Orochimaru's secrets
Ceiling.
Strange.
Orochimaru didn't expect ceiling to be on his sight.
The view during mornings at the resort included scrolls he was reading or Ino, sound asleep in the bed. He would see one of the mentioned after snapping out of a short nap. His neck would usually hurt and the apartment would be illuminated by a lamp.
At the moment he was on his back and the sun was up high, its beams reaching the apartment's floor.
It didn't get clearer when he decided to rub his eyes to rouse himself.
There was an object preventing his left arm to move while the other arm emerged from under the duvet.
A duvet? Who covered him with a duvet?
Oh goodness.
The reason he couldn't move his left arm was Ino because he was embracing her because she was lying on top of him! And they were together, under the same duvet!
The only good thing was she was asleep. Her long hair was untied and tangled and she was breathing soundly.
Also a good thing, she was dressed! Luckily, he was too.
As gently as possible he cupped the back of her head, at the same time embracing her around the waist. He had to place her beside him in a way she wouldn't wake up and find out she cuddled up to him during the night. Or did she? And why did he join her in bed anyway?
As if the dinner with the resort's manager wasn't making this mission complicated already!
But what should he have done, ignore his partner's need for help? Maybe he should wake her and check if she was feeling better. Or leave her rest some more. Or first try to remember how and why his hands found their way to her body!
When Orochimaru got to their apartment, the room was in the dark and he couldn't spot Ino.
He shut the door quickly and called her name.
Silence.
Relieved, he saw the bathroom door was ajar and that the light was on. The last thing he needed after a conversation with that idiot Seta was Ino missing.
He presumed she was showering or brushing her teeth, but he couldn't hear the water running.
He could do nothing but wait for her to get out. Undressing and risking she might walk out wasn't an option. Then he thought she might count on an empty apartment and leave all of her clothes in the bathroom. She didn't respond to his calls earlier so there was a chance she didn't hear him.
''Ino,'' he called again.
He didn't get an answer, but he definitely heard something. And then the water flush.
He decided to knock.
''I returned,'' he said.
Another inarticulate sound.
Because of the most recent conversation about selling his wife, Orochimaru had to see for himself Ino was at the apartment and safe.
''I will come in, okay? Just to see if you need anything.''
Maybe he should have waited for another flushing of water because the smell of the bathroom was making a healthy person feel sick too.
''Is this your new way to stay slim?'' he asked, pointing at the toilet full of semi-digested food.
''Get out!''
It was a plea. She didn't have enough strength for an order. Or to stand up.
''Now is not the time to be stubborn. What's wrong?''
''I am vomitting because my stomach hurts, that's wrong!''
She was not okay. She was shaking, her cheeks were pale, and she would never sit on the floor in her formal clothes.
''But you ate the same food as I did. How come I am not feeling sick?''
''Because you are one lucky bastard, that's how!''
''Maybe it's not the food. Maybe the problem lies within you.''
''What are you trying to say?''
''Morning nausea and-''
''I am not pregnant, damn it!''
''Are you sure?''
''I don't have a boyfriend!''
''Why did you eat it all if you had a bad feeling at the start?''
''Because I didn't want to insult the host or his chefs!''
''Can I do something?''
''Get out!''
Everything he succeeded to do so far was make her angry. And blaming the possible pregnancy for puking wasn't his brightest idea so far. Only she needed help. His help.
She was sitting on a floor, her legs astride. Her bun wasn't neatly brushed any more and she seemed feverish.
''I will be fine,'' she said quietly, having her eyes closed.
He took the towel and moisten it with cold water. He knelt beside her and wiped her cheeks and brow.
''I am fine,'' she swallowed.
''Maybe you should drink some water,'' he offered when he was done with wiping her face.
''Uh-uh,'' she shook her head slightly, frowning because of too much light.
''Come on, we will put you to bed.''
He gathered her in his arms bridal style and laid her down on the bed. She was all right, only exhausted. After all, she needed energy now when all the food she ate left her system.
