Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter VIII

It's the second day. No word of ANBU. No word of Haku. I'm neither pleased or sadden.

I've been avoiding going up the attic as much as I can. Yet by doing this I was slightly torturing myself too, driving myself up the wall with thoughts and sometimes ending up evoking emotions I didn't want to deal with.

I had done everything I could to distract myself.

And now it had come to the point I was actually starting to stare at the ceiling, contemplating about my life and everything going on.

I reflected on Zabuza's words and realized that for Haku to be truly become as him, Haku he still had a long way to go.
Unless he was completely psychotic and faking every single emotion I had seen. Which, and I hated admitting this, I sometimes did feel like he was doing.

I had moments were I wanted to push out every single idea and memory and then I had moments I pondered about every single detail, wondering what I had missed and if I indeed was no longer able to do something for this boy.

Or if this boy even wanted all this care and attention…

If he was anything like his sensei…

Cold, calculated. Unable to interact with someone without insulting them or end up threatening their life. An arrogant, rude man. Too stubborn to admit to any type of feeling.

And though we hardly spoke, a strange aura hung between us.

Sometimes I felt as if he was mad at himself, other times it felt as if his anger was more directed at me.

I admit I also pondered a little about Zabuza himself, finding him a bigger enigma than I had originally thought. Perhaps a part of me didn't want to get to know the man behind the frightening persona. I was afraid to meet this other side of him...

The thought makes me sigh and I even get slightly annoyed with myself.

But I think being locked up and not being able to move around freely both drove us mad. I seemed to be either in bed or reading and Zabuza… well, he was stuck in the cold attic.
The draft made it harder for his injuries to heal properly and I could tell he was starting to hurt all over because of the lack of warmth.

I didn't pity him and he didn't complain.

But I do think we had one thought in common these days.

What was taking Haku so long?

Though Zabuza didn't admit, I could tell he was displeased by the fact that the boy wasn't back yet.

I bit my lip, wondering if I should dare to start this conversation with Zabuza and simply ask him what he had send him out to do.

I take a look out of the window in hopes to see some improvement coming our way, even if it was only the weather.

The sky held an endless grey rug above our heads and the cold seemed the only get worse, while the rain never ceased to the calmness of nature.

Haku was probably fine, I tell myself. I could see him smiling, nodding and pretending to be just fine.

Still, Haku… Have my thoughts and feelings been completely wrong about you?

I move my arm underneath my head and get up to see the time. It was only five in the afternoon…
I let out a heavy sigh. It would be a long evening and I was out of reading material and thoughts. I needed to distract myself a little...

A long bath, unnecessary pampering and a lot of time later I found myself doing absolutely nothing again.

Though I tried to behave as normal as I could, I still found it odd to look out of every window in fear of someone seeing me. Keeping every curtain closed and shutting every door behind me.

Glancing around before heading up the shamble ladder.

Taking care of a man who didn't want to be taken care of and who expressed no such a thing as gratitude.

They were all starting to become very tiring habits.

I wanted to be freed of all these procedures. Live freely again.

When I'm up to check on him for the last time tonight, I see Zabuza sitting on the bed, obviously done reading the book I gave him. It lay aimlessly next to him and he had a bored look on his face.
'Quick reader,' I comment out loud.
'Too much time on my hands,' he immediately answered. It seemed he too was getting tired of sitting around. He rubs his face and goes through his hair with his hand.

'Feeling better?' I ask. He had been in pain earlier. The cold was doing him absolutely no good.
'A little,' he muttered while grabbing an empty bottle of sake. 'You have any more of these?'

'Quick drinker too,' I answer, not liking how much alcohol he was consuming while being on painkillers.
'Keeps me warm,' he answered coolly. His bored expression makes way for a frown, eying me up and down, as if questioning my appearance.

'Going somewhere?' he asks.

I look around, noticing that the dim light was hard on the eyes. I assumed this depressive environment didn't do him well either. How could he read in the dark?

'No,' I answer with frown to his weird question. 'Locked in, remember?'

'Then why are you… looking like that?' he then asked. 'Are you expecting someone?'

'No,' I answer, feeling more confused. 'How do I look?'

'You look…' he took moment, finding it hard to word it apparently. 'Dolled up,' he finished.

'Dolled up, Zabuza?' I snicker, finding how he had eventually worded my appearance very amusing.

