytail remained untouched. I could see a few spots of dried blood on Iruka's uniform, which I believed it came from his injured head.

Well, it was pretty hectic at the beginning when we reached the scene, Iruka was resting under the tree with his hand pressed on his forehead and there were so much blood on it. There were dead bodies around and unconscious enemy nins. Other injured Konoha nins, were already patched themselves with bandages and their condition was far much better than the brunet and one more heavily injured nin, Hayate. Kakashi was fine overall and had asked us to bring back Iruka and Hayate first since the brunet was barely couldn't move much and the blood was not stopping while the latter was losing too much blood from a deep cut at his side. He was barely awake. Genma remained at the scene helping others, while Shio and I went back to Konoha in instant with Iruka and Hayate. It was a good thing their mission parameter wasn't that far to our hidden village. I had used hiraishin for instant teleportation with Hayate since he needed a fast attention while Iruka was with Shio went back here from normal route.

A low grunt came from Iruka, made me keeping away the seal tags and hovered slightly at him.

"Hey, Iruka?"

"Ugh, where am I?" The brunet blinked and eyed his surrounding.

"Hospital, I'll call Shiro-san, just stay still, okay?"

"Yeah…" Iruka sighed as he relaxed on the bed.

After received a clearance from Shiro together with a full bucket of scolding and advice, both of us walked out from the hospital building. Hayate was still remained at the hospital since he was under observation status due to his severe condition.

"Thanks to you, I got an earful from Shiro-san," I said in humor.

Iruka shrugged. "Well, he is right. I was too reckless and soft hearted. If Kakashi-san wasn't there, I don't know what will happen to us."

"I won't ask you what the mission was, I'm just glad that everyone was safe."

"Yeah," Iruka said softly and looked at the sky. "Rin, come with me?"

I blinked. "Okay?"

I stared at the scene in front of me. Iruka was bowing respectfully at Sandaime after him being accepted to be an assistant teacher at the academy. I guessed it was his call. Iruka was very good when explaining something, he made it simpler than our text book so it was easy to understand and he had mastered every basic skill we learned at the academy. He even had medical jutsu under his sleeve which was a quite advantage for him. I remembered at one time Tsubaki was injured during shuriken practice and then Ren-sensei had applied a healing jutsu on her.

My eyes then wandered and stopped at Kakashi who was silently looked at Iruka and Sandaime, I bet he was focusing at the former since Iruka was muttering his thank you with enthusiastic tone.

Then our gaze clashed. I bowed slightly to him and he nodded, addressing my presence.

Sandaime then left the rooftop, leaving three of us. Casually I walked to Iruka and patted his shoulder.

"Hey Iruka-sensei." I grinned and elbowed his side.

Iruka dodged my arm. "Shut up, Rin. I'm just become an assistant teacher first." He blushed and scratched his scar.

"Well, it does has a nice ring to it," Kakashi said suddenly and Iruka instantly bowed to him.

"Thank you so much Kakashi-san back then, I'm grateful to you."

"You're welcome Iruka-kun, don't worry much about it, everyone has done well in the mission," Kakashi said calmly and looked at me. "Thanks to you too, Rin for the fast respond to our call."

I nodded. "We're doing our part. You're welcome."

We smiled at each other in understanding since we were working with the same aim; protecting our village and its people. I stared at the evening sky and felt a relief feeling came from my heart. It was good that everyone was safe and it was nice to have an acknowledgement from Kakashi. I felt that we were likely a real comrade to each other now instead of him nagging about my choice in my life.

Iruka insisted that he didn't need my assistant and demanded me to went back home. After arguing about his condition and using some Shiro's words, the brunet budged from his decision. I wouldn't worry about Naruto since I had preparing everything in advance and had taught him to use the microwave and let him do it for few times with my presence to ensured nothing wrong happened. He was a good kid and very fast learner about food and gardening but a little bit slower in ninja things. Of course after a few times of practicing and training together I could see he had improved and now he managed to throw out the multiple kunai simultaneously even though it wasn't properly hit the target. He was going to do better from time to time, I believed it. Well, I didn't want to lose with Itachi and Sasuke. Somehow I even let myself in those five years old rivalry thing and dragging Itachi too into it. Surprisingly he didn't bothered much and enjoyed our times together. I was pleased with it.

