Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter XVI

I immediately move to where he was standing. Passing trough the crowd of Shinobi I get to where he had been standing but he was already gone. I look around me but I can't find him. A mix of overexcitement and strange fear fill me up. I hastily run out on the balcony but nothing. As if he had vanished into thin air.

Gone.

Hurrying back inside, I ignore the stares of the Shinobi on me who notice I'm behaving odd. People walk up to me to talk but I pass them by, uncharacteristically brushing them off. Ignoring the gasps, I keep searching for him. I eventually halt in the middle of the room turning around to scan every corner. But I couldn't find him anywhere. He had truly disappeared.

'What are you doing here…?' I whisper to myself. A pit of fear inside of me started to grow, wondering what meaning his presence held and if it was an omen to what was to come.

Suddenly worrying about who could be his possible target, I glance at a few important figures until my mind suddenly makes the assumption only a mad person would try to get in here to attempt a murder.

I was in room full of formidable Shinobi, Kages and everywhere around the building there was ANBU-agents. I was losing my mind to think he was here on a mission.

Placing my hand on my chest to calm my heart down, I take a deep breath. I place my drink on a trail passing me by, deciding I had enough. I needed to focus. Suddenly my somber thoughts were forgotten, I was determined to find the man and talk to him.

I casually walk through the entire ballroom in careful search of him, passing a few lounge rooms and even getting some odd glances for my obscene curiosity when I stood in the doorframe a little too long. Annoyed at my failed attempts, I let my shoulders hang in defeat. I was starting to wonder if I had imagined him. Perhaps the alcohol had been playing tricks on my mind.

Feeling flushed from all the excitement, I let out a tired sigh before deciding to give myself a bathroom break to freshen up. I felt like a mess and I probably looked at one too.

Somberly I walk into the restroom, feeling mostly annoyed with myself.

When I see my reflection, I can't help but question myself.

Did I just imagine him to relief myself from the pressure and the stress?


My mind flashes back to Inui. Tsunade giving me the cold shoulder.

What am I doing here…?

The old me would splash some cold water on to her face and strengthen herself with some hard words of wisdom and determination. But I feel too deprived to even attempt that.

Also, it would ruin my perfectly done makeup and hair.

So instead I just pinched my cheek a little and straighten my dress. I just wanted this night to be over.

Like tomorrow is going to be any better.

Raising my eyebrows at my reflection, I shake my head at the vicious voice. I could always cheer myself up on dark days. I almost felt the need to laugh at my own misery but decided I didn't want anyone to think I was going truly mad. So I smiled at the elder lady standing next to me. She compliments me and I do the same for her. And all is well again…

With another sigh, I let the restroom door fall shut behind me.

Walking back to the ballroom with a heavy heart I try to order my mind. I wish I could talk to Tsunade… Lie in Inui's arms without worry…

Oversensitive from all the emotional stress, I halt when hearing a peculiar noise. I look around for a minute to then notice it probably came from what appeared to be the coatroom. It was dark and unattended.

Hesitating for a moment, I take a step back and peek through the small hallway full of coats.

My body freezes while my eyes widen in shock.

There he was. The man I had been looking for. I hadn't imagined him. He casually was leaning against the wall. Playing with some small change, obviously trying to catch my attention with the ringing noise it made. I take a glance at it before looking up to him. When our eyes meet he bears his teeth, giving me his signature smirk. He nods head, signaling that I should come inside.

Looking around to see if no one was around to see me do that. No one. I determinedly walk to him.
My heart was beating loudly. My knees were trembling. I felt uncertain, not sure what his exact intentions were. When opening my mouth to question him, he places a finger to hush me. The rather innocent action made me feel embarrassed. I felt an immediate heat rise up to my cheeks.
Mirroring the action on himself, he tries to make it obvious he was listening in on something.

Trying to somewhat focus, I tried to do the same. But I couldn't focus unlike before everything was a blur now.

