Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Note: You have a long chapter ahead of you.….

Chapter IX

Having no other choice, I put Haku in the guestroom. In the end, he still looked like an innocent kid. At least that's what I hoped people would see should they come by and find out.

Though I actually started to highly doubt ANBU would still come around and check on us. I had no idea what exactly Haku had been doing the last two days but Zabuza seemed to be at ease with the situation and no longer feared being found out.
And for some reason that made me feel at ease too. After all, I had no experience and my mind could craved some rest, so accepted any sign of peace heading my way.

What I could conclude as a doctor was that Haku had been mostly out during his mission, he had caught pneumonia.
Surprisingly, Zabuza had not complained about Haku's illness. Though he did like mentioning that they would leave as soon as they could but I knew he probably did that to spite me.

But nevertheless, I was starting to choke on my own words. I couldn't believe I had wanted Haku to leave. I was starting to hate myself for thinking about sending this boy off on a suicidal mission with a man that treated him as nothing more but a tool.

I held on to his hand, smaller than mine. It still looked so innocent clean.
But it felt cy cold. Trying to warm his hands up while keeping the rest of his body on normal temperature was quite the task.

'S-Sakura…'

I hush him, telling him to spare his energy and keep calm. 'Just rest for now.'

'T-he b-bag is for Zabu..za,' his lower mouth was trembling uncontrollably.
I look around only now noticing the blue bag on the ground. I nod, telling him I would bring it to Zabuza.

'I-I couldn't…' Again I hush him, telling him it was going to be alright. His eyes were hazy and I couldn't make much out of his ramblings. The bag had apparently been too heavy for him to carry up the ladder because I hadn't seen him come in with.

He must've felt so sick…

I turn my head, looking at the shamble ladder. I know Haku wanted me to bring the bag up to Zabuza now and not a minute later. He was so used to serving him...

'I'll go in a minute,' I tell him, trying to ease his troubled mind. He didn't even seem to care about being sick, all he did was look around for his sensei.

Zabuza had picked him up and threw him on the bed without any form of concern for his wellbeing.
I hated his arrogance so much… but now even I had to admit that I had no power or control over this man, even in his weakened state he was physically so far above me.

I let my head rest in my hands, taking a deep breath that staggered in my throat. I was so tired of all this. I felt trapped and at the same time I felt as if I was in a position of being able to make a change.
I held Haku's hands again, waiting for him to close his eyes and give in to the tiredness he was trying fighting off. An inevitable battle he'd lose.

I close my eyes the second he closes his, finally being able to give in to myself.

I don't know how long I slept but it was morning when I woke up. I squint my eyes at sight of the morning sun. Rubbing the sleep out of the corners of my eyes, I get up. Stretching myself out, I feel the ache in my back from sitting next Haku all night.

Putting a hand on his forehead, I'm relieved to conclude that his fever has gone down.

Not wanting to wake him, I decide to get some decent rest in my own bed. I quietly get up and make as little noise as I possibly can. When I turn around to take one last look at him, I see the blue bag lying next to the bed. Remembering how he had been talking about it and had wanted me to go and give it to Zabuza, I bit my lip in doubt.

I let out defeated sigh. I did not want to trouble his mind while being ill, so I grabbed it before getting out of the room.

But not before taking a look at it first… I slyly think to myself.

Opening it up, I make a disappointed sound. To my surprise I found nothing that of what I had hoped for. Actually this wasn't what I had expected at all...

Or maybe it is, I bitterly tell myself. Oh, Haku how can you care so much for one person so cruel?

Holding out a long sleeved black t-shirt, I realize Haku hadn't forgot about Zabuza's lack of decent clothing. I bite my lip, digging a bit deeper into the bag. I was hoping to find some clues to who Zabuza was working for or what Haku had been up to.

'Do you always pry in other people's bags?'

The comment made me snap my head up. I see him standing at the ledge, arrogantly looking down at me. Of course, he had heard me ruffle through it…

I roll my eyes at him.

'Shouldn't you be in bed?' I retorted while getting up. I close the bag and get up the ladder to hand it over to him. I can't help but feel a little embarrassed at being caught.

With a bit of a flushed face, I practically throw the bag at him.

Catching it with ease, he gives me smirk when our eyes meet. Stumbling back to the bed, he lets himself drop on it and lets out a tired sigh while rubbing his leg.

'Still hurting?' I ask, trying to move along without dwelling on what had just happened for too long. I didn't want to give him the feeling of having some sort of power over me. And I wanted to at least try to act decent towards the man. Just to prolong the peace a little longer.

'Yes.' His expression is hard to read. I can't tell if he's trying to hide the pain or just bored with my behavior.

'Haku is pretty sick, you won't be leaving for at least another week…' I quietly say, averting his eyes. I don't know why but I have a hard time looking at him. I've wished for a way for him to leave and for Haku to stay but I've concluded that was just wishful thinking.

The way Haku risked his life for him…

'If I could, I would,' he admitted out loud. Closing his eyes in thought, he stayed quiet for a minute. As if contemplating if there was any other way. He let out annoyed growl before speaking up again.
'I can't go without Haku. Not in the state that I'm in.'

I cross my arms, thinking about his intentions for a second. Did he want me to ask him if I could help? Or did he just want to put me on edge again?

