Kimimaro walked aimlessly through the forest, brushing past giant trees and bushes, paying attention to nothing. His mind kept replaying the events from last night. Orochimaru was dead. Kimimaro had failed to protect his master. His purpose was gone. Being an elite shinobi, suicide was of course out of the question. So he wandered alone in the forest, deserted save for the animals that made their homes in it. But still he was prepared. He hid his chakra and made no sound. He walked undisturbed for hours until suddenly he stopped in his tracks. Someone was there. A very powerful someone.

Hiding in shadow he observed the intruder. Around his age, very slim build, long black hair that flowed down his back and deep brown eyes. His? He looked the person over again. Yes, his. He felt certain that, despite the obvious feminine features the teen was indeed a male.

"I do not wish to fight you. If you attack, I will be forced to defend myself. I have a bit of fish from the river, you can join me if you like, there is enough for two here."

He spoke gently into the small fire he was feeding. The words washed over Kimimaro in a way he had never experienced before.

Kimimaro knew he was not in danger. The boy was sitting back, his feet under him. If he was planning an attack, Kimimaro would be well aware of it before the boy could stand up.

He stepped half out of the shadows, his mind was screaming at him to leave, walk away and forget this boy. But as he thought this he heard words flowing from his lips.

"Who are you? What is your purpose in this forest?"

"My name is Haku. I have no purpose. My master is recently deceased. I was his tool. Without him, I am lost. I am a useless, wandering object."

We are similar... Kimimaro shook his head to erase the thought.

"Would you like to join me? The food is ready."

Haku laid out a small blanket and set the food out. A dinner for two... Kimimaro shook his head again. He slowly walked over and sat across from the brunette who looked up at him with a small smile.

"Orochimaru-sama..." Kimimaro looked up suddenly, Haku acted as if he had not heard a word.

"Forgive me if I am being too forward, but may I ask your name?"

Silence. Kimimaro closed his eyes.

He is like me, he is without a master... maybe there is a purpose for our meeting... "Like I found you..." Orochimaru-sama......

Slowly he opened his eyes. Sea green staring into brown. "Kaguya Kimimaro."

"Kaguya Kimimaro-san."

Although Haku's hands were folded in his lap Kimimaro could feel Haku's hand lightly brush his cheek. "Like you found that flower... Like I found you..."

"Haku.." He paused. Haku waited patiently. "I will give you a new purpose. You will live for me. You will be my tool."

"Hai, Kimimaro-sama."

"And in return, I will be the same to you."

"The same?!" Haku's eyes widened.

"Hai. Kimimaro looked directly into Haku's eyes. "We will be each others tools and each others masters. If you agree, then from this point on it will be you and I. We will travel together, fight together..." In a light whisper he added, "Live for each other.."

Haku smiled again as he gazed over at Kimimaro. "Yes. I agree."

"Good. Then, let us finish our dinner. You may have the first round of sleep for tonight. I will wake you when I can no longer stay awake."

"Hai."

Kimimaro sat cross legged, back pressed firmly against a tree. He purposefully avoided looking at the sleeping teen next to him. Each time he did he felt a flutter in his chest.

Orochimaru-sama... I miss you..

He stared at Haku for a moment, then straightened himself out and concentrated on the noises around him. Insects were chirping, owls were flying around scavenging for food, but there was no human life other then the two of them. He relaxed his position and tried to concentrate on the days ahead. What were they to do now that they had agreed to each other?

Haku sighed heavily and rolled over, still asleep. Kimimaro smiled and lay next to the sleeping form, closing his eyes for the final time that night.