Chapter 4
Walking outside I was met with a bustling crowd. It was close to one in the afternoon so everyone was out and about. Even though the shop was situated on a side road away from most of the congestion it took a bit of dodging and weaving in and out of the tangle of limbs to get anywhere.
The first place I searched was the place where I met Orochimaru for the second time as it was closest being right around the corner. I slowly made a sweep of the area without any sign of him.
Moving to the next area was a bit difficult as it was far and the shortest route went through the foreign vendors' market. However, the alternative routes added at least 15 minutes if you weren’t willing to go through the back alleyways which I was not. So I had to decide between a killer headache and potential disaster or being exhausted. Suffice to say I decided to choose the extra 15 or so minutes as I did not have easy access to Advil but I did have the option to sleep the day away to cure my aches and pains. Being a kid has its perks.
By the time I arrived at my destination, I was exhausted and my legs barely had any strength left. It was only by luck that I found a large gathering of trees with an unused trail winding through it. The trees felt inviting and with no other options I headed into the trees in search of a place to rest for a moment.
As I stumbled through foliage and over roots I couldn’t help but admire the scenery. Above me was a slightly barren canopy with green leaves starting to cover the trees once again. The sparse leaves let lots of light shine through their branches onto the forest floor below. The peaceful atmosphere embraced me in its soothing presence and lifted my mood. A slow hum escaped my lips.
Eventually, I managed to find a spot tucked away in a corner of the grove that looked like a good spot to rest. However, as I approached the tree I had chosen to rest under I noticed it already had an occupant.
To my surprise,e Orochimaru was sitting underneath a mighty magnolia tree. The second our eyes met I froze. I hadn’t expected to find him even though I had set off today with the express purpose of finding him.
“Um,” my voice trailed off. “I-uh didn’t-um I’m sorry,” I stammered trying to explain myself. My shoulders slowly raised to my ears as I tried to look at anywhere but him.
Throughout this Orochimaru didn’t utter a single word or move. He simply stared at me. I couldn’t help but take a peek at him through my hair. It felt like his golden eyes could see through me which made me want to run away, but he looked so pretty sitting under the tree. With his inky black hair gently swaying in the breeze and how he gave off an aura of dangerous elegance. It made it seem as though he was a snake sunbathing. Beautiful from far away but coiled up watching if you get too close. Ready to strike at any moment.
Gathering all my courage I hesitantly spoke, “C-can I sit with you?”
“I am neither an emperor nor is this my property. Do what you wish.” He looked down at the scroll he was reading before I got here. Clearly dismissing me but I couldn’t stop my smile as that was as close to a yes as I’ll ever get.
I nervously shuffled over to him watching his expressions in case he changed his mind. However, he didn’t pay me any attention. Even when I was a few feet away from him he didn’t spare me a glance.
He was even prettier up close. I didn’t get to closely look at him the last couple of times we met but his golden eyes looked like honey and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say his face was that of a top model.
“Well, are you going to sit or not?” He looked at me from the corner of his eyes before looking back at his scroll. “If you keep staring at me like that you will drill a hole through my face,” he chided without any real heat. I hastily look away as I plop down on the grass a few feet away but still in the shade.
We sat in silence but I couldn’t help but feel awkward and slightly uncomfortable. Out of nervousness, I started to play with the strap of my satchel unsure of what to do now that I actually found him.
“Are you going to spend all day twiddling your thumbs? Spit it out already I’m not going to bite your head off.” This time his word did have some real bite in it, but it was from annoyance and impatience rather than anger.
“You- you want candy?” I blurted without thinking. His golden eyes catch my own and narrow while the corner of his lips lowers a minuscule amount. While his expression was scary his emotions were anything but threatening. His main emotion was confusion followed by apathy and then something more fragile before it got snuffed out. I sighed before opening my bag and grabbing a piece.
Getting up was a pain, but I only had to walk a couple of steps forward. Even though I had put on a brave face I could feel my legs trembling from fear.
“Here.” I stuck out my fist almost waking him in the face.
I stood there waiting for him to put his hand out to accept, but he kept staring at me with emotions too jumbled to understand. “Well,” I drolled out, in a poor imitation of him earlier.
It kickstarted him into action and finally, he put his hand out palm facing upward. Opening my fist I let the candy fall out of my hand into his.
With my job done I sit down near him leaning against the same mighty tree. Too tired to care anymore.
I take a moment to just enjoy the breeze and sound of the birds. The trees give a soothing atmosphere but it didn’t take me long to get bored of looking around. Besides the occasional rabbit or squirrel, there wasn’t anything of interest to look at. I take a quick peek at Orochimaru and he’s engrossed in his reading. Taking this opportunity I bring out my sketchbook and pencil.
