Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter XXV

I let out a sigh. Noticing suddenly how soft and comfortable this bed was. I stretch out, feeling well rested. And, for the first time, I wake up without the a heavy feeling pulling me down.
A ray of sun blinds me on my left. Squeezing my eye shut and letting out a groan, I first want to turn around but the warmth on my face is most welcoming.

I've missed the sun.

I enjoy it for a bit longer before hearing someone in the kitchen move. Startled, I wrap the sheets around me to cover myself up and sit up with a gasp.

He smirks at my reaction. Feeling foolish, I simply smile before giving him a nod and mumbling a good morning.
I don't comment on the fact he's making me breakfast again. I just smile, feeling content for some reason.

'You didn't clean up,' he said, pointing at the pile of papers still lying on the kitchen table.

I bite my lip. Feeling slightly guilty before pointing out the reason why I hadn't cleaned up yet.

'I got distracted.'
'I know how that gets,' he answered while staring at his own piles of papers sitting on the desk, waiting to be send to the Mizukage.

'I'm afraid I have to get those done or else…' he ponders about it for a moment. 'Or else she is going to get really mad.'

'We don't want that,' I comment with a smile. Dragging myself out of the warm bed, I walk over to the bag lying on the floor. Grabbing something comfortable to wear, I put it on before joining him.

We're never quite affectionate. Giving each other a kiss for no good reason other than to engage in a certain activity had never occurred. Yet I placed my hand on his back before grabbing something to eat. As I let go, I feel his hand touch my cheek before placing my hair behind my ear.

'I have the day off,' he says while finishing his meal. 'Sort of.'
'I have some work of my own,' I tell him with a shrug. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, last time we had just done nothing but… I blush at the thought, not letting my mind wander any further.

Zabuza stays quiet for a moment. Obviously something was on his mind. It took him a moment to voice it.

'You're looking forward to working here?'

'Sure,' I answer with a smile. I did feel excited to do something new and make myself useful again.

The answer seemed to please him as he gives me an odd expression of contentment in return. To my utter surprise, he gives me a kiss. Liking how spontaneous he was being I halt him when he pulls back, giving him a few more before letting go.

'I don't have to start immediately…' He mutters while placing his arm around me. Before he can, I squeeze my way out.
'Oh, but I have to!' I answer with a smirk. 'Ton of work.'

To my surprise he snickers at my antics and reluctantly agrees that we should get an early start. Walking back to the kitchen table, I notice how he keeps his eyes on me. Not quite sure if he was agreeing on the matter just yet. With a heavy sigh, he walks to the other side of the room to actually get started.

Having taken my breakfast with me, I sit down and start making some notes on things I should pay attention to on my first day. I halt for a moment when realizing how absurd this situation was.
Glancing back, I see Zabuza sitting down, lazily stretching himself out. Obviously reports weren't his favorite part of the job.

Thinking of last night, it was fair to say I was seeing him in a different light today.

After several hours, I had enough. I needed a break. With a sigh I roll my head around to release the tension that had built up from sitting crouched all time. Taking a look at Zabuza out of the corner of my eye, I note he was still writing. It was surprising how focused Zabuza was, not getting up once to get something to drink or eat.
Taking a look at my own work, I nod approvingly. I wasn't doing too bad but right now I needed to eat something decent. I was all out of snacks too.

Biting my lip in thought of perhaps going somewhere to eat. Catching my own thoughts, I analyze what I'm doing. Or perhaps want to do. I want to see more of him.

I frown at the idea before realizing curiosity always won me over.

This place was his home. Did he have a favorite restaurant? A place or house he had nice memories of?
There was so much I didn't know and suddenly he became a much more complex man in my head.

Deciding on not to dwell too long about just asking him the silly question, I resolutely get up off my seat and walk over to the man. Without thinking twice about what I was doing, I actually came to stand next to him and asked him if he wanted to get out to eat something.

To my utter surprise he ignores my presence at first. Crossing my arms I watch him finishing his report before acknowledging me. Throwing it on a huge pile to his right, he then with a sigh places his arms behind his back and stretches out like I had.

'What do you want?'

I shake my head at the rough tone. Placing myself on his desk, I ask him if he isn't hungry yet.

