Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter XXIII

I let out a long sigh, feeling still slightly tired. The headache I was having wasn't helping either.
A blurry vision of last night comes before my eyes. With a blush at the memory, I push my face into my pillow. Taking a glance out of the corner of my eye at the empty place beside me, which isn't much of a surprise. I lightly touch his side of the bed.

I hadn't been able to persuade him to openly talk about his ideas and plans.
Though he hadn't denied I had some sort of effect on him, he had given no indication of what that exactly meant. Mostly blaming it on my appearance.

I snicker at the idea of someone finding me physically that attractive.

Startled by a sound of something in the kitchen area, I jump and half sit up. My eyes widen at the sight. 'Zabuza?'

With a bored expression he looks up. He gives me a nod while continuing his… 'What are you doing?'

'Making breakfast,' he curtly said, giving me a look for having to point out the obvious.
The smell of baked eggs fills the air and I can't help but smile at the sight before me. He gives me an annoyed look but remains silent. I see a smirk lying underneath though.

'Are you going to eat here?' he asks, obviously referring to the kitchen.

I bite my lip, wondering if he'd bother to bring it here. It actually was in that moment I realized Zabuza had just made me breakfast. I feel very spoiled all of a sudden.

But how many times have I made his sorry ass breakfast?

Ah, my temper… I hadn't felt this flickering of anger for a long while.

I had been too caught up in grief and sadness to give it any room in my life. Often asking myself what was the point of getting angry at something so insignificant. Maybe with time I would be able to find myself again. Inwardly I snicker at my silly attitude.

I respond with a shrug, not quite sure how to respond to his odd question. In all honesty, I didn't feel like getting out of bed just yet.

Without saying anything back, he eventually walks over with two plates. Scrambled eggs and toast, not exactly luxurious or hard to make but nice to get served early in the morning.

'Thank you,' I tell him. Something hangs between us, the atmosphere almost feels a little electric. Maybe it was because of last night or the fact that he was still around. I ponder for a moment if we had actually ever spent a morning together.

Seating himself on his side, he gives a shrug and doesn't make much of it.
We eat in silence. It actually tastes quite nice. Much like how Haku made it.
He makes it just like Haku does…. Or maybe it is the other way around, I then realize.

'How come you are still here?' I ask, swallowing the last piece of toast. I wasn't trying to be rude but I couldn't help asking.
'I have the day off,' he mumbles, placing his own plate on the ground. He stretches out, seemingly having enjoyed his own cooked meal.

Of course you do get days off, just like every other shinobi… I felt a little embarrassed for asking such dumb question. I guess to me it was odd to see him live such a normal life.

'Any plans?' I innocently ask. He shakes his head while comfortable slouching into the bed.
'Just going to stay in?' I then ask.

A small nod.

His brown eyes are focused on mine. I'm not quite sure what to make out of his behavior.
Feeling thirsty and having missed a warm beverage with my meal, I tell him I'm going to make some tea for the both of us. Again he hardly responds and I briefly ponder if I have done something wrong.
Grabbing the oversized shirt on the ground, I walk to the kitchen while putting it on.

It stays quiet the entire time and I catch Zabuza staring out the window from time to time. He seems to be lost in thoughts. Curiosity makes me anxious to ask him but I decide against the idea, knowing fully well he wouldn't confide in me.

Confide… I let out a sigh, rethinking my thoughts of yesterday. I had been feeling so lost and angry. I had been so tired of everything. All I wanted was some rest.

Taking a glance at the man again, I could tell I felt less anger towards him for some reason.

Grabbing the two cups of tea, I slowly make my way back to him. Placing it on the table next to his side of the bed, I walk around and sit down on the bed holding mine. I let it warm up my hands. It is still quite draft outside. We both stare out the window for a moment, enjoying the silence and the soft rain.

It was almost lovable our interactions. But there hung something in the atmosphere we both couldn't ignore. Something restraining us from being free with one another.

Something that could be considered a little regrettable, I suppose.

Suddenly the weather worsens. The rain is pouring again while the wind howls above us. The abrupt change, startles me. I quietly ask if Haku had to go out today.
He shrugs, telling me he doesn't know what the kid is up to. I sense some distance between the two of them, as if being here had strained his grip on the boy a little.

