"So, uh, we're almost ready."

Haku didn't immediately respond to the man's words, instead focusing on her futile efforts to flatten out and salvage her torn and filthy robes and make herself look even vaguely presentable. She refused to dishonor him any further than she already had; She knew the risks and sacrifices he had to make just to keep her from the executioner's block.

Marriage. A permanent black mark on his future as a ninja. Continual check-ups and psyche evaluations, in case she proved to be as they feared- a spy or assassin in waiting. All just to keep her from being punished for her sins.

It was far more than she deserved. And, for the life of her, she still couldn't see why the boy was so determined to help her. She was a killer, a tool; her sins were innumerable, and the only "positive" she had was the remnants of her heart that made her dislike killing.

Yet, here she was. A tool, about to take a new master, rather than be buried beside her previous wielder.

It was more than she could comprehend.

But regardless of her understanding, she apparently still had a part to play in this world. A new master to serve.

And she would serve him well.

That thought was all that kept her sane.

"Thank you, Master Shinobi."

The man in question nodded awkwardly. He was, at the very least, polite, and he didn't seem all too happy with the situation either. Perhaps he didn't like the idea of an unknown ninja marrying into the village, or perhaps he genuinely thought that the situation was unjust. But to his credit, he didn't move to disobey his orders. Not a offer of drink nor food nor a cloth to wash herself. He stood firm, regardless of what he thought should be.

A true ninja.

"Hm. My name's Iruka."

Haku gave the smallest of nods in acknowledgement, before turning her head to the main door once more. Perhaps, Naruto would at least be given the freedom to clean himself and acquire some proper attire. While she could stomach the indignation the village leaders had thrust upon her, he did nothing to deserve such a punishment. Her newest master deserved the best, and Haku found herself praying that at least he would be spared the indignity of the situation.

And speaking of indignities, She could almost taste the politicking from here. The hastily thrown together plans and plots, the power games and struggles. Heck, even her painful and undignified state was a power game. She was being put metaphorically in her place, shown where she belonged in the village. Shown that she was still but a tool to be used, even when in their "mercy".

But at the same time, the smallest bit of the heart she still had left burned in indignation.

They couldn't even afford her a rag to wash herself before her wedding. Truly, the tales of the kind and benevolent Konoha village were exaggerated.

And so, here she was. Sitting painfully on the floor, unable to leave, move, or wash herself. Waiting for the metaphorical shoe to drop, covered in blood, grime, and filth, her previous kimono torn from battle and covered in the blood of both herself and her previous master. Unable to bind her numerous wounds and sate her hunger and thirst as they set up an extremely rushed wedding, one that had been accepted before they had even arrived in the village.

"So... Naruto, huh?"

The man's tone was forced-casual, and Haku noted the concern in his eyes. It was a more personal concern than a ninja worried of an infiltrator, and Haku found her curiosity piqued.

"Yes. Naruto."

Iruka simply nodded at that, before kneeling down somewhat to look her more in the eye. The gesture was a strange one, and Haku couldn't help but feel uncomfortable at the action.

"Hmm. He's usually a pretty good judge of character."

Haku couldn't say that she could agree. After all, he did choose her. But at this point, she had no right to argue, nor would she ignore her newest master's benevolence.

"So... how did you meet?"

The question was unexpected, and it actually took Haku a moment before she could formulate and answer. At least the question was pleasant enough to think about; her new master was someone that she'd most likely would've been friends with, had the world deigned it so.

"Hmm. I found him asleep in the woods. I was gathering healing herbs in the forest for my master, and spotted him sleeping upon the ground."

The ninja didn't interrupt her, instead choosing to remain silent and listen.

"I woke him, and warned him that he might fall ill if he remained sleeping in the early morning cold."

And that, as they say, was that.

The other ninja took a moment, as if waiting for more, but once it was clear that her story was done, he nodded.

"Ah. I see."

There was a lull in the conversation for a minute or so after that, neither party having much to say, before the man finally spoke again.

"He's my precious student, you know?" There was a soft fondness in the man's tone, as genuine as it came, and Haku found herself turning slightly to look at the ninja fully.

"If you hurt him, I'll kill you myself."

The threat was short, sweet, and to the point. Pretty standard, as far as death threats went, but unlike most it held a sense of genuine honesty to it. It wasn't a threat made in the face of some inconvenience, or a threat made to protect one's honor or to save face. It was a threat made to protect someone precious to him. If she somehow failed, the consequence would be nothing short of death, and she had little doubt that the man in front of her would do his best to accomplish it.

"I am glad that he has one who would defend him so."

She really was. Naruto was someone that deserved it.

"Iruka, we're ready."

And, with that, it seemed her waiting was at an end. With a cautious, questioning glance toward Iruka, Haku slowly, almost torturously stood up, and moved slightly toward the door.

Destiny awaited her, and she was not one to be late.

A/N So, a little story idea that I had. I'm not sure if I wanna write more though, so I'll leave that up to everyone else. If you want me to continue, leave a review or PM me saying so, and I shall try my hardest to continue.