He shrugs.

'Well I am!' I announce, getting a little upset. I didn't function properly on an empty stomach.

He smirks. Or perhaps I see him give me half of a smile for the first time. His eyes are first on mine before they travel down, noting out loud that I was sitting on his next report.

'Oh?' I innocently respond, pretending to be unaware.
His hand is suddenly on my knee, softly caressing my leg in the process. 'You're distractive…'
Grabbing his hand, I throw it off of me. 'You are easily distracted!'

'You're no fun.'
'Neither are you.'

His smirk widens at the respond.

'I thought we could go out to get something to eat,' I quietly start again, not sure how he'd react. The fact he averted his eyes from me, meant nothing positive.
'Go someplace you like. What is your favorite food?' I ask, trying to persuade him by being upbeat and staying interested.

'It's probably better if we don't get seen together,' he simply answers.

Well, at least he is being honest about it.

However, I couldn't stop my shoulders from dropping and show clear disappointment.

At least meet me halfway, Zabuza.

'It just better that way. This village is… rotten.' His brown eyes bore into mine for a second before looking away again. I caught an angry glint hiding in his eyes.

'Why? Are there people planning on doing something…?' I couldn't stop myself from asking, thinking back to what Mei had told me.

He shakes his head dismissively, catching my undertone quite clearly. He however refrains from giving me an explanation. Distracting himself with the pen in his hand.

'I just thought you could show me around. Haku's sweet but I can tell he has little to no memories of this place…'
And the ones he does have and told me about aren't exactly heartwarming. A six year old begging on the streets, eating out of the trashcan... I felt an overwhelming sadness just thinking about it.

He lets out a growl of annoyance. I flinch at first before realizing he was considering on giving in to my request.

'We can eat somewhere private…' He muttered. 'I know someplace nice.' He echoes my tone and I can't conceal my delight. I smile before taking a glance out the window next to him.
The sun was out too so it seemed like a wonderful, beautiful day to be outside and catch some fresh air.

'But we're not going somewhere where we—'Yes, yes,' I cut him off while jumping of the desk. 'No one will see me with you.'
Placing a hand on his face to hush him, I see his eyes flicker up. Before I know it, I have a pair of arms snaked around me, pulling me down. Fervently kissing him back, I mumble I need to freshen up and get dressed before going anywhere.

'I did you a favor, now you do me a favor,' he answered, not letting me go nor loosening his grip on my waist.
'I think you first have to do the actual favor in order for that to work,' I point out. 'And besides don't you ever get hungry?'
'All the time,' he answered while pulling my mouth to his.

I don't know why but the answer makes me feel lightheaded. I block out all the doubt, enjoying whatever it was we had for the moment.
Instead of rejecting the idea, I comply and take the lead. I enjoy the sigh blown in my ear and the clouded brown eyes looking into mine. Taking in his reaction, I feel a rush of excitement go through my body.

For a split second I want to stop because of shock.

I wasn't quite sure if this was still something I could easily walk away from. I felt a little addicted to his responses...

'It's nice,' I quietly say while enjoying the view. It had been worth the long walk. The weather had been wonderful and I admit I enjoyed our comfortable silences. I sometimes felt as if Zabuza was trying his hardest to make me feel at ease. The first charming act I had ever found him doing.

'It was worth trouble,' I nod. He simply smirks while enjoying the view himself. It had been quite the trip. We had gone to the outer side of the village, a place where I had never come when going out with Haku. I don't think he'd knew his way around here either. Zabuza obviously did.

I admit I didn't think much of it when we were at the haven. But once we started walking the dusty road leading to the mountains, I had to take it all back.
Walking next to the water while the high grass tickled my knees. It had all been so quiet and peaceful. No people rushing or odd stares. Just a fisherman here and there.

I suddenly caught myself thinking of long passed days from my childhood. When my parents and I went on a trip to a place that resembled this one a lot. I remember the same long green grass and the smell of the sea surrounding me.
A little abandon and forgotten but a real treasure to find.
We would just sit in the grass and pick-nick while my dad would tell me stories of shinobi with great power who'd safe our wonderful village.

I remember wanting to become a shinobi like that. One that made a difference and people would tell stories of one day.