When hearing a door open somewhere nearby, he grabs my hand and pulls me along. I wasn't quite sure if I should protest or not but it seems I can't help but simply gasp at the unexpected action. Walking further into the room of narrows halls made of hangers and coats, which was starting to resemble some sort of maze I let him guide me. I was feeling numbed by the sudden encounter.

'What are you doing here?' I whisper when we finally halt. He only answers with a smirk, before looking around again. I suppose his tall figure was an advantage in this room. How on earth did people find their way in this mess?
I see him looking around for a moment, being able to look above the hangers. Grabbing my hand again, he walks through another several halls before halting again.

Were we running from someone?

When we finally halt, I realize we are somewhere halfway in the room. A small square space, presumable in the middle of what is probably a huge room. I glance around a little before noticing I can hardly hear the music playing anymore. I bite my lip when I look up to him, unsure of what he had planned.

'Fancy people's coats hang closer so they don't have to wait too long,' he snickers while letting go of my hand. I frown at the remark, uncertain what to make of it.
He walks up to on of the many hangers and grabs something out of someone's pocket. I almost want to remark on him stealing another's belonging before seeing it was pack of cigarettes.

I quirk up an eyebrow.

'I forgot,' he snickered. His amused reaction implied he was telling some sort of lie. It took me a second to snap out of it and realize this was all irrelevant.

'W-what are you doing here?' I ask him trying to use a firm tone. However the tremble in my voice wasn't hard to miss.

'Attending a party,' he dryly answered while lifting his one hand as to make it obvious.

'Zabuza,' I felt my breath stagger when saying his name out loud. It had been taboo for such a long time, even in my head. To simply think of him…

'I mean it. What are you doing here? Are you on a mission?'

Lighting up the cigarette, he gave me a devious look. Inhaling the tobacco before slowly blowing the smoke out, he eyes me up and down before answering. I feel uneasy when seeing his brown eyes roam over me.

'The Mizukage did say to behave,' he muttered, acting as if he only now understood what she exactly had meant when saying that.

'Mizukage?' I echo in confusion. 'Y-you're here as an actually Shinobi of Kirigakure?'

I guess the surprise in my voice was hard to ignore and again he snickered at my baffled reaction. Giving a grand gesture, as if he had been exposed. 'I've straighten my ways!'

For a moment I wondered if he was drunk but his smirk made me realize he was just playing with me.

'Where is… where is Haku?'

'Too young to attend,' he immediately answered, this time using a more serious tone. Adding he was to participate the upcoming chuunin exams and needed to train.
I nod and remembering the excitement that had come over the people when hearing the news of Kirigakure entering the exams as well.
It would be the first time in a decade almost all five Shinobi nations would be attending. Kirigakure being the longest one absent. It had been huge deal just week ago and it still felt a little surreal.

This news however felt a little more than just surreal.

'I thought you…' I take breath, trying to compose myself while wrapping my brain around what I hearing.
'I've changed,' he said. As if he had determined that a long time ago. The firm voice left no room for arguments but the deceiving undertone was contradicting. It sound as if he was mocking his current situation.

Taking a few steps towards me, I'm suddenly reminded by our huge difference in heights. I do however take a moment to look at him, noticing he looks much healthier than I had ever seen him. He actually looks handsome in his uniform. Kirigakure's official uniform, I note. So he's not lying?

We simply stand before each other in silence for what felt like the longest time. I'm too speechless to talk and it seems Zabuza is fascinated by the patterns on my dress.

'Since when do you smoke?' I blurt out when he blows smoke into my face.
Amused by my reaction, he explains he does it occasionally. 'But I do think my former doctor would disapprove.'
'She does,' I snap. I don't know why I'm so easily aggravated by him, it after all was nothing more than a little joke. I guess I was annoyed by how familiar he was behaving. As if no time had passed or nothing had changed at all.

I feel flustered, excited and uncomfortable. This man had become this unnamed creature in my head who I would talk to, question or simply tell him to take good care of the kid. Haku.

'And Haku is ok with being in Kirigakure—'He was never a missing-nin, just boy that went missing and nobody cared about.'

