Return (naruto fanfic) [ON HOLD]

Chapter 1

hi, i'm skyuni! this was just an idea that's been floating around in my head for a while. i really wanted to type it down (:

DISCLAIMER: i do NOT own naruto.

happy reading, guys!

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Chapter 1

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What a sight it was!

Rin's normally meticulous hair had been gathered into a haphazard loop, which was barely stable enough to maintain its shape. Stray strands brushed her nose every time she knelt on the carpet to search the cracks between her furniture for the elusive yet lovable feline.

She thought she had successfully locked Chi in her cage before she left for work that morning, but the mischievous cat somehow found a way to escape. The mechanism that was supposed to hold the lock in place had been clawed from the steel when Rin had returned, a feat that was supposed to be impossible.

She straightened her back and stood up with a sigh, blowing the hair from her face for the umpteenth time that evening. Rin turned to her lazy, yet so loveable fiance, who was re-reading his favorite book on her blue couch. "Kakashi, would you mind helping me find Chi? The appointment's in twenty minutes!"

Kakashi reluctantly tore his eyes from the pages of his treasured book and gave her his famous close-eyed smile. "Relax, Rin. I'm sure that Chi will return once she's certain she won't have to go to the vet for the week."

He was quite knowledgeable in the ways of animals. Kakashi owned at least seven dogs by now, as he kept finding more and more strays during his lengthy walks to his home from either Rin's apartment or the bookstore.

Rin groaned. She knew that once the cat had time to hide herself away, there was no chance of finding her until she wanted to be found. Rin sat in the space next to him, slouching as she leaned on his shoulder.

Kakashi smiled as he reached over to tenderly tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. "It'll be fine," he murmured. "Everyone knows that Chi's clever; perhaps too clever for her own good. Besides, I don't think the vet expected Chi to be obedient enough to come quietly, especially after last time."

Rin couldn't help but break out in laughter, remembering Chi's outrage at the vaccine shot. The sullen cat wouldn't acknowledge her for days, pointedly swatting Rin with her tail whenever she tried to pet her. Only after an offering of cat grass and copious helpings of salmon appeased Chi.

Rin blushed as Kakashi swiftly brushed his lips on her cheek. He cheekily grinned. "I love you."

Rin smiled and playfully pushed him. "You only love me because I cook for you."

"But we both know who the better chef is, don't we," he teased. He easily avoided another shove to the chest by grabbing her hands before the impact. "What about the project?" All signs of mischief melted from his face, leaving him solemn, yet sincere in his interest.

She smiled nervously and absent-mindedly fiddled with the silver diamond ring on her finger. "Well, an incredibly important sample is coming in tonight. Tsunade says that it's a miracle we got our hands on it."

"But what's the problem?"

Rin bit her lip. Kakashi knew her too well. "Well..."

How could she explain it to him? He thought that the abuse was over. He thought it ended when she moved out of the house. She wished it was. She wished she could tell him, have him be the fortress she could hide in while he solved everything. But this was her problem. She would deal with it herself.