Or maybe marry one and take care of him with all my heart… because hero's deserved someone caring for them.

I place my hand on my heart, realizing it hadn't been filled with any feeling of love because of all of the complex emotions I was feeling today.
I had frown upon those silly ideas once but lately I felt as I had been too hard on myself and perhaps had, unwillingly, placed myself in this position because I was too focused on seeing the bigger picture.

'How do you know this place?' I ask him. Turning my head, I note he sitting down on the bench. He was taking out the food we had brought with us. Though, I had already ate half of mine on our way over.

'I used to come here as a kid.'

The answer was simple yet I couldn't see him as a child. The breeze was a little too strong out here on the cliff, so I walked back and sat down next to him. I grab something to eat, feeling not quite fulfilled yet.

'You eat more than Haku.'
'So?' I ask, quirking up an eyebrow at the remark.
Sensing my anger, he held up his hand. 'You could use the extra weight.'
'Thanks, I guess,' I mutter at the somewhat well-intended advice.

'Why did you come here?' I ask. The food isn't as hot as it should be but it's nice. I always feel like these little downsides are part of the trip. Not quite as when you stay at home but that was the whole point of it, wasn't it?

'When I wanted to be alone,' he answered. His attitude is a bit gruff, obviously a little unwilling to tell me such personal things. When he catches my amused expression, he swallows what he's eating to talk.
'I found this place as a kid. I liked it. And growing up, I returned to it from time to time. It's been… almost a decade since I was last here.'

'You were out this village for ten years?'
'Almost,' he muttered, seemingly reluctant talk about the time that had passed. 'I was never much home once I became a chunin.'
'Exams were held here, right?
'Until I ruined it for everyone,' he snickered with a cruel expression.

I frown.

'You don't know?' he asked with slight shock. The tone was almost mockingly. 'I killed everyone.'

Shaken by the crude answer, I turn slightly pale at hearing him say what had always been rumored.

'Why? Why did you do that?'
'Because it was kill or be killed. If I wasn't going to do it that day, it would be the year after that. It was inevitable.'

Normally I would go off but I suddenly realize the monster in this story wasn't actually Zabuza. If they hadn't trained those kids to murder one another, he… I close my eyes at the horrible thoughts, realizing how many had suffered before him and what probably had happened in order for him to do such a thing.
No one was a victor in this story. The past nor the future hadn't benefited from this awful idea.

Thankfully that was all over now.

'Have you always been alone?' I then ask changing the subject. I didn't want to dwell on it any longer. I didn't want to imagine any of it.

'My parents died a long time ago,' he gruffly answers. I can tell he somewhat is uncomfortable telling me all of this. But I want to know. I want to know more about him.
And, though I don't know what his motivation was, he was seemingly allowing me in.

'War?' I distractedly ask, though knowing the answer.
He only nods.

I sit closer to him, telling him I'm a little cold. But in reality I just wanted to be a little closer to him. Even if I was only comforting him in my mind, it made me feel better.

'I grew up alone and being in school, teams or even be a part of the swordsmen… was difficult. I couldn't trust anyone. So I longed to be alone at times.'

So you would come here…

Without thinking it through, I place my hand on his. To my surprise he flinches before letting me be.
He was tense and a little reluctant but tried his best to allow me in. I decide to keep quiet and stop with the questions for now.

Suddenly it all fit.

His bond to Haku didn't seem so strange anymore. I realized this part of him, was the part Haku knew best. And I suppose it is hard to see the bad in someone you love.

If I was being honest with myself, I was guilty of this too. I hadn't want to see the bad in Inui for the longest time. Even when facing him myself.

I still find it hard to give him a place in my heart. I see his blue eyes come before me, quietly haunting me. But at least you leave my mind alone most of the time...

Catching a glimpse of Zabuza's face, I realized how close we were. I had unconsciously ended up leaning up against him. Mumbling an apology, I sat up straight again.

'I know understand how you and Haku connect,' I quietly say. 'So he knows about this place?'

He stares at me for a moment before shaking his head. 'No, I never had the chance to show him.'

'Oh?'

I note how he did have the intention of bringing Haku here one day.

'I had to leave and told him he could come with me. And he did.'

