Author's Note: Okay, some things to say here. As my beta reader pointed out Haku would have dodged the pillow, but really it's a pillow, he wouldn't care. I'm very sorry for taking so long to post this and I could give you a long list of excuses for why but the truth is that school sucks and I'm lazy. It was my last day of school today, so I no longer have any excuses not to update, if you think I'm taking too long tell me. xD Also, under the orders of my beta-reader, I'll only update if I get at least 3 reviews from different people that say more than, "Update please," so tell me what you like, randomly talk to me, do whatever, just review!

Lots of love

-Alaki

When I awoke I experienced a sensation I could not recall experiencing before; I was warm and comfortable. Highly confused I started to sit up until I felt a soft hand on my forehead preventing me from moving anymore. Even more confused, and realizing that my eyes were still closed, I opened them and saw Haku above me and a ceiling above him.

Before I could ask where I was, Haku explained, "We're in Zabuza's hideout. When you fainted, we went as fast as we could so you would be comfortable and safe when you woke up."

I opened my mouth to talk, but before I could, Haku handed me a mug filled with something that smelled like herbal tea. I took the mug and allowed Haku to help me ease into a sitting position. I drank the tea slowly, one small sip at a time, and I could feel the difference almost immediately. My mouth lost that peculiar sour taste that only occurs when you are dehydrated and I could feel my throat loosen up.

Once again I opened my mouth to talk, and this time Haku didn't interrupt me, "Do you have any more of that tea, or possibly some soup?" I asked hopefully.

Haku giggled at me a bit – Yes, giggled, - and he said, "I was going to ask if you were feeling any better, but you just made that quite obvious."

He smiled happily at me and I smiled back, while still managing to glare at him in a way that said, "If you don't feed me soon, you can say goodbye to your fingers."

Haku took the hint and left, but not before saying, "Don't go anywhere. If I can't find you, I can't feed you."

I tried to get up so that I could at least explore the room. Haku should be able to find me in there, but I was just so very tired all of a sudden. Instead of getting up and exploring, I pulled the blankets back onto me and fell asleep. If you don't have very much food or sleep you tend to want as much of both as you can get once they're safely available.

I slept until I heard footsteps and could smell something delicious. When I opened my eyes I could see a tray beside me on a small table and Haku trying to sneak away. In a fit of mischief I pulled the smallest, and therefore least comfortable, pillow out from under me and threw it at him. Because of my awesome ninja skills it hit him right in the back of the head. With a small squeak Haku jumped and turned to face me.

I was doing my best to look innocent while stifling the burst of giggles Haku's squeak had elicited, but it was just too hard! I burst out laughing and quietly said between giggles, "You should have heard yourself," Before losing all control once again.

Haku grinned ruefully and rubbed the spot on his head where the hard little pillow had struck. I was a lot stronger now that I had some food and rest. "What was that for?" Haku questioned, mock-pouting.

I shrugged and, still snickering, answered, "I felt like demonstrating my aim. Nobody's allowed to sneak away from a sleeping ninja without getting attacked," I reached over to grab what he had brought me and started eating, slightly disturbed by how friendly I had become with him.

Haku seemed to take my action as a way of saying that I didn't really want to talk anymore, as he was leaving he told me, "I'll be back in a few minutes with some spare clothes. They shouldn't fit too badly."

While Haku was gone I took my time in enjoying the soup he had brought me, it was really quite good. In the time I had to myself I took the opportunity to think of the options finishing my training would open for me. I could go home! At that thought, I dropped my spoon into the now empty bowl and sat there, stunned, repeating those words to myself, and thinking of all the possibilities that went along with it. I could finally be recognized as Master's right-hand. I'll only be controlled by my loyalty to my Master! I was so distracted by my thought that I didn't even notice when Haku came back carrying a very brightly colored kimono.

After standing there watching me. Haku finally spoke, catching my attention, "The room next to yours is the bathing room. I've brought you some clothes and a brush for your hair if you would like to bathe." He held out the pile of fabric, with a brush balanced on top, out to me like some sort of messed up religious offering.

With a weak grin, I slowly stood up and took the pile from him. As I stumbled towards the bathing room I called back quietly, "If you try to watch me bathe, I'll kill you," in complete and utter seriousness. I finished walking to the room and got into the bath, settling myself comfortably, prepared to wash myself at least four times.