Normally I'd feel something sort of a triumphant feeling but today it kind of sadden me that their bond was perhaps crumbling.

Finishing my tea, I note he has hardly drank from his. Placing it on the table on my side, I sit up again. He stares a little before reaching out his hand to me. Surprised by the gesture, I quirk up an eyebrow at him. He just rolls his eyes and presses to come lie next to him without saying much.
Accepting his hand, I let him guide me to rest my head on his chest.

I don't mind the physical contact, exhilarated to feel someone for no other reason than to be close. Letting out a sigh, I hold onto him a little tighter. Imaging this has some meaning for the both of us.
I feel his hand on my back going up and down.

I kind of hate myself for the spark it creates inside of me. Trying to ignore the feeling, I move my head up. His expression is soft, calm. I like how his brown eyes are looking at me. And for a moment I long for this to be real.

'You can trust me,' I blurt out. Again a feeling of desperation overtakes me and makes me lose my senses. But unlike yesterday, I wanted to take the chance this time. Make him truly understand.
'You can confide in me,' I tell him more softly, getting closer to him. 'I just don't want to be betrayed anymore.'
'I'm not doing anything,' he says. His voice sounds hollow, not convincing either of us.
'You can do whatever you want,' I say while placing a hand on his cheek. 'As long as I can stay with you and Haku.'

Haku's words were still echoing loudly inside of my head and had truly shaken me.

I didn't want him to be one of the many people who just misused my trust and leave. Perhaps I shouldn't hope for people to be different or to ever change.. Maybe I instead accept them and hope for the best.

I just don't want to be fooled anymore. I don't want to be alone in the end… I want to belong.

'If you can give me the certainty...'

I let the words hang in the air but Zabuza's sole respond was his hand traveling over my back to only push me into him. As if he couldn't talk to me but only express himself physically.
'I know you have a plan,' I tell him. 'I heard what Haku said.'

Finally, he does give me a reaction. A mumble that was hardly audible. 'I'll think about it.'

He silenced me with his mouth on mine, giving a much deeper kiss than needed. Melting in his arm, I respond vividly. I felt something inside of me letting go. Something I held onto for far too long.
Breaking through a boundary I had put years up years ago.

Intensifying what we were doing, I let go of everything again. Enjoying his touch far too much to resist. The burning feeling of hate inside of me would always be overcome by what was between us, so perhaps that explained why I'd seek him out and let him in so easily.
As eye-opening as that thought was, it doesn't faze me enough to stop and dwell on it for long.

'I wish I could take a bath,' I sigh. The soothing warmth would be most welcoming. It must've been freezing outside. I could feel it in the air.
I hear him snicker underneath me. 'Spoiled woman.'

'I'm spoiled because I like hot baths?'
'You are so use to having much space…'

'Have you ever seen my first apartment? You wouldn't be able to fit in it…'

He shifts underneath me. Slowly unwrapping me from him, he then sits up. I give him a pout, not liking the idea of the warmth of his body leaving me.
'I need to go out and get something decent to eat…' he explains with a smirk at my expression.
Looking out the window, I see the rain is still pouring and the wind still hasn't settled down yet.
'I'd wait,' I dryly comment.
Giving me a nod in agreement, he gets off the bed and walks to the bathroom.

Intrigued, I get up and follow.

The wooden bathroom is odd compared to what I'm used to. It's dark and kind of resembles a sauna but I can appreciate the material and the warmth it gives off.

It's much nicer in here, I note.

I then realize the heating is underneath the floor.

Zabuza doesn't say a word to explain himself and suddenly kneels down in the middle of the room. The shower is on the right and this tiny compartment gives little to no room for much else other than one sink. Feeling the need to question him, I shut up when I see him put his fingers underneath some wooden planks on the floor.

Only when he opens the floor hatch, I realize what he is doing.

'It's a bath!' I exclaim excitingly. How innovating!
He simply widens his smirk at my childish reaction. 'When you don't have much space, you need to get creative.'
'This wasn't your idea,' I point out on a dry tone. He snickers at my respond.

Surprising me when his arm sneaks around my waist and pulls me closer to him. He gives me a smirk.
Suddenly aware of our shameless nudity and how I no longer deem anything he does or say as vulgar when we are alone. I note how easily I've grown used to his crude personality. His tongue possessively rules over mine and I let out a low moan when we part.