The cold words of truth silence me, taken back by how harsh their reality was. Or at least had been.

'Is he doing well?' I ask more calmly.
'What do you think?'

First I was startled by the quick answer, thinking I had asked the wrong question but when looking up he gave me an amused look. He hadn't meant it unkind. I simply smiled when realizing I knew the answer. Of course he was doing well, he was probably outsmarting everyone.

'I don't understand,' I whisper to him. 'You'd never go back.'

Placing his arm around my waist suddenly, he takes his cigarette out of his mouth and brings my face closer to his. Shocked, I stay still and just swallow the anticipation of what could be coming.

'I couldn't ask you to dance earlier,' he whispered. 'What would everyone involved say?'

I swallow, realizing my heartbeat wasn't just high because of the fear I felt for him. I place my hand on his chest to try and keep some distance but I put hardly any pressure on it. I faintly remember having done this before.

'What do you mean? Is that why you are back in Kirigakure?' I ask, hearing a more obvious tremble unleash itself in my voice. 'B-because you killed the old councilor?'
'I was in jail when the councilor was murdered,' he immediately answered without even a simple blink of hesitance. Firmly believing his own lie, his eyes stayed on mine. Waiting for some sort of response to it.

Suddenly twirling us around, my heartrate went up while I held on to him. My feet almost left the ground and I was reminded by how physically strong he was. His eyes held something dark. And for a moment I feel delirious, as if this meeting is an illusion.

He did not only look different in clothes.

He was different.

A part of me was afraid what meaning this meeting held, thinking he might be out to get me after all this time. My breath staggers when my back meets the wall while he remains before me, like predator holding on to its prey. I almost want to start running.

But where to?

The cutting question make my shoulder prematurely hang in defeat and I simple let him be. He doesn't move, smoking his cigarette further down while staring at me. His brown eyes bore into mine and I uncomfortably look away, trying to think of something to say or do.

The need of distraction was quite helpful because I took notice of an important detail on his uniform. It was shining on his chest. The emblem of captain. When he notices I've seen it, he sends me another smirk. As if proud of the little discovery I had made.

Licking his lips before speaking up he at same time touches my shoulder with his hand while holding the cigarette. I can feel its heat on my skin.

'How is that even possible?' I idly ask.

'Well, you certainly took my advice to the heart, Sakura,' he said. His voice saying my name gave me shivers that I couldn't suppress. I pushed my back into the wall to straighten myself.
Maybe it was a response to my memories of him. He said it in a such particular way too. No else said it like he did.

'You went straight for the top,' he mutters. I feel him closing in on me and slightly touching my hair with his mouth.

I knew he was talking about Inui.

You want to change the system? Get in and work from the inside out.

'I-it's not like that,' I tell him though he hadn't said a word. My breath wavers when noticing his little actions are definitely having their affect.
His hand goes slowly over my arm, much like a soft caress. It lingers here and there making me crave it to continue.

'I don't care,' he solemnly answers, giving me a shrug.

Lowering his gaze, our noses meet and I'm reminded of how we parted and those last few hours we had spent together. I had always belittled them, telling myself it all meant nothing but now that he stood before me, I was beginning to doubt myself. His hungry brown eyes reminded me of much, much more.

'Though, I do think he might've not been the best one to pick,' he added. 'Getting rid of the head of your nation's army, is a little… rash. I don't think you'll get what you want by getting rid of what has made you great.'

Ah, sharp words. Sharper than any kunai. I was suddenly reminded of his brutal honesty and how he was never easy on anyone, no matter who it was he was talking to.

Yet today, I didn't mind. I kind of yearned for it, even if it was set to hurt me.

Some blunt clarity wasn't too bad for the moment but...

'Shut up,' I suddenly blurt out. I didn't want to talk about Inui or Tsunade. 'Tell me. Tell me where you've been.'

