Dislaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter VI

I kept staring at ceiling, hearing Zabuza's words in repeat. It had been awkwardly quiet once Haku arrived witht with the second bowl of soup and I was sure he knew something had been said.

I hadn't been able to shake off what had been said. I actually felt as if had been caught doing something bad…

But I am doing something good, am I not? I am trying to help a little boy from not becoming a criminal… like him. Or actually from not ending up dead after being used by a criminal like him. I frowned at remembering what had been said. A lonely case…

I wasn't lonely! And I certainly did not care for my patients to fill a certain void! I choose this life because I prefer it. Because it is who I am.

I'm not… lonely!

I turn my head around and growl into my pillow, I hated how I was still fretting over this! I
nstead of not letting him get under my skin, I let him get into my head…

Well at least today he didn't make any dirty comments.

I let out a heavy sigh when thinking that. Hmm, maybe I rather hear him denigrate me for whatever pathetic reason he thinks he has, then what I had to hear today…

I'm so content nobody can hear me think right now,

I scold at myself. This man brought out the worse in me.

I suppose all of this mindless thinking was a nice way to distract myself from the terrifying truth. The ANBU-platoon that was coming, the commander… My problems were long from being over.
And I did get myself into quite mess… And no matter how much I hated asking myself…

Why was I so keen on saving Haku?

'The Wolf-platoon will be here earlier than expected.'

I let out tired sigh, knowing fully well he wasn't informing out of the kindness of his heart. I give the commander a short nod. 'I think you'll be able to function this operation as long as you don't physically participate.'
'You'll need to report that to Lord Inui, he's in touch with our higher officer,' he answered on a bored tone.
'I?'
'It's more plausible if you explain it to him, then I do. He seems to think I'm not thinking clearly... though I know exactly what I am doing,' he ended on a bitter tone.

I quirked an eyebrow at that and then realized that Inui's concern might have not been so genuine as I thought. The two perhaps did not see eye to eye after everything that had happened.

Hurt people tend to blame others to feel better… Poor Inui.

I had to take deep breath when I suddenly realize that keeping the commander content was more important to me than Inui's feeling for the moment. Inside, that felt so wrong… for so many different reasons.

'I will,' I mutter. 'How come the platoon is going to be here earlier?'

'I'm shorthanded and I can't get out the field myself, if we want to catch on to them we'll have to hurry,' he took a glance outside the window. 'Besides bad weather is coming our way.'
'Oh?' I say, feigning disbelief.

'It will erase the few traces left…'

'You think you'll be able to catch them?' I ask. When I said them, I was thinking of Haku and Zabuza.
The commander frown at me and I want to bite my tongue off. I mutter Rabbit's name and manage to say "assassin" instead of Zabuza. He shrugs it off while not answering my question either.
I have to stop myself from sighing out of relief. I needed to stay cool and not fret over every detail… because if I had reasons to question details and names, so did the commander and ANBU.

'As catching in them both dividedly?' The commander startles me by rephrasing my question to me. My eyes widen a little before nodding my head. 'Very likely,' he answered with certainty.

'How you've been feeling?'

I felt warm, relaxed.

'Good, given the circumstances,' he voice was lighthearted and his blue eyes kindly stared into mine. I tell him his recovery is still going well and in a few days he could rest up somewhere more luxurious and private. Inui answers that he likes the hospital and that there is little to complain about. A flat out lie, of course but I found it most charming. I eventually manage to gather to nerve to talk about ANBU. He doesn't seem very pleased about the commander's discharge.

'Sakura, he isn't even in a fit shape—'he doesn't have to be. From what I gathered he wouldn't be out on the field,' I answer him calmly.
'He isn't thinking clearly!' he says while raising his voice. 'I want you to explain him that it simply not possible!'
I felt our surreal bubble spat open and disappear from our current existence. I let out a sigh, tired and hating myself for having to hurt someone as kind as Inui.
'Sakura, can't you see that he needs to be stopped?' he then asks me on a pleading tone.
'Lord Inui,' I start, giving it a thought at how I best put it. I had to give him the feeling he too was right and I understood him while insuring he should allow the commander to work…

'He too wants what you want. The commander feels as if it was all his responsibility. He just wants to make it right,' I halt a little but he doesn't respond to the emotional exploitation. I then decided to throw it in a different direction.
'I heard the Wolf-platoon has a very young captain, perhaps he's a bit inexperience and maybe it is essential for the commander to be a part of this mission. Both of them working together can only help getting the results we want.'

