Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Chapter XII
I quietly knock on the door, waiting for the muffled sound of his voice to tell me to enter his room.
Haku greets me with a nod while neatly placing the extra pillows on the chair next to the bed.
'I wanted to say goodnight,' I tell him, feeling a little shy suddenly.
Haku gives me a smile in response while his shoulders go up, uncertain of how to hold himself.
'I'm really going to miss this, Sakura.'
I can see his genuine smile slowly fade away and transform into the one worn on his porcelain mask. Not to deceive me but to hide the hurt. I mirror him, feeling the same way.
'Me too, I can't believe we won't be able to make dinner together. I think I haven't eaten as decent as I have the last few days,' I mumble feeling kind of foolish for having such insignificant small talk with him. 'When it's just me, it a quick one person meal,' I go on.
Though I suppose underneath it all we both knew it meant so much more.
'You've given us a lot,' he says on a more serious tone. 'Thank you.' He bowed his head.
'Yeah,' I answer uncertainly, not giving more than just nod in response. I frown while in thought.
Though it hadn't start out like this. I had been reluctant to help Zabuza and wanted you to leave this life behind... It took me a while to realize that things were a bit more complex.
I guess I've only started to understand since… I have to fight off a flustering feeling.
'I'll never forget and maybe one day I'll be able to repay my debt to you,' Haku continued, snapping me out of my dwelling thoughts. I nod again while realizing I'm kind of speechless.
I took hold of his shoulders, making him stand up straight. I take a good look at him, he's going to become a fine young man one day. He gives me a bewildered look but before he could ask anything, I pull him in for a hug. Tightly holding on to him.
He wasn't so little. So innocent.
But it didn't make me like him any less.
I think I secretly have fallen in love with him.
His arm wrap themselves around me and he returns the hug, holding on just as dear to me as I did to him. I don't know how long we stood there but it didn't feel long enough.
'I knew you were different, Sakura,' he says looking up from between my arms. 'I knew you'd help us and see beyond it all. Zabuza didn't believe me but I knew! I knew you would!'
'I'm glad I did,' I admit out loud. 'I'd be missing out.'
'I saw it in your eyes,' he muttered. 'Your kindness.'
Flattered by his words I can't but smile, feeling myself glow from the inside out. I feel a prickle in my eye and a tear threatens to fall.
I don't know why I was feeling so emotional.
I feel a turmoil inside, flashes of what is and what is to come.
I didn't want to go back to Konoha, negotiate or even think of living a different life then one I was living now.
I let out a tired sigh, feeling drained by the constant chaos inside and around me.
'Promise me you are not going to be the exact copy of your sensei,' I tell him jokingly, trying to keep the conversation light. 'He's real jerk at times…'
His mask shatters, revealing a genuine amused Haku. 'Promise I won't!'
'Keep being polite, pay for things and help others!'
'I will, I will,' he nods, giving me a squeeze to ensure me.
'Keep eating well,' I continued.
'I know!'
I affectionally go through his long hair, giving him another hug before letting go of him.
'Stay as kind as you are today.'
'Promise!' he laughs, jumping onto the bed. I go sit on the edge of the bed to tuck him in.
'Put blankets on people who are feeling cold,' I say while remembering our first night. Thinking back I realize that even then I knew he'd make difference in my life.
He frowns a little while placing his hands above his sheets and taking hold of my hand. He was acting a little juvenile but I didn't mind.
'What do you mean?' he asks while mindlessly fumbling around with my hands. I noted how they were still so small... I grab hold of them, lightly placing a kiss on his fingers. He's was still only a little boy, no matter how wise he came off at times.
'The first night you came in with Zabuza, I stayed with him, remember?'
He gives a short nod.
'It was so cold that night. You placed blanket on me so I'd be warm,' I tell him. 'Thanks by the way, that was very kind and sweet of you to do,' I smile.
'But I didn't do that.'
Startled by his words, I quirk up an eyebrow. I look up to see his serious expression that seemed to be a little amused at the same time. He gives me somewhat of a smirk.
'Then who…?' I fell silent when realizing who had done the very kind and sweet gesture.
'Despite being quite stubborn to admitting he is not always right…' he explains with a broad smile, 'He did give me acknowledgement of you being trustworthy eventually.'
At first I don't respond to him laughing at the memory of just a few weeks ago. Eventually I do smile along, though feeling still quite confused. I guess I was a little shocked at the revelation.
It seemed Haku knew Zabuza quite well, perhaps better than I thought he did.
And obviously much better than I knew him. Until this day I'd still didn't think he was capable of... well, maybe a little, I admitted to myself.
I didn't deem it as impossible like as I once had. Very unlikely but not impossible.
I didn't quite know how to respond to it all, so I just kind of left it ignored. But it seemed Haku wasn't planning on avoiding the hard parts.