'So you do care about Haku…' I eventually answer, trying to lure him out.
'I don't care about the kid, I still need to get out of here as fast as I can. I never thought I'd be in this situation with my legs this badly injured…' he snapped, annoyed at my remark.

His sharp answer was nothing more than a diversion to avoid the subject. He obviously didn't want to leave without Haku, or else he would have asked me for a favor of some sorts.

Maybe it isn't as simple as I think it is…

'You'd be dead if it weren't for Haku,' I blurt out.

'So would he, if it weren't for me,' he answers just as quickly.

I'm a bit taken back. I swallow the lump that had immediately formed itself in my throat, not knowing exactly if he was talking about, him personally killing Haku or someone else wanting to end the boy's life.

But it almost felt a little promising, as if implying he would, should the boy ever get in the way of things…

Just like that, my flicker of hope vanished again.

When his cold brown eyes met mine, my body temporarily froze. But I manage to shake it off and hide behind my doctor's persona.

'He'd still need plenty of rest,' I inform him, trying to calm the situation. 'He is in no state to travel.'

'I need to talk to Haku when he's awake…' he mutters. He does the oddest thing and avoids my eyes for a moment.

'Why?'
'Because I need to know how much time we have,' he snarls at me, this time looking at me again.

I stay quiet for a second.
'I'm going to rest up,' I simply say while turning on my heels.
I was too tired to have more arguments with him. My back ached and my neck was tense, making me get a headache. Arguing in the early morning wasn't helping.

'Sakura.'

I hate it when he called me by my first name. I can't help but let out an aggravated sigh, which he notices and answers by snickering at my reaction. I turn back around with an annoyed look on my face. I want to cross my arms when looking defiantly at him but my let out a hiss when my bruised wrist feels pressure.

He frowns at me for a moment before continuing. 'Tell me when wakes up.'

I just nod and finally relief myself of his torturous presence.

I stretch myself out. I slowly sit up, roll my head around and try to relief the pressure. I had slept well but the horrible sleep from this night could still be felt throughout every inch of my body. Getting up slowly, I put my bathrobe on and just when opening the door, I hear someone talk.

I peer my head out of the door and try to listen in on what they were saying. I could hear Zabuza's voice clearly but the breathy whisper of Haku's answering, were unclear.

I couldn't make a thing out of what was being said.

Boldly I move forward, putting my feet as quietly as I could on the wooden floor. Hoping the old wood wouldn't crack the moment it felt pressure. I moved towards the room. I halt a before the door, not wanting to betray my presence just yet by being too brash.

I try to make out what is being said but Haku's voice is still inaudible.

Probably still too tired to talk decently… I told Zabuza to be patient!

While cursing Zabuza in my head, I put my ear on the wall, hoping to hear a little more of what was being said. I still couldn't hear a thing. I try to walk towards the door a bit closer.

There is a bit of an opening between the doorframe and the wall. Pushing my ear against it, I can finally hear them talk.

'I told him there would be consequences to pay…' Haku's voice sounded raspy and tired.
'Good.'
'But you don't think he'll do it?'

I frown when hearing the young boy talk. Haku sounds so mature...

'He'll obey,' Zabuza answers, sounding quite certain. 'What did he say about the ANBU-platoon?'
'Unfortunate. But as head of ANBU, it was easy to mislead them. We have nothing to worry about.'

Head of ANBU!? My eyes widen when realizing who he was talking about …T-the commander is a traitor? He's in on this!?

'Kakashi Hatake wasn't convinced…' Zabuza says, obviously not as easily hushed by the commander's words as Haku.

'Ah,' Haku muttered. 'I think I've met him. Astonishing speed… Remarkable opponent, to say the least.'

I feel a chill run down my spine. I don't know what's making me more nervous, the fact that Haku was sounding so… different. Or that the commander wasn't at all who I had thought he was.

'You finished him?' I could hear Zabuza was impressed.

'I had other matters to attend…'

The cold answer made my heart feel heavy.

'You didn't tell him where we were staying, did you?'
'Of course not,' Haku quickly answers. 'I did not want to endanger Sakura.'
'So they have no idea?'
'I just said we were in hiding because we wanted to make sure he keeps his end of the deal. I didn't say you were too wounded to move out of this town.'

'A student like you is seldom, Haku.' I could hear how pleased Zabuza was. 'That is why I picked you.'
'Thank you, Zabuza.' I could hear Haku's joy of getting appreciation and even the smallest bit of affection from the man.

His voice made my heart bleed.

'How have you been?' Haku asked, sounding a lot more lighter than before. More like how he usually sounded.

'Under the care of doctor Haruno.'

I couldn't tell if Zabuza was being sarcastic or not. He sounded… odd. Calm and easygoing.

'So you are feeling better?' Haku sounded curious. His question made me realize that Zabuza must have been feeling really bad before he took off.

'My leg hurts,' Zabuza muttered. The aloof answer abruptly ended the conversation. It was silent for a minute.

The silence made my head question everything I had just heard.

I suddenly felt so… scared.

'Sakura is still asleep?' Haku's light voice snaps me out of me state of numbness.
'I think she's awake…' I hear Zabuza move. His chair makes a sound when he pushes it back. I hear him limp towards the door.