''I am sorry,'' she whispered.
''Don't worry. You need rest.''
For a moment he thought about disrobing her so she could be more comfortble, but he knew what exactly she was wearing underneath, so he decided to leave kimono on her. He covered her and returned to the bathroom to get another towel, just in case.
Then he remembered she kept a medicine kit on a cosmetic table! Maybe she took something that might make her feel better! If only he could find it!
His reading lamp wasn't enough, he had to turn on every light to be faster and there was nearly million small bottles with even smaller labels. Fortunately, he was an expert for potions, so he mixed two different ones that would kill possible bacteria that caused nausea and the other to calm the stomach.
''Ino,'' he whispered to the almost asleep girl, cupping her head carefully, ''you must take this.''
''I don't want it,'' she grunted quietly.
''It will make you feel better,'' he persisted.
''It won't.''
She was frowning, probably having cramps, rubbing her stomach.
''Ino, please. Just open your mouth a bit.''
With a disgusted grimace, she did, and he succeeded to force the medicine down her throat. Then he covered her again and left alone.
Turning off the lights didn't seem clever, but the bright room was making Ino feel uncomfortable, so he hit the lights.
Couch seemed too distant now, when he couldn't see her, only hear her uneven breathing.
Again, not too wise, he sat on the other side of the bed, to be closer in case she needed him.
And the stupidest and most reckless from him was to lie down and place his hands on hers.
She didn't move, breathing deeply, as if concentrated to ease the pain she was feeling.
Another minute, he was telling himself. This was a precaution. She shouldn't feel alone. Or be cold.
And that was his last thought because he fell asleep as soon as he closed his eyes!
Such an amateur! After an evening like that to fall asleep!
He should have come up with some sort of plan by now, not panic because Ino might find out they fell asleep in each other's arms!
First step was to make sure Ino would never learn he had spent the night in the bed instead of on the couch as usual. Too bad it was quite late and he couldn't anticipate how much time he had for grooming until Ino wakes up. As quickly as possible and noiselessly at the same time, he went to the bathroom.
He would take care of the yesterday's formal clothes as soon as he finishes with showering.
What to do now when he got an offer? Technically he didn't decline. Not that he would sell his wife! His partner, that was Ino, not his wife. Anyway, did staying mean accepting? If so, should they leave? How would he explain it to the client? It was easy to learn when and where they would escape. And he couldn't run forever. Well he could try but he had to think about Ino. First he would have to explain the reason for their early check out and it seemed more complicated than retelling to anyone else. She was shocked to see older men having young wives, how would she react if she would learn the husbands were offered another wife? And that he was asked about her price!
Talking with Ino was out of the question. Today at least. How would they travel if she was feeling sick? The simple mission was turning into more and more complex one with every second.
Not to mention he had to inform the client's staff manager that they wanted to leave the resort! Imagine that he declines and they have to pay out of their own pocket! Not that Orochimaru couldn't get the money, it was a matter of principle. He was sent here, he had to endure days and nights with a partner and participate in stupid activities with nosy rich men! No way in hell he would pay for it!
This thorough thinking got him to the answer – they would stay and act as if nothing happened without saying a word to his so-called wife. And while waiting for her to wake up, he would hurry with showering.
The fact he managed to fall asleep was equal to a miracle. Could it be that he got used to Ino's presence so his body subconsciously relaxed, feeling her near? Only it was way too near, body to body, so close he felt her smooth skin under the thin fabric of her clothes. And her body seemed delicate and vulnerable and in need for protection while her natural scent was reminding him of spring and young, intact nature.
Orochimaru snapped out of his daydream. These weren't appropriate thoughts to have in the shower. Or ever. Ino was participating in the same mission like him, nothing more, and he should think about her skills and power, not her appearance and body. Or her scent. Or her hair. Or her feminine parts he could feel this morning. It was actually her fault! If she hadn't been as light as a feather, he would have felt her body on top of his. Since she was wafer-thin, he didn't feel her weight as a burden and he continued sleeping. With her on top!