He smirks at my reaction before letting out a low chuckle. Taking a long drag from his cigarette, he scratches his chin in thought, contemplating on what he should answer me. Blowing the smoke out, he gave me an odd look. Eying me from head to toe before locking in on my eyes again.

I don't waver or avert them. We stay in silence for a moment, as if both in deep thought.

But I knew he was playing some sort of mind game with me.

I found it all so odd. The way we just found each other… Not once had I ever imagined of encountering Zabuza attending at a high-parliamentary meeting that was disguised as a celebration of the end of the war.

As a high-class Shinobi of Kirigakure nevertheless, invited for his incredible contribution to his nation and people. He was attending as an honoree man.

'I can't tell you all of that in just a few minutes,' he suddenly answers while continuing his light movements. He touches my hair again, making me flinch because of the electricity hanging between us. It takes me a second to realize he is lightly caressing it. I frown at him and his actions. Feeling a uncomfortable by them and perhaps making me even feel a little uncertain about myself.

It was him, the demon of my mind. But I don't recognize him. He wasn't like this.

'You're acting… different,' I mumble.

Closing in the gap between us even more, he comes much closer then before. I can now feel his breath on my lips. Sometimes even lightly touching me when speaking.

'Isn't everybody acting?'

Widening my eyes at the remark and especially because I can sense he's holding back to kiss me. His eyes longingly stare into mine, as if wanting some sort of signal before continuing.

Surely he had not changed that much?

I give him a light frown in response.

Just like anticipated, he then decides to make the bold choice himself. Quicker before I can stop him, he places his hand on my waist. Lowering it before pulling me closer to him. I let out a sigh and feel myself weaken. Maybe it's the alcohol but suddenly it feels as if the room is spinning and I have to place my hand on his chest, this time to hold my balance.

Or is it him that is spinning me around again?

'Zabuza…'

'Sakura,' he simply answered while still not kissing me but just lightly teasing my lips with his. It takes me second to realize his hand is going over my hip and it is me who is responding to his touch.

His mocking expression fades. Giving me a more serious look, he stared in question at me.

'Don't you ever get tired?'

I knew exactly what he meant, so I just nodded my head while mindlessly following his movements. Placing my hand over his arm, I feel some sort of electricity go through my entire body.

'Let's take a break, Sakura,' he whispers. I can feel him smirk against my lips and I only wonder for a second who's resolve is crumbling faster.

Moving my hand slowly upwards, I let it rest on his shoulder while I wait for him. I refuse to be the first one to give in. Yet I can't help but lure him out.

'I've missed your scent.'

When the warmth of his mouth hit mine, I shivered again. The awful taste of smoke lingered in his mouth and it was not something I had ever tasted before. The alcohol was familiar and rather faint since I was guilty of drinking it myself. I mirror the need, the tacky and unapologetic sloppy kisses.

Going with my hand through his short hair, he lets out a groan. Pressing himself against me and deepening the movements. I see him flick his cigarette out of his hand before sliding back down and grabbing my leg up.

I'm reminded of how much different he is. A little more vicious. Vulgar. A real demon at times.
But the fact we give in and let it consume us so easily tells me we've both changed.

It seemed he had become a combination of both persona's, never letting his guard truly down but too needy as human to not give in to wanting me. And I? I can't help myself. Its making me walk down a darker path than I had ever walked on before.

I forget everything.

It takes me only a small moment to realize that was the point.

His hand goes higher and I respond more passionately, remembering I hadn't been touched like this in a while and therefor desired it all the more.
I also would be a liar if I'd say Zabuza didn't have some sort of effect on me. We had this odd electricity that was hard to ignore. I guess it was safe to say we both had been craving it deeply. His words were suddenly making more and more sense.

We always seem to find each other on the worse moments.

He lets out a moan when feeling me. I throw my head back, enjoying it far too thoroughly. His mouth finds its way back to that sensitive spot I have, making me moan in respond. He eventually slows down but only to then abruptly halt his movements. I let out a disappointing sound and try to protest but he ignores me and softly lets go of me.
My feet meet the ground again. My chest going up and down, trying to catch my breath while hoping it would also have some effect on him.