'You know what I mean,' he muttered while rolling his eyes. 'Women.'

'Men,' I retorted playfully. I then shrug, realizing with my hair done I do look a little more glamorous than usual. But I wasn't wearing any make-up or dressed prettily. I take a look in the tiny mirror above the old table on the left. I don't look special at all.

'What do you mean actually?' I ask not being able to stop my curiosity. 'I'm not "dolled" up.'

He answers with a hollow laugh. 'I mean… Today you smell like a flower field.'

Oh. Well… the luxury bath I had given myself had been fragranced...

'Jealous?' I ask playfully.

He flashes me his sharp teeth and only answers with a snicker.

'I know you like smelling like flowers…' I say in a sing-song voice.

'Bored?' he retorted with a smirk while quirking up an eyebrow. He too seemed to be amused.

I start to laugh, realizing I was because else I would've never let our conversations take such a weird turn.

'How can you just sit there so calmly?' I ask him. He was locked up in this tiny dark room, I could at least walk around in my house. Take a bath, drink some hot tea. He was at the mercy of my kindness, occasionally getting something to eat and drink.

'Training,' he answered. I almost laugh again before realizing he wasn't making any jokes.

'They train you to sit around and wait?' I sincerely ask, stunned at the idea of how disciplined he was.

'Well, in Kirigakure every Shinobi has the potential of becoming an assassin for hire simply because they are trained to be one.'

An assassin.

I didn't know how to respond so I kept quiet. But standing in front of him without saying a word, made feel uncomfortable. He seemed to sense my discomfort and threw me another smirk.

'Don't worry your pretty little head about it.'

A silence fell between us and I didn't quite know how to get rid of it. Zabuza on the other hand seemed to have better hang of how to stop the awkward silence between us. Moving his head slightly, he hissed in pain.

'Get over here, doctor, I've got something to cure your boredom.'

I don't know why I moved so clumsily forward or why hesitated getting near him but I felt stupid for behaving this way.

'It still hurts,' he mutters while unfolding the bandage around his neck. I had accidently cut open his stitches—well he had, a little voice interrupted in my head—with our fight yesterday. I take a look at it and see what it is causing his pain.
'There is a little scratch next to it,' I explain. I must've missed it when stitching it back up. 'I don't think I have enough room to stitch it up… but I don't think it's necessary since it's not as deep,' I mutter while taking a good look at this time.

I get up and grab the first aid kit to patch wound back up. Though "first aid" is quite inaccurate, it held much more than just some basic stuff. I blamed my latest patient for the excessive expansion of materials and medication. I put a cotton pad on it to give it some extra pressure to relief the pain.
'Wait,' I say stopping myself. 'I'll disinfect it first, just to be safe.'

'I hate that stuff,' he mutters.

Such a child at times…

When I put it on, he lets out a groan of pain. I mumble an apology while putting the cotton pad back on and holding it in to place for a few moments.

Again a strange silence lingers between us. I oddly stare at him for a split second.

'You never apologize,' he then says, turning his head to look at me.

I'm a little taken back, realizing we're close again. A weird atmosphere hangs between us and I couldn't quite put my finger on it what this thing meant.
One moment we were repelled by another the next we were seeking out each other's company.

Zabuza had never asked me to take a look at something and admitted to feeling pain.

'Boredom makes people do strange things,' I softly reply. 'Like making people take a look at their booboo's.' I added the last part to relief the pressure but it backfires... I see his sharp teeth for split second before he gets too close to me to see his mouth. His nose touches mine.

'I do like the smell of flowers.' The breathy response makes my heartbeat increase.
'Zabuza,' I hate how I waver at every syllable of his name.
He teasingly moves around and I stay frozen in the spot, uncertain of how to respond. Surprised at how I'm not leashing out and feel disgusted by his actions. His nose and mouth trail over my neck and I close my eyes at the sensation. I haven't felt like this for such a long time…
When I open my eyes again I see his brown eyes looking hazy. I feel his breath on my mouth. I don't know if I want him to close the practically nonexistent gap between our mouths.
I feel his hand touch my face, putting a few strands of hair behind my ear.
'Sakura…'
He almost sounds a little needy. I feel blood rush to my cheeks.
'Stop this,' I tell him very unconvincingly.
'Bad liar,' he mutters. I can hear him smirk again.
'What are you doing?' When I talk I can feel my lips move against his. The close proximity is murderous.
What an odd choice of wording. The sharp voice makes me snaps me awake.
'Getting rid of our boredom,' he answers. Crashing through the first barrier by tasting my lower lip.
I put my hand on his chest to push him off but add no pressure to proceed the movement.
'You're grown woman,' he persuasively says, as if reading my mind. I almost let him have it his way before my mind wakes me up and reminds me of everything there is to think of.