"We're here," Iruka said and unlocked his door.

I followed the brunet into his unit and looked around. I did come to his place when we were moving out but I didn't really had a real chance to visit him after that to see properly at his new home. It was in similar design like genin unit except that it was slightly bigger but smaller than jounin apartment. I hummed in approval and casually went into his kitchen, checking for the food.

"I see that you have eggs and rice here, oh there is some chicken too, are you fine with fried rice, Iruka?"

"I'm fine with everything." Iruka muttered softly as he checked on his flak jacket. I could see the brunet scowled at it when he spotted the dried blood. I laughed softly at his reaction.

"Go clean up, I can smell dry blood from you."

Iruka looked around his body, smelling and shuddered. "Yeah, you're right and I stink too."

I laughed softly while taking out the ingredients from his refrigerator.

I was placing the plates with fried rice on the table when Iruka stepped out from his room. He looked cleaner and fresher. The brunet quickly helped me preparing the table by taking out a jug of plain water and two cups. We sat down on the chairs once the table was complete with everything. Silently we enjoyed the food and I looked at Iruka's forehead. It was still covered with bandage but thinner than previously.

"You're fine up there?" I asked.

Iruka patted at the bandage. "Um, yeah. Shiro-sensei patched me very well. I'm just covering it after putting some relief salve on the cut. Well the painkiller almost gone."

I nodded and finished my food. Placing down the spoon in the plate, I looked at Iruka.

"You're going to be a good teacher Iruka." I smiled.

Blushing, Iruka nodded. "Thanks, Rin."

"Well, there're exam for becoming a full fledge teacher, right?"

The brunet hummed and nodded. "I've heard it somewhere and I'm going to pass it."

"Cool," I said and took a gulp of plain water before placing the cup on the table. "You know, I've met Haru few days ago and she gave me interesting news."

Iruka blinked.

I sighed. "It seems that Mizuki is also trying for being a teacher too."

"Wow, that's good news!" Iruka smiled and laughed. "It's been a long time since we heard about him and to think that he is also applying the position."

"I believe you can do it Iruka but Mizuki?" I paused and sighed. "I still remember his insults and now he wants to be a teacher? I can't believe it." Waving my hand dramatically I sighed again.

"Maybe he had changed?"

"You're still on his side, you're just too nice." I frowned.

Iruka shrugged and blushed. "I can't help it, I know him since we were kid."

I snorted and smiled at the brunet. "Well, Mizuki aside, you should know Haru too is going to take the exam too."

"What? Really?"

"You heard me," I said and smirked.

Iruka insisted to do the cleaning since I had cooked the dinner. I simply agreed with Iruka's decision and relaxed at his living room. The brunet later joined me with two cups of warm tea. I gladly accepted and enjoyed it.

"I miss the time we're having dinner at each other places," Iruka said suddenly and shrugged.

I nodded silently. Indeed, it was true. I did miss the moment of having a friendly conversation after dinner and some times we even practicing our seal writing together and did other things too. Right now I had Naruto at my home and while it wasn't really different much but still there was a feeling of something missing there. Carefully arranged the words in my mind, I spoke out my suggestion.

"Why don't you come at my place any time soon? We still can do it even though we're not living next to each other anymore. Practically we are still a neighbor since your place and mine are just separated with one block only."

I eyed the brunet briefly and checked any changes on his expression. He did frown slightly and it disappeared instantly.

"I'll think about it," Iruka said softly.

"Good. Tell me once when you decide it. I need to make sure my refrigerator is full with everything. Knowing your ability to eat very well, I should be extra careful." Playfully I sighed and grinned.

"Well I'm a growing man okay!" Iruka countered and we laughed.

