Chapter Text
"I have been thinking about ways to thank you for all you have done: gifts, information, gold, something. I couldn't think of anything that could compare to what you have given the Hatake, so I have decided to ask you directly. Is there is anything you want, anything I can give?"
Sakumo's bare faced words of acknowledgement didn't have the effect they should have had on Orochimaru. Ordinarily he would preen at having someone in his debt, any reason for others to look at him in fear but now...
"As I told Kakashi, I will worry about any debts he has accrued. Truthfully, it was no hardship at all. I wanted to help him do what I could not, in the nick of time as well, before their traces were lost in the scuffle of war. So, I want for nothing in return, being allowed to stay and watch the fruits of my labor is reward enough."
Sakumo leaned his head on the door frame and Orochimaru stood slightly behind in the passageway, both of them gazing lovingly (as loving as Orochimaru would allow his expression to show) at the two children wrapped in each others arms.
Kakashi had insisted that Komeko be allowed to stay in his room, while her nursery was being put together. Thus, Kakashi spent the evening time before bed, showing a sleepy Komeko all the best corners of his room- the soft lamp he used at night, the baby blanket his mother once wrapped him in, the stuffed dog that Sakumo had brought from a mission far away, and more.
The siblings were now cuddled together after a full day of exploring all the nooks and crannies of the compound; Playing in the spaces Sakumo had fixed up, swirling the dirt of what he had not. Kakashi had interjected the exploration, with descriptions of the coming Hatake's personalities and where they should be roomed, "Daigi-oji is a blacksmith, so the whole family should have the home closest to the workshop.", "Harumi would love this old tea room", "We should put a rocking chair here for Eiji-jiji, so he can enjoy the sunlight on this porch.", "The nomads can have this building, there are so many hidden spaces to explore."
The stories pulled Sakumo closer to Kakashi journey, but he also asked numerous questions of clarification from Orochimaru. That is how he learned that Komeko's mother, Kome, died in childbirth before she could name her child, Harumi was being pressured into sex work and they got there just in time to remove her from the situation. Eiji and Ikubyo were prepared to starve in the war and feared being split apart because Eiji wasn't born a Hatake, and Riku was due to have a baby by summertime and was showing only the barest of uneasy signs. Orochimaru didn't mind being made the bearer of bad news.
Sakumo didn't see it as such, explaining that he appreciated the sannin keeping his son away from the harsh realities of the world a little longer. "I already failed him by allowing those teachers at the academy and the Hokage to graduate him before his time. I understand that Kakashi did not want to wait, but as his parent I should have done what was best for him. Forced him to slow down, to be a child while he still can. Komeko could be-is good for him, taking care of her means he will be more careful with himself."
Sakumo paused, considering the peaceful sight of his children, "And you may not want anything tangible in return, but I will put in a request that you become Kakashi's official sensei. I know he will be safe with you. While I no longer have the influence to know my preference will be accepted without question, I am still his parent no matter his shinobi emancipation- I should still have some sway."
Orochimaru swallowed at the proposal, anything to get him closer to this blossoming family. Anything to keep the nothingness at bay, and hold onto a lightness he has never felt before. The bubble popped, "I don't know if the Hokage will allow it. He is about to sign paperwork that will transfer me to a new department for experimental research, ROOT, I believe. But I will make my preference known too; Thank you for letting me stay."
"Orochimaru-san," Sakumo turned to catch his eyes and spoke with emphasis, "You are family now, I will not dissuade Komeko or Kakashi. You do not need my permission to stay."
The words soothed something cracked and yearning within Orochimaru, and he broke the eye-contact to look back at the children who claimed him and allowed him to claim them in turn.