He gave me puzzled look and then let out an aggravated huff. When I placed my hand on his, he flinched and pushed it away before grabbing it hold as I retreat it.
'Sorry,' he muttered. His thumb then softly caresses my hand, making me blush a little.
'I understand your emotions… you want justice,' I say quietly. 'They will succeed. They must. ...Trust me.'

He gives me small smile. Uncertainly he looks down to our hands. 'You have quite the experience when it comes to dealing with grieving people.'
'Too much,' I nod. 'But it is an inevitable part of my job, war or no war.'
He nods but then shakes his head, clearly disagreeing. 'No, war has aged many… I can see the grief in many eyes.'
'So can I,' I say while looking into his and trying to make him understand that I understood and saw his blatant despair and grief.

'What do you prescribe?' He mindlessly asks while holding my hand into both of his. He gives me pleading, painful look. I suddenly feel bad for hating the old man. I feel bad for the many lies I have told lately. I hate myself when seeing the agony in his eyes.

'Time,' I whisper, 'whom hopefully will bring acceptance and eventually leave us with warm memories…'

The last three days had been a blur, going so fast that I sometimes couldn't grasp that this life of lies had become my reality.
The always looking over my shoulder, afraid I'd get followed home. Or get caught stealing bandages in the supply room. The endless questions that put me on edge, though harmful when thinking about it afterwards. I hated being in the hospital, constantly tiptoeing around while having to make sure I kept everyone pleased while never acting too suspicious.

Fortunately once I would get home, the uneasiness and fear would leave me and I managed to find peace in my own home again. Though I did not enjoy Zabuza's company, when he did not seek out my temper we would leave each other alone and we could enjoy a cup of hot tea made by Haku. Sitting in that tiny compromising attic was perhaps a bit hazardous but the warmth in our hands kept us quiet and I wanted to keep Haku company at all cost.
Though I guess it did help that the evenings were short. Zabuza had never brought up our last subject again but… it had since never left my mind. I had questioned myself a lot when walking home in the cold rain. I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do and what I actually had accomplished so far.
Haku was opening up to me, telling me small things. How cold it could get in Kirigakure, how Zabuza had taught him how to fish. Small things that didn't matter and made me none the wiser.

Yet I cared for him in a way I couldn't quite understand myself.

'Sakura?' A short knock follows before my colleague's round face appears from behind the door. Her high bun only accentuate the shape and the coy smirk on her lips seemed to be permanent. I could never tell if it was meant to mock or if had become something undeliberate.
'Yes?' I answer with a fake smile.
'The commander is asking for you,' she says wiggling her eyebrows in exaggeration. It seemed he had a hold of the entire hospital these days and no staff-member had any sympathy left for him or ANBU. Controlling, annoying and rude were the most comment words used at lunch table.
'That new platoon is here!' she added in a whisper.

I felt my heartbeat fasten and I nervously look out the window. It was raining again and the wind was wildly ravaging through the village. A storm was heading our way.
I wonder if it was still possible for traces to be found… I hoped none would lead to my house.
Standing up I mentally prepared myself for what was to come. After all, I was yet to be relieved from the commander's hold on me. I couldn't believe there would be more ANBU around…
My quiet little village felt like it had suddenly became the centerstage of the war.

I put my short locks behind my ears and straighten my posture, telling myself to not be intimidated by anyone. I suddenly thought of the first time I had met the commander and how I now no longer felt unsettled by him.

I gave a light knock on the door, hearing a familiar voice answer. When I opening the door I'm surprised to see how small the new platoon is. Five guys for such an important political mission? I raise my eyebrows at the sight. The first few seconds I get ignored.