Soon I became engrossed in trying to draw all the trees and wildlife around me. My drawings were by no means good or impressive but I found enjoyment in the repetitive movements as it helped quiet my roaring mind and being able to see the finished product being formed due to my actions brought me a sense of accomplishment.
Eventually, I got bored of that too as my subjects ran out. As I was looking around for the next thing to draw I looked in Orochimaru’s direction and his regal air caught my eye. With no better ideas, I sneakily started to draw him.
He was a good subject: he kept still yet changed poses whenever he finished reading a scroll or book (which wasn’t too often), he was really pretty, and his air or elegance made it seem as though he was sitting on a throne, not on the ground.
So engrossed in trying to capture his likeness that I didn't realize that I had stopped drawing and was simply starting until his low silky voice snapped me out of it. “Are you just going to stare at me all day?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.
Blood rushes to my face and I try to hide behind my sketchbook. “I’m not looking at chu,” I deny.
“Yes, I believe you were.”
”Nu-hu.” I shake my head to emphasize my point.
“Yes you-” he sighs before visibly collecting himself. “I am not arguing with a child,” he mutters to himself. ”Show me what you were drawing,” he demands.
“No.” I hold my sketchbook against my chest trying to hide it from him.
He holds out his hand. “Just show me.”
“Don’t wanna.”
Frustrated Orochimaru pinches the bridge of his nose. “And, do tell me why you don't wish to.”
Raising my chin I look him in the eye as I speak “be-because you didn’t use the magic word.” His face when I said that was completely blank and he was rendered speechless. I had to turn away to hide my smile.
Orochimaru takes a deep breath before responding “Can I please see what you drew.” He said past gritted teeth.
“Okay, after you have to tell me whatcha readin.”
He thinks about it for a second before nodding.”That is acceptable.” Before I can change my mind I shove my book into his arms. I take a second to be jealous of his ninja reflexes. He didn't even fumble when I practically threw my sketchbook at him looking as if he was picking it off a shelf.
“I'm sorry it looks bad. ‘m not really good at drawing.” Nervousness starts to set in and I start twirling my hair in between my fingers. I wanted to hear what he thought about it but I was also afraid of what he had to say.
As the silence continued worry and fear started to swell within me and because my emotions are so strong right now it makes it impossible to make out anyone else’s. Just as I think I can’t take any more silence and seconds away from snatching my sketchbook and running away he finally breaks the silence. “It’s not horrible. But you could stand to improve your technique.”
My shoulders sagged with relief. I was shocked that he didn’t think it was horrible or get mad at me for drawing him without permission. From what little I knew of him he wasn't the type to hand out compliments or lie to spare feelings, even children’s.
I must have stayed silent too long because a hint of worry colored Orochimaru’s emotions. As I was about to speak up he beat me to it. “The tree is very detailed, it's the best amongst what you drew.”
Laughter escapes my lips and I slap a hand over my mouth to smother it but I can’t stop my petals of laughter. “Sorry, I’m really happy.” It just was so silly to me that a big bad ninja like Orochimaru panicked when he thought his light criticism would make me cry.
Grining I hold out a hand silently asking for my book. He complies with my request and not thinking too hard about it, I carefully rip the page out. “What” he’s taken aback by my unexpected action. I can’t help but giggle as I hand over the drawing. After calming down I was able to read his emotions again and it revealed how much he liked my drawing. It made sense to me that the subject received it.
“Yours now,” I smile lopsidedly.
Before he can recover from his speechlessness or reject my gift I scooch closer. “Tell me bout your books please,” I ask practically begging.
He stares at me for a moment before folding the paper and tucking it into a book. “I was reading about foreign plants and their properties.” He opens the scroll he was previously reading and points at a paragraph. “Here it describes a plant that causes hives along with inflammation, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, etc. when ingested. However, if the roots are combined with the leaves of a tree native to lightning along with a few other ingredients and then ground to a paste it can help soothe psoriasis.”
“Why”
At this point, I'm leaning against him trying to get a better view of the scroll. I was so absorbed in his lecture that I failed to notice I had forgotten about personal space. “Why does this plan hurt by itself but with others it helps?” I stare at him eagerly awaiting the answer.
He looks at me funny for a second before continuing his impromptu lecture “None of these scrolls give a definitive answer and without experimenting myself I can’t say for certain. However, I have theorized that the way the remedy is prepared plays a large part. Similar to how when ingredients for a meal are prepared differently it can affect the taste and texture of the final product. Another reason this concoction might have worked is because of the properties of the other ingredients…” I listened attentively to his lecture. It was very interesting but it was the way he spoke that kept me captivated. Even as I desperately tried to stay awake my eyelid kept dropping without my consent and before long I succumbed to sleep slumped against Orochimaru.