'You had life like him?'
I don't know where that came from but I had blurted out the question before even thinking it.

'He's just a tool.'

A dismissive cold answer. His stoic expression no longer fools me and I suddenly was aware no one ever wore a mask, you simply need to get to know the person in order to truly see him. The distant look in his eyes told me he had indeed had a life much like him. He knew loneliness and longing.

Else you wouldn't know about a place like this…

The sharp wind is a clear sign that spring is on its way but not quite here yet. It's time to return home and warm up. I enjoy last few rays of sun before it disappears behind one of the mountaintops.

The more I think about it, the more I seem to understand him. Zabuza sees Haku as anything but a tool. I believe he has a become a part of him but because of his youthfulness and easy influenced mind, Zabuza feels that he is easier to keep at distant.

'Tools are a part of every shinobi,' I quietly tell him. 'I don't know a shinobi who doesn't have a kunai with him at all times.'

He frowns before giving an understanding nod. Yet I could see him question something. Instead of telling, he announced we probably should start heading get home.

Slowly, I found myself in a new routine. Days went by faster and before I knew it, I had found my rightful place in the hospital. I loved the clean smell. The white pristine linens.
Becoming a real doctor again was the best decision I had made in years.

The moment I walked through those huge white doors, I felt complete again.

The wide range of cases and the endless appreciation when finding a solution. Simply saving a life.
I don't know how I had dared to let go of what I loved so easily and had promised myself to fight harder next time. To never let go or give in to demands of a person unbeknown of what I truly lived for.

Lately I had my hands full, my mind occupied with ideas and at home, on the kitchen table, lied piles and piles of notes.

I don't think we ever ate at the kitchen table.

'Are you nervous?'
'Not really, I smile to the young man's mischievous expression. I thinks sometimes Haku wanted me to break down, so he could help me back up.

'I'll be there.'

'Of course you will be,' I sharply answer. 'You are to be on time, like the rest of my students!'

He laughed, saying he wouldn't dare to be late. When the smile fell, his expression again become a little mischievous. I wondered what he had up his sleeve.

'Do you regret waiting so long?'

I raise my eyebrows at the question, finding it a bit silly of him to ask me. I place all the prepared material in a map and place to the side. I was never the type to rush a project.

'No, I needed the time to understand where we medically stood and how we could go on from this point out. I really had to do some research. The Mizukage said I could take all the time I needed. I'm starting to feel you are the only person disapproving of me postponing classes, Haku,' I teasingly state.

He smiles again. A genuine one. 'I'm happy whenever I'm with you. The longer, the better.'

I smile at his cute remark, sometimes he was still such a kid. Life had taken a certain routine and I realized time had indeed passed rather fast. The last three weeks had passed without hesitation.
Spring was officially here and I loved how this village looked during it. The green vegetation on the rooftops, the dampness in the air in the early morning. It almost felt like living right in the middle of… a swamp. Or something like that.

'How is Zabuza?' he asked, interrupting my silly thoughts.

'He's fine. Shouldn't you know?'

'I feel he's kind of ignoring me lately.'

He said with such a wide smile I figured he wasn't really upset about the whole matter.

'He has been out on a mission,' I point out.

It had been strange living here by myself. But the time I had spent alone was most welcoming. I finally felt completely at ease. Though, and I'd never admit this to anyone, I had kind of gotten used to living with someone. So late at night, I had sometimes felt lonely.

But these days were over and now I was rarely alone. Daytime I was at the clinic and my evenings were usually spent with Zabuza.

Or Haku. I smirk at the boy when I see he wasn't going to let it go just yet.

'He's back now,' Haku sullenly said. 'But he hasn't contacted me.'
'Oh, stop it!'
'He spending all his free time at home… I wonder why.'

'You are becoming better and better at the subtle hints, Haku,' I snippily reply. I kept a smile on my face.

'Is it working?'
'Maybe this is why he hasn't talked to you yet?'
'Auch, Sakura,' he laughs, breaking character.

I laugh in response, getting off the hard kitchen chair and deciding I had prepared more than enough.
'Stay,' I tell him. 'We can eat together.'
'That would be nice,' he says in agreement, getting off the kitchen counter.

