Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter V

Though I had promised myself to not stay up all night and ware myself out again, I found it hard to wake Haku up, especially with Zabuza still being awake. I had thought he would pass out after a few minutes but it had been thirty and he had yet to fall back into unconsciousness.

'Have you been awake before?' I ask him, using a calm tone. I had fought off my anxiety and tried to redeem myself as a doctor by not letting him get under my skin any further.
'I was awake a few times…' he mumbled back. I could tell he was fighting off sleepiness. Why couldn't he just give in already?
'You really should rest for now,' I tell him.
Though his face is too tired to make any type of expression, I know he's inside probably smirking at my attempt to keep peace. He seemed to be amused by my thorn feelings about him and Haku, which irked me.

'Water,' he muttered at me. 'I want some water.'

No please and definitely no thank you when I hand it over. He greedily drinks it down, making a mess on himself and the few clean pieces of fabric I had found in my house. It was the fourth time he soiled it with is inability to properly drink from a glass. I rolled my eyes at sight but refrained from making a comment about it. At times I could swear he did it on purpose.

'You know, I want you to leave just as bad as you want to go.'

I don't know why I had just told him that but I felt the need to do so. Maybe it was because I was aware of the fact that I wasn't being as gentle with him as I would be with other patients.

He swallows the last bit of water and roughly hands me back the glass. To my surprise, he nods and lays his head to rest. His brown eyes eye me from head to toe before rolling back and finally allowing himself to rest again.

I let out a deep sigh and relax my shoulders. I looked around in my tiny attic, made out of wood and not much else. It could get cold here during the night… but it was only temporarily. I would just have to hold on a bit longer.

Before leaving I felt his forehead again. He still had small fever. I noted I only was at ease when he was sleeping, otherwise I couldn't seem to bring myself to get near him. Hence why taking care of that wound on his neck had been a dreaded thing to do, his eyes had been locked on me. He had looked so intently at my face, as if waiting for it to betray my actions and reveal I out to harm him.

It was obvious he was very suspicious of me and I expected that is why he had been calling for Haku, to make sure I wouldn't be doing anything towards him in his weakened state.

It was almost ironic that he thought so lowly of me. I didn't kill people for a living, I saved them.

I eventually decided to not wake Haku at all, I couldn't bear it when I saw him lying so calmly and safe in bed.
Zabuza should be just fine, I told myself. Besides, and I believe I have said it before, ill weeds grow apace.

The next morning I woke up covered in my own sweat. Gasping for air I was relieved to finally be able to leave my bed. I didn't want to know what today would bring and I dreaded finding out. I roll my head around and tell myself I just need to take a shower and get a move on, I couldn't afford to be late.

When I opened the door from the bathroom is saw something in front of my bedroom door. I think it was one of the most kindest gesture I had received in the last couple of days. Scratch that, last couple of years.
I tilted my head and smiled when I realized who was responsible. Only one person could be.
I bite my lip and slowly walk towards the tray. I grab hold of the hot tea and a piece of toast. I didn't even know I owned a tray!

'You don't have much…' I hear Haku mumble behind me. It seemed he had just come from the attic.
Attentive he certainly was. He had already checked up on Zabuza before I had. I don't ask him about the man. I simply greet him and ask if he had slept well. He nodded while smiling.

'Yes, I'm afraid I need to go grocery shopping…' I mutter back when I thank him for the suprise. 'I'm sorry I didn't wake you but Zabuza is doing very well and I just wanted you to get your rest—'I woke up early this morning, so I doubt he was by himself for long. Though I must admit, Sakura, I much rather had you wake me up. I was worried.'
His tone was soft, kind and I almost envied Zabuza when I realized it was him he was talking so worriedly about.
'Of course,' I nod. 'But I'm a doctor, Haku, I know what I'm doing.'
He gave me sweet smile and I couldn't help but stare in at him. He had me a bit puzzled.
'You kept your promise,' he then said. 'Thank you,' he bowed his head towards me.

I hated myself for hating the promise that made this boy so content.