'Why have you not put the village in lockdown?' At tall man asks, standing a right before the commander. He seemed to be the captain of the group.
'I couldn't, Lord Inui wouldn't lend me any of his men.'
The man stayed silent for a second, as if not quite comprehending what the meaning of this was. But I too had heard the resentful undertone the normally cool and collected commander had used.

They both stop talking when noticing me. The captain wore a wolf-mask or at least something that represented a dog of some sorts. I give him a short nod when the commander introduces me to him.

'I do have a few question I would like to ask you, doctor Haruno,' he politely starts.

A very huge contrast compared to his comrades before him. I eye him a little and take note that this isn't a young man as my gossiping colleague had said. He was tall, rather muscular man with silver hair.

Great, now Inui might think I've deceived him!

'Go ahead,' I say giving a small shrug to add into my nonchalant persona. Inside however I could feel everything tremble and I had to stiffen up my body to not let it slip through.

'Did Mizuki want you to leave the room?'
'I don't think he held much reject to it…'
'How long until the assassin attacked after you left?'
'Couldn't be more than fifteen minutes…'
'What happened when you came back?'
Well he certainly does not waste time.
I let out a sigh and explain how I tried to do what I could for the Councilor.

'But you saw him, right? Zabuza Momochi?'

'The assassin?' I echo, trying to act as if the name was unfamiliar to me. He just gives me small nod.

'It was a blur… I just remember him being quite tall.'

'Which direction did he take off in?'

'He jumped out the window and I went straight to help the commander.'

'Commander?' he echoed. 'You didn't tell her your name?' he asks with a slight humor to the man in the wheelchair, who shrugged while giving him a smirk.
'Does that mean it is best for me to keep calling you that too?' he joked.
'Yes,' the man smugly answered, though he then immediately turned back serious again. 'You should explain to Doctor Haruno what is to happen.'

The man with wolf-mask nodded.

'We will be putting the village in lockdown, meaning no one gets in and no one gets to leave.'

My body stopped fidgeting and I could feel myself enter a paralyzed state. I couldn't think suddenly.

'W-why? Isn't that a bit late?'

'Both men we are looking for are in poor shape, we believe they are still around. Just keeping low until we move out,' Wolf explained.

I just nod as if I found logic in what he was saying, pretending to not know a single detail about the truth.
'Giving the fact that a storm is heading our way, doesn't mean we have much time left.'

'I thought you just said you thought they were hidden in the village?'

'They are but they had to take loop to getting to wherever they are… it be quite foolish to run straight towards your hiding.'

'I guess that makes sense,' I simply mutter, baffled by how afar ahead these men thought.

'And perhaps we are wrong and we are dealing with a much larger group then we think,' he then added dryly. 'We just have to make sure,' he explained. 'We promise you no causalities or innocent people will be getting hurt during the progress, unless of course they are working together with one of them.'

His last words echoed in my head, while the room slightly started to spin I kept my feet firm on the ground and tried to not let my façade of lies slip off and reveal the truth before him. This man was different, as troublesome as his visit was, I felt he was the first one to at least care about the village and the people in it. He just wanted to get the bad guys.

'I'm sure no one is a part of this and if so, I can't imagine it would be out of free will. Only good people who have suffered live here,' I felt sincere when saying that to him and I could tell he believed me.

'When we say lockdown, we do mean everyone has to stay inside. And I assume with this weather no one will come out… unless they have to help someone who is in great need. So in some way this is sort of a trap too,' he explained giving a light shrug at the latter. 'Are you to stay?'

'You want me to stay here?' I ask in surprise.
'Or you could go home, whichever you want,' he answered coolly.
'How long?' I ask, trying to think fast but seemed my mind wasn't capable of thinking rational at all.

'A day or two,' he answered.

I'm surprised at how much information he was giving me. I glance at the commander who is still wearing a stoic expression with a slight frown of annoyance. I don't think he likes the new captain's style. I did however. I hadn't heard a soothing kind voice in a long time.

'I'll go home,' I say with a shrug, feeling rather defenseless.

'Lockdown starts at six, be home by then,' the commander points out. He's acting odd, quieter than usual. We hardly exchanged a word with one another.