He would take the blame in case she found out, but he wouldn't bring it up by himself. Maybe after they leave the resort. Or maybe right before they part for good after turning in their mission reports. Bottom line, she didn't have to know because nothing happened and it wouldn't affect the professional nature of their relationship whatsoever.
Ino was still asleep when Orochimaru left the bathroom and stored yesterday's formal clothes next to his everyday garbs in one of the closets. While putting Ino to bed, it did cross his mind her kimono might become rumpled, but he knew what she was wearing beneath and he couldn't undress her and still leave her decent. Imagine he had done it and that she had woken up first, on top of him!
This way only nice piece of clothing sustained damage but it could always be replaced with another one any time.
He glanced at his neatly folded scrolls he missed to read last night, but he was too anxious while expecting Ino's waking he could do nothing except stare at her. What was her last memory of yesterday night, would she remember he returned to the apartment quite early, did she wake up for a moment, aware they were hugging, but remained close to him?
One part of him wanted to wake her up and start asking questions and the other part wished she slept through this whole day and remember nothing.
A moment after he left the bed, Orochimaru tucked in his sleeping partner, but now her upper body part was uncovered. Well, not entirely uncovered because of her kimono, but changing position or uncovering oneself usually led to waking up.
It was no different with Ino who frowned slightly to the sun in the room and slowly opened her eyes.
''Hey.''
She looked around before she sat up, as if she was confused to find herself in bed. She also smiled briefly before greeting him.
''Hey.''
''How are you feeling?''
''Fine, I guess.''
Except the messy hair and yesterday's clothes, she looked a lot better than on the bathroom floor. Her cheeks were rosy and eyes focused, but aslo turned away from him.
''I am sorry.''
''For what?''
''I totally messed up last night.''
''What do you mean?''
''I could have stayed longer if my stomach hadn't been so sensitive! And what is really horrible, it's probably my fault! My gut was ruined by different diets and I can't handle sea food any more!''
To show how embarrassed she was feeling, she pulled the blanket over her head.
''And I ruined my clothes!''
So far so good. They spoke little and without the intention to start topics the both of them found embarrassing.
''Wait a minute!'' Ino said, still under the covers.
''What is it?'' he asked, thinking of the best excuse for hugging her.
''I was in the bathroom,'' her head peeked out. ''How did I end up here?''
He must have sighed with a relief too loud because she covered herself again.
''Oh no, you must have carried me! I am sorry, I didn't mean to be a burden!''
If she only knew that was the smallest problem, so irrelevant he would repeat it thousand times if it meant she wouldn't remember the rest.
''Listen,'' he said to a duvet bump, ''I will go and cancel our activities for today and get something to eat for myself. Would you like something?''
''It might go down the drain again,'' the duvet said.
''I will return soon.''
''Fine.''
Cancelling the activities was partly because of Ino's nausea last night and mostly precaution. It was impossible to determine how dangerous Seta was and if they would face consequences for declining his offer. Did he hire mercenaries in that case or he didn't care and was about to let them go freely?
What if they were the only couple invited? That meant they somehow drew attention.
And if they weren't, maybe they fit in perfectly and Seta had more women to buy! And sell. To rich men. And they were all staying at the resort! With their wives separated from them during the activities! And the activities had to be planned in advance not because of the guests but because of Seta and his mad plan!
''Good morning, sir,'' Orochimaru was greeted at the reception desk. ''What can I do for you?''
''I would like to cancel my wife's activity for today. She is not feeling well so she will rest in the apartment.''
''Very well. Should I book the same activity for tomorrow then?''
''And that would be embroidery, right?''
''Yes, sir.''
''My wife doesn't enjoy it that much, so can you pick something else?''
''Like what, sir?''
''Something related to flowers. Do you have it?''
''How about pressing flowers? Would she find it enjoyable?''
''Can you give me more details about this activity?''