I pull away but feel how he follows. I can feel him smelling my hair, his nose touching my neck.
Ah, rather weak spot I have…
'Stop it, Zabuza,' I breathlessly say, hoping he'd obey.

To my utter surprise, he does stop. Though he doesn't pull away immediately.

'You're tease,' he mutters into my neck.
I ignore the comment and try to think of something to distract us both and completely demolish the heavy feeling lingering between us. When I see him biting his lip, I feel strangely aroused. Blushing, I look away again.

I didn't know what had just happened and why I had let it happen but it needed to stop.
Was I really this bored? I mean it also has been a while but—don't think, I told my mind sharply. Don't try to make sense of something that doesn't.

I bury my head in my hands, hoping to hide my red face and the feeling embarrassment.

'What do you think is taking Haku so long?'

He lets out an aggravated sigh. Probably because I just started a completely different conversation.

Ha, mission accomplished!

'He better be here tomorrow since it is the last day of the lockdown. If he isn't here, that means he failed.'

'So you're worried about him too?' I ask him, daring to look up again. I know my face is still red, I can feel the warmth still lingering on it.

'I don't care about the kid,' he bluntly answers, his eyes turning cold again. 'I only care about the mission.'

We both stare at each other for a moment, feeling both angry and annoyed. Why couldn't we just part ways now? I waited for him to say something but he only kept staring at me with those brown unreadable, coldblooded eyes of his.

Or maybe not, I note when realizing he was just putting on his usual mask again.

'You are a bad liar,' I point out.

Just as he's about to make a comeback we both get startled by distant knock. We give each other a look.
'It's not Haku,' he quickly says. He would sneak in without being seen by anyone, he would never just bluntly knock on the door.

I stand frozen on the spot, just when I think it is closer to over it's far from it.

'Someone is at you're front door,' he points out when I don't move. Not looking half as calm as before he gives me an upset look and quirks up an eyebrow at me. 'So you were expecting someone?'

'No!' I tell him, getting up from the bed. I halt before going down the ladder.

'What do I do?' I ask him. 'What do I say?'

I don't know why I am asking him for answers but panic is making my mind numb. I feel more on edge now than I did two days ago. Why couldn't this madness end today!?

'You're the great actress, you'll think of something,' he simply answered.

My mouth opens but no sound comes out, I can't help but gape at the man. He made it all look so easy; deceiving, lying, cheating… all the rotten things of the world came so naturally for this man.

'Hurry the hell up,' he snaps at me when I keep staring at him.

I shake my head and hurry down the ladder, while thinking of what I would say when asking why it took me so long to open the door.

'A moment!' I yell while hurrying down the stairs.

Without thinking it through I just open the door. I let out a surprised yell when seeing the familiar wolf-mask. He's alone, at least I think he is. I gape at him for a moment too.

'Doctor Haruno,' he greets me. Though he means well, he comes off as rather aloof. His shoulders slightly slouching, his entire figure is soaked by the rain again. The porcelain mask wasn't helping either.

'What are you doing here?' I ask him, trying to hide the panic by letting the feeling of confusion take me over.

'I figured you wouldn't want me to use the window twice,' he simply responded.
'No,' I answer with a nod, not being able to find the humor in it.

'You can't just open the door when someone knocks,' he points out, while looking inside the house for a minute.

I let out an aggravated sigh. 'I thought it was an emergency, someone from the hospital! I'm a doctor you know!'
Meanwhile I close the door a little, not liking how much this man was prying into my home.
Even if this hunch of his was grounded, I didn't like him doing it so shamelessly obvious.
'I know,' he nods, 'but that doesn't mean you need to be reckless.'

'What do you want?' I ask, wanting to get to the point. I felt my body tremble and tried to keep a straight posture. I could tell he took note of my odd behavior.

