God. If I could take back any excuse I gave Kabuto, I would say anything other than a diet. Sitting, waiting for Kimimaro, I became famished. I think this mostly stemmed from Kabuto suggesting food. Now I needed it, it felt. The forbidden fruit. . .
"Tastumi, it's getting quite late, why don't we go looking for Kimimaro? It would be fun to meet Juugo also."
Oh god. A demon. "People aren't supposed to meet with Juugo without assignment. "
Kabuto's glasses flashed with the light and a wide smile broke out over his face. (Or was it a smirk?) "You're such a straight arrow, Tatsumi. {What does that mean?} As the top doctor I hereby bestow the assignment to accompany me to the dungeons."
If I'm scared to go does mean I'm to weak to keep around? If I go, is it a trap to kill me? If I take too long to answer, do I fail whatever he's asking automatically? What if this is some munipulation tactic? Oh God, am I breathing funnily? Can Kabuto tell? IdontwannadieIdontwannadieIdontwannadieIdontwannad ieIdontwannadieIdontwannadieIdontwannadieIdon
"He's harmless with Kimimaro around if you're worried."
My mind went blank and I stupidly parroted,". . . worried?"
"I've heard the rumors that circulate around here, but most of them are outdated or widely exaggerated. And if I had your obvious lack of muscle definition, I would worry too."
He turned and began walking. My feet moved automatically with his. I needed to address the issue before it sounds like I agree. But honestly I wasn't strong. If anything, I could describe myself as limber, which came in handy often.
If it was anyone but Kabuto, if I had my old position back, I could make his life inconspicuously miserable. As the longing and nostalgia trickled by, "I'm not really weak."
"Hmmm? Speak louder."
"I said I'm not really weak. Hand to hand is sufficient. And I have an affinity for water jutsus. I am a good ninja."
Kabuto learned his reactions from anime. That is the only thing to explain his turning around abruptly and grabbing my hands {I am not a lesser woman} , looking into my eyes with "sincerity" and giving an apology and speech on bettering ourselves. I honestly think we read the same manga or watched the same anime that the speech was from.
(I realize he's mocking me but is the way on purpose? Does he know what I've seen? Or my preferences?)
"I never meant to make it sound like an insult I swear! Forgive and forget?" [enter nod here] "Great! [continue walking] I didn't think it would bother you. You always seem quiet and the 'speak only when needed' kind." {Whatever game he was playing I think I lost} I thought the talk was done but as soon as the silence started to become comfortable - "Let's start training together."
"I can see Kimimaro up ahead." For a moment I thought I saw something sinister flash through Kabuto's face at my obvious avoidance. And I felt ice coursing through me and gripping my heart in a vice grip from the sheer terror. And it stayed! I had dropped my guard without realizing it, but even with it, that fleeting second would have consumed me much the same.
Standing in front of Kimimaro, I found it hard to speak. I bowed low to cover and collect myself. When I straightened, I managed an introduction. {He's intimidating too} "I am Raponga Tatsumi. It's a pleasure to meet you Kaguya-san."
"No need to be so formal we're all working together and will be working closely for a bit."
Kimimaro just watched from the doorway of Juugo's cell. I felt his eyes roving my body critically. "She looks like trash." It sounds like I've been called weak again.
Honestly I don't think he was trying to be insulting. If he really belived that appearances were things to judge people on, the standards he had for himself would be low. While muscled well, he was thin and pale with heavy bags under his eyes. He posture was both rigid and slouched. I'm not sure how far his disease progressed but it was enough to make him look like a walking skeleton
"Kimimaro don't be rude, she is a dear friend and associate of mine."
Kimimaro's eyes flickered to Kabuto before returning his attention to me. He bowed slightly.{That must be painful.} "I apologize for my rudeness."
I kinda felt surprised at how Kabuto's words were taken to heart. Whenever people about each other here, it's usually in envy or spite. Or they don't talk at all. Kabuto being respected shouldn't have surprised me seeing how loyal and useful he was to Orochimaru, but it still sounded creepy.
"It's fine." And right now may be a chance to escort Kimimaro back to his room without meeting Juugo. But if Kabuto knows what I'm doing?. . . No with Kimimaro looking like that I can pl-
"Hello." A small voice hung in the air. I was surprised to see it belonged to the person in the cell. THIS was Juugo!?
A/N: Wow shorter than I thought it was. I realize her inner monologue has become more . . . loud (at least to me), but I hope the way she interacts with others is still good. I had to reread this story because I forgot about it. Which is horrid, so I'll try to get to more of the actual plot. I wrote this a while ago but forgot to post so I'll try to be better. Thanks to the people still reading.