'You enjoy your bath... I'm afraid I don't have any special-floral-scented soaps in house, however.'
I slap him on the chest, noticing his tone is haughty, as if I was indeed a spoiled child.
'I'll settle for your manly wood smelling scent instead,' I smartly answer.
Laughing at the remark, he easily shrugs off the insult. He then says he'll be taking a shower first so he can get something to eat while I bathe.

Not wanting to be by myself again just yet, I grab his hand and press my body against him. Murmuring I'm not hungry yet and it's too cold for him to go outside.

Can't we play pretend some longer?

'You are exploiting me again,' he muttered against my hair while enjoying my antics. With a sigh, he gives in.

I grin at my foolish thoughts. I mean, I didn't think a man like Zabuza could ever be comfortable in a bathtub but perhaps in Kiri the standard man is taller and so therefor so are their baths are bigger too...

I can't remember the last time I shared a bath with someone. I block out the few memories I had with Inui, feeling suddenly uncomfortable at the thought of him.
Zabuza lets out content sigh, seemingly enjoying my idea of him joining me. I then realize without him in here, I'd have too much space.

Letting my head rest against his shoulder, I lay down comfortable. Feeling his hand touch my stomach. I touch his arm and then let my hand travel up and down.
We had been silent again. Sometimes I assumed it was because we were enjoying each other's company.

I knew deep inside we wouldn't get much closer than this.

He wouldn't allow me and I wasn't willing enough to ever take it any further than this.

'What are thinking of?' he suddenly asks interrupting my thoughts. I shrug. 'Not much.'

You. Me. And I guess I'm trying not think of the man you've killed.

The question makes my mind wander off again. Before I know it, I have a burning question of my own on my tongue.

'Did he suffer?'

I've never been the type to be so blatant but sometimes my mouth was quicker than my mind and couldn't think things through.

I have no idea how his expression is but his body stays still. Calm. As if he had half been expecting the question.

'No.'

We fall silent again, not knowing how to continue this absurd conversation. I hold on a little tighter to his arm around me and take hold of his hand resting on the ledge. Closing my eyes, I try to imagine not feeling so conflicted and uneasy.

If the man we were talking about had been a stranger, would I be angry with Zabuza?

Because I know you have killed other men… and I have no resent towards you for them.

'Have you been with any other men?'

The question gets me off guard, I abruptly turn my head to take a look at him. His face is impassive but he surprises me by behaving rather affectionate. Lightly touch my forehead with his nose. I let out a sigh.

'There was one man before Inui…' I start. 'Sasuke.'

I waver, slightly losing my confidence to bore him with my past but his silence tells me to continue.

'We had a very complicated relationship…' I mutter. 'I had to be everything I wasn't. A prodigy from high-profiled clan. Have a much more… dull appearance,' I can't stop myself anymore and spill it all.
'I had to behave differently, act a certain way... I had been so infatuated with him, I blindly followed his lead. And then one day, he decided to just leave. He said "thank you" before leaving me. As if it to thank me for my hard work but it wasn't good enough…'

Until this day, I still got angry with him for treating me so indifferently. I had tried so hard to be mature, even when feeling childish jealousy. I had sacrificed so much for him…
And never did I receive any feeling of love. We had absolutely no bond with one another. Just a shared past.

'I got so angry and everything in that village reminded me of him… Annoyed by everyone and all the stupid rules of how to be, I just decided to leave it all behind. I still like to think that has been my best decision so far.'

It's odd to be telling this to him but he seems to be listening, so I continue on.

'I think I grew up in that village,' referring to the one where we had met. 'The poverty and need… I felt capable, helpful. I didn't have to act a certain way to please them. My mere presence was enough.'

Zabuza easily picked up on the regret in my voice, wording it sharply. 'But then you went back to that life…just with another man.'

Words sharper then any kunai. Even though my heart wrenches at the remark, I stay calm. Finally being able to see the truth without a blurred vision.

'I guess it was all easier when there was a distance…' Konoha would always be my home. 'But being away from it all, I enjoyed life a lot more. I tried to make it work by going back but it seems I'm not able to have both,' I mutter the last part, suddenly understanding a vital part of the problematic puzzle that was my life.