I curse his willpower when he only responds with a small kiss and backs away. He licks his lips again, not hiding his arousal. I swallow when thinking of where this could lead to. I try to compose myself but can't help but struggle.

What was with me?

The faint voice disappeared as quick it had come. My head was still spinning too much to think clearly.

'I'm staying in the Raine hotel. Third floor, room nine. Last door on the left.'

I gape at him. He didn't honestly thought I was going to come to his room, did he?

'We can talk there,' he explains. 'I'll tell you everything,' he adds with a smirk while his eyes stay on my body.

Not quite sure how to respond to his suggestion, and knowing his promise of knowledge held much more than just that, I get up off the wall. He had the worse timing. Or the best. I felt flushed, alive and more then willing to follow him up on his offer.

But it was a little complicated given my position.

He still held a devious smirk on his face when walking towards me, offering me a hand to guide me back out of here. I wanted to halt a few times, just to continue what we had started.

A million questions needed to be answered and all I wanted was to be numbed by his touch again.

When he halted, he surprised me by grabbing me by my waist again. But instead of what I had anticipated, he easily turn us around. Placing me before him so I'd be the first to leave.

'You go first,' he whispered, while coming a little too close and lingering a little too long.
He simply gave me a hungry look before letting go of me. Almost pushing me out of the room, I try to compose myself a little but feel transparent. I want to walk to the restroom again but see a crowd of women hanging before the door. Not knowing how I looked, I turned around to avoid confrontation.

Peeking at my reflection in the windows, I noticed my hair was only slightly loose but otherwise I looked fine. Perhaps a little flushed. I could still feel the heat inside of me. My heartrate had yet to slow down.

I was feeling so much at once. The excitement that I might finally find out what had happened to the two and the idea that they were actually safe was a little surreal. Though it felt bittersweet when realizing all the lies that were attached to this strange reality.

Still, I wanted to know how Zabuza and Haku had ended up back in Kirigakure.

'Ah, there she is!' I'm startled when feeling Inui's hand on my waist. He turns me around to introduce me to some people. He's suddenly in a wonderfully good mood and seems to completely forgotten our arguments from the last few weeks. It takes me a second to adjust and play along.

We talk a little but I find it hard to concentrate. Seeing Zabuza brings back many memories. I'm reminded of a time where I wasn't such a great liar. When I couldn't play any type of role. Not even for some high politician.

I feel some sort of shame come over me when thinking of our moment in that room. And how I was still feeling now that I was outside and it was over.
I wanted him. No, I needed more. It was kind of ironic to think that given our radically changed lives, we still craved the same warmth. I bite my lip at the thought, mostly ending up questioning my own life.

'You are glowing,' Inui suddenly whispers in my ear. I practically jump at husky remark.
'Oh?'
'Too bad,' he says moving his head away from my ear while shaking his head. 'There is a reception that I need to attend. I won't be home early.'

I already know where this conversation is going. So I tell him what he wants to hear.

'It's fine, I know you are busy,' I answer with a smile. 'Besides, I think I'm done for the evening.'
He answers with a smile. I only notice know how fake it is. He places one of the loose strands of hair behind my ear. I knew he did'n like it when it wasn't neatly tied up.

'You do look a little… flustered. You must be exhausted with all those trips you took last week.'
'I am,' I answer, trying not to blush more when thinking of the real reason.

We part ways and as I leave, so do many other guest. As I walk out, I can't seem find Zabuza anywhere. Again it seems he has disappeared into nothingness. As I am amazed by his skills I'm guided by agents to my carriage.

The entire way home I can't help but think of my strange encounter. My stomach is knotted itself up and my uneasiness grows.

When I'm home an ANBU-agent awaits me. I'm informed security is lower than usual because of the party. Konoha had insisted on using all available forces and since I was not of great political importance, that wasn't a complete surprise. But once Inui would be home it would be a complete squad guarding our house again, he informed me. I just nod at the only agent, telling him I could take care of myself if needed.

