"We can't be together," He spoke, his voice quiet as always.

He was standing so close to you that he could probably take your hand if he wanted to, how you always took his, but that would make it harder for him to let you go. He has too.

The Third Great Shinobi War was over, but Orochimaru had other things to worry about: himself. He loved you with all his heart, but what he loved more was power. Leaving the village was his only option here.

"We'd always end like this," His gaze wanders. He has to look away, look at anything but you. He can't let his resolve weaken after he's come so far.