'You're welcome,' I mutter back while avoiding his eyes.

'I'll try to come home early again today but I can't keep disappearing without a good reason… Being tired is becoming a poor excuse.'
'Zabuza is doing better, is he not?' Haku asks me on a tone of bewilderment. I have him already worried again. I shake my head and tell him he's doing just fine. 'I just have to keep an eye on him…'

'Thank you for everything, Sakura,' he then tells me. When our eyes meet, I'm mesmerized by what I found in them. The gratefulness that shone through was overwhelming.

I had seen eyes like that before. Eyes that had little to no sleep, waiting for their loved ones to pull through. Eyes that kept faith, even on bad days.

The torn emotions this brought were now having a feast inside of me.

One moment I felt as if I had made the worse possible decision, next I felt as if I was one the road to save an innocent life.

'Have a good day,' he then says while bowing his head politely.

I nod and thank him for breakfast again before he climbs up the ladder and disappears into the attic again. I make note that I do have to get some food not just for Haku but for Zabuza too, he needs to get well-nourished food in order to speed up his healing process…

I blankly stare at the steaming cup of hot tea on the tray. I could almost see my resolves crumble into the dark liquid and disappear.

And just like that my head was back at my first thought again, helping this poor young boy escape a tragic faith.

Strangely today was off to a good start, Raccoon had been awake and I had been able to talk to him and reexamine his wounds and report to the commander. Sometimes his inability to give any type of emotion easily dried up our conversations. I assumed his men had it easier off, they just had to say their say and be gone. I on the other hand felt more obliged to talk and think aloud with him.

I couldn't tell if he approved of it or not but he had yet to dismiss me.

'I don't know,' I tell him. I had pondered about it but I assumed ANBU was better at this kind of stuff then I. 'Maybe Rabbit moved him around…' I then say.
'Why bother?'
'I don't know,' I tell him again, shrugging this time. 'To mislead you?'
'He did splendid job,' he mutters back, displeased about everything I had found out about.
'What are you looking for anyway?' I ask him. 'You have all you need. You do believe Raccoon, don't you?'
'No traitor wants to be left behind, so I highly doubt that is what Raccoon did. Besides, why would he? Just so an assassin and a fellow traitor can get out safely?' He seemed to be sharing a thought, I could tell he was actually rather conflicted about that. Uncertain if that was really the case.
'Raccoon isn't lying, he did get attacked from behind.'
'But the angle doesn't make sense, Rabbit was at the Councilor's right. If he didn't move, that means his wound got inflicted directly from the angle of the Councilor.'
'Maybe the Councilor was aware one of them was a traitor and tried outsmart them by attacking one of them?'
'You think that was possible considering his state?' he asks with surprise.
'People can do incredible things when their lives or that of a loved one is at stake. Maybe he just took the wrong bet, killed the wrong guy…'
'Unlikely, he was an old, fragile man after all.'

I quirked my eyebrow at him, that was the first time I heard him say something rather disrespectful towards the man. When he notices my expression, he bothers to actually explain himself.
'He lived to work and it is possible that he'd fight for his life until the very end but you said he was out cold, he couldn't have had the strength despite having the willpower…'

I shrug in response. I don't know and in all honesty, I didn't want to know what exactly happened. Suddenly it hit me I actually had the answers lying in bed at home. I decided to leave before my anxiety set in and I end up betraying myself. Never in my career had I walked on a thin line like this one.

'I need to go, I have to go grocery shopping today,' I say with a sigh while getting up. I dreaded doing shopping but I had no other choice. When I realized what I had just said I felt like an idiot.
I didn't know why I had just bothered to mention that.
As I got up, he threw me a smirk and told me daily life would return. I should just give it some time.

I smile and nod.

Normal life would eventually return but not until you and my troubles waiting at home are gone.

'I hope so,' I then admit, hoping it would actually soon be true. I wish him a good day and as I was about to leave I couldn't help but turn around and ask him.

'What is Rabbit's real name?'