Unlike the other ANBU it seems this new platoon's presence was hardly noticeable. I couldn't say I saw one of them in the hospital again after our little meeting. They had been scouting throughout the village in search for more clues. I let out a sigh when I see the time, five thirty. I had to get going.
I got up from my seat and threw the file I was reading on to my desk. Inui was doing well but when I went to see him this afternoon he seemed upset with the new ANBU's plan. He had promptly asked if he could recover in a mansion at the border of the village, owned by some high-officer friend of his.
He was doing well and I assumed that privacy was most welcome to him after all he had been through. I had allowed it and with permission of his personal platoon of ANBU, he had been moved out.

I had hoped it would make him feel better and though he had smiled at me, I could see the bitterness shine through. I tap my finger on his picture while in thought. I hoped his grieving would soon come to an end.
Of course I couldn't deny a part of me was sad to see him go. I had no reason to spend time with him anymore… Not the time, Sakura, I reminded myself.

As I walked out our shambled building, that I nowadays gladly left behind me, it started to rain again. The umbrella hardly helped with the wind howling underneath it. I hurried up and saw how filled the streets still were. Yet there was an eerie silence in the air. Suspicious glances were thrown around, as if everyone was out to harm one another. I could feel the hostility hang the air, electrified by the dark ominous clouds above us. I couldn't get out the village quick enough.

The mud hung on to my shoes and the rain had completely washed me out. I actually couldn't wait to get home and take a nice hot bath. Somehow I doubted I was going to be allowed such a peaceful activity.

As I looked over my shoulder from time to time, I felt uneasiness come over me. I don't know why but I wanted to get home as quickly as I could. I always had a feeling of being followed but now I felt as if an actually pair of eyes were on me. When I finally saw my house, I quicken my pace. I heard a loud crack behind me. As I slowly turn around, I let out a sigh of relief when seeing that was just a branch of a tree that had broken off because of the wind. I let my hand rest on my heart, trying to calm it down.

When I turned back around and got startled by a white mask, I let out a scream.

'I apologize,' the man with wolf-mask said. He then looked at my house for a moment. 'You live quite outside of the village,' he then said.

'I like the quietness,' I answered. And though it didn't look like it right now, I loved my bewildered garden and the little river running behind the house. 'I like everything here.'

'It is beautiful,' he agreed with a nod.

It was strange sight probably, two people standing in the pouring rain, casually talking to one another. This wolf had certain aloof attitude. I couldn't tell if he was uninterested or not.

'However,' he then said, pulling his sight off of the house back to me, 'it is quite dangerous to live in the middle of nowhere. Especially during a time of war.'

'There was a time this village didn't attract much attention and I do actually believe one day this war will be over.'

He nodded in agreement, 'Of course it will.'
'Is there anything I can do for you?' I then ask him, feeling my uneasiness grown in his presence.
'Not at all,' he answered, taking another glance at my house which made me nervous. Had he been inside? Did he know!?

'Be careful, doctor,' he then kindly said before nonchalantly passing me by.

I grabbed his arm and halted him. 'Did you follow me here?' I asked him on a commanding tone.
'I just wanted you to get home safely,' he answered. He then placed his hand one mine, an odd gesture for a man of his position.

'I know about the commander's… hold on you,' His words bewildered me and I couldn't bring out a word to question him further. To my surprise, it wasn't to hush me since he had yet to let go of my hand. He gave it a light tap, as to comfort me.
'I'm not here out to get you or anyone else for that matter. I'm here to get the people who are responsible for the death of an important individual of our government.'

I noticed how he had used no high words or names of the old man. I didn't know what to say and I wondered if I was being pulled into another scheme of ANBU. How did he know about the commander?

'How do you know?' I managed to blurt out. He seemed to know what I was talking about.
'A dutiful doctor that agrees to stay home instead of working…' he pointed out. 'I must admit, I did read up on you.'

I blushed a little, uncertain of what to say.

'I figured you were avoiding someone in the hospital… The commander made it no secret either.'

I nod, though I felt I wanted to defend myself to him for some reason. 'I didn't want any of this,' I simply said to him as he let go of my hand and started walking.