Curse your ANBU teachings…

'I wanted to apologize for that night,' he started. 'It was… completely out of line of me to do so but I want you to realize I was worried about your wellbeing.'

I soften up when hearing him say that, wondering just how weak and fragile I have become by this hectic and dangerous lifestyle.

For brief second, I placed myself in their shoes. How did this guy and guys like Zabuza do it? It was tiring… A little kindness was all it took for me to break.

'I'm fine…' I sincerely answer. 'Once this whole mess is over,' I then add. 'I just want to go back to my old life,' I tell him with a sigh.

He gives me a nod. 'I understand.' He pauses for a moment. 'I wanted you to know we do have a lead and so the lockdown will be over by tomorrow evening, five o'clock.'

My mouth turn dry and I don't know what to say. I tell myself I can't stay quiet for too long or else I'm going to look suspicious. A little voice inside my head argues that perhaps it doesn't matter what I do, that I have been found out and he is just toying with me at this point.

'He's heading to another town,' he informs me. 'He and his accomplices,' he then clarifies.
'Oh.' I can't seem to bring out much more. I wondered if he could see my heart race inside of my chest. I felt like it could burst out any moment.

'We're not certain just yet,' he says. I felt like he was behaving odd, telling me far too much by ANBU protocol.

'Why are you telling me this?' I ask in a whisper, fearing he was trying to trick me.

'I don't know.' The cold indifferent tone he used betrayed everything he was saying. But why was he making it so obvious? What was he trying to do?

'What are you doing?' I ask in a voice that was barely hearable. Again he ignored it, as if he hadn't heard me at all. I knew he was doing it on purpose.

'The commander is still in the hospital, he'll be going home with us when we… accomplish our mission. So perhaps we'll see each other again.' He ignores my confusion completely and continues on with his odd act. He holds out his hand, 'but just in case we don't see each other again, it was very nice to meet you. You are indeed a remarkable doctor.'

I raise up an eyebrow, not understanding a thing of what he was trying to do. I didn't know if I should act along or not. Still holding out his hand, I oddly shook it. When it left I realized he had given me a note.

I don't say a word about the note. I just nod and act along. Perhaps acting out a character neither one of us believed.

I turn into the praising doctor he's telling me about, humbly accepting his words and he becomes a trustworthy companion, dutifully serving our nation.

'I truly hope you are successful in your mission, captain. It would ease a lot of minds in this troublesome town.'

He nods, bidding me goodbye and telling me to stay safe inside until the tomorrow evening.
I give him a small, fake smile and nod back. Promising I would wait.

His silhouette becomes a blur once he starts running. He's heading back into town, meaning he came all the way out here to just give me the note. I close the door and let my back rest into it. I first take deep breath.

I hesitate if should read the note now or later.

Swallowing my fear, and telling myself I'm being beyond silly to think it would matter if I read it here in the hallway or in a place where it would be less seen. I open up the crumbled piece of paper.

Kakashi Hatake.

Who's that? I frown at the name. I'm not understanding a single thing of what is going on.
What did he mean by—it's his name! I realize. I quickly put the piece of paper into my pocket.

But why would he tell me his name?

I tried to figure it out but came up with nothing. After a minute or so I finally move.

Bewildered at what had just happened, I made myself some tea to distract my mind.

I burn the piece of paper when I turn on the stove. I could see the name when I closed my eyes without ever having to hold it again. It was safer to burn it.

Besides, I wasn't planning on telling this to Zabuza.

Why would you tell me your name? In your position, you could end up… I suddenly remembered what he had said that night. He hadn't come to apologize.

He had come by to make sure if I was alright or not.

Perhaps he had come by to give me one last chance to confess...

Even with all my doubts, I hadn't even thought about it for one split second when seeing him to tell him everything that had been going on.

Well, that could be because Zabuza had repeatedly told me how deep I had dig myself in.

I let out a deep sigh, rubbing my tired eyes.

I could contact him personally now. Tell Wolf—Kakashi, everything there was to know. He wouldn't have bothered with this if he thought I was a part of the ploy…

I sat at the dining table for a good hour or so, retracing my steps and trying to figure out what this man wanted me to do. And how he had figured it I had something to do with all this mess.

His name sounded so oddly familiar too.

Where have I heard that name before?