He gives me surprised look at first before shrugging and eventually revealing his real name. 'Mizuki. Why?'
'Just curious, you keep calling him by his codename.'
'Rabbit isn't his codename… it's so you and your staff know who we are talking about. When the new platoon arrives, I'm assuming a few rabbits masks will be present again.'
'So we will be calling him by his real name…'
'There is no need to protect his name anymore,' he explains.
I nod understandingly. I then smirk at him. 'You think I'll ever get to know your name or will I have to call you for eternity commander?
'As long as I am on duty…' he answers evasively, though while smirking.
'You're not on duty,' I point out.
'It's safer for a reason, doctor Haruno.' He gives me a mysterious look I can't decipher. I let him be and decided to no long pry in ANBU's business, realizing it was probably my safety he was referring to.

When I come home I have more grocery-bags with me then I have arms and hands to carry them but somehow I managed to get all the way home. Unfortunately the trip exhausted me so much I ended up letting it all drop on my kitchen table. I had half expected Haku to show up and help me out but it seems he was actually obeying my orders perfectly and didn't come downstairs no matter what he heard.
I put the meat and a few dairy products in the fridge before checking up on him and Zabuza upstairs. I throw my coat over the rail over the stairs and slowly walk up.

'Haku?' I quietly say. No response.
I actually thought he would've heard me but I maybe I was wrong. They were hiding in the attic after all.
I slowly walk up the ladder and repeat calling his name. I climb up the ladder. 'Haku?' I ask, feeling a bit anxious.
When my head peeks up I see him sitting next to Zabuza, who is unfortunately awake.

'You can call his name out like that, someone might hear you,' he hissed at me.

'Then don't play hide and seek and I wouldn't have to call anyone out. I thought something was the matter,' I answered equally annoyed.

'Then that would be useless because if anything happens, we'd be dead.'

'I see you are feeling much better,' I snap back.

'Did you have a nice day, Sakura?' Haku's optimistic voice was sheer contrast next to mine and Zabuza's.

We then both decided to ignore each other.

'Yes, it was rather pleasant. How was yours?' I ask with a smile coming to sit next to him.

'Very well, Zabuza is feeling indeed much better,' he answers me while smiling at Zabuza, who rolled his eyes in response.

'I can see, very lively compared to the dead meat he was the pass two days…' I mutter while not being able to hide my contempt towards him. He could at least be a bit more polite and thankful after all I had done for him! And he didn't have to be so mean towards Haku either. What an obnoxious man…

'Yes and you are well and alive too, so I guess that means no one has found out yet,' he remarks back.
'No, dead people can't walk and talk, Zabuza,' I snippily reply.

I don't know why but it makes him laugh.
'Well, look at us, it is almost as if we've known each other for years,' he smirks at Haku.

'Trauma does strange things with people,' I mutter while rolling my eyes. I do however manage to turn on my doctor-switch and do a little check-up. He gets annoyed when my hand touches his forehead or any of his wounds. His hand flinches, obviously holding back his initial reaction to snatch my wrist.

'When will I'll be able to get up?' He asks.

'Wounds like that, plus an infection and then your stitches… Couple of weeks.'
'I don't have that time.'
'I know,' I nod. 'Another ANBU platoon is on its way to back the current one up.'
He snatches my hand this time around. I let out a silent yell, giving him a confused look.
'How do you know that?' His brown eyes widen and I get startled.
'The commander told me that,' I answer with a slight waver in my voice.
'Of ANBU?' he smirks. I nod, though realizing I had just gotten myself into trouble by telling this.

He starts laughing again and I feel shiver all over my body. I only now see his sharpen teeth, a demonic trait of Kirigakure. I forget my contempt for him and suddenly get drowned in my own fear.
He pulls my wrist to him and grabs my neck, holding it firmly into place.
'Haku's right,' he hisses. 'You are an angel.'
His eyes held a strange glint that had a paralyzing effect on me. I wasn't just scared suddenly, I was fearing for my life.
'L-let go,' I whisper, feeling distraught by his behavior.
'Zabuza, you are hurting her…' Haku says. His voice sounded hollow and his eyes went back and forth from mine to Zabuza's. Zabuza gives the boy a strange look before finally letting go and throw me onto the floor.

