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The sky is filled with a variant of warm colors as the sun sets. Dark orange, pale pink, and a hint of purple. The atmosphere is humid, indicating that it might rain. I see a sharp light in the sky, quickly followed by thunder. Yup, definitely rain. I yank the last onion I need from the ground and place it in my basket. I have to travel a bit of a distance for fresh fruits and vegetables, but it’s worth it to know my loved ones are getting the best ingredients. It’d be a lot easier if I had my own garden, I think as I start my journey home.
We’re allowed to have many things at Orochimaru’s hideout, but unfortunately we’re not allowed to leave often. It’s for the best, anyway. All the crimes that he committed can't be easily overlooked, and people won’t trust him, no matter how much he’s changed. Also unfortunately, my stupid heart has decided to love him and all of his faults.
I’m five minutes from home when I feel a drop of rain fall on my cheek. I throw the hood over my head, tuck my basket into my cloak and start running just as it starts pouring. This is not good. I only leave twice a week, once to collect food and the other to visit Mitsuki. If I get sick from this rain, I won’t be able to see him in fear of getting him sick too.
I’m almost home, but I don’t have the best stamina so I stop to rest under a tree just outside of the hideout.
“Oh, it’s you.” I turn to look and see Yamato coming out from behind the trees. This isn’t an uncommon sight, as he is in charge of keeping an eye on Orochimaru. He’s always been nice to me, so I like to think of this stakeout as protection for Orochimaru.
“Yamato! I’m glad I ran into you.” Sifting through the basket, I take out a few apples and hand them to him. “Here, for you and the other guards.”
“Oh no, please-“
“Please take them.” I give Yamato a pleading look before he finally decides to take them.
“Thank you very much. I’m sure the others will also appreciate this treat.”
“They’re freshly picked. They’re a bit cold now because of the weather, but I prefer them cold anyway.”
“It looks like this rain isn’t going to let up anytime soon. Perhaps it’s best if you get inside soon.”
“Yes, I think you’re right.” I start to move but my foot slips on the mud. I almost fall on my butt in front of Yamato but thankfully he catches me. He clutches my elbows and pulls me against him.
“Are you okay?!” Yamato asks, putting his hands on my shoulder to balance me. Wow, I’ve never been this close to him. He has a strong woodsy scent that immediately hits my senses. He also feels warm and soft, unlike-
Suddenly, I hear someone calling my name. Looking up, I see Orochimaru right at the opening. His face rarely shows any genuine emotion, however from here I can see his fierce glare. Not at me but at… I turn to see Yamato returning the glare right back at him. Hoping to diffuse the situation, I take a step back and prepare to run the short distance from the safety of the tree to my home.
“Thank you for your help! Please give them the apples soon. And thank you for your hard work!” I wave as I make a run for it. “Orochimaru, get inside. You’ll catch a cold.”
“I was just about to tell you the same thing.” He gives Yamato one final glare before following me inside. “Do you have to make idle conversation with the guards?”
“I just wanted to thank them for their hard work in keeping us protected.”
“They’re not protecting us, they’re protecting the village from us.”
“But if someone were to attack us or try to break in, Yamato would stop them.” I shoot him a cocky smirk to combat his small frown. I make my way to the sink to clean off the fresh produce.
“Must you address him so casually?” Orochimaru asks, following me around the kitchen.
“Who, Yamato?” He groans softly. Trying to distract him, I show him the fruit that I got. “I was able to get some watermelon this time! It’s rare to find any around here. I’m going to turn it into juice and have you and Mitsuki try it. I just know my boys will love it.” I dry off the fruits and veggies while Orochimaru just stares at me.
We’re like this sometimes, where I do something and he just observes me. At first it was a bit unnerving, but I’ve gotten used to his stare.
“How will you be spending the day with Mitsuki this time?”
“Well, he’s informed me that Family Day is this week, so I suggested we spend the day enjoying the festivities.” I pout a little. “Although I wish you were there with us.”
“He prefers you over me, I’m sure I won’t be missed.” It’s not true. Mitsuki admires Orochimaru, but he’s just more affectionate towards me. He knows Orochimaru doesn’t like physical affection.
“We’ll bring you back a souvenir.”
“No need.” He responds sharply, putting the dried fruit in the cupboards. “When will you be leaving?”
“Early morning. The village has a lot of things planned that I hope he’lll enjoy. There’s a ramen eating competition that I’m hoping to join with him.” I giggle at Orochimaru’s raised eyebrow.