After long thinking and coming up with no conclusions or answers, I got up. I mindlessly doing my chores, like cleaning the dishes.

I don't think my house has ever been as clean as it was now.

Deciding that I had postponed the moment enough, I get up the stairs. I know Zabuza has heard me the entire time and had been waiting, probably impatiently, for my return.

I have no idea what to tell him.

I felt as if I was constantly lying to everyone.

I hear a low whisper.

'Sakura.'

He's calling me.

He then says it more clearly, as if not caring anymore that someone could be listening in.

Closing my eyes, trying to keep myself calm again for the second time today, I finally turn around and get up the shamble ladder.

'What is it?' I ask, standing still half-way up the ladder.

'Get in here,' he answers with an aggravated growl.

Letting out a sigh of tiredness, I get up. I know I was behaving foolishly but the situation was so draining, I just wanted to hide for the moment. I look at the tall man sitting on the bed.

His brown eyes stared blatantly into mine.

'What is it?' I repeated.
'What do you think?' he asked, getting angry. I felt like child being scolded by his parent. For some reason, I didn't respond. I was starting to feel numbed by everything that was going on.

'You tell me,' he continued. 'What the hell did that guy say?'

'What guy—'Sakura, damn it, don't temp me,' he angrily hissed, getting up.

I know lying was stupid but I didn't know what to tell him.

'Talk!' he yelled at me. Limping towards me, I braced myself. I felt his hand grab my arm and pulling me forward. Shaking me slightly in order to make me response.

'I don't know!' I yelled back. I felt so confused by everything. 'I think he came to check,' I admit.
'Because he thinks you're cute?' he spat.

His tall posture and the angry look on his face reminded me suddenly how dangerous he could be. He was so much taller than me and even in his weaken state I was no match for him. I took small step back but he pulled me back into place, making it clear that he wasn't going to let me go.

'He said you were heading towards another town—'Why would he come and tell you that!?' he half yelled while interrupting me.
'I don't know!'
He took deep breath, trying to calm down. 'Either this means that little rat has been found out or you are!'
'I don't think so—'Why not? What makes you think he doesn't suspect you?' Again he shook me by my arm. I ignore his arrogant tone and defyingly tell him I don't know what is going on either.

'I found it odd but he didn't—you're not telling me everything,' he disrupted me again. Grabbing me by my face and making me look up to him, he asks me what else had been said.

Realizing I'm stuck and I can't lie my way out, I pretend to tell him everything except the part where he gives me the piece of paper. I make it sound as if he wanted to tell me something but couldn't.

Not satisfied by my answer, he pushes me around a little. Demanding to know the complete truth.
'Why did you wait so long to come up?' he asks. 'Trying to come up with a clever lie?'
'I'm not lying!' I tell him, getting angry myself. I didn't want to be a liar! I struggle to get lose.

When my back meets the wall, I realize he has pushes me into a corner. His tall figure intimidatingly stands before me. Before I can even blink, just like last time, his reaction is quicker than I could ever anticipate. I feel his hand on my throat, pushing me onto the wall.

Threateningly getting close to me, he puts a little more pressure on my throat. Making me grab his hand with both of mine.
'S-stop,' I tell him.
'You know how I know you are lying, Sakura?' he asked me, whispering in my ear. 'You turn a little red, just when you get angry or when you…' he let it linger in the air, pressing himself up against me.

I get scared of him, wanting nothing more then to get away from him. I try to push him off but he doesn't budge.

'What did he do?' he then asked. 'Tell me everything.'
'N-nothing!' I choked out.
Suddenly his brown eyes stared straight into mine, getting me by surprise. I let out a small yelp.
'You know,' he starts. I see him licking his lips and I know it is something he does to scare me.

I hate how it works on me so easily.

His nose touches my face and I hear him taking deep breath when smelling my hair.

'My second favorite smell is blood… Do you want me to mix them?' The whispered question made me shiver.
'It would kind of ruin your scent, though,' he added in afterthought, while making it sound as if finding he'd find it dreary thing to do.

In a flash he got something out of his pocket. Suddenly the tip of a kunai was pressed into my collarbone. Even with both my hands free, I was no match for him.

I knew his leg was hurting but somehow he could fight off the pain just to get what he wanted out of me.
Foolishly I try to reach out to hit one of his wounds but he grabbed my wrist. He had let go of my throat but the kunai was now further up my throat while my hand was held above my head.