As I catch my reflection in the window, I remind myself to finally ask him. Now perhaps.
I've been so busy I kept postponing or ended up forgetting. And Zabuza wasn't really the man to ask.

I wrapped my hair around my hand, far too long and tragic to maintain. It was time to say goodbye.

I had been carrying it with me for an awful longtime too.

'Haku, could you do me a favor?' I ask. 'I want to cut my hair. Do you think you can do it?'

His brown eyes widen before giving a certain nod. I think shoulder length will do just fine.

'It's nice.'

Overtime the both of us have become greatly amused by Zabuza's gruff responses to our questioning eyes if the food was any good at all. When we snicker, he makes annoyed sound. Sending us a glare before ignoring us completely.

'I think I'm going to get another rabbit,' Haku suddenly announces.

I quirk up an eyebrow in confusion while noticing Zabuza stops eating to listen to the boy.

'I'm going to train him, like the last one. And I miss having a pet too.'

The way Haku said it sounded convincing but it kind of felt like a child asking for permission. His eyes stayed on Zabuza, who remained unmoved by his argument.
I don't know why but suddenly I felt as if the pressure was turned on and I had been completely unaware of it.

'You always spoil those things too much. Their just tools, not pets.'

'Did I miss something?' I pique in, getting slightly annoyed.

'I used have a rabbit, we used it as diversion if the situation called for it,' he casually explains.
Understanding my still utter confused expression he then explained it was used as a distraction or to track enemies. A little bizarre but I think I got it.

'Oh, how… unique,' I mutter. I glare at Zabuza for having a smirk. 'Did he have name?' I tried to be a little more enthusiastic about the idea and keep the conversation going.

'We just called it rabbit,' Haku answered without any emotion.

'Well, that's creative,' I say while rolling my eyes.

'Maybe you should,' Zabuza answered with a shrug. His expression look disinterested but I could tell he was actually kind of giving Haku his approval. Sometimes their strange relation was odd to see.
I couldn't help but giggle at the sight. Zabuza threw me a glare while Haku gave me a confused reaction.

'You two are just… funny to watch at times.'

'I do not understand,' Haku solemnly said while glancing at Zabuza for help. He shrugged again, mumbling I was the weird one. It only made me laugh harder.

'Dinner was wonderful. Thanks for all the help, Haku,' I smile. 'I think I'm going to take a shower now. Tomorrow is a big day for me,' I announce while getting up.

Haku agreed on the idea and proposed to Zabuza that perhaps they could do the dishes.
I couldn't help but giggle again when seeing Zabuza's reaction of bewilderment. By the look on his face, he wouldn't be helping much.
I bid Haku a good night when he says he won't be staying much longer because he too had to prepare for tomorrow. 'Have good night sleep, Sakura.'
'You too, Haku.'
Zabuza doesn't respond to any of it, quietly keeping to himself.

It isn't until I hit the shower I realize how short my hair is compared to this morning. Oddly it feels as if I have literally taken a weight off my shoulders. I guess it was almost a symbolical thing to do.

Tomorrow would be the start of something brand new and I got nervous just thinking about it.

I smile at the quick turn of events, realizing that my dark depressive thoughts haunted me less every day. The distance of Konoha probably helped and I pondered when I'd be going back.
Tsunade had yet to let me know when she was coming. Or maybe she would just show up out without warning. That was kind of her style.

Trying not dwell on it for too long, I get out and dry myself off. Catching myself in the mirror I notice I'm no longer too skinny. I look less fragile. The short hair makes my face look rounder. It's also a lot easier to handle, combing through it with ease.

I smile when thinking of Haku once having a pet under Zabuza's tutelage. I never took him as a man with much emotion but it seemed Haku really got under his skin at times. The thought makes something click in my mind.

I no longer seemed to find it impossible why these two had a bond. Haku kept Zabuza's human side intact and Zabuza kept Haku's demon under control. They were a perfect match.

When noticing I forgot to grab my clothes out of the commode in the bedroom, I put on a bathrobe.

As I open the door, I halt when hearing Haku hasn't left yet. At first I want to close the door again but his tone of voice stops me. I know I shouldn't but I can't help myself. I listen in while keeping the door slightly open.