'So you've been in close contact with ANBU this entire time?' he asks me. His eyes stay intensely on mine.
I rub my neck, hoping it wouldn't be bruised. I don't answer him but I guess my expression spoke louder than words.

'You are playing with fire, doctor,' he says with a smirk . 'But I like feisty,' he then snickers at me.
I wish he would stop with those types of remarks, I got nauseated by them. I uncomfortable turn my head away from him.

'What else do you know?' he then asks me on a much more commanding tone. No evasive answers expected in return.

Though I still feel fear inside of me, I refuse to dig my own grave any deeper.

'I'm already helping you… I'm not going to betray anyone. Just leave!' I eventually bit out. 'Leave before they can get to you!'

'Leave?' he asks with false bewilderment. 'I don't think so, I couldn't possibly be in any better hands then in yours, doctor. Besides you just told me I can't leave, remember?'

'They'll be here by the end of this week…' I start. 'But if you leave now—'But poor Haku,' he then says. I see Haku's expression change. I don't know what is about to happen but it seems he does. Zabuza grabs him closer and I see something shiny in his right hand. A kunai!

When did he get that?

'You don't want him to get hurt, do you, doctor?' Zabuza menacing tone and Haku's expression adds into the pressure. I can feel my hands starting to tremble uncontrollably.

'You would do that?' I feel my breath leave and suddenly the tiny attic feels claustrophobic. I can't get enough air!

'No, you would,' he says, flashing his sharp teeth at me. 'You'd send him on a mission towards his own dead.'

'He can stay here, you can leave!'

'I don't have anyone to support on, doctor,' he answers, forging that he's hurt by my comment. He then pushes Haku away from him. 'Rabbit will take care of ANBU. He'll give them a false trail.'
He then gives Haku a peculiar look and I definitely can't decipher the look in Haku's eyes when he meets Zabuza's. These two speak a language I don't. I swallow and gather myself together.

'Don't… don't hurt anyone,' I simply say. 'Enough people suffer from this war…' I stop talking when I realize he doesn't care about any of that. He doesn't even bother to make a snide remark of my weak, pathetic speech.

'I'll try to help you get well as quick as possible,' I then tell him.

'Of course you will,' he snaps. 'Did you get something to eat?'

I'm stunned by his attitude. He knows he has control over me… I can't help but look at Haku, who seems shaken up. And he knows I want to save Haku… Bastard.

'Haku, would you help me with dinner?' I try to ask politely but I hear a pressing tone coming through. I wanted him to get out of this room and leave with me so badly. He looked scared.

But the boy doesn't move a muscle until Zabuza nods his head.

Preparation for "dinner" is awkwardly silent. I don't know what is on Haku's mind. Actually, for the first time I realize I don't know him at all.

I decided to make soup, an amount big enough to last for a few days. Haku was helping me cut the vegetables. I try to lighten the mood a little by making some small talk.
'You know, you could be a chef with those skills,' I joke when seeing his cutting work.

'So could you.' He gives me a shy smile in response.

There he is again, that little boy I met the first time…

'I do cut things from time to time…' I snicker. 'Not as much vegetables as I should, though.'
'Sakura!' He seems taken back by my little joke but sees the humor in it. I figure I can make that joke unlike his… friend. He cuts things too… Argh, even when he's not in the room he manages to frighten me.

Or am I just scaring myself at this point?

'What else would you like me to do?' Haku asks, interrupting my weird thoughts.

A little boy stuck with a madman, I then rephrase in my mind.

'You can cut this in to small slices,' I say while handing over solid chicken. He seems a little repulsed at first but ends up doing it with the exact precision he had cut the vegetables.

'Haku?' I eventually start. 'How did you and Zabuza meet?'
'We met on the street…' he simply answered. 'I was hungry and he fed me. He is my only friend.'
The answer is evasive and the tone is simply put indifferent. I think a deaf people could hear him lie.
Whatever Zabuza did, he did seem to cling on to the gesture, insuring himself he was good person ought to help him and be his friend. Though with those thoughts, I refrained myself from saying anything about it.