I felt so helpless. I let out a cry of pain.

'I'd really hate to,' he threatened again, 'but I will, if I have to.' He then pressed the kunai, making it draw blood from my neck. Realizing he was no longer fooling around or throwing empty threats, I had to make decision. Hating myself, I came clean.

'He gave me his name on piece of paper,' I mutter. Immediately the kunai disappeared.
And though he wasn't holding it above my head anymore, he had yet to let go of my wrist.

'He's uncertain, taking a huge risk…' he muttered to himself. He seemed a little puzzled. He stared at me for a moment before finally letting go of me completely. I almost wanted to break down and cry when he did so but I held my head up defiantly at him. I wouldn't let him win so easily.

'That little rat better be here by tomorrow morning,' he said talking about Haku. 'And you,' he then added. 'Don't ever try to lie to me again.'

I don't move, feeling more numb then before. I felt confused. I should just run out of the door, ask—no, beg Kakashi to help me.

'What was his name?' he then asked, getting back into the bed. He let out a painful groan, probably hurting his leg even more by walking around and making brash movement.

'Kakashi Hatake,' I tell him.

I hate myself so much.

Just get out and run, a little cowardly voice says.

'What?' Zabuza looked baffled. 'That guy was Kakashi Hatake!?'

'Yes,' I nod. 'Who is he?' I ask innocently.

'Someone who is good at getting his target… That lying…' he stopped talking, sending me a furious look. I don't know who he was talking about but I assumed it was someone I was not supposed to know about. He looked so angry… As if he had been betrayed.

'Why would he give me his name?' I ask. Now that he knew, I might as well ask him some question and try to get some answers out of him.

'I don't know exactly why,' he admitted. 'I guess he wants you to contact him or be able to contact him.'

'Should I?' I stupidly asked. I immediately regretted my words.

'If you think you can betray me or leave, I'll kill you before you can set a foot outside the door.'

'You can hardly walk,' I point out.

'But that didn't stop me just a second ago, did it?' he asked with a smirk.

No it didn't, I angrily admitted to myself. You cannot be stopped… If only your willpower was to be used by the greater good, we wouldn't be at war. Yet it's beast like you that make this war so endless.
Noticing my hateful glare, he snapped at me. 'Stop behaving like an idiot.'

I rub my wrist, noting it was the second time he had hurt me. It would leave a nasty bruise. I decided I had enough.
I'm going to bed—'no,' he snapped.
'Excuse me?' I'm baffled at his arrogant behavior.
'Get me a drink and grab a glass for yourself because you're not going anywhere. I don't know what is going on inside of that head of yours but I'm not taking risks. I don't trust you, Sakura.'

'I don't trust you either, Zabuza,' I snapped back. 'Just leave!' I told him again.

'Once precious Haku is here,' he answered. His hollow eyes silenced me. I could feel myself tremble. This time not out of anger.

I hated how powerless I was against this man. How I was being terrorized by him. I didn't know what to do anymore. So I just did what I was told, mindlessly following his orders.

When I grabbed a bottle downstairs, my eyes had lingered a little too long at the front door. A part of me wanted to get out. Flee my own home.

'What took you so long?'
'Nothing,' I answer, pouring him his drink. I handed it over, trying to behave somewhat civil.
'Grab one too.' I don't know if it was suggestion or a command. His tone of voice was hard decipher.
'I just want to go the bed,' I answer tiredly.
'Go ahead,' he snickers, pointing to where he was sitting. 'You might get cold, so you'll need that drink.'

Annoyed, angry and a little stressed out, I poured myself a huge glass and drank it down in one take. He quirks up an eyebrow but made no comment. I sat next to him, poured myself another one and refilled his.

I had rethink my choices a little. I needed him to keep calm if I wanted to survive this mess.

'You looked upset by hearing Kakashi's name,' I start. 'Is he dangerous?'
'Best of Konoha.' he took a sip of his drink before sending me an annoyed look. 'You know who he is.'
'It took me a second to figure out where I had heard his name,' I muttered. Glancing at him out of the corner of my eye, I saw his amusement. Probably thinking I was rather dimwitted for not knowing the most famous Shinobi of my own nation.