'No one ever does,' he answered indifferently. 'Stay safe, doctor Haruno.'

I watched him walk away for a minute before finally heading home. My heart was beating at an erratic pace, uncertain if I should be relieved yet or not. What would be waiting for me behind the closed door?
I hesitantly unlock my front door and when I walk in, I see that the house is untouched. No one had come in.

Or do they want me to think that? I was driving myself slightly mad. Instead of doing the usual I decided to grab a drink. I have bottle of sake standing next to the fridge, an untouched gift from a former patient.
I greedily drink it down as if I'm trying to compete against my mentor, who did with much more ease then I could ever possess. I feel it warm me up and I can't help but shiver because of the harsh taste. I put the glass in the sink and get rid of the wet clothes, hanging them in front of the unlit fireplace in the tiny living-room. I felt my body shiver from the cold as I walked up the stairs and I hesitantly stood in the hall.

The shamble ladder stood untouched on the same spot it always did. Was Haku waiting safely upstairs?

When I heard a flushing sound coming from my bathroom, I froze up. 'Haku?' I whispered.

To my surprise I see a huge figure appear from the doorway. Upset, I stalk towards him.
'W-what are you doing?' I asking feeling my temper rise. 'You're supposed to be in bed! And someone could see you! Did you take a shower?' I asked when I smelled my own soap on him.
He raised his eyebrows at me. 'Calm down,' he answered on a bored tone.
'You used my toilet?' I then asked, realizing it was him I had just heard and not Haku.
'You want me to piss outside of the tiny window?' he snapped back. 'Quite obscene, doctor.'
I let out a huff, annoyed by his attitude and crude way of talking.
'I was starting to smell,' he then pointed out.
'You're walking around by yourself!? You need to be in bed!' I then said using my doctor's voice. I didn't know what else to say.

'Haku helped me,' he said shrugging, while leaning onto the wall. He eyed me from head to toe and then I realized I was still shaking from the cold. I couldn't hold my mouth still. I felt all sort of emotions run through me.
'I can't yell out your names but you can walk around and use my shower!?' I then simply yelled at him.

'Like I said,' he said annoyed, moving his face closer to mine, 'I had to use the bathroom or would you like me to use a bedpan?'

I stayed quiet but I knew I probably look as if steam could be coming out of my ears at any moment. I don't know why I was so upset, perhaps it was because I hardly felt as if I had just come home. My home didn't feel like my own anymore. ANBU, this guy, even Haku… I longed for some clarity and peace.

'Drinking on the job, doctor?' he then asked when probably smelling my breath.
'I just had one!' I snapped at him.
'You have sake in the house?' he asked surprised.
I quirked up an eyebrow at the odd question, 'Yes, of course.'
'Little, lying rat…' he muttered looking up from me.
'What?' I asked confused.
'Haku said you had nothing…,' he explained on a bored yet annoyed tone. He gave me another look before turning his head to the shambled ladder.
'I need some help getting up…' he muttered. I let out a tired sigh but held out a shoulder for him to lean on, though I had no idea how this was going to work.
When his hand touched me, he halted. 'You're freezing.'
'In case you can't tell, the weather is bad,' I point out.

Without further talking he did end up leaning on me, which was probably an odd sight since I was so much shorter than him.
'Where is Haku?' I asked with a huff when I tried to help him get up the ladder and back on to the attic.
He didn't answer until he crawled over the ledge onto the floor of the attic. I could feel a cold draft on me, making me shiver even more. It was cold here.
'He's out,' he simply answered, clumsily getting back into the bed.

'He's what!?' I echoed. 'He needs to come back!'
'He will be, don't worry about the precious kid.'

I was torn between telling him what had just occurred outside and what was going on in the village and keeping my mouth shut. A part of me wanted this to be over for some reason.
And I don't know why but I didn't feel like getting blamed again for something I wasn't responsible for.
Yet my weak heart was defenseless when it came to caring for the young boy.

'He's in danger, Zabuza! That new platoon has arrived and the village is going into lockdown!' I blurted out. 'An ANBU agent followed me here! I don't know why but I do know that If Haku is found, they are going to hurt him! He's trouble, don't you understand!?' I took a deep breath of air but Zabuza did not respond. I realized I was hardly making any sense, so I tried to tell him on a more calm tone what was going on and what had just happened.