Zabuza stayed quiet while I continued to ramble on. It was almost as if I was having this conversation with myself, finally releasing everything I had been keeping in.

'Right now, I actually wish I could do the same again. Start somewhere new and find myself... But then again, in the end those who you grew up with are who made you. And I'd just be running from myself again. I do miss them when they are not around.'

To my surprise Zabuza gives an understanding nod. Clearly my words had had an impact on him. I briefly ponder if he too had missed people during his time away from here. After all, this village was his home.

I catch how distractedly he caresses my hand.

Probably.

'So Inui won you over by reminding you of others?' he suddenly asked with a frown, obviously not understanding why I hadn't turned him down.

'Not really. But he made me feel different,' I truthfully answer. 'And I guess I had hoped I could be… the new me in my old habitat. But I fell into my old ways so easily,' I shake my head at what had happened. 'It had all just happened a lot less obvious then when I was younger and with Sasuke. I suppose Inui's betrayal was far worse than his… but it feels the same. It hurts.'

I fall silent, swallowing the lump of emotion while trying to control the pain in my chest. I squeeze his hand.

'I can't run from fate, can I?'

He shakes his head. I'm not sure if he's answering or is uncertain about the subject. We fall silent again and this time around, I can't bring myself to talk anymore. Lightly touching me here and there and with the calmness hanging between us, the feeling of relief washes over me. I like his little caresses and do the same. Aimlessly letting my hand go over his arm.

'What about you? Have you ever… been with someone?' I asked, knowing fully well that falling in love would be a taboo with Zabuza.

'No,' he immediately says while shaking his head. 'I've never had any sort of relationship.'
'Outside of… I mean, family, friends?'
'Not really.'

He sounds certain, not flicker of doubt. Yet I feel him tense up a little. I place a hand on his cheek, not willing to let him pull his guard up just yet. I only once in a while saw his more human side. Most of the time, he kept him well hidden underneath that demonic mask.

'Did you wish you had?'

I could tell I had caught him off guard. He gives me a look, undecisive if he should answer. I give him an innocent look but that doesn't fool him. He lightly smirks before giving me a more of averting reply then a an actual answer.

'I always liked pretty girls I wasn't allowed to come near to,' he snickered.

'Girls? Sounds like a longtime ago…' I jokingly reply, deciding to lighten up our subject.
'They all turned into feisty women.'
'And rejected you with good reason.' I dryly state. 'Again and again,' I then add.

'I was trying to compliment you…'
'Feisty?' I then echo, suddenly remembering what he had just said. 'I thought I was a minx? Or was I more of a doll? I do have pretty head, though…'

'Are you making fun of me?'

By the sound of his voice I couldn't tell if he was still joking or becoming actually insulted by my lame imitation of how he had "complimented" me thus far. I turn around, glad to see his eyes flicker up.

'A little,' I mutter, placing my forehead against his. I bite my lip.

When he leaves to get something to eat, I'm surprised that I don't hear the door getting locked like usually. Intrigued, I get up from the bed and take a look. First to check and see if he's actually gone or I had perhaps misheard.
When I see the key sticking in the lock that is flickering in the darkness, I quirk up an eyebrow. Making my way to the front door, I touch the doorknob and to my utter surprise open it.
Peeking with my head out of the doorway to take a look in the hallway. I don't see Zabuza anywhere waiting to comment on what I was doing.

Closing the door, I couldn't help but smile while feeling as if I had finally been able to gain his trust a little.

And I sort of had to admit, he had gained mine to.

As the days pass, our deep conversations are seldom again. Mostly Zabuza comes home late and our relationship doesn't take the drastic turn of turning into something else. I don't think we allow it to become so either.

Not that I dared to think Zabuza cared for such things. He still came off as cold, rough and sometimes very demanding. However, he did allow me to leave the house once in a while. With Haku as my guide, of course.

The distrust I had felt towards the boy had evaporated in thin air when seeing him again.
I simply couldn't think of him betraying me. He seemed too happy to see me. And so was I to see him.

So why would we ever hurt each other? It seemed unthinkable. If anything, I felt closer to him.

Yet I never dared to confront him.