'I also want to thank you in his place,' he continued, being more serious again. 'He trusts you.'
The hushed words added made me quiet. I knew those words had a deeper meaning than the simple thank you.
Zabuza didn't trust anyone. Maybe only Haku but I doubted he even fully did that. I understood I managed to also get a fraction of something rather rare.
And I hadn't even wanted it…
I guess I had somewhat conquered the beast inside him, daring him to depend on my goodwill. I had proven him his wrong. I nod understandingly, suddenly knowing quite well what Haku was trying to tell me.
'I always kind of hoped for you to stay but I know it isn't all that simple,' I start. 'I do however still hope you'll end up living a different life than Zabuza.'
'Like I said, he's everything I have Sakura… But you have become a part of me too,' he said, emphasizing that I had somehow ended up making a difference.
'Don't turn out like him, Haku,' I repeat, feeling my heart grow heavy. I didn't want him to go through this for the rest of his life. Hiding, lying, cheating… killing.
'I'll try,' he muttered while looking down to our hands. He childishly avoided my eyes while I could hear him lie making me doubt his age again. Sometimes he seemed fully grown, other times he was just boy keen on not disappointing anyone.
'Have you ever…' I swallow my fear and ban the words planted by Zabuza in my head. I wanted to know the real truth. 'Have you ever hurt someone, Haku?'
The silence seemed to last an eternity, our minds only being kept awake by the wind howling through the wooden creaks of the house while making the small windows tremble in response.
I felt my hands shake into his.
'Not because I wanted to,' he whispered.
When I looked up I saw a sadden, almost scared, Haku. The little boy had taken off his mask completely. 'You remind me of my mother, Sakura.'
It came out of the blue, for him too, I could tell. I didn't say know what to say, so I just stayed quiet.
I feel a hot tear roll over my cheeks, sadden to hear his confession, knowing deep inside the past of Haku was much darker than his future could ever be.
'She knew me, she knew I wasn't bad… Just like you know too.' A melancholic smile appeared on his face.
It was raining again. I stare out the window, feeling quite tired despite the rather early hour. Haku's words had cut like knife. Each one had been carved into my heart and soul. It hadn't let go of me for one split second, making me feel vulnerable and confused.
My imagination kept making up scenario's trying to make sense of the situation. Sometimes I thought back to some story I had read in the paper, horrifying me while easing my troublesome mind that I was better off then some.
What if Haku was one of them? I knew how cruel they could be in Kirigakure… I knew there had been a constant poverty in the lower class circles for more than over two decades.
There were so many boys like him, living in the streets, maybe abandoned, traumatized…
I get surprised when I hear the door open behind me. When I see Zabuza, I just give him a nod. I squeeze into the wood of the chair I was leaning on. I kept my eyes on my paperwork for a few moments before looking over my shoulder.
Were you also one of those boys, Zabuza…?
I see him walk towards me but turn my head back, pretending I was reading something.
'I have to fill in some paperwork,' I muttered.
I got ignored as I felt his arms snake around my body. His chin rested on my head for a second before pushing it to the side so he'd have access to my neck. I let out a sigh when I feel his lips.
'Not now,' I muttered while trying to grab hold of one of his hands that seemed to be everywhere at once. It felt as if my body was in slow-motion, I couldn't keep up with his movements.
'I thought you'd come up quicker,' he whispered in my ear. 'But you decided to keep me waiting…'
'That's not it,' I mumble, feeling myself lose the battle.
He ignores my words again, continuing on to win me over. But the nagging feeling inside wasn't hushed by his touch this time. Abruptly turning around to face him, he gives me a smirk before trying to kiss me. He quirks up an eyebrow when I put a finger on his mouth.
'It was a joke, Sakura,' he muttered, thinking this was about our little teasing earlier today. Putting my finger in his mouth while pushing me against the desk, I tell him to stop while trying to ignore the flustering feeling growing inside. When he doesn't listen, I push him off of me quite aggressively.
I gasp for air as if my lungs couldn't breathe on their own anymore. I felt panic rush over me.
Lie to me, I tell him in my mind.
Intrigued by my strange behavior, Zabuza does stop giving me a look in return.
Tell me he's going to be alright, that you'll take good care of him, I beg him breathlessly in silence.
Panic, fear… it was slowly paralyzing me. I still want to save him! I don't know if I want this to come to an end…
My eyes bore into his dark brown ones.
Be lost at a loss for words for a moment and ask me what this nonsense is?
Zabuza's doesn't respond to my unspoken questions and made up conversation. But even without any words said, I could see him slowly turn angry for being emotionally dependable on him. He wasn't here to tell me things I wanted to hear. He didn't want anything from me other than the warmth of my body. And I knew that all too well.
I didn't want him to leave either.
Grabbing hold of his face, I let our foreheads meet, the gestured calmed him.
