Chapter Text
"Rin!" her mother is calling. "Rin! Come get breakfast before you head to training!"
"Coming!" she shouts, struggling to tie on her medical pouch.
There's a bowl of rice waiting for her- plain, because anything heavier makes her a little nauseous. And she's been thinking about dieting lately.
"Have a good day with your team," her mother tells her, kissing her forward.
Rin smiles. "I will."
She skips down the street to team 7's field, in a good mood like usual. Her life isn't perfect, but sometimes, she thinks it's as close to it as things could be.
Kakashi has so much to carry. So much more than her. She's glad that she has enough bandwidth to support him through his struggles. She wants him to be as happy as she is.
The training field is empty when she gets there- oops, was she really that early? Or maybe Kakashi's just late for once.
Well, not late. Just... not so obscenely early.
Rin giggles to herself, picturing Kakashi with a bad case of bed-head. It's a good way to pass the time. That, and wondering what's under his mask.
After ten minutes, though, she's really wondering where everyone is. Shouldn't they-
"Young miss," an old man says, squinting as he passes by. "Do you really have to train on a festival day?"
That's right! There's no training today! Rin flushes, a little embarrassed at her mistake, but thanks the man for his help, and rushes back home. She bought a new kimono for today. She can't wait to try it on and see what Kakashi thinks!
Though, as she looks in the mirror, she almost thinks...
Yeah, it doesn't matter what Kakashi thinks, right? Because Rin loves the way she looks. She's so cute.
She's so glad she asked Kakashi to join her tonight, and she's even gladder he accepted. She's so excited!
At dusk, she hurries out of her house to meet him.
"Rin," he says at the bridge. Gai is behind him. "I... wanted to tell you something."
Her cheeks heat up. Could it be-!
"I'm in love with someone else," Kakashi says, eyes flickering to Gai. "I'm sorry."
"Oh," says Rin, mildly disappointed. "Thank you for telling me, Kakashi."
Really, she's not half as upset as she thought she'd be. The crush was nice, of course, fun, of course, but free of it now, she feels as if there are a hundred balloons loose in her chest. There's so much left to see and do. She's so happy.
"Do you still want to see the festival together?" Kakashi offers, gallantly.
"It's alright," Rin says, smiling sincerely. "There's lots to see as myself."
"I suppose that's true," Kakashi says. She catches the faint outline of a smile under his mask.
Rin wanders off. The night air is intoxicating. She wants to live in this moment until the end of time. This might be the most perfect reality that has ever existed.
She gathers a few prizes and snacks as she winds her way through the booths. Her legs get tired after a while, and she walks down to the river to cool off her feet. She puts down her winnings on a rock beside the water, hikes up her kimono, and wades in.
It's a lovely night.
"There you are, Rin," Minato-sensei says. He's smiling. He's such a kind man. He's almost a second father to Rin.
"Sensei," Rin says.
"I ran into Kakashi, earlier," he says, a hint of worry in his eyes.
"Oh, that," Rin laughs. He feels a million miles away. "Don't worry, sensei, I took it easy. I'm glad he's not the kind of person to lead a girl on."
"Kakashi's kind," Minato agrees.
Rin's so, so glad she's the kind of person who can appreciate that about him. Who doesn't get mad at people for being better than her. Who isn't upset at being turned down. She loves herself.
"I'm going back up- the fireworks are about to start," Minato says.
"I'll be right behind you," Rin says. "Give me one more minute."
She wants to take in the air.
Minato smiles, and leaves. It's so quiet, down here by the river. Rin smiles at the water, entranced. Her smile is just like she remembers. Perfect.
Suddenly, the water ripples, disturbing the Rin in it. Rin looks up, expecting to see some familiar face- Kushina, maybe, who hasn't made an appearance yet, or maybe-
Maybe-
Wasn't there a third person in their team?
Rin looks up, and sees a familiar face. It's her own.
"Excuse me," says Nohara Rin. "I think... you're in my place."