I finally managed to write chapter 8 of this story. I'm really sorry for the delay, but here it is. Enjoy!-sorrowXdarkness

Chapter 8

oooOOOooo

Haku sighed. Yesterday's adventure to the mall went beyond the stimulant Haku expected. The purpose of their trip was to get Zabuza acquainted with the area, but somehow it became about what looked good on Haku's person. Haku and Zabuza were enjoying each other company as they walked down the sidewalk at a pace designated by them alone. It was too slow for the two ahead of them as the girls came back to drag Haku into a store. Anko gestured for Zabuza to follow, which he did.

From there, they began looking at different articles of clothing; most of which was intended for Haku to try. When a few shirts, pants, and even dresses were given to Haku, he became anxious. Zabuza was there with them, and although Hinata knew a bit about Haku's secret, Zabuza did not. He looked toward Zabuza's direction as he felt somewhat uncomfortable with where he was. A store that primarily sold clothes meant for girls.

Unable to reject their advances, Haku submitted himself to the changing room. Hinata stood outside, waiting for Haku as he began changing. While there, Anko went to Zabuza and spoke to him. It helped with his anxiety as it was strange for someone like himself to be there without a girl by his presence.

"I hope you don't mind…we've been trying to get Haku to try out some cute clothes for a while now. She seems pretty against the idea for some reason."

Zabuza shook his head. He was not bothered, but rather intrigued. Why would someone as amazing as Haku not inclined to dress in such a matter? Did she not realize how cute she was?

Anko continued and explained that Haku would usually wear a loose t-shirt and sweat pants at home. Although nothing was said about her attire at school, it came to Zabuza's mind as it further proved Anko's case. That earned a nod from the new student as he recalled their first meeting. How easy was she to be mistaken as a boy? So she dressed like that at home?

"Which is why we're taking this chance to show Haku the kind of girl she could be." She winked as she and Zabuza made their way to Hinata and Haku. Haku was just about to come out.

Haku dropped his head. How could he do that? In front of Zabuza of all people! The first one he tried was a one piece dress with a color that resembled the color of the sky during the day. The dress did nothing to hide his arms or legs as the bare skin was presented to Zabuza like a dish in a sliver platter. To make matter worse, Zabuza said not a word. Anko and Hinata insisted that he was surprised by how well it turned out, but Haku wasn't convinced. He tried on a few more, but they were mostly casual pants and shirts. They were the only times that he received any verbal comments from Zabuza. Nothing explicit. Just simple responses like:

It looked nice on you.

You look cute.

You should wear this more often.

But in the back of Haku's mind, what he cared to know most was his first reaction. Did he like Haku in that dress? Or was it simply because Haku was unfit to wear such a dress? How he dreaded not being in the same class as Zabuza. Then again, it was through this difference in classroom that he could think let alone breathe. If he was in the same classroom with Zabuza, he wouldn't be able to concentrate what was on the blackboard. Instead, he would be looking at Zabuza to see what sort of expression his stoic friend could give.

"Did you have fun yesterday?" Hinata said, smiling at her friend. Knowing full well how much fun they had as they watched Haku in several clothes.

"Loads…" Haku returned his head to his desk.

"Well Zabuza enjoyed it."

"Did he? I'm not so sure."

"I thought we talked about this last night?"

"We did…but still…he said nothing… Maybe I shouldn't even bother."

"Maybe you should speak to Zabuza first."

Nothing more could be said as the teacher appeared. Class was in session. The matter was settle for now as Haku opened his notebook and prepared himself for another day in education while preparing to talk to Zabuza.

oooOOOooo

Kagura had her attention at Zabuza. She could not understand what he saw in that mysterious girl. Her looks were only modest at best and lacked any curve around the hips and above all, on her chest. Rui and Maike provided her photographs of the mysterious girl. She had nothing compared to Kagura. So why was he so into her? It made no sense. He should be talking to her. Kagura's grip on her pen began to tighten. She hated losing, but above all, she hated losing to someone obviously inferior to her.

Whoever that girl was, well she simply needed to be made known of the apparent. Kagura had already declared him as her own, and whatever she wanted, she got. No exceptions.

First thing first, she needed to talk to a certain girl in her class. Someone who could probably shed some light in the matter concerning that girl and Zabuza. Only two more hours before lunch break. How she hated to wait. Still, that made him worthwhile. She let out a grin as she imagined sliding her tongue across his arabian skin. It was something she could really sink her teeth to. Oh, and that voice was to die for.

oooOOOooo

Lunch period finally came and Anko was about to leave with Zabuza. Just as they were by the doorway, a friend of Anko's asked if she could speak to her privately. Anko agreed and told Zabuza to go on ahead. Zabuza nodded before resuming his walk.

As Anko turned her attention to her friend, Kagura began to walk over to them. The interrogation just began.

Zabuza, on the other hand, felt unsteady. He couldn't concentration the lesson before him as his mind was still stuck on that scene from yesterday; Haku in that dress. She looked stunning. It actually left Zabuza speechless. How could such a gem exist in front of him. He felt his heart pounding against his chest, demanding to come out. To be liberated from the confides of his own restraints.

He reminded himself that Haku was a special friend. A friend he could not lose. Not yet. Approaching her in such a matter would only scare her off. It was curiosity that kept her nearby, and when she was made known of who he truly was, it would be over.

It was a day he was not looking forward to, but was inevitable. He remembered how curious she was about his bindings around his mouth. She could have, at arm length, pulled them off. That idea alone scared him, but he kept it inside. He was happy enough to finally be able to see her day to day in person. He shouldn't wish for anything else.

Author's Notes:

It really has been a long time since I last updated this story. I'm a huge fan of Zabuza and Haku together as a couple, but surprisingly, I find it difficult to write when compared to Iruka and Kakashi fanfics. I'm still not sure why since the former is my favorite pairing in the show while I show only a small interest with the later. Anyway, I'm continuing my work on this story and I hope you enjoyed this chapter and will enjoy the many chapters ahead. -sorrowXdarkness