''The first part of the activity includes learning about the pressing flowers and a guided tour around the garden to present different plants. On the second day, each participant picks up to four herbs to press and they leave it for drying until the end of the stay. The pressed flowers can be taken home.''
Orochimaru didn't like the guided tour because Ino already knew much about the plants in the garden. On the other hand, she would be outdoors and preoccupied with something different than embroidery.
''Fine, sign her up for pressing flowers.''
''Very well, sir. And what would she be doing today?''
''Resting, in our apartment.''
''So she won't leave the apartment?''
''Neither will I. You know, in case she needs something.''
''I am not saying it's impossible, but the staff cleans your apartment while you are absent, participating in the activities. If you are about to stay indoors, the staff might disturb you and that's the last thing we want.''
It was unnecessary to interrupt Ino's resting, they were both neat when it came to tidying up the apartment. Ino made her side of the bed every morning and so did he today.
''If we need cleaning services, we will let you know. We are fine for now. I must go to a dinning hall for a moment, so please, can you check if the bookshop is opened?''
''I am not sure, sir. If it's not, maybe I can get what you need elsewhere. Or you wanted to browse the bookshop's offer?''
''I need a board game or decks of cards, any game for two people to play. Do you think I might find it in a bookshop?''
''I will check, sir.''
Orochimaru thanked the man and went to the dinning hall.
Many tables were empty because it was late and couples were almost done with the breakfast for today. The slow waiter looked him with a frown, his shift just got longer. He couldn't know Orochimaru had a special request this morning.
''Good morning. My wife is not feeling well enough to attend breakfast. May I take some tea to her?''
''Of course, sir. What kind of tea?''
''I am not sure if you heard, but I am a physician. It will be much faster if I use the necessary ingredients by myself.''
''I am afraid I can't let you enter the kitchen. Our professional staff are the only people allowed and-''
''I don't have to be in the kitchen, but have the right herbs at my disposal. Could you arrange that the herbs are delivered to the dining hall? I will mix them personally.''
''I'll see what I can do, but you must know, this is a kitchen, not a pharmacy.''
''I know. Also if it won't cause you inconvenience, I would like to take some food to my wife, if you could find something that a sensitive stomach could handle.''
''Right away, sir.''
The old waiter wasn't thrilled because of the additional requests, but he was probably trained under the motto that the customers must be pleased at all circumstances, so in a few minutes, Orochimaru got everything he asked for, arranged on a cart.
He didn't pay much attention to puzzled gazes following him out of the hall while he was carrying a tray with a teapot, cups and snacks that Ino might eat.
His next stop was a reception desk.
''Anything?''
''The bookshop will open in the afternoon, but I managed to find these two decks of cards.''
''Thank you,'' Orochimaru said and added the decks on the tray.
''Do you need help?''
''I will manage. Thank you for your effort.''
Holding a tray with one hand and unlocking the door with another, it was all about balance.
And Orochimaru surprised himself for staying calm after opening the door.
In front of the biggest mirror at the apartment, Ino was observing her reflection. Her stomach's reflection.
With the kimono's belt unfastened, she was changing poses to get a better view of the skin in between the bandages around her upper body part and her panties.
''Am I fat?''
Orochimaru, as gracefully as he could, placed the tray on the table. He remained silent despite the only logical reaction to Ino's question and that would be only one question: Are you insane or blind? He was thankful he declined the receptionist help, the poor man would face the same pointless interrogation.
''Well?'' she asked, exposing her stomach even more, to give him a better view. The disturbing part was he could see her ribs. How could a person be fat if that was the case?
''No, Ino, you are not fat.''
''How can you lie to me? Last night you thought I was pregnant!''
Ah. So she remembered that.
''If I am not fat, why did you think that?''
If she really thought she was fat, why was she still uncovered?
Instead of using words, he might as well use his body.
He walked up to her in front of the mirror and lifted his shirt.
''Would you call me fat?'' he asked.
''No.''