Zabuza seemed to look a bit unsettled by the new information and waited until my rant was over to speak up. I was walking around in circles, feeling my heart race again while my mind could hardly follow with all of my haunting ideas that stopped it from making any logical decisions.

'Sakura,' he firmly said using my first name. 'Calm down.'
'How can I calm down!' I yelled back.
'Sit,' he then said.
'No!'
'Sit down,' he hissed pointing at the edge of his bed. For some reason I did what I was told.
'Haku is not alone, remember?' he said. 'I need you to stay calm or else we're all going to end up dead. Whatever that guy said, he isn't here to help you,' he bluntly stated. 'He's here to get those who are responsible, as he said. Do you understand what that means?'

I gave him a baffled look when he grabbed my arm and shook me. However the rough treatment did halt my frantic thoughts. He made sure our eyes stay connected when talking.

'I know Haku better then you, he isn't stupid. He knows when to keep low.'
'What is he out doing anyway?' I asked him.
To my surprise, he actually gave me an answer, 'Out with Rabbit to send ANBU in the wrong direction.'
'Why did you let him go in this weather? And can't Mizuki go do this by himself?' I pleadingly asked, hating the idea that the little boy was out with some mad man.

He frowned for a second before letting go of my arm to then only end up grabbing my wrist instead. Though I had expected him to continue on with his usually rough treatment, he felt with his other hand my hand for a second.

'Go warm yourself up. Take a bath or something.'

It was a quiet, almost kind, suggestion. He expression had become unreadable and I had no idea if anything he had just said had been truthful. Something felt off.

'When will he be back?' I almost whisper the question.
'Soon,' he simply answered.

I felt the cold taking over my body, making me shiver unstoppable. I eyed Zabuza for a moment, noting he wasn't wearing much to keep warm. 'I forgot to get you some clothes again,' I said while cursing myself.
'It is best for you not to go get men's clothing with ANBU following you around,' he simply said, not angered by my forgetfulness. 'Just get me some extra sheets or something.'
I nodded while taking a look at his wounds. 'You didn't get them wet…'
'Isn't the first time I've gotten stitches, Haruno,' he smirked. 'I just wanted to get rid of the dried up blood and I was kind of starting to smell... Unless you like the smell of a real man,' he snickered.
I answer his with a smirk of my own. 'Now you smell like a girl.'
He flashed me his sharpen teeth, amused by my antics. But he simply shrugged off the insult, not bothering to dig further into our usual bickering.

As I got up, I told him I'd bring him some warm blankets later. As I walked towards the ladder I turned my head around, seeing him still smirk at me.

'You better be right about Haku because I'm not helping you if he gets hurt.'

His smirk fell and the hostile atmosphere that usually hung between us had found its rightful place again.

'I'll lie,' he reminded me.

'And I'll tell the truth,' I remarked. 'Either way, your faith is unchangeable.'

I've never been the type to treat just because I could but I felt like I hit the nail on the head. He seemed to look more wary then before. I was done getting played around, especially in my own house by this vile man.

I let the water get so hot, the room got filled with steam. Undressing, I warily looked around, feeling as if I was still getting watched, even though the curtains in the bathroom made that impossible.

Maybe it wasn't just that.

People had been in my bathroom and I don't know why but it felt a little… violating.
As I looked at every single thing with high suspicion, I was amazed at how untouched everything looked. Not even a dirty towel left for me to find. It irked me.

Every single detail of today, irked me.

Haku leaving. Zabuza who was able to walk, though he struggled he had been able to get down that ladder without help... Wolf following me all the way home. The commander had been awfully quiet through the entire interrogation, which it had been even though no-one had stated it so.

I let my body rest in the water, letting it warm me up. The cold had left me numb. I let myself sink in deeper. The bathtub isn't big enough to fit me entirely but somehow I managed to keep everything under. Wrapping my arms around myself, I let my mind wander.

