A/N: I wasn't going to add anything to this work, but I noticed the number of followers. So... I decided to write this random scene between this story and its sequel so that I could let this story's followers know that a sequel's been put up.
Interim
Footprints
Gai ran aimlessly around on his fiftieth circuit around the village. By now the patrols were used to his visits and often used him as an unofficial messenger. Despite the warm night, he shivered at the sight of a familiar clearing, where he had been ambushed with Kakashi. Slowing to a stop, he walked over to the tree where he had been tossed by Kakashi.
It had been a stupid gamble. He had known it the moment he had opened his eyes and saw realization dawn in Rin's eyes when he called her by Kakashi's name.
Looking up to the sky, he made a silent prayer. He would try to cover for her as long as he could, but either people knew him and Rin too well or he was terrible at assuming her identity. He suspected that his reputation as a straightforward shinobi would protect the two of them for a little longer, but it was wartime.
He held out a hand and watched the speckled shadows dance across his palm in the soft wind.
He hoped his rival would understand why he had allowed Rin to go by herself. He didn't even consider the possibility that his rival wouldn't return.
A/N Cont: Special thanks to Chosui for translating this into Chinese. S/he gave me the final push to post a sequel now rather than after the current manga arc, as I had planned.
EDIT 2/8/2014: How are you guys still finding this fic? It's short and written mostly out of a need for feels as opposed to planning, so I'm really curious. Indulge this author?
Thanks to: treavellergirl, Prescripto13, VampireDoll666, Lyndana, Naruto, SupaCrazee, 97chaoscat, ClearShadows117, Chosui, tsukinopen, Ariel (No worries! I have friends in Taiwan :D Thanks for leaving a review!), Luo Xiao (No worries – your English is fine :) Thank you for reviewing!), Silverlight10243, Coral, Molly Bergstrom, urs-v, Mirae Desciderium