If anything, I was glad to see less in black uniformed men surrounding me all the time. They made me feel nervous and uneasy. I still disliked them, even if they were there for my own safety.

I try to not think of giving in to the idea of seeing Zabuza again.

Instead my mind thinks of Haku. Maybe one day I could see him again!

Rumors was the exam was going to take place in Konoha, if so I might see him then.

Washing the make up off and giving myself a much needed cold shower, I try to let it all go. But it seemed whenever I closed my eyes I was reminded of what happened just a few hours ago. It was past midnight and I knew Inui wasn't going to come home anytime soon.

I tried to ease my mind. Calming it with the facts I did know. Zabuza had changed and Haku had some sort of home in Kirigakure. At least that's what he said, which didn't necessarily mean it was true… If anything, it sounded like an obvious lie.

Great now I'm conflicting myself!

I'd see him again sometime. Maybe tomorrow or some other day. Unexpectedly like it had been today. But was it unexpected for him too? He seemed to know I was going to be there…

I turn around, lying on my stomach and held on to my pillow. As if I was holding onto someone dear.

What if he isn't here tomorrow? What if this was my last chance to talk to him?

I can't wait for who knows how long again. What if this opportunity would never rise again? I had secretly always wanted to see them again. Just to know how they were doing.

I bite my lip at the thoughts. I didn't like where my head was going with this.

Everybody is either out or sleeping by now… No one would notice. I'd never get a chance like this again…

With an aggravated growl I throw the blanket off of me and get out bed. My feet almost touch the ground. Wavering at the idea of what I was about to do. If I got caught… I bite my lip at the thought.

Could I trust Zabuza?

After all these years…I'm sure he wouldn't. Besides he was in a different place and had no reason to betray me.

Those words fed my morbid curiosity and without any doubt I place my feet firmly on the ground beneath me. The polished wooden floor doesn't even crack underneath my weight. Grabbing something comfortable to wear, I still make sure to make little to no sound. Though we'd never had agents inside the house, I wanted to take no risk.

Taking the back door, I cautiously open it. Looking around, I see no one. Good.
The wind was blowing hard, making the cap of my coat fall off and reveal my too obvious pink hair in the dark night. Grabbing it and putting it back into place, I then hurry through the garden. Finding the old rusty red gate, that was once used by servants ages ago, I try to escape through there. I wince when it screeches while I open it.

The wind makes it hard to decipher but I can hear him coming. The ANBU-agent!

I try to run to the other side of the house but he's too quick, so I jump into hiding.

I felt like a real shinobi again when waiting for the agent to move around. There was only one agent around, something I could've easily handled when younger. But I admit I had gotten spoiled over the years and have gotten as rusty as the forgotten gate.

Nervousness and anticipation weren't helping me either. The thrill of what I was doing… I hadn't felt like this in two years.

A more stubborn part of me was in deep denial.

But the genuine voice, that knew no one could hear, admitted that perhaps what I was doing was a result of all the things that had happened. A rebellious act towards Inui. No, I don't agree! A nod to Tsunade. Yes, I was hiding something.

Though neither could ever know.

Also… I just want to know. I want to be selfish for a moment. Know what Haku was up to, how Zabuza got to this point.

I decided to ignore the little nagging voice telling me other more mature things too. The burning feeling inside got cooled off by the wind passing me by. I shiver more in response then I should and hurry out of the garden when the agent goes the other direction.

I swallow when standing before the Raine hotel. And how was I suppose to get in without getting seen? I couldn't just get in there and say I'm here to see Captain Momochi. I wince at the sound of his new title, finding it odd and a little inappropriate. He hardly deserved such a title. Or any honor at all.

Again my curiosity pushed me passed my limits and when I see the entrance for personnel, I run to it. Luckily someone just enters and I'm able to catch the door. Holding some distance to not get caught, I wait around. It takes me a while to figure out where to go.
I can feel my heart beat loudly in my ears and go through my entire body. I try to calm myself but it isn't until I see the elevator I can let out a breath of relief.