I reached my place when the clock read eleven. It was nearly midnight. Closing the door and entered the house, I met with silence. Shrugging, I looked around and let out a satisfied hum.

"I guess Naruto did his chores very well," I said softly and walked to the kitchen.

My eyes focused at the dryer rack as there were three bowls, cups and chopsticks on it instead one set. Frowning, I stared at the rack and nearly shouted when someone patted my hand.

"What kind of ninja startling in her own home…" Naruto mumbled sleepily.

"N-Naruto!" I stuttered his name and groaned. "Well, this is the safest place for me thus I lowered my guard here." A lame explanation but it was better than nothing. I looked at the kid. "What're you doing here? Aren't you sleeping?"

Naruto stifled a yawn a grabbed a cup. "I'm thirsty."

"Oh," I said softly and looked at him pouring himself a cup of water.

"Are you fine, nee-chan?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

"The mission?"

"It went well," I said and smiled at the now awake boy. "It was a success."

"Cool, I can't wait to do mission like you too, nee-chan!"

"Well, you're still needed more practicing and study too."

"Sure, sure…I'm going to be stronger anytime soon!" Naruto nodded enthusiastically.

I looked at the dryer again before focusing at Naruto.

"Did anyone come here when I'm not around?"

The blond boy perked up and grinned. "Yeah, teme and his brother come for a visit…but I know better." A sly look plastered over his face.

I groaned softly and waited for Naruto to continue. It seemed that he had something else to add.

"Teme's brother is a good cook! He cooks us cold noodles and it's very tasty!"

I blinked in surprised. Itachi could cook? I guessed he did have the skill then since Mikoto didn't have any daughter to help her in the kitchen and Sasuke was just too young to handle a knife. I laughed internally, it was pretty irony, while you could handle the sharp kunai there wasn't any clearance with kitchen knife. I had applied the same logic to Naruto and realized that it was weird. Well, I could teach him to cut the vegetables later. I frowned. I should not; he might destroy the goods with his hatred together in it. Seriously, it was only vegetables. Why he hated it so much?

"Rin nee-chan? Why are you looking so serious suddenly?" Naruto's worried voice brought me back and I laughed.

"Nothing, I'm just having an amusing thought."

"Nah, I bet you're imagining something perverted to do with teme's brother."

I blushed and flustered. "W-What're you talking about? I'm not!"

"Rin and Itachi sitting under tree…"

Grabbing the empty cup from Naruto's hand, I pushed him out from the kitchen. "Go to sleep, Naruto-kun or else," I said with stern tone.

The blond boy laughed and ran into his room before closing his door. I shrugged and sighed.

"Kids, now days."

The door opened slightly and Naruto poked out his head. "And he left a message, when you're back come at the place only both you and him know. Where is it nee-chan?"

I blinked. "Oh?"

A smirk formed on the blond boy's face. "You're going to a date? To a secret place?" A giggled followed and I groaned softly.

"Naruto!"

Click. The door closed and I sat down on the kitchen chair. Rubbing my forehead, I released a sigh. "Phew, now where is the place again?"

My eyes wandered to the windows at the kitchen wall. From the windows, I could see the Hokage great wall faces. Slowly I straightened my position from slouching to have a better view.

"No one is here," I said softly when I reached the place. I scanned my surrounding and didn't found anything, not even a chakra. I let out a small smile and shrugged with a little disappointment. "Well, it's pretty late after all. He needs rest too."

I looked around and smiled warmly. The place didn't changed much, sure the trees were bigger than two years ago and the ground was much grassier instead of dusty from the soil. Slowly I turned my gaze to the view of Konoha. My eyes widened when I saw the whole village. The night view was truly fantastic. Unlike the day view, at night Konoha looked livelier. I breathed out some air from my mouth in amazement.

"It's beautiful…Konoha is."