He pointed to the mirror so she could compare their flat stomachs. His skin was a bit paler than hers, but that was the only difference. Well that and her skin was softer because she was younger. And toned. And what was he thinking when he decided to expose himself to her gaze? She should better conclude they were equally skinny and end this nonsense.
''Are you fat?'' he asked.
''No,'' she said, deflecting her gaze from the mirror to the floor.
''The reason I asked about your pregnancy,'' she finally wrapped up herself and so did he, ''was a precaution. You felt nausea and some medicine mustn't be given to pregnant women.''
''But I don't even have a boyfriend!''
Naturally, when her free time was spent in front of a mirror wondering if she was fat or not.
''If I had one, I would still use protection!''
''I am sure you would, but you are young and healthy and hormones can sometimes surprise science! Now will you go to shower and finally get dressed?''
She didn't argue with him this time and he could serve the tea and breakfast.
''You brought us cards to play!'' she noticed while sipping tea.
''I did, but only in case you don't want to rest some more. I can always read.''
''We can play, but I still don't understand why you cancelled your activity too. I would have been fine, it would have been only for a few hours.''
''Because I wanted to make sure you were feeling better and that my tea helped you.''
''It's not that bad,'' she took another sip and unpacked the cards to shuffle them.
If it was possible, he would skip all the activities for the rest of their stay, but then he wouldn't be doing his part of the mission. Also by leaving Ino by herself, he would be concerned about her safety and the possible danger that awaited her. Or them.
Playing cards was only a distraction so he wouldn't think too much about the dinner with the resort's manager or his offer. Unfortunately Ino's good-humored chatter about her past activities, only triggered more negative thoughts about the resort's conception.
Every couple was invited to the resort meaning it is not a coincidence every woman was young and pretty. Ino tried to tell him on the very first day, but he ignored it.
Could it be the resort was a scam behind people trafficking? What if other other men accepted the indisputable proposal? How could he find out?
Seta would monitor them for sure, so the first step was to keep an eye on Ino. The mind of such a man was unpredictable and Ino, while being separated from him during the activities, was exposed and vulnerable.
''Hey!''
''What?''
''Where did you wander off? It's your turn,'' Ino said.
''Right, right,'' he said. ''I will hurry.''
''No, take your time. I might get a bit cranky soon because I am a bit hungry.''
''Well, you didn't throw up the entire day, so maybe you could eat something. Not too greasy or too spicy, but you could try.''
The order safe for Ino was including a lot of plain rice. No restaurant could guarantee other food wouldn't be harmful, so they ordered different side dishes to combine.
Everything seemed delicious on an empty stomach, but Ino didn't want to repeat last night no matter what, so she ate mostly rice. Orochimaru sympatized with a girl, so he didn't praise food too much, eating quickly and in silence.
Card games were fun and exhausting for a girl in a recovery, so she excused herself and got ready to sleep.
''Thank you, Orochimaru-sama, for staying with me today,'' she said as she was covering herself.
He didn't want to make a big deal out of it, so he muttered something, pretending to read.
Ino got comfortable and fell asleep soon and her sleeping noises were reminding her partner of the deep slumber he experienced because of her nausea. He was looking forward to another, that time far away from the resort and in his own bed.
The next morning started with a loud growl from Ino's belly that craved for more food that included more than rice.
''Sorry,'' she said. ''It's easier to diet when you get something to eat every once in awhile.''
''Dieting? Do I need to undress myself again?''
''No,'' she chuckled.
''Good, because I don't feel like it.''
''Do you think we will be the first one to get to the dinning hall?''
''I don't care. If I were you, I would skip the dairy products. Also coffee.''
''Oh come on, I might as well starve again!''
''It's my recommendation. If you get through today, tomorrow you can eat normally.''
''Fine.''
They were greeted at the reception desk and informed they were really the first ones to get up.
That made Ino pretty excited.
''Nobody is there yet, meaning you can make a complicated order!''
''I will have eggs, like every morning.''
''For me! I will probably order something wrong what will made me feel worse. You pick something.''