Hoping I could see a glimpse of his humanness in his brown eyes, I confessed. 'It's too late,' I whisper. 'I care.'
I couldn't see his expression, I kept my eyes on his and his stayed on mine. I couldn't tell if he was bewildered, bored or angry.
'A little secret,' I whisper, tasting his mouth for a second. 'More or less, who's counting? It doesn't even have to be true… Just tell me what I want to hear.'
He stayed silent, even a little unresponsive to me. When I take some distance, I could see his stern expression. Anger lay underneath his mask that tried to stay stoic. I could see a fire flicker in his eyes and for the first time in a while I felt fear for him again. Afraid I had asked too much of him.
Pulling me back to him quite roughly, I let out a startled cry. Forcefully pushing his mouth on mine, too quick for me to stop him. First taking his time to get what he wants before giving me mine.
'I am the one taking care of him, Sakura.'
It's warm, comfortable and I didn't want to move but the nagging little voice in my head reminded me of Zabuza being in my bed. With a tired sigh, I move my head up. I wasn't exactly ashamed of falling asleep, it was my bed after all. But I didn't want to come off as weak and fragile.
As I was about to open my mouth I saw his closed eyes and then noted the soft rhythm of his breathing. He too had fallen asleep.
Bewildered, I take a look around. My head had been on his arm, while my arm rested on his chest.
I find our position odd, unlike any other night we had yet to untangle ourselves form one another.
Tonight had been different. More… intimate, I suppose. Perhaps it was because he came to me, in my room. My territory. I'd never thought I'd let him in my bed. I let out a sigh at the thought and take a another look at the man.
There seemed to be no boundaries to him, I would just let him do whatever he wanted these days.
I frowned at my own motives for letting him do so.
Placing my head back on his arm, I try to make sense of what is going on inside of me.
I felt so thorn.
I seemed to understand so many things at once yet felt lost by them all at the same time.
I try to keep as still as I could but it seemed I simply did not possess the skill to deceit a trained man like Zabuza. His hand behind my back moved up and rested onto my shoulder, his breathing made me aware he was no longer asleep. I mutter an apology, explaining I couldn't find sleep.
'I'll leave,' he mutters back while letting out a tired yawn. 'Just give me a minute.'
'Too nice and warm, huh?' I smile against his skin. I could feel him snicker underneath my arm.
'Hm,' he hums in agreement.
I feel his thumb caress my bare skin and I respond by crawling closer to him. I didn't want him to leave yet. Zabuza however, got up and ignored my signals completely. Rolling head and shoulders before taking a look at me. The moon was lighting up the room and it seemed to be a clear night for the most part. The rain had finally ceased.
I lean my head on my hand, answering his stare with one of my own. I could see his features quite clearly in the dark room.
'Can I ask you something?'
'If it is about Haku, then no,' he angrily spoke up, getting annoyed with me.
'Were you once like him?' I simply ask. I ignored his outburst, hoping he'd still give me somewhat of an answer despite of it.
He shrugs, shaking his head dismissively at the idea.
'I'd like to think you once were,' I tell him.
He doesn't respond at first but then lets out a hallow laugh while giving me a look.
'What makes you think that?'
'I don't know,' I shrug in response. Sometimes my mind drifts off and I get into wishful thinking.
But I did mean it, sometimes I could see him from time to time. A shred of the man he could've been or once was… Slowly getting up to sit next to him, I try to read his emotions but he does well to hide them. His stoic expression stays in place, even when I move closer to him.
I place my hand on his cheek, caressing it affectionately. He lets me, not stopping it. He averts his eyes for a moment, seemingly enjoying it.
'He is what is he is, Sakura,' he pointed out, obviously referring to Haku while grabbing my hand to stop me.
'Something like you?' I ask him, slowly getting more closer to him.
'A demon of some sorts? You weren't born this way, were you?'
'I was made into one,' he sharply answers, not getting distracted or clouded by my little caresses.
'I've beat them to it,' he sternly said. 'I told him the truth, passed on my knowledge. He'll be my greatest tool, like I once was theirs. I'll take them down, one by one.'
I knew he was talking about a high political circles in Kirigakure. I didn't know what exactly had happened but I knew he wanted to Mizukage dead. The hatred burned in his eyes and whatever they had done to him, he seemed to believe he was doing better by making Haku the Shinobi he ought himself to be.
However, none of that mattered to me.
'He's not a tool, Zabuza,' I tell him feeling the ache inside of me expand when I said it out loud. It hurt to hear him talk about the boy like that. I sometimes seemed to forget who he was.
I didn't want to think of Haku growing up to become like him.
No matter what part of him I saw.
'We all are tools, Sakura,' he maliciously answered, giving me a smirk.
'Not to me,' I argue back, hating how harsh his voice could be at times.