'I don't know their reputation,' I tell him, being honest. 'I know their face and the pain they felt during battle… As a doctor, I always do my very best to help them.'

His smirk falters, staying quiet for a moment. It felt strange but it seemed the storm between us from earlier had settled down. Ironically, outside, it was only just beginning. I felt a rush of wind coming through the walls, making me shiver.

'I think he's only trying to lure you out,' he suddenly said. 'but also… it's a sign of trust. You can trust him.'

I nod, thinking something along the same lines. I had feeling Kakashi didn't believe me. Or didn't believe all the make believe surrounding this little chaotic town. Things had taken such a strange turn.

'Who…' I hesitated for a second, knowing he wouldn't answer me. 'Have you been betrayed?' I ask, rephrasing the question a bit. He let out a sigh and it seemed I had evoke his memory and send him into deep thought, not answering me immediately.

'I don't know yet.'

'It all depends on Haku?' I ask softly, too tired to do much else then sit and talk.
'I guess,' he said. He then emptied his drink.

'What if he…' Failed? Doesn't come back? Is killed?

'

He'll be here soon.'

I don't if Zabuza was trying to ease my mind or his own but he suddenly seemed rather certain… as if he was holding on to the idea that Haku simply couldn't have failed.

However, soon was not soon enough. Hours had passed. I was freezing and I didn't want to drink more then I already had. But now I did understand why Zabuza always demanded a drink around. It did keep you warm in this cold drafty room. Well, at least your insides were warm.

I trembled underneath the extra blanket I had given him which he ironically now had given me.

Zabuza was just sitting on his bed, mindlessly staring into his glass. I saw him swirl his drink around a few more times before glancing up at me.

I still didn't understand why he insisted on me being here, he could easily hear me get out of bed if he was worried about me leaving in the middle of the night. I was far below his level of skill, he had nothing to worry about.

'Can I please go to bed?' I ask him pleadingly. I felt so tired.
'No,' he answered again. He grabbed my glass and filled it up, 'Drink up.'

I shook my head at the offering. 'I've had enough. I actually never drink… I'll get sick if I drink too much.'

He shrugs in defeat and placed the glass on the bed.

I guess I could use another sip, I think when noticing how much I was trembling.

Feeling as if I had no other choice, I took the drink. Shuddering when tasting the alcohol I immediately try to give it back to him but instead of taking it, he starts to laugh.

'You really never drink, huh?'

I just nod while making a sickened face.

'Don't soil the bed more than it already is,' he said, pointing out the dirty blood stains. When taking the drink out of my hand he looks at my wrist.
'All bruised up,' he muttered. I ignore the comment and quickly hide myself back into the blanket.

Putting the drink back on the tiny table next to him, he then takes a look at me.
I blatantly stare back at him. I could tell he was calm, back to this… softer version of himself.

Though this thought could be the effect of the liquor.

Alcohol. It had become an acquainted scent whenever he was around. Either it was to clean wounds or ease his pain... or keep him company.

He reached out to me, wanting to grab the my wrist again. I flinch when he grabs hold of it.

'You're such fragile thing…'

'Yes and you are stronger, dangerous and much better than me,' I answer feeling slightly agitated. 'I know already.'

'I never said I was better than you, perhaps less naïve but never have I said better,' he said with slight amusement. Though he knew he was hurting me, he held on to my wrist. I got surprised when his thumb slightly started to caress it.

Grabbing me by my other arm, I start to panic. 'Stop it!'
But he ignores my plea and even goes as low as to hurt my already bruised wrist to make him gain control over me. I can't fight him off. The alcohol has made me slightly light-headed and I'm too tired and weak to escape.

I had expected some unwanted behavior from him but instead, to my surprise, all he did was pull me closer to him. It took me a minute to figure out he was trying to keep me warm.

Though when feeling his body, it rather seemed it was the other way around. He was so cold.

I want to scream out and tell him to stop but he puts his hand on my mouth.

'Confession, Sakura,' he suddenly says. 'I don't know what is going on but if ANBU shows up… I need you as my leverage.'

Instantly I understood why he wanted me to stay here. I try to remove his hand off of my mouth but it refused to even budge.

'Since they haven't showed up yet, I assume Haku has indeed mislead them.'
'Then why…' I ask in a whisper. I suddenly thought of his earlier confessions. This goes high, very high. He wasn't just fearing ANBU at this point.