'Where is your family?' I then ask him, feeling the subject becoming more sensitive and seeing it as a chance to finally get to know his background. But as soon as the words leave my mouth I can see Haku pull up his walls. It seems the more I ask, the more his face becomes this blank mask with a hollow, meaningless smile that never leaves.

'They are dead. I don't like talking about them, Sakura.'

'I'm sorry,' I mutter feeling guilty and uncomfortable by his rather crude and uncharacteristic answer.

'It's ok,' he shrugs. 'Where is yours?' He then ask looking up from his work.

'Oh, in Konoha,' I answer. I'm a bit taken back. Nobody ever asks me about them. I figured most people thought I didn't have family since I never talk about them and I was always working.

'Then why are you here?' he asks, lifting up an eyebrow at my answer.

What was I doing here? Once there had been such clear and simple answer, now I didn't know what was going on. For the first time I felt as if the war wasn't a central matter in my life anymore… Unfortunately the pioneers of war had taken its place. I felt uneasy when thinking that thought.

'I wanted to be useful, help people that were in true need of my help. I wasn't supposed to stay here but I don't know… The villagers are kind and suddenly I had hospital to work in and I became a steady rock in the chaos of war.'

He stayed silent, letting my words sink in. After thinking about it he finally gives me one of his genuine smiles and the blank mask falls off. 'You are brave, Sakura,' he compliments me.

I can't help but laugh, though I do take the compliment to the heart. 'So are you, Haku.'

'You know, Sakura,' he then starts. 'Zabuza can be a bit mean but that is only because he doesn't trust you.'

I let out a hallow laugh now, 'Well, that's good to know.'
I was more than aware of Zabuza's distrust. It was just cute how Haku put it, as if he would become nicer once he did. I doubted that.

'I trust you, Sakura. Eventually Zabuza will too.'

I feel like a phony when I see his brown eyes shining hopefully into mine. I don't want his trust, kid. I really don't.

'You know, Haku,' I start, copying his style a little. 'I'm your friend too… wouldn't you like to stay with me?'

His smile falters and his cold stoic expression returns.

'No.'

A plain simple answer that echoed in my ears. I let my shoulders drop, ignore him for a moment to add all the ingredients into the boiling water and stir in the pot for a moment.

'Why not?' I then as, not being able to let it go.

'Why should I? Why would I let go of my friend in need?' he retorted.

I didn't know what exactly to say to him but I didn't have to, he put me right in my place.

'You are perfectly fine, Sakura. It is Zabuza who needs my help.'

The answer was unnaturally to hear from such small, seemingly, innocent child. Haku was wise beyond his years… I didn't know what he had seen or what he had been going through but he could see right through me and my "kind" intentions. Though he was scared of Zabuza, he had no intention of letting him go. Whatever he had done for the boy, I hadn't "matched" it yet with my kindness.

I decided to let subject go and try to find something else to talk about. Unfortunately there is very little frivolous matters to talk about during war. The fact that I didn't come out a lot and neither did Haku, didn't help. So we ended up enjoying each other's company in silence. It was anything but uncomfortable. Though we had yet to learn who we were, we were most definitely at ease with one another.

Before we go upstairs to bring Zabuza a bowl of soup, I suddenly grab Haku's sleeve when I think of someone. I can't help myself and I have to ask him before we in Zabuza's company again.

'Aren't you scared of Mizuki?'
He frowns when he hears me use his real name. 'Mizuki?' he echoes.
'Rabbit!' I answer him, not liking that everyone thinks I can be so easily fooled. 'I know his real name!'
'No, I don't fear him,' he calmly answers me. 'And neither should you. I think he's very fond of you.' There is something sinister in the way he says it and I can't quite put my finger on it.

'Was he here?' I then ask him but he immediately shakes his head.

I'm puzzled and a small part of me doesn't want to admit to the possibility of Haku lying. He moves along, walking carefully up the stairs and ignoring my stare completely.
I had an eerie feeling overcome me. One moment I felt as if I was going somewhere with Haku, the next he was frightening me.