'I am. I relief you from the aching loneliness,' he pointed out. His voice sounded hollow. Perhaps a little… disappointed. His hand goes through my hair, a bit of belittling gesture I suppose but I couldn't deny his words.
'I guess, you are right,' I nod admittingly.
I place my hand on his chest. I feel his heartbeat, calming me down. I can see his eyes on me, watching my every move with caution. He mutters I don't have to worry, he's going.
While he gets up off the bed I halt him, grabbing his wrist.
'Y-you don't have to…' I hesitantly say, shaking my head. I swallow the lump inside my throat that slowly suffocating me with doubt. 'You don't have to leave,' I tell him with using a firmer voice.
Turning around slowly, he gives me an odd look I can't quite decipher. I pull him down towards me, letting our eyes meet.
His brown eyes are cold, not letting me see what is going on inside him. Well, he'd never let me see anything. I don't know what I was doing or why.
Maybe it was because our last few hours were a certainty. Maybe it was because he was in my room.
Maybe it was just the ease he brought to my chaotic mind but I don't want him to go. Not yet.
Let's play pretend a little longer.
'And I did the same for you,' I muttered to his mouth when I wrapped my arms around his neck. 'I relieved you from yours.'
His brown eyes stayed on mine. I can't tell if he is perhaps a little startled but he seems to experience an emotion I haven't seen or knew he possessed. His eyes became a little clouded.
Pushing myself closer to him, I hold on to him and mirror his normal possessive ways of kissing and touching me.
'Stay here for the night,' I quietly tell him when we finally gasp up for air. I realized he was no better than me when it came to giving in, I seemingly had the same effect on him. Finding his arms around me, pressing me into him. Turning us around, he nuzzles into my neck, something I loved and he enjoyed doing. It was as if he wanted to take in everything from by body to my scent.
Looking up, our eyes meet again and I think I suddenly saw a glimpse of a normal man in him.
Someone reliable, honest.
'You need to forget, Sakura,' he whispers, sounding a little breathless. 'Forget everything.'
I wake up with the sun shining bright in my face. I hadn't closed the curtains as well as I normally did. I let out a groan while stretching myself out. I didn't feel like getting up yet. When my elbow hits a something hard, I let out a yelp. Having met his chest, Zabuza grabs hold of my hand and wraps it around myself together with his. Suddenly I'm kind of in a locked position.
Not that I minded, it was pleasant but...
'I need to get up,' I mumble, feeling a bit awkward. I was naked and I could tell by where the sun was it was rather late in the morning. Haku could walk in here any moment telling me Zabuza was no longer in the attic…
'Haku is going to come look for you,' I tell him when making that realization.
'No, he won't,' he mutters back in a hoarse voice. 'Shut up,' he then adds, getting annoyed with me.
'I need to get to work,' I tell him, trying to get out of his grip.
'This is the last time I'll sleep in a decent bed for the next couple of weeks,' he starts, getting half up. 'You're ruining it with all your fidgeting.'
'Sorry to ruin your precious beauty sleep,' I snippily tell him, though a smirk was resting on my face. I tried to get out of bed but his hands openly protested to the idea, holding me down.
'Doctor told me to rest,' he mutters while trying to start something that had ended last night. I easily resist his attempts. 'Bedrest stands for resting in your bed,' I explain. 'Not continuously—'Why did his mouth always found its way to mine?
When he stops, his mouth mutters against mine that is definitely time to leave for him.
'You're making me weak…'
I don't say anything back, simply staring at the man above me. This time he moves away, letting me go. He gives me one more appreciative look before I put on a robe and get out of the bedroom to go take a shower.
I wash it off, his scent and everything that was still linger on my body. I felt as if we had changed… Well, I suppose we had grown some sort of bond.
It almost felt as if Zabuza was slowly letting me in, something I wasn't sure if I even wanted. It wasn't in an affectionate type of matter, more as if he was revealing his true self to me. The outburst of last night had made me ponder about what had happened in Kirigakure and what his motives were.
I knew their teachings were cruel and unfair… In a way, I felt as if he wanted to shelter Haku from all of that.
I told him the truth, I could hear his voice echo in my head.
The complexity with Zabuza's character was too difficult and draining to understand and I didn't long for it as I had for Haku. Perhaps that was because I couldn't change him or heal him, I could only see the vileness of the world in him. And the more I'd see, the desperate I would end up feeling.
Which is a vicious circle given our relationship, I noted.
Hm, he told me to forget, so maybe I should…
Who am I kidding? I could never.
I turn off the shower and get out. Drying my hair and putting on the same clothes I had on yesterday, I get out of the bathroom to go get some breakfast. When I head the kitchen was still silent, I frowned. Normally I could hear Haku downstairs setting the table. Especially if it was this late in the morning. As I go back to my room to grab some paperwork. I get startled by finding Zabuza still in my bed. He's sitting up against the bedframe, slightly slouched, staring out the window.