Immediately I take a few steps back, feeling frightened.

Did he know I was standing here the entire time? What would he do!?

Opening the door quite brash, his tall figure took whole of the entire doorframe. He looked taller, stronger, more frightening than last night.

I don't know why I was feeling the way I was. I felt so… betrayed. By Haku. By the commander.

I try to swallow my fear when our eyes meet.

'Eavesdropping?' The mocking tone he used, together with his arrogant expression made me loath to be near him.

'I-I heard voices…' I simply answered.

He smirked. 'I was telling Haku how well you had taken care of me.'
Intimidatingly he stood before me. I refused to take another step back but I had to fight every muscle in my body to not do so. I nervously bite my lip, wondering if he knew I had been listening the entire time.

'And you came to listen in?' he asked taking another step towards me. He was far too close to my liking. But when driven in a corner, I did the opposite of what was expected of me. I boldly stood still before him, showing absolutely no feeling of fear.

'I didn't know what to think…' I answer. I take a look at his leg. He was holding on to it. 'You should be resting. Instead you exhaust yourself by getting down here.'

'I wanted to see Haku.' I could hear him mock me, pretending to care about Haku's wellbeing like I did.
'Well, now you have,' I say. I try to keep my tone even and distant, pretending that he had little to no effect on me. 'You should go back before someone sees you.'
He nods in agreement, though the taunting smirk remained on his face. He was in no hurry to leave, making me realize that the matter of being caught by ANBU was indeed over. He just wanted me to keep believing it.

I trembled inside, wondering if he indeed had not heard me the first five minutes and there for believed I did not know a single thing about the truth.

His brown eyes lowered their gaze, making me feel uncomfortable. I hadn't thought about last night anymore with Haku being sick and all. But unlike me, Zabuza liked exploiting whatever was between us.

To my surprised he simply picked up my bruised wrist. Examining it for a moment, I held my breath. I didn't want to move because I knew he was cruel enough to hurt me when I was already in pain. He gave me a harsh look before speaking up.
Getting his face closer to mine, 'Make sure no one sees this today.'
I just nod.
'Just because Haku is back, doesn't mean it's over,' he whispered.
'I know that,' I whisper back.
'Good.'

Letting my wrist go, his hand travels over my face down my neck on to my shoulder. I widen my eyes but he gives me stoic expression in return. His eyes bore into mine for a moment. I can feel his hand touch the rim of my robe. An almost longing look appears on his face but is as gone as quickly as it had come. He lets go and grabs hold of the shamble ladder instead.
I can feel how flushed my cheeks are. Putting one foot on it, he turns his head to me. I can see the familiar devil appear.

'I could use some warmth up there,' he snickered.

I just cover myself up and ignore his comment. When he moves out of sight, I see Haku staring aimlessly at the wall. As if he had just ignored everything that had happened.

Letting out a deep breath I didn't know I had been holding in, I walk into the room.

'Hello, Sakura.' He greets me nonchalantly. Haku's usual smile appears. Again I can't tell if he's faking it or not. I felt drained and the refreshed feeling sleep had given me had evaporated into thin air in no time. I could feel the weight of the world on my shoulders again.

I mirror his smile.

'Hello, Haku.'

The day went by slow. I try to keep Haku warm, make him sleep and I try to feed him whenever he finds the strength to do so. I try to avoid Zabuza for the most part of the day. He doesn't make it easy on me, luring me out whenever he can. I could tell he wanted me to feel threatened.

It worked since I dreaded going up the attic whenever he was asking for food or medication.

Five o'clock couldn't come soon enough, even though I dreaded going to the hospital as well. Seeing the commander and pretending to not know his true nature was going to be quite a feed for me.

But I desperately needed to see some friendly, kind familiar faces. I missed my colleagues. I missed my real patients. I missed my old life.

But no matter how much I postponed it, I felt I was going to unleash all this anger on to someone soon. I was getting tired of walking on eggshells. The feeling of righteousness had such a bitter aftertaste.

I left the house before five. I didn't say a word to either Haku or Zabuza. I figured they'd continue their little meeting now that I was gone. I hurried myself to the town, trying not to dwell on the idea of what was really going on.

When I arrived in the little town, I was so grateful to smell the usual dull air and even hear the rustle of people walking around in a hurry. I then realized that not only my world had turned upside down.
Looking around, I saw the market being flooded by people who hadn't had enough food the last twenty-four hours. The old dingy café, were they loudly talked about the how the lockdown had damaged the town's already dying economy. And how the government lacked any compassion. I let out a sigh, agreeing in my mind.

But I smile when I see a few of my former patients came to greet me and ask if I had been alright during all this madness. I nod and ask them how they have been. When I hear their answer, I take a good look around.

People had so much suffered the three days.

I had been so caught up in my own problems that I had failed to see what was happening around me. The town had been turned upside down. The hunger had increased. Traders had taken a loop around the town, increasing the shortness of some basic food supplies. With no one coming in and no one getting out, the shortage problem was only going to get worse before it could possible get better.

It could take lives at this rate…

Hurrying to the hospital, I'm relieved to see that during my absence they had managed to patch up the inside a little. The wreckage had vanished completely, only the remaining exterior damage served as proof from the attack.

