I'm sorry for the huge delay. I wrote a chapter 7, but found it distasteful for me. I tried to tweak it countless times, but in the end, I trashed it and wrote a new one. Again, I apologized that it took this long to make that decision and to write this chapter. I hope you like it. -sorrowXdarkness
Chapter 7
oooOOOooo
The group left the school, all while continuing their conversation. Both Anko and Hinata were impressed by the story that Zabuza recounted. How he and Haku met. Of how they became very good friends. Right now, the distance between them was not enough to satisfy both girls as they gave the other glances. Truth to be told, Hinata called Anko after speaking with Haku. She wanted to confirm a suspicion she had. Aside from her, Anko seemed to know about Haku's secret. So when Anko answered her phone, Hinata began her inquiry. As she expected, Anko knew for quite some time. Although it was by pure chance, Anko made it a duty to keep Haku's preference a secret. Anko told her a lot actually, and when she was finished, she asked her own question.
"Are you okay with that? Does that bother you that Haku like wearing girl's clothes?" Her voice was stitched with worries as the fear of rejection seemed nearly real.
Hinata shook her head, and said that she actually thought it was weird that Haku wore boy's uniforms. Anko couldn't help herself, but to laugh; Hinata joined in as well. Haku should have worn the girls uniform from the start; he wouldn't have this problem. Still, they could understand the pressing issues that Haku faced. There were always people that made others' lives worse. So if Haku were to come out from his shell, people would find it desirable to bring him down.
"So, what do you think about them both? Don't they make a great couple?" Anko asked, her voice now filled with amusement etched with curiosity. Anko unknowingly sparked something within Hinata. The gentle and timid girl began to smile cheerful.
"I think so too…Haku definitely like Zabuza…and I'm sure Zabuza feels the same way…"
"Maybe we should do something about it…you know, play cupid."
Both girls began to converse on how to lessen the distance that existed between Zabuza and Haku. They both agreed that Haku should start wearing girl clothes, in public and in school. People within their school currently believed that Haku was a girl that preferred to wear boys clothes; clearly the opposite of what was the truth. School may be too much for Haku to handle, but in public, they believed he would do. If he cross-dressed, no one would put two to two together. They would either confused Haku as someone else, or seeing the very Haku they believed to be the case. Even though Hinata suggested to Haku that he should start wearing the girls uniform at school, she doubted that Haku would actually do it; so did Anko. So their plan was to have both Zabuza and Haku go to any clothes shop; it could be at random. From there, they would pretend to look for clothes for themselves while suggesting to Haku to try some on. If Haku were to go against their suggestions, they could always go to Zabuza and convinced him to join in their plead. If he were to join in, then Haku has no choice, but to put those clothes on.
Baby steps. They required that Haku got used to wearing girl clothes outside of school, before even attempting the former.
Anko gave a nod to Hinata, whom understood as she began to speak up. "You know, I heard that some stores give student discount for any purchase as long as they have a valid student ID. I have been meaning to buy some new sweaters for the winter. Maybe we could check some out…"
Just as Haku and Zabuza began to ponder on the suggestion, Anko stepped in to quicken the process. "I think that's a great idea. Zabuza could familiarize himself with the clothes shops and any other shops nearby. We would be killing two birds with one stone." Anko said as she gestured at them both with her eyebrows.
"I don't mind…" Haku said.
"Me neither." Zabuza said as both girls began to take the lead. As they walked, a block away from them were two other students. Rui and Maike were personal friends of Kagura. They were fortunate enough to befriended Kagura and to have lunch with her at school. They were currently assigned to watch over Zabuza and his group. Kagura, along with both Rui and Maike, felt concern. Zabuza, who was apparently new to their town, already found a group. When it was lunch period, he went out of his way to talk to Anko and then left with her; only to be found with two more students at one of the school's gardens. They had yet to figure out the identity of the other two students, but when they do, Kagura could take appropriate actions to ensure that they would not interfere with her plans; she already claimed Zabuza, so no one, but her could get him.
They kept their distance as they continued with their tailing. They noticed the group was heading toward the center of the town, where all the major stores were placed. Were they going to window shop, thought one of them.
As Haku walked, he took some glance at Zabuza's direction. Although they were going to help Zabuza in getting to know the town, he would have preferred to talk to him privately. There were many things he had yet to learn about Zabuza. One of them that just occurred to him, was whether his skin tone was environmental or hereditary. He had the chance to meet Zabuza's father once, during those times. Unlike his son, Zabuza's father had a pastel look to his skin. Then again, Haku never met his mother. There was always that chance that his mother came from an exotic background.
"Haku?"
"Haku?"
It took the touch of his hand on his shoulder to bring his trance to an end. Haku unknowingly stared over Zabuza as they walked. During that time, he nearly bumped into someone that he ignored to the end, and a lamp post. Zabuza became worried as Haku shook his head.
"Huh? Sorry… I was thinking about something…what were you saying?"
"I said, did you bring any money?"
"Oh. No, not really… I have five dollars, but that's it." He usually didn't carry any huge amount of cash unless he knew what he was going to spend it on. Beside, most of his money would go into a piggy-bank that sat on a bookshelf in his room. Once a month, if possible, he would go shopping with Anko at the city adjacent to their town. It was definitely better to go with someone, rather than by himself.
"I see…come, before we lose sight of them." Zabuza said as he took his hand and dragged him to where the others were. They were already at the corner of the sidewalk as they waited for their friends. Once there, they waited for a moment until the light turned red; they were given the signal to cross. As they crossed the street, Haku felt Zabuza tightening his grip on his hand. Haku, in response, did the same. Although he was a boy, Haku's hands were significantly smaller than Zabuza's; and a lot softer too. Haku looked up at Zabuza's back before giving a light smile of contentment.
It feels nice…
oooOOOooo
-END
Author's Note:
I'm trying to write several of my stories all at once, but perhaps it would be better if I try a more systematic approach. I already decided to write (both forcefully and passionately) "Roommates" at a weekly basis, and "Connecting with You" at a monthly basis. There are some stories I put off (as in indefinite HOLD) like My Husband is an Ice Dragon, and Dent in my Wall, but after I finish Breaking the Undesirable Cycle, then I will return to those stories. Please let me know how I'm doing in this and any of my other stories. -sorrowXdarkness