I quirk up an eyebrow.
'Haku's not up yet,' I blurt out.
'I told him to sleep in,' Zabuza quietly answered. He sounded aloof and it seemed he was a bit distracted, only giving me a glance when I entered the room.
'When will you be leaving?' I ask, noting how he had mentioned it a few times already.
'Tonight,' he muttered.
'Will you be staying for dinner?' I ask, noting how my voice was wavering a little. It felt like such an odd thing to ask but at the same time it came out natural. Perhaps it was more something I'd end up asking Haku, so that was why it felt so weird.
Zabuza answers with a short nod, explaining that leaving in the middle of the night was more safe for them. I suppose a good meal would do them well.
'I'll make something nice,' I mutter while avoiding to make eye-contact with him.
I didn't want to show how I was feeling too much. Though I saw bits and pieces of him, he was still very different from me. Exploiting others was a part of who he was, though I didn't think he could take more advantage of me then he already had…
I don't why I suddenly felt so ashamed of myself. Where is this coming from? Why am I feeling so… angry?
'You can rest here for the rest of the day,' I quietly tell him. He gives me a somewhat of an appreciative nod while slightly shrugging at the same time. Without saying anything else, I grab the papers I need and leave the room. Zabuza continues to ignore me completely.
Slowly getting down the stair in order to not make too much noise. Now that I knew Haku was still sleeping, I tried to be as quiet as I could. I lightly move towards the kitchen. For a moment I ponder if Zabuza is hungry and would like some breakfast as well.
I let out a sigh, feeling strange inside.
I wasn't feeling like myself today. Grabbing a cup to pour some hot water in, I frown when an eerie feeling comes over me. Something was off.
I put the cup down with a certain force. Looking around a little, I peek out of the window of the kitchen. Nothing.
I'm becoming paranoid after all this time...
I watch the steam slowly come from the pot and wait for the water to completely boil before pouring it into my cup. Impatiently tapping my fingers, I look out the window again.
After tonight, no more looking around. No more thinking twice. No more lying. No more feeling trapped in my own house...
Yet I didn't know what exactly to make out of this nervousness I was feeling inside.
As the kettle whistles, I grab my cup. Just as my hand touches the porcelain, a force startles me, making me drop it on the ground. Shattering across the room, I look down at the pieces before seeing the dark shadow of figure before me that had come through the frontdoor.
'I-Ibiki Morino!' I gasp. A kunai was pressed into my neck, making me swallow in response to its sharpness. I felt it painfully pricking my skin. Without being able to process what is going on, he grabs hold of my arm and turns me around in a locked position. I let out a painful yell.
'W-what are you doing?'
'Quite lying,' he hisses. 'I know, I know you are a part of it!'
'Of what!?' I ask him, feeling how he was holding back to not just simply stick the blade into my neck.
My eyes widened in panic and fear paralyzes me from head to toe at the idea of being caught after all this time. He didn't look—no, feel, like the incapable poor commander I had last seen. He was honoring his title and look more fierce than ever. I was powerless against this man.
Mercilessly he presses the blade of the kunai in my skin, drawing blood.
'W-what are you doing!?' I sputter out, trying to think of something. I couldn't move a muscle in his grip, he was so much stronger than me. Pushing and turning me back around, until I finally tumble onto the kitchen table. When my arm is freed out of his grip, both of my hands grab the one that is pushing the blade in deeper into my neck. My nails scratch the bared skin on his wrist but his gloved hand only hardens, slowly choking me.
'Where is he?' he asked. 'I need him alive, so I can make him speak!' He spat the words hatefully and I flinch with every word spoken. I see the anger in his eyes. He's livid and beyond himself.
Do I tell him?
…or is this one of those gruesome techniques I've heard of?
'P-please,' I quietly beg and whimper. Tears slowly fall, though I'm not certain if it is because of fear or lack of air. I again try to make him let go so I could at least speak up but he seemed to be too far gone. I feel panic and I hastily try to get him off of me.
It takes me too long to realize that Zabuza wasn't going to come and help.
But Haku…
I close my eyes, feeling defeated. Betrayed.
….no one cares?
Suddenly the hand loosens its grip but before I could move him off of me, my hands are both wrapped into his rather large hands, keeping me in place. The kunai is still neatly in place, ready to slash my skin.
Like a predator, he stood before me. With a trembling voice, I tried to talk myself out of this.
'I-I didn't want to,' I mutter. I can tell he doesn't believe me.
'Plenty of time to come clean, Haruno,' he harshly answers.
I swallow, trying to think of something that would make sense. I bite my lip when I feel a real tear roll out of the corners of my eyes. I can't believe it, I can't believe this is happening!
'I hate traitors,' he spat. 'He'll pay and you will too!' The threat was more of a promise.