Pushing the button, I then go into hiding again. I didn't know if anyone would be coming along for the ride.

It seemed luck was on my side because the compartment of the elevator was empty. When it opened up, I rush in and, like a mad person, I push three.

I keep my black coat in front of my face and my cap, despite being inside, stays on my head.

With shaky legs I quietly walk through the dark hall. It so quiet that every sound I make seems to be too loud. I suddenly realize that this hall is probably resided with full fledges shinobi of Kirigakure.
I swallow at the idea but firmly walk to the end of the hall. Standing in front of his door, my conscience catches up with me and asks me what the hell am I doing here.

I feel my hand tremble as I turn it into a fist, ready to knock on something irreversible and dangerous.

My mind was driving me slowly mad with voices and fears. Questions that were slowly becoming riddles and reasons that I kept using as mantra to calm myself over and over. When my knuckles hit the wood, everything turns quiet. My body even relaxes, as if knowing I wouldn't be able to undo what I had just done. There was no going back now.

To my surprise a quick answer awaits. I hear the lock open. Taking a hesitant step back, I'm relieved to see his face when he opens the door. His expression is hard to read. I can't tell if he surprised to see me here or not. Opening it with a small gap, he waits for me to enter through it.

When I pass him by I smell alcohol and a hint of cigarettes. He holding a glass of something that reeked of hard liquor. I feel so uncomfortable that my eyes stay on the ground. When he shuts the door, I almost jump.

My heart is beating so loud, it is deafening me. The lump in my throat makes it hard to breath. I can feel cold sweat unleash itself all over my body. He walks around me a few times, as if taking me in.

What the hell am I doing here? I ask myself again, this time more harshly then before. A tone I should have been using earlier, before I got here.

He eventually halts standing right before me. He doesn't move except to drink from his glass.
I can feel his eyes on me.

Aware that I am still a grown person, I have the courage to take off the cape and loosen up my coat. I want to open my mouth and explain why I had taken him upon his offer but I was at a loss of words. My dry throat wasn't helping either.

'I…'

I try but I can't even find the courage to look him up the eye.

In a predatory matter moving before me, I cautiously take a step back. Zabuza's eyes stay focused on mine when I finally look up.

Pushing me slowly towards the door with his tall figure, I let out a yelp when I hit the door. I can hear him take a deep breath before placing the glass on the table next to us. I intensely watch his movements. Swallow when I see his hand reach for me.

'I…' I try again, shaking my head at his thoughts. His bare chest isn't helping my clouded mind either.

'Who cares?' he whispered in response when lifting my chin so my mouth meet his.

He is soft but hungry. Slowly making me forgot why I had convinced myself to come here. Pushing me into him, my feet leave the ground again. His arms snaked around me and I mirrored his movements. In a tight embrace he holds onto me and we start were we left off.

I give into my cravings and the real reason why I had dared to come all the way out here. Feeling his skin underneath mine, his response… I can tell. Or at least I like to think so.

He too had craved for this. Or do I even dare to say? He had kind of missed it as well?

Our entanglement of need.

I could tell in the way he touched me, kissed me and lingered a little too long on certain places. As if reminiscing certain memories.

Had I been on his mind too?

I guess it explains why we couldn't help ourselves. And I guess we could both simply sense it… we weren't back to where we had left off just mere hours ago, we were back to whatever we had left off years ago.

I let my hands slide of his shoulders.

Even though I'm still quite curious, my selfish need is more urgent and I can't ignore it.

'Sakura,' he let out a sigh when we part for air. His brown eyes held something different, something I had never seen so clearly in them before. Need.

When I try to answer him he silences me with his mouth again. I try a few more times before eventually letting go and giving into him and my own need completely.

My mind slowly became numbed again.

I let my hand roam over his body, enjoying the touch of his skin. While realizing I had missed this type of thrill over the pass years. I block out all the memories, thoughts and reasons.

And admit the secrecy made this all the more thrilling.

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