Chapter 5:
When Kabuto arrived at Kokoro's chambers to call her to supper, he found her kneeling by the window, her head in her hands.
"Lady Kokoro," Kabuto said, "come eat." Kokoro shook her head.
"What have I done?" she muttered. "He knows. I'm not fitting for him." Kabuto merely shook his head, and he approached her silently. Suddenly Kokoro seized his tunic, and she pleaded to him with her eyes.
"Send me back," she begged. "I'd rather be shamed as a whore than have my Lord Kazekage's child destroyed at Orochimaru's hands." Kabuto smirked, and he brushed her hair away from her scarred eye.
"You really loved that man," he cooed, "even after he slaughtered your entire ANBU squad and took you as his personal 'spoils of war.' He raped you repeatedly, and you still insist on bearing him a heir." Kokoro snarled and gripped his tunic tighter.
"Don't you ever use that genjutsu on me again," she growled. "How dare you delve into my memories!" Kabuto pressed his lips against Kokoro's hand .
"You let your guard down," he smiled. "You were so desperate for help that you were willing to let anyone in if they could help you." Kokoro released his clothing, and she straightened herself.
"I won't eat with Lord Orochimaru," she said. "I want to go home." Kabuto shook his head.
"At least, you should eat," he said. "You have a child to take care of."
"No," Kokoro protested. "If I'm going to eat, then I will make it myself. I'm sure that you were ordered to drug my meal in order to kill Lord Kazekage's son."
"You're clever. I see that your training hasn't escaped you." Kokoro flashed her middle finger at Kabuto before disappearing behind a beaded curtain.
"If you're so desperate to know about me," she said from behind her screen, "ask instead of wasting your chakra. Lord Orochimaru is sure to know much about me."
Kabuto grinned, and he pushed aside the beaded curtain. Kokoro put her hands on her hips. "Why are you following me, you indecent man? You should know better than to follow a woman into her private chambers." Kabuto wrapped his arm around Kokoro's waist. He brought her close, and he breathed softly in her hair.
"You're being coy with me," he murmured. "I can believe now that you were once an ANBU." Kokoro slid from his arm. "You have a silver tongue."
"You should watch how you handle me," she said. "Don't forget who you stole me for." Kabuto smoothed his wrinkled tunic, and he went out from behind the curtain.
"I'll enjoy hearing about your past at supper," he said. Kokoro poked her head from behind the screen, her eyebrows furrowed in irritation.
"I thought I told you to never use that genjutsu on me again, Kabuto." Kabuto softly kissed her forehead.
"I'm glad you know my name, Lady Kokoro. Supper will be served shortly." Kokoro's cheeks flushed rose-red, and she ducked back behind the curtain. Kabuto chuckled to himself as Kokoro's flustered muttering reached his ears, and he left to join Orochimaru in the hall.
Later, Kokoro emerged from her room. She could see in Orochimaru's face the disgust at her costume, a red dress from her days as an ANBU officer. She bowed low at his feet, and said, "My Lord Orochimaru…" Orochimaru scowled and nudged her arm with his foot.
"Enough of this act you've been pulling on me," he commanded. "Listen to me, ANBU wench. I want you to tell me whatever I ask. In exchange your Kazekage's child may have a chance." Kokoro seized the collar of Orochimaru's coat.
"Why should I tell you about myself if my son isn't guaranteed to live?" she growled. "I will only tell you if you promise to let my baby live." Orochimaru nodded at her demand. Kokoro released her grip, and she smoothed her skirt. "Now, I'll tell you." Kabuto stepped closer, and he leaned in to listen as Kokoro began her story.