I shake my head, using a soft voice to calm him down. 'It's isn't what you think—!' His fist was a brutal warning. The blow smacks my face to the side, making my entire body follow. If it wasn't for his fist holding me into place, I would rolled off the table.
'Haruno! Talk!'
I black out for a second but he shakes me and pulls me back, shoving my face into his. His hands leave my neck, making me take a deep breath. Grabbing my chin, he painfully holds it.
'What do you get out of it, huh?' he clicked his tongue. I frown, actually thinking about it for a second.
Something far too complex to explain in simple words.
'I hope you realize what you've gotten yourself into,' he continues. His expression is furious and I'm suddenly reminded of that dark night were everything had changed.
'Please,' I beg, holding back a sob. 'Please, let me explain.'
'Where is he?' He asks me again.
'I-I don't know,' I mutter, avoiding his cold brown eyes. Why am I still lying?
Another hit, this time I get thrown over the table on to the ground. I let out a scream of pain. When I land, I let out a hiss when I feel a sharp pain in my back. I try to get up but Ibiki is quick, too well in shape for me. I realized he had been faking his immobility the last week, so I would relax more and wind up making a mistake.
Who knows how long he had been around watching us…
He crouches next to me 'I trusted you,' he whispers. His solid brown eyes soften up.
'I-I thought you were working together?' I ask, trying to catch my breath. I look around for something to use to help me out of this situation. But I realize that with his capabilities I'm trapped either way.
'I thought so too until I started to realize some things didn't add up,' he snapped back.
I frown, not certain what he was talking about. The bliss of the days was rudely taken from me and again I understood that nothing was what it seemed.
'You!' he angrily screamed. Startled, I scramble back and try to get away from him when he raises his kunai. The sound of blades meeting can be heard but my eyes don't register what happen. Before I know, Ibiki's kunai flies out of his hand. He stumbles back a little and eventually kneels on the ground. I turn around to look who it is.
'Z-Zabuza,' I gasp when seeing him fully dressed. He's wearing all back and I can hardly see his face as it is covered by a cloth. It was a typical shinobi gear to wear with his outfit.
I swallow, wondering what was going to happen. I felt so foolish standing in between these two men, not having an idea of what the truth was.
'Sakura,' Zabuza speaks up. His tone is icy, sending a shiver down my spine. This wasn't the man I had slept with, this was… the demon living inside of him. I freeze, not knowing where to run. He slowly walks towards me, his kunai shining brightly in his black glove. Unlike Ibiki, not much skin was showing other than the one around his eyes.
I paralyze when he stands above me, fearing my life once again. This thing, this creature… would show me no mercy.
Crouching before me, he affectionately touches the bruise on my cheek. I feel my entire body tremble, knowing it wasn't some kind gesture. It held something promising, something vile.
I swallow, trying to hold back my emotions. With a straight face, I try to lock in his eyes but they are cold and distant. Just as expected, he didn't mean well.
Grabbing me with force, he gets me up my feet. I feel my knees tremble and I can hardly stand straight. Turning me around to face Ibiki, he lets out a laugh when I try to move against him.
'She was such an easy target, you practically gave her to me,' he snickered to Ibiki. 'The way she just gave herself to the needy…' He harshly goes through my hair, making me move my head away from him.
'Just one little threat and she cave in,' he continued.
What was he talking about!?
I try to take a look at him out of the corner of my eye. He isn't even taking note of me, simply touching me like I'm a toy. I sense the perverted undertone of his touches. Trying to push his hands away I see how Ibiki notices but remains silent. Just like Zabuza, I could never read his thoughts.
Lowering his cloth, Zabuza's tongue licks my cheek. 'So sweet too,' he added. I let out a gasp, frightened by the turn this situation was taking.
Turning me around before I could further object, I meet his eyes and get silenced by the look in them. I have no idea what he's up to or if I'm still a part of the plan.
'Thank you for everything, Sa-ku-ra,' he maliciously said on a fake sweet tone.
Forcefully putting his mouth on mine while grabbing my hair to keep me in place. The way he had said it reminded me of Haku and I was wondering if he was mocking me. His kiss was forceful and distasteful, making me hate every second of it. I open my eyes to try and stop him but when I see the kunai he's holding up, I start to panic. His mouth leaves mine for a second and I see his sharp teeth smile down at me. I can't move out of his grip, so I let out a scream in frustration but his mouth silences me again.
I see him move the kunai above me and close my eyes in respond, waiting for the impact. His mouth leaves mine and I hear a strangled cry behind me.
Zabuza licks his lips, shaking his head to his enemy.
'That wasn't very nice, we were saying goodbye.'
When I turn around I see Ibiki lying on the floor with his hand stuck in the wooden floor, pierced by the kunai. He lets out a painful scream.
Breathing becomes harder and I flinch when I feel Zabuza's hand around my waist, pulling me back to him.
'You can't leave!' Ibiki screamed.
