AN: This one jumps back in time a little because after Yamato told Naruto and Neji about Orochimaru, I had explore that a little more.

Kabuto was busy, but he was used to that. Working for Orochimaru had been demanding, and he had always been responsible for the lives of others. Test subjects and potential vessels. The difference now was that he was trying to offer his wards compassion too, and caring for their happiness as well as their health was exhausting. Once all the children had been put to bed, he slipped outside for a moment to take a breath and try to unwind for a minute. I need to be at my best for them.

"Kabuto…"

That silky voice slipped over his skin. Suddenly he was tense again, but for an altogether different reason now. What's he doing here?

"I'm surprised at you, Kabuto. Slacking off..."

"I'm not slacking off. I work hard here."

"Don't get upset, I was only joking."

Apparently I'm not the only one who's changed. But he still commands attention merely by being present.

"What do you want, Lord Orochimaru?"

After the war, they had gone their separate ways. He had hoped that Orochimaru would want to stay near him, but that wasn't the case. He had been unwilling to submit to such a simple way of life. It hurt, after all he had done for his master, but he knew how to deal with pain so he had gotten on with things alone. Once he'd settled in at the orphanage, there was no time to regret anything, busy as he was.

"Kabuto, why are you being so cold towards me?"

I have too much to worry about without playing his games. Still, I can't deny it's good to see him.

"I'm just tired."

"Really? I seem to remember you had excellent stamina."

He frowned at his former master.

"It's different now. These kids, they want things from me that take a toll. They're so needy sometimes."

"Oh dear, it's hard being the master, isn't it? Everyone wants your attention, and you only have so much you can give each one of them."

He wants me to feel sorry for him. Not likely, I don't have enough sympathy to give it to him too.

"I can't pet your ego, I have others I need to focus on now."

Orochimaru cocked his head to the side and smiled.

"Why Kabuto, I think you misunderstand me. I'm not here to demand anything of you, I'm here to serve you. You may lean on me as I used to lean on you."

"What? Why? You can't have these children."

Orochimaru drew closer, smiling down at him. He was beautiful, and Kabuto felt drawn to him as he always had. I want to give in and let him take the lead, but I can't. These kids rely on me. I have to protect them.

Kabuto steeled his resolve and stepped back before Orochimaru could touch him.

"You don't trust me," the older shinobi observed.

"I want to, but I can't put these kids at risk."

"What do you need from me? What can I say that will convince you I mean no harm? Kabuto, you were my most faithful supporter and I want to repay that. Please don't turn me away."

And there it was, a direct request which Kabuto couldn't refuse. After all, this is a place for people who have nowhere else to go.

"Alright," he accepted. "Stay and make yourself useful. But if I hear one whisper that you're taking advantage of this situation, I won't hesitate to stop you. No matter how much it might pain me. Do you understand? You are not my main priority anymore."

"Yes, I understand. Thank you for trusting me enough to give me this chance."

"Don't make me regret it."