Chapter 17: Tomorrow's Promise
"Mitsuki, this is all I can do for you at this time." Kabuto helped Mitsuki into the forest by the cover of night. "All I can do is help you get to Konohagakure."
Mitsuki looked at the fading moon. "What about Orochimaru?"
"He'll come looking for you but I'm going to throw him off your trail."
"Will…Will you be alright?"
"I'll be fine. For the time being, you have to stay somewhere in Konohagakure. Somewhere safe."
"I'll stay with my superior."
"And who is that?"
"…Hatake Kakashi."
He froze. "You can't stay with-"
"I know what I'm doing." She turned her back on him. "…How do I know you won't tell Orochimaru where I am?"
"What?"
"…I can't trust you."
"Y-Yes you can."
She looked at him. "Kabuto, you know I can't."
"But-"
"Listen to me, I'll go to Konohagakure, but from there, I'm going to travel the world."
"Why?"
"I need to go on a journey of self reflection. I need to cleanse my soul and repent."
"…Mitsuki, I'm sorry." He rubbed her shoulders. "I still love you though."
"Do what you wish. I have to know how I truly feel about you now. This journey should give me the answer."
He turned her around. "Do you forgive me?"
She sighed. "Kabuto I…" She thought for a moment. "…I don't."
He winced at the words. I thought the word 'hate' hurts, but that was unbearable. "Why don't you-"
"…But that's not to say that I won't ever forgive you."
"What?"
"Kabuto, I put some thought into it and maybe someday…I'll be able to forgive you." The sun was slowly rising into the pre-dawn sky. "I must go now."
"Mitsuki wait!" He grabbed her and bruised her lips with another kiss. "Tomorrow I'll come look for you."
"What?"
"I promise."
She sighed. "…Kabuto…"
"Trust me."
She caressed his cheek. "…I'll try. Now good bye."
"I love you Mitsuki." Tears trickled down both their faces.
She nodded and walked away. Kabuto, maybe someday I'll be able to tell you that I love you and that I forgive you. Maybe someday…I'll be able to trust you again. She disappeared.
Kabuto sighed sadly and rubbed the tears away. "I swear I'll keep true to my word this time Mitsuki. Trust me…my love…"
The End