'I think I should, for your sake too,' he smirks, bearing his sharp teeth. He looks down at me and I suddenly wonder if the man I thought I had seen in him had been nothing but a role he had played. I didn't see much other in him then the lived demon he was so proud of.
'Sakura,' he simply says, knowing I hate it. His mouth is on mine again but this time I defiantly bite his lip.
'Feisty,' he hisses with a smirk, as if enjoying my reaction. Putting his cloth back to cover his face, I can still see his delight. Shoving me to the ground, next to Ibiki, my heart is about to burst out of my chest when he holds up another kunai, different from the one he had used before.
He gives Ibiki a nod. Hastily looking at the door before taking off and leaving through the back window.
I try to catch my breath but slowly start to hyperventilate. Calm down, Sakura… We are alright!
Yet I can't help it, I can hardly move. I can only cry. I'm shocked at what had just happened. Out of nowhere is had all been ripped from my hands while I could feel its weight leave my shoulders at the same time.
It was over.
'S-Sakura,' Ibiki spoke up. His hard expression had soften up and he gave me a sympathetic look. His voice is rough but he tries his best to calm me down. He hisses out in pain, his eyes begging me to help him get the kunai out of his hand but I'm paralyzed and simply stare at the sight while tears stream down my face.
'You're safe now,' he softly speaks up. 'I was wrong.'
I look up slowly recovering while realizing what Zabuza's last actions had meant.
Zabuza… You… tricked him into thinking I was… unwilling.
I open my mouth but close it again, not knowing what to say. We sit in silence for a moment. I try my best to collect my thoughts but my mind is chaotic, uncertain and tired. I wonder if Haku is still upstairs, if Zabuza knew Ibiki would come. I was confused by everything.
Trying to calm myself down, I move forward reaching for the kunai still stuck in his hand and bleeding out on my wooden floor. On autopilot I grab the handle and help him get it out. I grab a towel that was lying on the ground and wrap it around his hand. I hold my hand firmly on the wound.
'Sakura?' His voice is less hallow and to my surprise I see more human version of Ibiki appear. For some reason his pitifulness was most welcome.
'Sakura?' he repeated when I didn't respond. I just nodded, not sure what to do next.
When the door bursts open and reveals a tall dark man with a white porcelain wolf mask, I let out a gasp. I widen my eyes but my body can't find the strength to move away. It takes me a second to realize that this is no stranger.
'Kakashi,' Ibiki hisses. I feel him tense up underneath my hands. I can see him clench his teeth and wonder what on earth is going on.
'I told you to stay away,' he coolly answered. The tall silver-haired man stood up straight, his shoulders slouching slightly.
Ibiki surprisingly stays quiet.
'What has happened?' Kakashi asks, directing his question to me.
'I didn't come to harm her—'I already told you we did everything we could. He got away and we can easily conclude he had help.'
'Who's help?' Ibiki snapped, as if he figured Kakashi knew who he was talking about.
Kakashi however stayed unfazed by his outburst and let out a tired sigh, as if they had had this conversation before.
'Sakura isn't a part of any conspiracy… Momochi is back in Kirigakure from what we've heard. Higher officials are to decide what his exact punishment will be.'
Ibiki stays silent, not answering to the information. Again I found it hard to read his expression.
Why wasn't he telling him…? Of course! Saying he had seen Zabuza was practically confessing to their collaboration!
Yet I felt confused by it all, their conversation had been so odd. What exactly had been the deal between him and Zabuza?
'I guess that solves it,' Ibiki muttered, averting eye contact.
'You had strict orders, Ibiki,' Kakashi started. 'You disobeyed and you have yet to explain what is going on here!'
'I…' I hesitate to speak up. 'I-I was getting attacked. Ibiki saved my life.'
'From who?' Kakashi asked, quirking up an eyebrow in surprise. He wasn't the type to easily fool.
'Some thug looking for… drugs,' I lie.
Ibiki doesn't correct me or even pays attention to me. He just goes along with the lie, effortlessly. I was starting to wonder if there was any truth left in this world. Any justice or kindness. A heavy feeling overcomes me but I nod when Kakashi's eyes look for mine, confirming again that what I had just said had been nothing but the truth.
'He's no one—'but he managed to attack Ibiki?' Kakashi interrupted, this time around looking at Ibiki for an explanation.
Ibiki swallows, I see him hesitate for a split second. 'I'm still not at full strength.'
'Then why did you disobey orders, Ibiki? What were you looking for?' Kakashi asked, his voice becoming slightly softer.
Ibiki shrugs while asking me to let go of his wounded hand. Holding on to it himself, he got off the ground. I copy his movement and stand next to him and before Kakashi, feeling again rather out of place in the situation.