''I picked all that seafood that made you feel sick.''
''Now this is your chance to make it up for it,'' she smiled to him and to their waiter who was surprised to have the first guests up so early.
''Good morning. What can I get for you today?''
''Do you have apples?''
''Yes, sir.''
''Can you use four apples to make applesauce?''
''Of course. Anything else?''
''And four pieces of toast, please.''
''Right away. Drinks?''
''Herbal tea, no sugar.''
The waiter bowed and disappeared into the kitchen.
''Applesauce? Like we are toddlers?'' Ino eyed him.
''If it's good for a baby's stomach, it will be for yours too.''
''And what about the eggs you wanted?''
''I can always have those tomorrow and this way I will feel the hunger at the same time you do.''
They were half way through their toasts when other guests arrived. Ino liked the applesauce despite it was a children's food and Orochimaru would have ordered more of it if he knew Ino wouldn't be sick again. Now while her stomach was sensitive, she should be careful with food and beverages a bit longer. They couldn't risk another day at the apartment, it would drive crazy the receptionist who would probably send a cleaning staff as soon as they leave for their today's activity.
''Sir!'' the receptionist called after him after they were done with breakfast.
''Is there a problem?'' Orochimaru asked, seeing the nervous receptionist.
''Please forgive me, kind sir, I am afraid I forgot to reschedule your yesterday's activity.''
''Mine or my wife's?''
''Your, sir. Your wife will go for a garden stroll, but for you, I am afraid, the only available spot is the one at the sauna.''
Oh no. Sauna again. Staying at the apartment wasn't an option because of the cleaning service that was skipped yesterday.
''It can't be that bad,'' Ino consoled him. ''And you don't have to stay long, only until the cleaning staff gets our apartment ready.''
She could be optimistic because he didn't retell her what kind of conversation he had to endure the last time. Although he might listen to her advice and waste there as less time as possible.
Since Ino didn't occupy the bathroom before going to learn more about flowers, Orochimaru stayed at the apartment until the very last moment. The cleaning lady wasn't pleased to find him there.
At the sauna's locker room was quiet, as if nobody was there. Orochimaru was slowly taking off his clothes, being even slower when folding it, counting seconds until his return to the apartment. Yes, there was Ino, but she wouldn't question him about making babies and he would stay dressed.
When he adjusted the towel covering what it was supposed to cover, he heard a water pouring. Then the recliner made a sound as if somebody laid on it. That meant one person who was readying to rest outside of the sauna. And Orochimaru couldn't stay at the sauna as long as that man could lay on a recliner, waiting to bug him. He didn't expect more users at the sauna zone, he was delaying coming here as much as possible, so others must have gotten here before. As he could conclude, there was only one man. Before showing himself, he must learn how much time he was obligated to spend in here. Unfortunately, there was no clock and he never wore a watch. Maybe he could lose some time by going to the reception and requesting another towel. Or a different herbal tea. Or honestly beg them to let him shut the door of his apartment and wait for Ino's return.
After yesterday's horrible morning and the day spent in fear she might remember what happened, Orochimaru was looking forward to today's activities. He was waiting for a moment Ino would thank him for choosing pressing flower instead of embroidery, and for two consecutive days! And if feeling better, she might have a light chicken dinner what meant a regular breakfast tomorrow morning. And now when he proved to her she was not fat, maybe she would start eat a bit more. He couldn't believe he had let her see his nude torso twice! He wasn't feeling like showing it to other man for the second time, still in a locker room.
A recliner made a sound again, then the door closed.
As Orochimaru could remember, there was a stand with magazines and novels. The lighting at the locker room wasn't so bad, he could take a novel to read and do so while at the locker room. That way the other man wouldn't be bothered neither he would bother Orochimaru! Excellent plan.
In less than a minute his reading material was including three magazines and two not to thick novels. He was an average reader, not slow or fast, so reading half of one novel would mark the end of the activity for today. He also got dressed, there was no point in reading having only a towel. It wasn't hygienic or warm enough.