Could I sleep knowing he could walk? Should I be scared? He and Haku… I always thought Haku was getting used by him and in a way he is getting used but… it seems Zabuza trusts him. I don't know why but I imagined them in this room. Haku being far too kind to him, though Zabuza not having much of a choice but to let him help. I found the image somewhat endearing, like most of their interactions now that I think about it. Maybe there is more to it than I think. Zabuza's words came back to haunt me…

Was I doing this out of loneliness?

I don't know why but something about Haku made me want to… take care of him. I could see something in his eyes… Every evening when we talked and our eyes met, I had this weird connection with him. As if he was silently asking me something… As if I had to stay. Or so it felt like.

And then there were moments like today were I realized I didn't know a single thing about him. He was out with a killer and Zabuza was convinced he was alright… He's smart,

Zabuza's words echoed in my ear.

What else had this little boy up his sleeve? What had these two been doing when I was out all day? Had Rabbit been here? I widen my eyes at the thought, realizing the possibility was very likely.

Had Mizuki been in my house?

I sat up from the water. Use your brain, Sakura!, a little voice hisses with annoyance. Why would they take such a risk? Why would this guy even bother to stay around?
I frowned trying to remember my time in the academy, I wasn't a bad student, I used be good in tactic and analysis…
Wolf's words came back to me, telling me that this scheme might be much bigger than they thought…

But then why bother keeping me hostage? Plenty of others places to choose from, I argue back.

Haku would help Rabbit dispose of traces… but ANBU is mainly targeting the village… though they too had mention traces.

Traces of who?

Mizuki.

I then tried to remember how they both responded to the name… I couldn't. I don't think Haku knew who I was talking about and Zabuza was wearing his usual smug smirk.

I felt like I was missing something… I got up from the bathtub and wrapped a towel around myself. Drying myself off, I kept replaying scenes and facts over and over in my head. Combing my hair, I reminded myself I had to back to Zabuza to get him some extra blankets.

I wanted information but for that I would need to ask him the right questions…

I still couldn't believe Haku wasn't here. Lockdown. More ANBU. I didn't even know where he was or what he was really out doing. Out with Rabbit to send ANBU in the wrong direction, I mimicked Zabuza's voice in my head.

Wrong direction? I thought he had to get rid of traces?

A voice in my mind snapped at me.

Green eyes fiery stared back at me in the mirror. Nothing was what it seemed.

I wanted to know the truth.

What the hell was going on? Why send a kid with a man who had far more experience? Why would he even allow that? Unless…

'There is no Rabbit,' I told my reflection.

After the hot bath, I walked down the stairs and grabbed the bottle of sake and two glasses. I had found a thick blanket and held it underneath my arm while trying to somehow hold my balance on the ladder without letting anything drop. When I got into the attic, I surprised to find Zabuza half asleep.
He gave me distrustful look, finding my behavior odd.

Without speaking a word I put the bottle of sake and the glasses on the table next to him. I threw the thick blanket on him and let out a deep sigh. I rubbed my arms when feeling the cold air. I had put on my bathrobe as an extra source of heat above my pajamas and I was still cold. Zabuza's skin must've been made out of stone. Though, he did look kind of cold.

'Brought you the blanket.'

'And adrink! You must be in a good mood,' he sarcastically remarked while arching his eyebrow. 'I need to tell you to take bath more often.'

I kept straight face and decided to not go into bickering or childish arguments. I was hoping Zabuza would show me his more serious side and perhaps we could work out some sort of deal between us.
I ignored his stare and went to sit down and poured for the both of us a glass of sake.

He gave me mischievous smirk when I handed him over his drink. 'Are coming on to me? Lose the robe in that case.'

I rolled my eyes at the remark and let out a tired sigh in response. Just ignore his antics!

'I want the truth,' I coolly said. I locked my eyes onto his, hoping he would sense that I wasn't playing around. 'About what is going on,' I clarified. 'I know Haku is not out with Rabbit because there is no Rabbit. I don't know what happened to him but he's not around, is he?'

He put the glass to his lips and drank it down in one bit. Without saying a word he grabbed the bottle and gave himself a refill. I gave him a bit of a startled look.