The hospital waiting-room was packed. Sick children, people with signs of dehydrations, the list was endless. I get greeted by a nurse, who was hurrying through the halls. She had been at home for the last three days as well but told me that a few of my colleagues had stayed and wanted to desperately go home for the night. Some of them had families waiting for them.

I immediately understood a long evening was ahead of me.

Working again did me good, I felt useful. Actually healing people, who obeyed my orders and were grateful for my time, helped me get over the horrible feeling inside.

I felt guilty for staying at home.

I should have stayed here. I belong here.

The hours pass by and I don't even dwell on my thought or feelings for single second. I just do what I'm best at. I actually have good time, people are happy and relieved to see me. They welcome my presents and care.

Together with some other colleagues we our see patients simultaneously in the largest hospital room. We're still stamped with sick patients.

'I didn't think you'd go home,' my much younger colleague started.
I nod in agreement. 'I don't know, I guess with everything going on I just wanted to avoid my responsibilities. I shouldn't have done that.'

Though I meant it sincere it was not entirely true, I only felt like that now. Not when I had decided to stay home…

'Even with the circumstances, you deserved some time off,' she pointed out. 'This madness all started with one lousy old—'don't speak ill about the dead,' I interrupted. I had enough of crude talk and disrespectful behavior. I just wanted things to be right again.

'Sorry,' she apologized. A silence stayed between us and I could tell she had something on her mind. I figured she didn't quite know how to put it.

'Spill,' I simply say, while taking care of an elderly lady. She had an awful cough.

'Can't you talk to him?' the young girl asked. The other two colleagues looked up from what they were doing, eying me curiously.
Apparently they knew what she was talking about and eagerly awaited my answer.

Feeling utterly confused, I quirk my eyebrow up at her and the other two.

'Talk to who?'

'Lord Inui,' she explains. 'You are good friends with him, are you not?'

I frown, not entirely understanding where she was going with this. I tell the nurse to wait a minute before letting my next patient in.

'What exactly do I have to ask him?'

The young girl falls silent, looking a bit ashamed. I still don't understand what is they are talking about.

'Sakura,' Riku starts with an aggravated sigh. 'He has plenty of money and power. He took up a lot of our time, our bill is only half of what they ask in Konoha. Can't you ask him to make a generous donation? We could buy some supplies, some food packages for the village!'

I gape a second at him. While the other two stare at me, awaiting my response. Their eyes are full of hope. Even patients are casually looking at me. I could see the same look in their eyes.

I'm a little stunned to say the least. But I understand the urgency of what needs to get done.
I nod, though not entirely sure how I was going to approach him. I thought about all sort of scenarios before his face appeared in my mind. Suddenly it hit me again how he made me feel.

I blush a little at the idea of seeing him and actually want to immediately jump into it.

'You should go tonight,' Riku point out. 'Tell him how urgent it is.'
'It almost twelve!' I point out.
'It is,' he nods but not referring to the actually hour. The last hours of this town were going in and something needed to get done. The bittersweet feeling overwhelms me again.

I'm was always helping a dying cause.

But it was true, something needs to get done and Inui might be the only one capable of helping.

'I will,' I tell them. 'I'll go tonight.'

'Before you leave,' the girl interrupt. 'The commander has been awaiting your return. You should probably go see him first.'

I let out a very tired sigh but nod once again.

Knocking on his door quietly, I await his answer. When I open the door he is sitting on his bed. I can tell his wounds have healed a great deal by the way he is seated but he still looks tired. Though his always angry scowl is still intact in spite of it.

'You wanted to see me?' I nonchalantly ask. 'Have you been well?'
'I've been fine,' he gruffly answers. He seemed upset.

'They have a lead,' he immediately gets to the point which I'm kind of grateful for. I didn't want to have small talk with him. I just wanted to get this over with.

I almost wanted to blurt out, I know when he said that but then I realized Kakashi probably hadn't told anyone about his little detour to my house.

'I figured,' I simply answer. 'You think it is over?'

'I don't think they'll end up getting him and his little accomplisher.'

Little? Did he know… I knew Haku?

I tried to keep my face straight while trying to calm the adrenaline rushing through my body.

'I'll be departing back home soon,' he then starts. 'I'll be leaving with lord Inui's ANBU team, should the captain be able to catch them.'

I give him a small smile, not quite sure how to respond to that information.

'But they won't,' he repeated again. His expression was hard to decipher and his attitude made me feel uneasy.

'They won't get caught because they are working with someone, do you understand?' he starts.

I uncertainly shake my head, not quite sure what he was trying to do. Did he know I know or was he trying to lure me out?

'If you have anything to say, say it now,' he then says. He comes off as a little threatening. His dark brown eyes look more colder and distant. I could see the real commander.

'N-no,' I answer with staggered breath.

We both stay silent. Only a harsh look from his side is exchange. I'm pretty sure mine is still made out of bewilderment. I'm not quite sure where I stand on the board anymore.

'You know if you did your job, you wouldn't be in this mess.'

'Excuse me?' I reply. I don't sound as confident as I wanted. Perhaps it was because he caught me with the remark on a vulnerable moment.

'If you hadn't insisted on going out that night…' he muttered, angrily shaking his head to the other side.

'Who says he wouldn't have killed me too? What does my presence have to do with anything?' I retorted.