First chapter of the second novel, because the other was a love story, was interesting for him to continue with reading. Articles in magazines were too short and turning pages was causing too much noise in a completely silent locker room. The only flaw in his plan was uncomfortable bench in the middle of the locker room. Its main use wasn't for a long sitting, but a short one, while people were folding their garbs.
His unsuccessful attempts to find a better position for reading resulted with a novel and magazines falling on the floor with a loud thud.
Orochimaru hoped the man was at the sauna, but a recliner's creak was heard short after he knocked the book and magazines on the floor.
''Hello?''
As quickly as he could, Orochimaru gathered the reading material and shut the door of one of the changing stalls at the locker room.
''Is anybody here?''
A changing stall's door wasn't reaching the floor and Orochimaru could only wait for the man to leave him alone. Of course, he could always knock him out, but his life wasn't in danger, only his ego.
''It's okay, I won't bother you, I got the hint.''
The man probably saw the shadow on the floor. And a closed door of one of the changing stalls was suspicious enough.
Then he said something, almost inaudible, about his wife feeling uncomfortable wearing less clothes.
''Can you just show yourself for a moment so I don't come near you during other activities?''
It was a tempting proposal. If every man at the resort was understanding as this one, Orochimaru would have a great time. Despite his dislike toward people, Orochimaru opened the door and did what man requested.
''Oh it is you!'' the man said. ''How did you end up in here? Right, sorry, I won't bug you.''
The man obviously recognized Orochimaru from the previous activities although Orochimaru couldn't remember him. Maybe it was because the man wore only a towel. Naked men all looked the same and that was ugly.
''Do you know how much time passed since you are here?'' Orochimaru asked, following the man to the resting area.
''I used the sauna three times in total, taking the necessary breaks, so I would say about two hours.''
''And do you think that time is enough for cleaning the apartment?''
''Depends,'' a man smiled a bit. ''How bad it was when you left?''
Orochimaru's answer was a thin smile with frown. The man got the hint again and redirected his attention to drinking water.
''If you would do me a favor and keep this to yourself?''
The man nodded into the glass, still drinking. Orochimaru would have described him as a pleasant person if the man hadn't spoken.
''Could it be that you didn't succeed to remove the scars you got, so you have been hiding in there?''
''Scars?'' Orochimaru repeated.
''Yes, I mean, you are a doctor, couldn't you perform a surgery to remove scars?''
''I do not have scars and a surgery depends on a location of a scar. If you want my professional opinion, the scarred skin should be left as it is.''
The man didn't seem glad to hear it, but neither was Orochimaru with the unnecessary conversation.
The only information he needed was about the time and he could now safely return to the cleaned apartment and his scrolls. As he expected, Ino wasn't there, so he could catch up on reading until she returns and hopefully thank him for an activity she liked.
''Why did you lie to me?''
After her return, his partner's first words were unexpected.
''What?''
''I am fat!'' she said, rushing to get to the mirror and inspect the non-existent fat tissue.
''Who told you that?''
''Everybody! They were staring at me the whole time until I had enough and asked what was wrong with me and then the girl asked if I was pregnant!''
''And that is making you fat?''
''Why would she think I was pregnant if I wasn't fat?''
Why was he having a feeling they had the exact same conversation yesterday?
''Ino, you are not fat,'' he said and she pulled down her too loose tunic, as if she wanted to hide her too big stomach. ''We are in a resort for couples, and like you noticed on the very first day, every woman here is young and therefore fertile.''
''But why me, out of all other women here?''
''Well, maybe because when I got you tea yesterday, I made it by myself and explained you were not feeling okay.''
''Ah, so you were making tea for the mother of your child who was experiencing morning sickness,'' Ino concluded, rolling her eyes.
''I simply made tea, nothing else.''
''Good, because I don't want people here thinking I am pregnant.''
She finally moved away from the mirror, but he wasn't pleased.
''Is it because you can't imagine the two of us having sex?''