“Good luck with that.” He finishes putting away the last veggie before approaching me. Wrapping one arm tightly around my waist, he pulls me flush against him while the other hand caresses my face. He looks deeply into my eyes, moving around my face as if searching for something. When he holds me like this, I feel a bit frightened. When he gazes at me, I feel like he’s trying to figure me out. As if he’s trying to figure out why I’m here, choosing him over everyone in the village. But the tight hold on me reflects something other than those questions. I’ll never let you go. No matter how far you go, or how fast you run, you’re mine. That’s what frightens me, his devotion to keep me his.
“Don’t speak to Yamato again.” He whispers to me softly.
“I only see him twice a week, my love.” I reply in the same tone. “When I pass by the guards with a basket full of food, I feel guilty. When was the last time they ate or took a break?” He hums softly, placing his lips on my forehead.
“You care too much, my heart.” He pulls away, giving me one final once over before walking away. “Don’t stay up for me tonight. I’ll be working late.”
~
Family day was a success! Although Mitsuki was willing to take part in the ramen eating contest, I got sick after the very first round so we had to take it easy the rest of the day. I love spending time with my boy. He liked the watermelon juice I made him, although I could tell by the faint flinch in his eyes that I may have added too much lemon juice.
While we were there, we got a drawing of me and Mitsuki done for Orochimaru. I know he said he didn’t want anything, but what greater gift is there than that of a painting of his two favorite people in the world? I laugh a little at my own thoughts as I make my way inside the cave.
It’s a bit chilly inside as I search through the rooms looking for him. He’s not in his office or the laboratory, which is strange since he’s usually always there. As I’m passing the kitchen, I see Suigetsu sitting at the table.
“Hey!” I stick my head in. “Do you know where Orochimaru is?” He takes a sip of his drink and slowly swallows. I wait patiently for him to respond, then he looks at his watch.
“I may know where he’s at.” I raise my brow. He glances at his watch again. “Yeah I think it’s okay.” He gets up and leads me down the hall. It’s a bit sketchy and makes me think that they’re hiding something from me. Why did he keep looking at his watch? Was I not expected home at this time? Are they keeping a secret from me? I’m so distracted with my own thoughts that I don’t even realize that I haven’t ever been down this hall until we reach a door I’ve never seen before.
“How big is this place?”
“You have no idea.” He knocks on the door twice and then turns and walks away.
“Hey!” I call out for him. I don’t want to be left in a strange corridor I’m unfamiliar with. I almost run after him until the door slowly opens revealing Orochimaru. “What’s going on?” Without answering me, he slowly moves aside to let me in. I hesitate before walking in.
I am blinded by such a beautiful garden. Beds of fruits and vegetables lined up in perfect order, the ceiling made of glass that sparkles under the moonlight, hanging plants from pipes that look like they’ve been loved and cared for for so long.
“Orochimaru, what - what is this?” I kneel down to softly caress the baby watermelon plant.
“This is your garden, my heart.”
“Mine?” I ask breathlessly.
“Yes. We’ve been needing to have fresh produce readily available close by. And with the winter season coming upon us, it would be safer to have you leave the cave as little as possible. We can’t have the incident of last year repeat itself, can we?” I feel my cheeks flush.
“I found my way back, didn’t I?”
“Not before the two feet of snow came down, and not before I nearly killed the guards outside trying to leave to look for you.” He throws back.
I got lost last year during the peak of winter. I knew a snow storm was coming our way so I decided to gather veggies earlier than usual. The weather changed out of nowhere, and I lost my way for an hour or two. When I finally made it back, I stepped right in the middle of a showdown between him and the guards. He wanted to leave and look for me, but they were having none of it. Orochimaru had a guard tight by the neck, threatening to kill him. His mouth stretched wide and his face was fierce with determination. He only calmed down when I collapsed in a shivering mess in front of him.
“This is so grand! I can’t believe you’ve done this!” I engulf him in a hug. “This is the nicest thing-“ I pause as he clutches on to me tighter. I pull back a bit but he keeps his arms locked around my waist. “Wait. You didn’t do this because of what happened with Yamato yesterday, right?” Orochimaru doesn’t react, holding intense eye contact with me. “Orochimaru!”
“We’ve been needing a garden anyway. That was just the incentive I needed to finally get it done.”
“I can’t believe it. You were jealous.” I tease him, placing a kiss on his cheek.
“There’s no need to be jealous when I know nothing or no one can take you from me.” He nips at my neck. “Besides, you need to practice on your juice making skills, and I can’t have you going out for multiple watermelons.”