The scary thought suddenly planted itself deep in me. I imagined Zabuza killing me if I had stayed with the old man.
I swallow, trying not to overthink his words and letting my emotions take over my rational mind.

'Maybe you shouldn't have left!' I venomously add.

To my surprise he answers with a smirk.

I don't know why but the reaction sends a chill down my spine and I suddenly realize this man is in on it and would've easily killed me too should I have gotten in the way. He's just playing out his role for the moment.

It was all smoke and mirrors at this point.

I take a few steps back and excuse myself. 'There is a… a lot of work,' I mumble while grabbing the door handle. 'I got to go.'

He doesn't stop me and his smirk doesn't faltered when I close the door. I try to calm myself down, noticing how my hands are trembling. I always thought Zabuza was demon… but know I question if being what you truly are in the open is as horrible as being able to hide yourself among others.

Immoral beast of men…

I let my head rest on the door for a moment to gather myself.

I stand before a gigantic ebony door and red painted wooden walls, a shrill contrast to the poverty of the town behind me. A luxurious and well-built fence surrounded me. Even the garden looks too beautiful to be true.

Though I can't help but enjoy it. The fresh green grass, the small water-fountain had a calming effect. I felt so different when standing in the middle of these luxurious articles. As if wonder still existed.
It had been so much closer than I thought.

I let the ANBU-agent guide me inside. To surprise they are not rude or unkind when seeing me. I actually get granted to see lord Inui quite easily, even if it is so close to midnight.

'Please wait here,' he politely says, while disappearing behind another door. I was standing in the middle of a huge hall. Red velvety carpet underneath my feet and rich dark furniture filled the room up.

It pained my heart that this was the reality of things. But it also made me more determined to get what I wanted. It gives me the boost my confidence needs.

When I see him appear, I can't help but genuinely smile. Inui has one of the few kind faces I've encountered over the last few weeks. His blue eyes sparkle when meeting mine and suddenly I remember our last goodbye. He has looked so grief-stricken. I hoped my words had had not missed their effect. …And I secretly hope we could pick up where we had left off.

'How have you been?' I ask him. My voice sounds strange, cheery. Nothing like it had sounded the past few days.

'I'm very well, thank you,' he smiles at me. 'I hope you have been well too, given the circumstances?'

He guides me to what looks like the tearoom.

'I have,' I nod with a smile. It falters when I remind myself why I'm here. 'Actually, I have been alright but not everyone can say that.'

He frowns when hearing my answer, sending me a worried look. He insist on sitting down before continuing and I get served a delicate tea my lips have never tasted before. The sweetness sends me somewhere far from reality. Until Inui says the question than had been hanging in the air.

'What brings you here so late, Sakura?' He sounds worried. His blue eyes looked more fragile. 'I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm sincerely glad to see you but it seems my company or wellbeing is not what has brought you here.'

I'm a startled at hearing that, immediately feeling bad about for the reason I'm here.
I shake my head at him.

'No, I do want to know how you are feeling, Inui!' I desperately try to keep my composure. The last thing I wanted was for him to think I was taking advantage of the situation.
'So please, tell me first how you have been,' I end with a smile.

His blue eyes clear up and on his stern expression makes way for a light smile.

'I've been very well. You and your team at the hospital have done an excellent job. The last few days I've really managed to rest up.'
'That's good. And… mentally?' I ask, biting my lip slightly. It was such a doctor's question to ask but my typical woman caring mind secretly needed to know as well. I had to ease the nagging feeling inside.

'Like you said… time,' he nods. He looks a little sadder but it seems he had given it a certain place though it still felt foreign to him.

Time.

I couldn't wait for the time to come for Zabuza to leave… Ironically I also want to stall time for the village. I seemed to be at war with myself.

Snapping myself out of my thoughts, I sipped from my tea one more time before speaking up about why I was indeed here.

Just when I want to open my mouth Inui interrupts me again, making my perseverance crumble again.

'Have you been all right? No strange encounters over the last few days?'

I'm a little startled. The question came off as odd to say the least. He must've notice the confusion playing on my face because he immediately started to explain himself.

'Well,' he let out a nervous laugh. 'I was talking with one of my ANBU-agents and he told me that sometimes these "lockdown" situations can be taken advantage of. Since everyone is locked in, that means no one can get out to alarm anyone should danger approach. He told all sorts of horrible stories. You are a young woman, living by yourself…' He mutters a few inaudible words and slightly avoids making eye-contact with me.

'I've been fine!' I laugh it off, though I feel a tightness in my heart. I don't know if it is because of what he has said or because I'm lying to him.

'Of course, you have,' he answers, laughing it off as well. I see a tinge of redness on his cheeks.

'I'm afraid I got caught up in my imagination,' he admitted.

'You should tell that ANBU-agent to ease your mind, not drive it further up the wall,' I tell him with a wide smile. The idea of him caring so deeply for me… made me feel special.

'Agreed,' he nods.

The odd turn in conversation, reliefs the pressure that had settled between us. We start to finally relax in each other's company again. I feel like I'm in his room at the hospital again, were we're alone and we could talk normally.

Well, except for the looks we exchange everything is normal again.
It's not exactly flirting… but I've definitely never looked at anyone else like this. His blue eyes were captivating and I felt a permanent warmth on my cheeks.