'I guess I wanted to be right so badly…' Ibiki muttered letting out a sigh of defeat
I almost want to quirk up an eyebrow to the false confession but remind myself Kakashi is unaware of what had just happened and I had to make the quick decision if I wanted to do the same thing for Zabuza as he had done for me… keeping him out of trouble. I stay quiet.
I just hoped he wouldn't run into any other members of Kakashi's platoon.
'I have to arrest you,' Kakashi mutters as if not liking the idea himself.
'So be it,' Ibiki answers with a shrug and a smirk. I don't know what is going on here but it seems Ibiki isn't who he appears to be at all. I wish I could send Kakashi away so I could talk to him and get some sort of explanation. Or maybe it's Kakashi who I need to talk to. I feel so confused.
'You are here by temporarily stripped of your title as commander until further investigation,' Kakashi starts in a monotone voice while stepping towards Ibiki and reaching for his arm. Ibiki doesn't protest but his unnerving grin sends chills down my spine.
'He saved my life, Kakashi,' I remind him. Though I'm not sure why I'm defending this guy.
'You are to come too, Sakura,' Kakashi suddenly says. 'I have orders to escort you to Konoha.'
'I told Tsunade I would be—'Lady Hokage,' he sharply corrects me. 'Asked me to safely attend your return to Konoha. I've spoken to your colleagues and they said it was no problem to take over your cases. Pack your things, I'll be waiting outside.'
'You can't just—'You are not pardoned from any direct order from the Lady Hokage herself, doctor Haruno. No matter who she is to you, you are ought to obey.'
I try again to talk myself out of it but he keeps interrupting me while annoying me with his cold behavior and dismissive answers. And instead of listening for even a split second he continues on, directing his attention back to Ibiki eventually.
I arch an eyebrow, noticing there was something going on between them. Some sort of rivalry. The atmosphere was hostile and full of electricity.
'Lord Inui wishes to speak you,' he says to Ibiki. 'You defied his personal orders.'
Ibiki crosses his arms, closing his eyes in thought. After a minute of silence, he lets out a hallow laugh. 'Of course.'
'I can't believe you are letting everything you worked so hard for go just because of one mistake…' Kakashi muttered while shaking his head in defeat at the man.
'You know how fatal mistakes can be, Kakashi,' he snaps back.
I feel uncomfortable and don't know how to hold myself when they both coldly stare at one another in complete silence. I mutter that I have to clean up before going and tell him I should take a look at Ibiki's hand while I'm at it.
'We'll go to the hospital,' Kakashi answers dismissively. Before I know it, two ANBU-agents appear behind Kakashi, waiting for his orders. My heart feels heavy when I think of the idea that he might send them after Zabuza. Or find out about Haku upstairs by helping me "pack".
'You, come with me,' he pointed at the one guy on the left and then directed his attention the other one. 'You'll be staying with doctor Haruno, perhaps you can help her—'I'll be fine on my own,' I sharply tell him. 'You can wait outside,' I tell the guy without paying much attention to Kakashi or Ibiki. 'I'll be ready by the time you're back.'
Shutting the door behind them, I turn around and look at the mess in the kitchen. I let my back meet the door and rest my head against it, letting out heavy sigh. I suddenly have an overwhelming sad feeling come over me. I almost want to start crying again.
In hopes I was wrong, I run up the stairs and open up the guestroom door. The sun is brightening up the room and the scent of nature hits my nose. I slowly gaze through the room. The bed is neatly made and it seems no one has used this room in the longest time, yet the window was left open to let in some fresh air.
My shoulders drop and I drag my feet further into the room, hoping to see a note or something other but I find nothing.
I can't let my emotion overtake me, I harshly tell myself, biting the pain away. I dragged my feet back to my own room where I was met with the harsh truth. Zabuza wasn't anything like Haku and my room still smelled like him. I let myself drop on the bed, letting my hand roam over the sheets for a moment. I sit there for a minute or so, trying to figure out what to do after the storm.
It's so quiet.
I slowly get up and grab some of the things I need while hoping I'd be able to come back and if at worse, I at least be able to come and get the rest of my stuff personally.
When I leave the dirty sheets behind, the broken table and the empty house I still feel as if I'm leaving a part of myself behind as well.
I close my eyes taking in the scent of my house while my mind reminded me of the memories here.
Not just Haku and Zabuza. I've helped so many people over the years. Friends, colleagues, villagers had drop by to talk, thank… sometimes beg for help.
I had drank hot tea on cold nights and had early mornings all to myself in this house. I did whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. Free of rules, free of reason…
This was my home and I wasn't certain if I was ever coming back to my safe haven.
I held back a sob, not believing it had all come to an end.
With a heavy heart I close the door behind me.
Sorry it took such a long time to update. I had kind of a hard time and normally writing helps me but I guess I was too stressed out to focus on the chapter properly.
Well, I hope all of my hard work paid off and you like the new chapter! Plot twist much?
Don't forget to comment/review! Thank you for reading!