''No, but because of my diet,'' she rolled her eyes again. ''Eating only rice and applesauce can't be good for the unborn baby.''
Out of all lame answers he could have gotten to his provocative question, Ino blamed the food and didn't even blink at the mention of sex. This girl was something.
''What?'' she asked when he kept staring at her.
A short chuckle soon turned into laughter and in a moment he covered his face to silence his laugh because of this whole fat stupidity. Ino joined him, probably realizing how absurd their conversation was.
''Are you hungry?'' he asked, when he managed to talk clearly.
''Yes! I am starving!''
And they laughed again.
''Besides, if we are married, we are having sex. I mean, the doctor and his wife are. I mean, wouldn't that be healthy for their marriage?''
''I guess. So to end the awkwardness before the dinner, if somebody asks, we are not working on a baby?''
''Nobody is going to ask that! I mean, what kind of person wants to know something so intimate?''
''Actually, I have been asked. The last time I was using the sauna.''
''Oh no! So that was why you didn't want to repeat it today.''
''Yeah, there is nowhere to run once the questioning starts.''
''Was it better today?''
''I will retell you during dinner.''
She agreed and soon the table was full of plates. The rice was again the main dish, but a plain white meat with a light sauce was looking tasty, Orochimaru could see Ino's hungry gaze inspecting it.
''Do you think it would be stupid of me to have some meat?'' she asked.
''I don't. The baby must get as much nutrients as possible.''
She laughed again, but something about her was telling him he should stop joking with it. And he wasn't the teasing type, he enjoyed her company when she was in a good mood, why ruin it with silly jokes?
''Strange,'' she said after he retold her the today's questions asked at the sauna zone. ''Why would he ask you about scars? Were there visible scars on his body?''
''No,'' Orochimaru said, reluctantly remembering a man's nude body. ''Maybe they were covered, but scars on the covered part definitely shouldn't be surgically removed.''
''Is there a cream of some kind to make it smaller?'' Ino asked.
''No. Scar is a permanently damaged skin. If I hadn't been wasting time in this resort, maybe I would have come up with a formula to regenerate the tissue.''
''Then stop fooling around and pick different activities so you would have more to present to the client,'' she said. ''If I forget about that pregnancy nonsense, the flower pressing is the best activity so far.''
''And you will have it for another day,'' he said, trying hard not to brag the pressing flowers was his idea.
''That also means you need to pick something else for me tomorrow.''
''We will think of something,'' he said. ''And I don't want to be rude, but you should stop eating. I don't want you to feel sick again and you ate almost entire portion of the chicken.''
''I told you I was starving!''
''You can have plenty of food in the morning. Your stomach is probably confused.''
''Fine,'' she sighed.
After finishing their meal, the table was free for a card game what Ino happily accepted. Same like yesterday, Orochimaru hoped she wouldn't notice he was letting her win. Or she really got better after spending an entire day thinking about different strategy? All in all, another day passed without a quarrel or awkwardness, more or less.
Ino was the first one to yawn, but she wasn't sleepy enough not to tease him before going to bed.
''The doctor and his wife can't work on a baby if you continue sleeping on a couch.''
The look she got instead of his reply was saying that was the wrong way to talk him out of sleeping on the couch. It wouldn't make any difference anyway, he would be wide awake, alert so they wouldn't come near one another.
''Here is fine too,'' he said.
''Good night, Orochimaru-sama,'' she said, covering herself with a blanket.
She was asleep in less than ten minutes meaning whatever he shared with her earlier didn't seem to trouble her mind. Maybe he shouldn't have, although the jokes were harmless because they were including an imaginary couple. Seta's offer was real and their sleeping embrace was real and both might have an impact on the rest of the mission. Maybe she was mature, but he couldn't anticipate her reaction if she would learn they shared the bed for one night and that it was too small, so they got too close.
Hopefully he would never find out and they would get home safely, never mentioning neither hugging or financial offer, and forgetting it all the moment he leaves the resort.