'I need to talk to you about this village… this little town,' I start. I keep staring into my tea. I'm afraid if I make eye-contact with him again, I'll forget my train of thoughts and what I wanted to tell him.

'We've suffered a great deal with all that has been going on. Especially because of the lockdown, trade deals have been missed out on and people are taking a loop around the village, even involuntarily. Rumor has that this place is better left avoided.'

He nods understandingly and I can see his more professional side resurface. He has stern look on his face. I can see how he's actually listening.

'We need some sort of… compromise for all this loss.'

'What do you want me to do?' he asks, as if still not understanding where I was going with this.

'We need money,' I bluntly state.

'Money?' he echoes. I can't read his thoughts through his expression at all. He gives me a look I have never seen before.
'Sakura, I don't own that much money to save an entire village,' he simply answers.

'I know but there must be a fund or something you can rely on. I need you to help us as we have helped you.' I emphasize the last words, making sure I was making my point clear.

He owed us his life.

Going through his dark raven hair, he gives it a thought. I see emotions of worry, doubt and uncertainty pass on.

With a sigh, he finally reveals his answer. 'I'll see what I can do.'

I smile and almost reached out for his hand but the next words stop me.

'But I doubt it. This town isn't worth much.' His blue eyes avoided mine.
This time it was him staring into his cup of tea.

I'm too shocked to say anything at first.

'It has people in need in it,' I retorted. I felt upset. Angry. Why was the entire world so incredible cruel?

'I know, Sakura. But I'm leaving soon and this place... I'll see what I can do, remember?'

'I hope you remember,' I snap, getting up from where I was sitting. 'You owe me your life. The last thing you could do is give back to those who are in need! You've been fine sitting here but others have been starving!'

'Sakura,' he starts, a little taken back at my outburst.

'I need to leave,' I tell him. 'It's late.'

'Let me have someone to walk you home—'no, I don't think that is necessary. If this town doesn't matter to you, neither should I since I'm a part of it!'

That was my anger and proud talking, for once it didn't have anything to do with what I was hiding at home.

'Sakura, please,' he politely continues. I can see he's trying to calm me down but knowing myself, there was little he could say. I cut him off whenever he tries to excuse himself or his reaction and I try to leave without getting too rude towards him. I almost have to stop myself from pushing him out of the way. Eventually he lets me walk pass him and tells ANBU to not interfere.

As I walk out the ebony tall doors, his kind voice stops me.

'Sakura,' he pleadingly says. 'I will truly see what I can do,' he repeated again.

I just give him a short nod before taking off.

I'm exhausted when I get home. I can't bring myself to take another step further and so I let my head rest on the front door, gazing at my empty house that wasn't empty at all.

Upstairs I had a sick boy and wounded man. How I longed for some peace…

My shift was far from over.

Telling myself I shouldn't treat Haku differently because of how I was feeling, I forced myself to walk up the stairs to go see the boy. I halted when I stood before his door.

What if one of those agents had followed me here?

I let out a sigh, getting tired of this game of hide and seek. Again I check all the windows, listen for odd noises to be heard and hope for no dark silhouettes to be seen in the distance.

I was so tired and emotional drained, I actually had to tell myself to not start crying.

Come on, Sakura. You're stronger than this.

I looked up at the dark hole of the attic. I knew Zabuza had probably heard me come in but he was the last person I wanted to see right now. I was just going to check on Haku and go to bed.

With a small knock, I enter his room. He's sleeping. I tilt my head, smiling at the sight.

The boy I had heard talking this morning didn't match the image I was seeing here. I slowly walk to him and feel his head. Still a little feverish.

His eyes flutter open and he gives me a smile.

'Sakura…'

His light voice sounds fatigued and I could tell he had to force himself to speak up.

I hush him and tell him to just rest. I take a look around and see he had obeyed and taken the medicine I had prescribed. He should be getting better soon.

'Did you manage to eat something today?' I ask. 'Just nod or shake your head,' I tell him when I see him trying utter the strength to speak up again. He shook his head.

Well, I guess the food I had left for him wasn't exactly something he wanted to eat. Old toast and no spread…

'I made you some tea,' I tell him. 'Lemon with honey.'

He nods, slowly getting up to take a sip. I help him drink it.
'Careful, it's hot.'

I sound tired. My voice was getting raspy.

'Z-Zabuza,' Haku muttered, collapsing once I took away the cup. I tuck him in and caress his hand.
'I'll go see him to… later,' I lied.

'Thank you, Sakura,' he whispered. His eyes looked glassy and grey. The redness underneath his eyes had yet to fade away. He looked so fragile and weak for the moment.

I put my hand on his cheek and nod, understanding how desperately miserable he must be feeling for the moment.

'Thank you for helping us,' he continued in a light whisper. I frown a little before nodding my head again.

'I know Zabuza is not always easy to work with but… he looks so well. And it is all because of you.'

Another smile I can't decipher.

No… this one is genuine.

'I didn't do much the last few days, Zabuza just needed some extra rest,' I answered. I felt bad for some reason. I didn't want Zabuza to get better. I wanted him to leave.

'Yes but he rarely listens,' he smiles. 'But you know that by now.'