'Are we still going through with it?'
'Of course. It's a great plan and we will not fail.'
'We?'
'You,' Zabuza said with a huff. I heard Haku put the glasses in the cabinet while talking and couldn't properly hear because of the noise.

'…don't you think you should tell her?'
'Tell her what, Haku?' I heard Zabuza's voice rise, getting angry with the boy. I tighten my grip on the handle of the door, afraid of what I was about to hear.

'Tell her all of how you feel,' he calmly said. 'I can tell you like her.'
'She's nothing but a nuisance.'
'No, I think she's angel,' Haku lightly answered. Peeking through the door without getting caught, I try to catch a glimpse of their expression. I only see Haku, who is dreamily is staring at Zabuza.
Zabuza is just out of my sight, I can only catch his movements, shadowed because of the light above them.
'We got lucky that night and you know it.'
'We already did what we have to do. We're even now.'

'Then why is she still here?'
'Some things you don't understand, kid. Once you're older—'I understand,' Haku coolly said while cutting him off.
I had no idea if Zabuza was taken back but Haku hadn't exactly been hiding from me either that he understood what our… physical relationship was.

'Sakura will jeopardize our plan. Once that project is over, she's going to leave. She wants to, she told me so herself,' Zabuza coldly explained, ignoring the grin on the boy's face.

'If you tell her everything she needs to hear, she'll stay. She likes it here,' Haku continued, ignoring the sigh coming from the older man's mouth. Clearly disagreeing on the matter.

'People disapprove of me having a… woman in my house. They consider it a weakness, I've been called pathetic for it.' Zabuza's argument didn't sound convincing but I assume there was some truth to it. His status didn't allow him to have to some sort of relationship and I could assume some of his teammates would criticize him for it.

No matter what we labeled it, the outside world would have the last word.

'Give yourself a second chance,' Haku quietly said while grabbing the door handle. 'And she will see that you're a good man, Zabuza.'

Zabuza didn't respond and I saw Haku closing the door without saying another word to him.

Waiting for a good minute or so, I get out of the bathroom. I tried not to make eye-contact with him, mumbling I forgot my clothes. I don't know why but I feel flustered. I hadn't caught their plan but I had caught something that perhaps wasn't meant for my ears to hear. I felt bad for listening in on their private conversation.

I respected both of them and I should've honored their discreetness and closed the door.

Seemingly lost in thought, I note I was just being undecisive for no reason. Just pick something to sleep in, I angrily tell myself. With a huff I grab something out and place it on the commode.

I flinch when feeling a hand on my shoulder. Tensing up at first but once his mouth touches my neck, my eyes flutter shut. Placing my hair to the side, I feel his lips below my ear. I let my head rest against his shoulder, giving him a free passage to the rest of my neck.

Pulling me away towards the bed. He then softly places me on the bed, untying the knot of my bathroom as if I was a present. I dared to look him in the eye and oddly he wears a calm expression.
Parting my robe until I was completely naked before him, feeling his hand slide slowly over my thighs to my waist. Normally I'd blush for being so exposed but I had gotten used to his style.

His mouth tastes mine before muttering something against my lips. 'Eavesdropping again, Sakura?'
I still shivered when he said my name like that. It reminded me of something long ago. It's then when I understood what he meant when saying "again".

I had done this before but back then, his touch made me shiver in fear.

'You wouldn't allow me near you,' he whispered in my ear. 'And now look at you.'

His hand shamelessly touched my curves before going back down and explicitly touch me between my legs. I let out a small moan, not being able to make myself stop him. I hear him sigh in my ear, thoroughly enjoying his privilege.

Somewhere along the line he lost his interest in trying to intimidate me or whatever it was he was trying to pull off. He knew I had heard them talk but remained silent about it, wanting obviously nothing more than to do what we always did.

Touched by the idea of him actually liking me as much as Haku claimed, I push him over. Draping myself on top of him. Placing my hand on his heart when kissing him.

I halt, my lips still touching his. When I opened my eyes I see his. Sometimes I truly think he wanted it too.

For it to be real.

'I think you're a good man, Zabuza,' I whispered. You've changed my mind.

His eyes widen and for a brief moment he considers responding but instead he closes his eyes and begs my mouth to continue by lightly teasing my lips.

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