Chapter 12
~Three Months Later~
"That was almost too easy," Zabuza muttered. Foot holding down their unconscious target it was there as a safety in case they did awake.
"Well that's because we have the perfect bait and runner," Haku grinned. He glanced over at Lacey who peeked out from around a tree.
"Is that pervert finally tied up?" she asked.
"Knocked out, but soon will be."
"What made you run so fast this time?" Zabuza asked.
The dancer's cheeks blushed, groaning, "It's so embarrassing." The man cocked a brow. More under her breath she said, "I can't believe he cocked a feel." Haku tried to hide a laugh, his partner growing amused. "It's not funny!"
"Sorry, but it is," said the boy. "You should've seen your face."
"Can we just turn this guy in?"
Zabuza cocked a brow. "Someone is bossy today."
She immediately shut up, not making eye contact with the rogue. Throwing the tied up rogue over a shoulder they maneuvered through the forest, steering clear of the main road. Though their client was nestled back in the denser area, so it made it easier for them to not draw attention to themselves.
The payment was nothing to rave about, Haku picking the lock to the back door of a cabin that most likely owned by a high ranking individual in society. That much was clear based on the fact that the home was fully stocked with bed sheets, towels, appliances, and furniture. There were two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room. Lacey was internally excited when she found there was running water so she could take a proper shower. Not in a river with Haku standing watch. Carefully using a small amount of the body and hair products in the bathroom so the owners did not realize she was there the dancer basked in the warm water. While the rogues took their own showers, the girl washed all of their uniforms the three pulling on clothing that had been left behind in the drawers until the articles dried.
She was comfortable, finally wearing something other than the outfit that had been worn for weeks on end. Meanwhile, Zabuza scoffed at most of his choices before settling for some lounge pants. Though the two didn't blame him. The could not see the man dressed in silk and heavily decorated clothing.
"Try and use as little lighting as possible in here," Zabuza said. "We don't want to attract anyone."
"I'm surprised you chose something so close to the main road," Lacey said.
"There was nothing else in the area from Haku's scout." It was true. Usually, the Mist ninjas found something more run down in the backcountry. Something this extravagant was a luxury. "We'll stick to the area tomorrow. See if we can find anything. If not we'll move on."
"Where did you find those leads?" Haku asked.
Zabuza watched Lacey open one of the closet doors from his spot on the couch, her eyes lighting up as she tugged out a blanket. "The last client. We've been in this region too long. It's time to move on."
Lacey shrugged. "Whatever you say." Sitting down on the opposite side of the couch, she kicked her legs up, resting them on Zabuza's lap. "Well, good night."
Seconds after pulling the blanket over, the rogue gripped Lacey's left ankle, hoisting it off his lap. "What do you think you're doing?" the man growled.
"Uh, trying to go to sleep. I feel bad about taking the other bed, so I'll just sleep here."
"Sleep on the bed."
"No."
A dangerous look came to his eyes, making the young woman fearful. "Should've followed his orders," Haku muttered.
In a matter of seconds, Zabuza had Lacey wrapped and tied up in the blanket, and was hauling her into the bedroom. "Don't do unnecessary stuff," he growled.
"I'm trying to be considerate! And don't you have any other way of carrying me? This is really uncomfortable!"
Zabuza tossed her onto the bed before closing the door. "And don't come out until morning," he added at the end before sitting down on the couch once more.
"I can't untie this!" the two heard her call, neither getting up. They listened to the struggle as Lacey rolled around on the mattress, trying to get out of the sheet. Finally succeeding, the young woman was exhausted, realizing her efforts were useless and fell asleep.
Haku looked over at his partner from the corner of his eyes, Zabuza finally noticing the stare. "What?"
"Nothing… I've just never seen you act like this before," the boy answered, standing up.
"Like what?"
"Nothing. Good night." And so he too retired to bed. Scoffing to himself, Zabuza kicked up his legs, pulling on the blanket hanging over the couch.
A/N: I don't own anything