I let out a hollow laugh. I can't seem to bring out any meaningful words, so I just nod and try to hush him into sleeping again.

'You don't know and I know Zabuza will not tell you this,' he started while pushing away my hand when I tried to hush him again. 'But you are the reason we'll have another chance…'

A chance of what, Haku? A life on the run? Of always bloody stained hands?

'You really are an angel, Sakura.'

I think my heart shattered when he told me that.

I could see his loving eyes before fluttering shut out of pure exhaustion.

Feeling more drained, I get up and try to leave him. But I kept staring at his pale face, peacefully sleeping in a safe bed. I felt torn up inside. I felt so close to my first feelings for him and I couldn't help but think about what Zabuza had said about those exact feelings…

He had said I cared for Haku because I felt lonely… And I'd be lying if I said that Haku's words had no effect on me. I did just feel less lonely…

I even felt a little… loved by him.

I felt my eyes prick and hot tear escaped and rolled over my cheek. I wiped it off, hating how I was crumbling simply because of tiredness and stress. I wasn't like this. I needed to stay focused.

Quietly getting out of the room, I closed the door behind me and decided to freshen up before going into bed.

'Sakura.'

This whisper was barely audible yet to me it echoed loudly in my ears.

What did he want?

With a sigh, I get up the shambled ladder. Tiredly I stood before the man lying on the bed, he was grasping his leg in pain again. I notice a pile of books lying next to the bed.

'You were in my room?' I ask him baffled by the realization.

'Yes,' he hissed, obviously not interested in talking about it. 'You need to take a look at it.'

'Your leg?' I'm surprised he actually is admitting to feeling hurt.

'I washed up, I think some soap got in to it.'

'You were in my bathroom!?'

The feeling of tiredness vanished and made room for stress and anger. Grabbing the kit with the disinfecting spray with a certain force, I then practically let myself drop on the bed.
He gave me an annoyed look. I suddenly noticed he was wearing something rather decent. He had put on the hoari Haku had brought him. I don't know why he hadn't bothered to put on the rest of the fresh clothes on.

He was still wearing no shirt and had kept his ripped pants on. I undid the bandages around his leg. Strange, he hadn't taken it off. So how could any soap get into it?

'You sure are certain no one will see you,' I point out when I think about him being in my bathroom again.

'When I say it is safe, it is,' he snaps back when I get closer to the old wound.

'Well, just so you know, we still have that new counselor in town with his own private ANBU-platoon.'

'He'll leave soon.' Zabuza's tone was indifferent, as if he didn't care much about Inui's presence. I suppose a man like Inui posed very little threat to him. But still ANBU was ANBU. He shouldn't take it so lightly.

'He wanted one of his agents to walk me home,' I tell him.
Grabbing my already hurt wrist, I wince in pain. 'I told him it wasn't necessary! I came home alone!'
Hearing me yell out in pain, he let go. 'Good,' he muttered. I threw him a glare.

I rub my wrist before continuing my work. When I see the wound, I see some stiches got ripped out. He had moved around too much!

'You need to rest, don't get out of bed for no good reason!' I snap at him, sounding more angry then I should. 'What else were you up to today?'

This damaged couldn't get done by simply walking around.

He shrugged. 'Some light exercises, I can't just sit still and grown stiff and lose strength.'

I gape at him, astonished by what I was hearing. I roll my eyes and give him a shrug, I didn't feel like giving him a speech. I just wanted to patch him up and go downstairs.

'It will take longer to heal by doing stuff like that,' I explain, sounding a bit more calm.
'I need to get out of here, remember?'

When I look at him, he just gives me a smirk. I shake my head and decide not to take the bait.
Silence falls between us and it gives me the opportunity to properly focus on what I was doing. It looked so messy…

'He cares for you?' Zabuza suddenly asked.

I look up, wanting to ask who but then I realize who he was talking about. I think about it for a second before answering.

'No. He only cares for himself,' I coldly state. 'But just like everyone else he likes deluding himself and others into thinking he does care.'

Zabuza stays quiet. I don't look up to his expression. I just wipe the wound clean and put new bandages around his leg.

'Do you have any painkillers with you?' His voice sounds tired.

I had some in my pocket from back at the hospital. I take them out and hand them over.

'Need something to drink with that,' he says, nodding his head at the bottle next to the bed.

I let out a small sigh when grabbing it and hand it over.

'It should be water,' I tell him when he accepts the bottle.

He smirks and winks when putting the medication into his mouth and drinking it down with another bottle of sake.

Tsunade is going to wonder what happened to my huge supply. She's probably going to think I have a secret drinking problem.

Or maybe she'll think I've finally picked up on her habit. Who knows, she might just get real proud.

I can see the blonde woman smirk proudly. The thought and memory of her, makes me want to go home and see her.

Zabuza snaps me out of it by speaking up again, noticing I had been lost in thought.

'Bad day?'

'Just a tiring one,' I admitted. I glance at the pile of books. 'Bored?'

'I took a few so I only had to take one trip… I need to rest, remember?' He smirks when using my own words against me. I respond with a tired smile.
I didn't even feel like pointing out how awful it was of him to just pry into my personal belongings. I knew he wouldn't care and simply point out I had done the exact same thing.

'Was that everything?' I ask, desperately wanting to leave now.

