The fire provided little relief from the bitter cold. Frost was already smothering the leaves on the trees even though the first stars had only just begun to show. Kabuto shivered, and pulled his thin blanket up to his neck. He glanced over to where Orochimaru had settled, about a foot away. His master's chest rose and fell steadily, and his golden eyes gazed up at the sky. Despite seeming outwardly triumphant after the death of the third Hokage, Kabuto knew that inwardly it was a different matter. However inhuman the Sannin may be, killing his old sensei had been hard. He got less pleasure out of the torture and experiments that made up his daily routines than before, and was quieter than usual. Kabuto sighed. It wouldn't do to stay up all night thinking about things; they had to travel back to the hideout. Their mission had been successful, and they had gathered some valuable information about Sasuke Uchiha, but it had tired them and there was still a long way until they reached their base.
He was uncomfortably aware of the heat radiating from Orochimaru's form. Was it just him, or had the gap between them decreased? Firelight illuminated the snow-white skin of his face, and danced off his raven hair. Kabuto's heartbeat quickened. He looked…beautiful, almost. The platinum-haired nin inwardly chastised himself. He wasn't some hormonal teenager swooning over the latest edition of Icha Icha. The picture of Orochimaru in a provocative pose similar to that of many of the book's characters sent him over the edge. He has to bite back a moan as all of his blood rushed to his groin. He silently cursed. It was rare and unsettling that he lost control in such a way. If the Sannin found out what an effect he'd had on him… Kabuto shuddered at the thought and rolled over to face away from him.
Unfortunately for Kabuto his master has noticed the younger man's arousal. Fortunately for him, he was enjoying it greatly. Judging by the way his breathing has sped up, and his heat had moved to the lower portions of his body, Orochimaru had guessed at his state, and just before he had rolled over, a quick glance towards the bulge beneath the blanket had confirmed his suspicions. A smile pulled the corner of his lips up. It was fine by him. Sometimes he found his thoughts wandering to his attractive young subordinate when he was alone in his chambers at night and it made a nice change for a person not to be too scared to speak or practically worshiping him for once. Kabuto said his mind, albeit keeping a respectful demeanour whilst doing so. That much was clear by the fact he was still alive. Orochimaru trusted the medical shinobi with his life, and allowed him unprecedented levels of freedom. Kabuto also slept in his chambers, acting as a personal guard. He has never considered the possibility of their relationship changing to something more intimate. He drifted off into a light sleep, his lips still forming a soft smile.