"It is…"

Hastily turned my head to my left, my eyes met with Itachi's dark orbs. His eyes were beautiful and full of mystery, I noted internally. Feeling a blush came onto my cheeks, I averted my eyes and stared at the village view. It was a good thing that our surrounding wasn't really bright at the beginning, thus I could feel secured about the redness on my cheeks. Now, I was going to felt what Iruka always went through. Man, this was embarrassing.

"Rin, look at me." Itachi demanded.

Slowly I looked back at his face and shrugged. "Um, this is kind of…"

The raven haired boy hummed and spoke out a word. "Embarrassing?"

"Not really," I said and stared at the ground below us.

"Awkward?" Itachi suggested.

I smacked my fist on my palm casually and smiled at him. "Yeah, that's it!"

"This is a new thing for me too."

"Ahaha…" I only could laugh and felt an imaginary big rock had landed on my head. I was twenty something damnit! And this experience being in love was a new thing for me too! Silently I groaned in my mind with agony too.

"Sometimes, I worried…"

I blinked and looked at Itachi. "Huh? What do you mean?"

"About our future, everyone here and this place too," Itachi said softly and he looked at the village.

I looked at Konoha again and shrugged. Itachi was right, actually I did worried about the future here from time to time. With my memory about this place had been sealed, I couldn't predict or doing anything if something happen. It might be too late or too early for me to interrupt it. I wondered if I did change anything…it was good or not? I didn't know and only could pray for nothing wrong to be happened in near future.

Sometimes, I did try to find any way to unseal my memory but true to Minato's words, I couldn't.

Damn! It made me frustrated too but since it was for my good then I simply agreed to whatever he had done with it.

"Stop it, Rin."

I blinked and looked at Itachi with confused gaze. "Stop what?"

"Looking very serious," The young Anbu said.

I laughed. "Well, we never in mission together and you don't know how serious I can be."

"…"

"…"

"That's interesting."

I stopped smiling and looked at deep thinking Itachi. I frowned. "Oh, no you don't."

Grabbing my hand and pulling me towards him, Itachi kissed my cheek and whispered something.

"Good night, Rin. Rest well."

Which I had interpreted as, 'Rest well, we're going to have a mission together soon.'

For few days after that night, my days went well and sometimes, Itachi would join us at the academy training field. He really knew how to make a scary joke and after two days without any news of mission or something, I relaxed.

"He does make me scary sometimes." I muttered softly and collecting every mission reports and gave it to Izumo who was manning the mission room together with me today since Genma was out with mission.

"Who's making you scared?" Izumo asked casually.

I shook my head and laughed. "Oh some friends."

"Not that kid?"

I paused from my work and looked at Izumo, I knew he and Kotetsu was worried with my living arrangement but they didn't really commenting much of it but sometimes I could feel their eyes on me.

I smiled. "Nah, not him, Naruto is doing fine."

"Good to hear that."

I nodded and then the mission room door opened with Mei Mei entering the room stiffly. The girl grabbed my arm and dragged me out from my place.

"Hey, hey Mei Mei…What's wrong?"

"Mission briefing, Sandaime called us," The weapon user said.

"Oh," I said softly and looked at Izumo.

"Just go, I'm fine here," Izumo said and nodded.

I nodded back and quickly followed the girl.

Mei Mei stiffened slightly when we entered the Hokage office. I looked at the occupants in the room other than Hiruzen and met with Gai grinning at us. I narrowed my eyes. His sparkling teeth! I still couldn't used to it. It was blinding like usual. I smiled slightly at him, no wonder Mei Mei stiffened beside me. She still had grudge over Gai? I wondered.

Stopping into fine line facing Sandaime's desk with I was at the other end, I noted that there was someone else beside Gai. I couldn't see that person earlier since Gai had blinding my eyes with his…I sighed internally and simply looked at Sandaime. He would call our names before he explained everything.

"Maito Gai, Mei Mei, Suzuhara Rin and Uchiha Itachi, all of you are going to form four man cells for this mission."

I stiffened when listened to the names.

What?!

We were going to do mission together?

Thanks for reading, following, favorite and review this story.