'Did anybody ask questions?' he asked, coming straight to the point with a stern voice.

Another questioning... Another set of lied answers.

'Not really.'
'Then why did you say that about the counselor?' he asked, making me realize he did not miss a single detail when it came to it.

I keep myself preoccupied with checking his other wounds to avoid eye-contact.

'I asked him for a favor… we are need of some food supplies. Things aren't look all that well for this little town. But I guess nobody cares about that.'

He didn't respond to that, his cold eyes kept staring at me questionable. I wasn't going to tell him about the commander's odd act.

'Is that commander still here?' he asks, as if reading my mind.

'Yes,' I immediately answer. I didn't hide my confusion about the question but he didn't bother to provide any further explanation to me. He simply ignored the look on my face.

He remained silent. Feeling uncomfortable, I averted my eyes from his and couldn't help but fidget a little. When I dared to look back at him, he gave me an odd look. As if it was him trying to decipher me.

'I'll let you rest,' I mutter, while trying to gather the strength to actually get up.

When he grabbed my wrist again, I halted, afraid he'd hurt me again.

'Please, let go,' I just said. I didn't feel like having another fight. I was too tired.

It's strange how easily you cave in when feeling weaker than usual.

'Did anyone notice?' he ask, pulling up the long sleeve to reveal the purple and blue bruise around it.

'No,' I answer. And that was the truth. I also think people had been a little too preoccupied to notice it should it had gotten exposed. I was wearing a black turtleneck to hide the bruises on my neck as well.

'You need stop doing that or someone will notice and I can't exactly say I got it by accident, on my own.'

'No more hurting you on obvious places,' he smirks, still holding on to my hand.

'You think this is funny?' I ask him, feeling a burning feeling inside. I wanted slap him again but found no strength to do so.

His smirk only widens. 'You're just fragile… You bruise so easily,' he simply said.

As if knowing, his other hand pulled down the collar. When seeing his fingers imprinted on my neck, he let go of my sweater again.

'See?'
He almost sounded proud of himself.

'Yes, I know,' I monotonously answer, not caring where he was going with this.

When I try to up, his hand pushes me back down. Resting on my hips, I can still feel it holding me into place. I'm startled, flustered and angered all at the same time.

Not this again…

Hating myself for saying it, I say it anyway. 'Please, don't, Zabuza.'

Ignoring my request, he places my wrist on his mouth. 'Not just physically,' he muttered on it.
Shocked by his words, I remain seated and forget the urge to get to bed and away from him. I can't help but stare at him. And for some reason, I let him do whatever it is he's trying to do.

Pulling me closer to him, his eyes held a strange look in them. Something I hadn't seen in them before.

…Empathy?

'You act strong but… I was right, wasn't I?' he asked me. I could feel his mouth lightly touch the skin on my wrist. It almost felt like a kiss. Almost.

Could he tell? Was I this see-through to this man?

I fell something hot move over my cheek down to my mouth and on to my chin.
Ashamed of the fallen tear, I wanted to use my hand to wipe it off but he kept holding onto my wrist and took hold of my other hand as well. I felt so powerless.

He then let go of my hand again and I felt it slither up my back. I let him pull me closer into him. Our faces come closer to one another. His brown eyes daringly looked into mine, not hiding his intentions.

I knew he was telling me what I wanted to hear, just so he could get what he wanted.

It was as if I was in some sort of trance, where I couldn't think clearly. I just wanted him to keep talking. Listening to him telling me how I was feeling.

He moved up from his slouched seated position. Putting my wrist down next to him, his face came closer to me. His nose touching my cheek now. I felt his mouth touch the wet spot on my cheek, trailing up. Closing my eyes at the feeling, I felt my body tremble. His mouth moved around a little, kissing me lightly here and there.

'Sakura.'

I didn't hate him saying my name. I hated how fragile I felt when hearing him saying it.

Opening my eyes, I'm met with his brown ones. I could see want in them. He wanted me.

A strange sensation washed over my body, easing the pain, quieting the loneliness.

Caving in, I closed my eyes and let my mouth touch his. I could still taste the sake on his lips.
Hungrily responding to my action, he intensify our action by pulling me closer in. I place a hand on his chest to keep balance and feel his heart beat fast. It made me enjoy our interaction even more.

He was in no rush, tasting and exploring with a certain laziness that aroused me. I felt him touching my hair, pulling me in more deeply. My hand moved up his arm, resting in his neck.

We both enjoyed it thoroughly.

When I let go to gasp for air I dare to open my eyes again, meeting his. Clouded with a shared feeling, we just stared at each other for a moment. I could tell Zabuza wanted to continue, feeling his hand move down from my hip to my legs.
I felt my heart beat in my ears. I felt hot, strange and confused.

I had never crossed this line before.

The line of something forbidden… A man I shouldn't engage with. A patient… A murderer.

I was rebelling against all of my moral codes.

When I see him lick his lips, my body wants nothing more than to continue but yet I don't move. The rational voice in my head refuses to get ignored.

This is so very wrong. You're only taking advantage of me and my weakened state… because that's what type of man you are.

'I…I-I can't,' I mutter, getting up quickly. I move so fast he doesn't get the time to respond. I only see his blank expression when going down the shamble ladder, not saying a word to stop me.

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