'Why would I be good leverage?' I ask him in confusion.
'You're not but it's worth a shot… and if all goes wrong, a situation with hostage could by me some time,' he mumbled back. His drunk breath makes me move my head the other way.
'Geez, thanks,' I say as I try to get away from him. 'Well, we I guess we can establish that ANBU isn't around because if they were still around, they would have start wondering what happened to me. People don't spend their free time in the freezing attic.'

'Ha,' he let out a hollow laugh. 'I guess.'
'So can I go to my bed now?' I ask him again, freeing myself out of his grip. Though this time it is simply because he was actually letting me go.
'Go ahead,' he said with a nod while being surprisingly easy.

I give him confused look. 'First I can't go, now I can?'

'You can stay, I don't mind,' he answered with a smirk. He gives me a suggestive look while holding on to me a bit longer before letting me get out of the bed completely. I stumble a when taking a few steps back and away from him. I give him an angry look.

'So were back to this?' I daringly start. I wasn't quite sure what is was doing. 'Make up your mind! Either hate and intimidate me or don't! But stop going back and forth.'

His smirk faltered before it widened. His sharp teeth became visible again and for a moment I saw nothing but a demon-like creature sitting before me.

'Keep me warm, Sakura.' His slurred speech made me realize he was already very drunk.

When the blanket fell to my feet, I grabbed it and pushed it onto him. 'Keep yourself warm,' I angrily hissed at him, making him laugh in response.

Just as I let go, his expression changes and I briefly believed my words had had some sort of effect on him. His expression becomes serious and he even gets up from the bed. I get startled when he grabs my shoulders and turns me around.
Pressing me into him, I see a flicker of the kunai he's now holding up. He wasn't aiming at my throat just yet.

I know realize he has heard something.

Patiently waiting for someone to show up, he just holds it out before him.
I hadn't heard a the slightest noise until I heard a door open. It was close by. Not my bedroom like last time.

Feeling anxiety taking me over, I actually held on to Zabuza's arm around my neck. Pressing my nails into it, while pushing myself closer to him.

When a white mask appeared, I couldn't even react. I didn't get startled. I didn't scream.

This time my heart was beating so fast, I thought it was going to collapse.

Zabuza held on to me for a bit longer before loosening his grip and eventually letting go of me completely.

I frown at the action, feeling completely confused.

'What is going on?' he asked on a demanding tone.

The masked figure walked deeper into the room and eventually took of his mask. When revealing his face, I still couldn't say a word. I just gaped at him.

'Haku!' Zabuza snapped at him when he didn't respond immediately.

He gave a small nod. I couldn't make out much of his face but he looked unusually pale to me.

He swallowed, trying to find the words to speak.

'Sakura, go away,' Zabuza said.
'I'm not your servant!' I argue back. Grabbing my hair, he roughly pushes me forward.

'You wanted to go to bed, now go!' He yelled at me.

Well, he sobered up quickly.

I rub my head for a moment before placing my hand on Haku's shoulder. 'Are you alright?'
He gives me small nod before giving me his usual fake smile, to ease my mind and make me believe he indeed was fine.

'It is alright, Zabuza,' he said answering the tall man. 'Everything is fine. You don't have to worry.'

'Good,' he spat back. 'Now, clean up because Sakura wants us to leave.'

Haku gives me a hurt and confused look, while I throw a glare at Zabuza. Before I can even explain what he means, Haku collapses onto the floor. Startled I drop down next to him, when I try to wake him I feel a hot fever on his forehead.

'He's sick!' I tell Zabuza.
'Hm,' he simply responds. I give him another angry look, annoyed by his disinterest in Haku's wellbeing. This boy got sick while doing a mission he had send him out on! He was just a child, had he no compassion?

Haku would die to please him and it didn't mean a thing to him! I felt outraged and had to stop myself from attacking the taller man.

I try to lift the boy up but my wrist hurts too much and I don't have enough strength to lift him up with one arm.
'Help me,' I tell him with a glare but Zabuza doesn't move.

His hollow brown eyes simply stare at the limp figure on the ground. 'I guess this means we're not leaving yet.'

I was slightly uncertain about this chapter, that's why it took me a little longer to upload… Definitely let me know your thoughts on this one!

Comment/review!