'I need to warm up,' he answered. He stayed silent for a moment, obviously he had something on his mind. I could tell he was contemplating on whether he should share this information with me or not.

'I've helped you, I've taken huge risks—And I told you, you were an idiot,' he said cutting me off. 'Nobody asked you to do this. You could've start running the moment you saw me in your house.'

I couldn't say much to defend myself on that. I guess the silence spoke louder than words.

'I don't know what your little obsession with Haku is or his with you but is mainly going to get you killed.'

'Me?' I say baffled. I had expected some selfish explanation or no explanation at all, not some fort of dead threat.

'Yeah, I don't know,' he said shrugging, obviously not really caring about the whole matter. 'He seems to take a liking into you.'

'Why?'

'I don't know,' he hissed in annoyance.

'Well, where is he?' I said when noticing he hadn't given me an answer on my most prominent question.

'There is indeed no Rabbit,' he snickered while taking a sip of his drink, finding the whole thing obviously very humorous. I didn't think my confusion or lack of knowledge in this situation however was funny. I threw him an angry look but he didn't notice.

'He's around, though,' he added, now looking at me. 'Just not breathing.'

He was waiting for me to react, preferably very emotional. But I kept a straight face, a part of had expected this too. Though I hadn't thought he'd actually admit to it. I felt a little nervous again when remembering how frightening this man could be.

'Was that what you meant with traces?' I asked. 'Send ANBU after a dead man?'

'Sort of,' he answered evasively.

'What is your relationship with Haku?'

I caught the surprise and ludicrously in his face when he turned his head to me. I hadn't insinuated a single thing, though I didn't think he actually thought that. I felt that it was more because I had caught on to the fact that he and the little boy shared some sort of bond with one another.

'Haku is just a kid,' he muttered while emptying his drink.

I snatched the bottle of sake out of his reach.

'You trust him.'

He gave me a long stare and I defiantly kept looking back at him.

'Tell me what the hell is going on!' I yelled at him. 'Who can I trust?'

'No-one,' he immediately answered. 'Don't trust anyone,' he muttered while snatching the bottle out of my hands and pouring himself a third drink.
A little voice inside of me was ranting on how he shouldn't combine alcohol with his medication but I told the doctor in me that now was not the time to be "dutiful", as they called it.

'Where is Haku?' I repeated.

'Sakura,' he said with slight annoyance. I felt weird when he used my name, I had never given him permission to do so. 'It is better for you to not know what is going on.'
For the first time I saw something genuine in his eyes. His expression was serious, not teasingly or willing to aggravate me. 'The less you know, the safer you are. Trust me.'

'You just told me to not trust anyone,' I pointed out.

He let out an aggravated growl.

'Haku will be back once the lockdown is over,' he then said while ignoring my remark. 'He is out buying us some time. We'll leave as soon as we can and then you can go back to living your little life.'

I felt a fire in the pit of my stomach. I was certain I wasn't hiding my feelings either. I could feel how scowl taking form on my face.

'Stop belittling me,' I hissed. 'I don't take lives!'

'Aren't you the saint?' he bitterly spat.

'Taking is easy, giving is a lot harder,' I said getting up from my seat. To my surprise, he stayed quiet. His brown eyes however bored into mine, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't. He looked angry.

I drank my glass empty in one take just like he had done and placed it on the table with loud thud.

'Goodnight,' I said turning on my heels, walking straight towards the ladder.

Of course, he wasn't going to tell me damn thing! And I knew I had been foolish of thinking he would… Even if I got him drunk, chances he would proceed in making inappropriate remarks were much higher than hearing a single word of truth out of his mouth. I cursed my own stupidity.

'Sakura,'

I halted, hating myself for doing so but it seemed he had some sort of power over me when uses my first name.

'I mean it, don't trust anyone.'

I didn't say anything back nor did I take glance behind me to look at him but I felt how he genuinely wanted me to listen and take the advice to the heart.

Ahh, the plot thickens! I just wanted say thank you all for reading, commenting and reviewing! I get really happy when seeing your responses! Even if it is a short "love it"! Thank you for taking the time to do so, it means a lot to me! Hope you liked this chapter!

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