.

.

Slowly, Kimimaro drags himself to where Anko is lying. Rainwater mixes with the blood on the ground.

Anko is still unconscious. With difficulty, Kimimaro reaches out and touches her hand. "Anko," Kimimaro says. His chest heaves and he collapses beside her, his cheek pressed against her face. Moments pass, and she comes to consciousness slowly, wincing and clutching her side. She turns, and her eyes widen when she sees Kimimaro lying beside her.

"Oi," Anko says. She pushes herself upright, then shakes Kimimaro's shoulder. "Oi!"

Kimimaro coughs. Flecks of blood come out of his mouth. "Anko-san," Kimimaro says. "You are awake."

"Teme. What did you do?" Anko says. "You used the seal, didn't you?"

Kimimaro nods slowly. "Yes."

Anko's face is pale. "Why?" Anko says. "It could have killed you! Why would you do that?"

"Because you needed me," Kimimaro says. Slowly he closes his eyes.

xXx

.

There is a reason why people are born. A mission they have to accomplish. He glances back at Anko, who sleeps curled up beside him. Yes, he thinks. There is a mission for me as well.

He is still alive.

Quietly, he sits besides Anko and watches the rise and fall of her breath, silently studying the way she breathes. Anko. So long as Orochimaru is alive, he will continue to torment her. Hurt her. Treat her like so much trash. He cannot let that happen. Not while he is still alive.

Morning comes, and above him the sky lightens, the dark of the night giving way to a watery gray. Gently, Kimimaro leans forward and brushes back her hair, then kisses the corners of her eyes. Anko stirs and Kimimaro hitches her close, pressing her against his chest and waiting for the sun to begin to rise.