'Sakura,' Haku says, halting me as I was about to climb up the shamble ladder with a bowl of hot soup. 'If there is ever an emergency… How do I contact you?'

Well I hadn't seen that question coming. 'Ah…' I 'm taken aback and have to think about it for a minute. 'I don't know actually…'

If I did however wanted to go somewhere with this boy, I would have to show him I was reliable. Earn his trust…

'I'll think of something,' I then add. 'You can count on it.'

He contently nods at the answer.

When I climb up the stair and see the angry expression of the assassin awaiting me, I realize I might actually have to go through him in order to get Haku's trust.
'You're awake,' I comment. It almost sounded as if I was happy about that but I guess the deadpan silence at the end gave away that I was rather disappointed to see him awake. At least tried to come off as caring. I was caring about not caring…

'You're so observing,' he remarks making me roll my eyes in response.

Haku however seemed to be genuinely content about Zabuza being awake again. I don't know if my fake concerned worked but he had given me grateful look when our eyes met. Haku gave him a bowl of soup and asked if he needed help eating. When I saw Zabuza's discomfort I couldn't help but laugh out loud. He grumbled out a no and threw me a glare before tasting it.

'Taste like shit,' he then said.

I guess I could've seen that one coming…

'You've tasted shit before?'

I know, juvenile, but I couldn't help myself.

'And you are a respectable doctor?' he remarks with thick sarcasm.

'One who saves shitty lives…and makes shitty soup,' I answer on a light tone.

I catch Haku staring at us from the corner of my eye. He looks utterly confused at our behavior but when we looked his way, he just gave us his signature smile. I tilted my head when noticing he looked kind of different. As if he was truly finding our bickering entertaining. I suppose it was which made me smirk.

I don't know why I was letting him get under my skin so much… I let myself drop in the empty chair standing in the far corner of the room. I looked outside the window. Only dark clouds coming our way.

It stays quiet when he starts eating, so I let my thoughts wander a bit.

I don't know what I was doing. All I could hear was a little voice inside of me telling me I was being stupid. Haku was obviously not some random kid. And Zabuza… I didn't know what he was but I needed to get away from him. But I couldn't, even if these two weren't around, I would still be stuck in this situation. I was starting to question a lot of things… I wondered what would happen once the other ANBU platoon arrived. Would it all be instantly over? Would I be sentenced to death?

Ha, never thought I would share the same faith as some of my patients… I guess that show I'm just as presumptuous as some of the arrogant politicians and higher officers I had fought against.

'Get me more.' The rude command snapped me out of my thoughts and I lifted an eyebrow at the tall man lying helplessly in bed. Haku simply nodded and said he was happy to see him finally get better. All he got in response was gruff sound of annoyance.

'Can't you be bit more pleasant?' I sincerely asked once Haku it out the room. 'He's doing his best to help you, although for reasons I don't understand.'

He turned his head and grinned at me. 'And you are doing your best to help him, for reasons no one don't understands.'

'I'm just trying to get him away from thugs like you, so he won't end up like you.'

His grin faltered and I could tell I hit a nerve. 'Get out of the chair,' he said. 'Someone might see you.'

'No one uses this route—'I did,' he says cutting me off. 'I used it to get into the village.'
I let out a surprised gasp. He had passed my house on his way in?
I suddenly felt uncomfortable knowing that he had been a lot closer to me before I even knew about him. I did however get out of the chair and cautiously looked through the tiny round window, hoping I wouldn't see anything out of the ordinary.

'Scared?' he snickered. 'Should be, only the corrupt and unethical use the backdoor to get in.'

'You're very proud of yourself, aren't you?' I ask on a strict tone. Again, I couldn't help myself from adding snide remarks. I walked up to him. 'You might have once been a proud shinobi…' I maliciously say. 'Those sharpened teeth indicate you were a part of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist.'

Assassins belonged to the bottom, they were the dirt of the Shinobi world. Paid with the lowest fee to take a life without the honor of a country or a clan, made one nothing more than a murderer.

No man took proud in being the lowest.

'And you think we only escorted the Daimyo to tea parties?' He snickered at me. 'You are such a naïve thing… Great name, big reputation and yet you live in such a small world made out of wounded people in need of your help.'

'You were not in need of my help?' I point out while looking at the almost lethal wounds. If it hadn't been for me stitching them up and keeping them clean, he'd be dead.

To my surprise, he nods acceptingly of my valid point but doesn't let the conversation go. 'But if it wasn't for your constant need to help people, you wouldn't be in this mess.'

'How so?' I ask him getting slightly aggravated by his words. Maybe it was because deep inside I knew he too was making a valid point.

'Why do you want to save Haku?' he asks. I simply sigh before answering, 'I already told you why—'But you don't know him,' he repeats while starting to grin at my annoyance.
'I don't need to know someone—'Yes, you do,' he answers, still grinning. 'At least most people do.'
I stay silent, not knowing what to say.
'Truth is, you can't let go once you see someone in need of help. Hence why you get yourself into trouble so much.'

'So I asked for it?' I'm not able of hiding my feelings of aggravation anymore. 'I asked for some high in council guy to get treatment for a disease, that he could've gotten treatment for anywhere in the country, to then, under my watch, gets assassinated and I asked for it?' I say in one breath.

I went to sit down on the bed, facing him defiantly. He simply smirks at my temper, which irks me even more.
'No, you didn't ask for any of that. Though, you did give him a hard time, despite the fact you knew who he was.'
'How do you know that?' I ask in surprise but he ignores my question.
'But you didn't have to care about Haku or take care of me,' he says silencing me completely. 'You're hoping to find someone to stay by your side…'

I want to open my mouth but can't find the words to talk. He grabs my wrist again, though not harshly or intimidating like he has done before. 'No ring, no one to come home to… You're nothing but tragically lone case, doctor, and that is why you are in this mess.'

He lets go of my wrist. I stare at him, speechless by how easily he had seen through me. I felt shame rise to my cheeks and I eventually avert my eyes off his. Though I could see out of the corner of my eye that the action had made him smirk.
I don't know if he felt it but the animosity in the atmosphere had grown tenfold. I suddenly wanted to bolt out of the room and run to my own safe bedroom. With a huff I got up only to be hold down by his hand on my knee.

'Don't do anything stupid… You're in this mess,' he explains, talking just above a whisper. 'You still don't want to Haku to get hurt, do you?' he threatens.
'Don't you care about him?' I whisper back, feeling slightly defeated.
'Only a tool, just like you.'

I want to snap his hand off of my knee but he grabs my hand. Before I know it we get into a small hustle that I immediately cease when I realize how stupid I'm being. I try to compose myself but found it hard with his dark intimidating aura surrounding me. I then remind myself of the kunai he has hidden.

Zabuza seems to find my entire behavior rather amusing. The arrogant smirk on his face never leaves.

When the wind howls and trembles the roof above us, we both get surprised. The roofs isolations is so low it feels is as if we are standing outside. I could feel the cold coming in and couldn't help but slightly shiver.

'Bad weather is coming…' He muttered.
'You can predict the weather now?' I ask not really knowing why. Maybe I didn't want him to think he got to me by staying quiet.
'If you are outside a lot, you learn to see the small warnings nature sends,' he answers. He only seems to be more amused by my behavior. 'This is good news… means the new ANBU platoon is going to have hard time.'

'How so?' I ask. 'I don't think bad weather is going to stop them.'
'It's not going to stop them,' he snaps annoyed. 'It's going to vanish every trace that is left.'

He lets his head rest on the pillow and I see now how exhausted he is. I try to fight the urge to tell him to rest. We exchange a look with one another. He knew what I was thinking… and I knew he knew.
He seems to be done taunting me for today because he stayed silent. Only his smirk lasts.

'Haku,' he suddenly speaks up, startling me. I frown at him in confusion. 'Stop trying to eavesdrop and get in here.'

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