He made no secret he liked the idea of me staying here with Zabuza. His constant pushing of us having an actual relationship was one of the few immature things I had ever caught him doing.
When I explained it was too complex, he simply said we could keep it as it was. We didn't have to change anything.

I wish sometimes I could still behave so lighthearted.

But I'm afraid I had become slightly bitter. I still had dark moments and distrust haunted me.
Still afraid of completely trusting them.

But I admit this village was nice. Something I hadn't expected. Haku's introduces me to people he has met and takes me to historical places. I don't necessary get treated differently but I do notice people staring at me. When I ask Haku about it, he simply points out my pink hair stood out.
Giving him a look, he then added there had also been some gossip going around. About me and a certain swordsman.

I gave him a light push but he quickly claims it is nothing negative. Well, at least not for me.

I then realized why Zabuza had not been so keen on sharing me with the rest of the village and why he had instead first decide to keep me around as a prisoner. It seemed my mere presence provoked some reactions that he disapproved of. After all, he had a cruel reputation here and it seemed he wanted to keep that intact since that gave him a certain level of power.

I could see his internal struggle at times, but he would never willingly admit that their words got to him or that it actually effected his status. I felt that his idea of me having here, had not been going exactly as planned.

However, Haku said he had heard of my meeting with the Mizukage. When I asked him what it was about, he said he didn't know but expected it to be a political matter as it seemed most people knew me for projects and charities and not my "affair" with the swordsman.

I still couldn't suppress a blush when thinking that was what the people of this village were saying about us. It wasn't anything like that…

'Doctor Haruno,' a stern voice said introducing us. 'Her lady Mizukage.'

I found her beauty intimidating. I scold myself for behaving so childishly and had to take a second to recover and behave normally. Politely I shake her hand while in my mind I've already determined what type of person she was probably going to be.

But she proves me wrong, being rather witty and charming. At times she kind of reminds me of Tsunade.

So I feel right at home with her.

We decide to take walk in the village.

'I actually have a proposition for you,' she said finally getting to the point.
I tensely nod my head, wondering what she had to say. It seemed only Zabuza knew but he had tightly kept his mouth shut, giving me mixed signals.

'That is why I called you here,' she said, using a more serious tone.
We were casually walking through the streets, passing countless of people who greeted her with much enthusiasm and gratitude. We were off to a place she had yet to reveal.

'I know why and how you got here, Sakura,' she then sternly states.

I flinch a little, feeling a little embarrassed. Straightening my back, I just nod in acknowledgement. I wasn't going to dive into any type of conversation with her about what had happened. I didn't know what exactly she thought she "knew" about me. I wasn't about to give her some reaffirmation of the rumors swirling around.

'So during your stay, I'd like to ask you for a favor. Perhaps persuade you into staying here a bit longer.'

I quirk up my eyebrow. You know I'm not planning on staying here?

'Over the years our systems have become outdated. There is need for new teachers, new techniques…'

I nod understandingly, not entirely getting where she was going with this. When we halt, her eyes stay on the building before us. And I follow her gaze. Letting out a small gasp at the huge building.

'Can I invite you to take tour in our General Hospital? And perhaps offer you position?' Though she asked kindly, her tone was a bit aggressive. Implying she would not take no for an answer.

Flattered, and thrilled by the idea, I tell her I'd love to.

We walk around for a while and I note that they are missing some vital medicine and important basic supplies. I keep my mouth shut and stay polite. Only nodding to the complains said to the Mizukage standing beside me. I could tell it bothered her. But by the flicker in her green eyes, I could also see she was up to something to fix the ongoing problems.

'Sakura,' she then started. 'I was wondering if you wouldn't retrain some of our physicians and shinobi medic-students? When I was in Konoha, Tsunade told me about the policy of having at least one medic in a team. I'd love that but I'm afraid we don't have the right people, or at least not enough to make that idea come true.'

I slightly gape at the woman, flabbergasted by her offer. I hadn't been active for a while. I mean it wasn't like I forgot or anything but I had to get a little retraining myself.

'Tsunade said she couldn't come because of political restrains, even when retired…'
'But I can,' I say, realizing that was what Tsunade must've said too. 'I haven't worked as a doctor for a while—'You'd get a chance to work yourself into the hospital and take your time to prepare classes,' she interrupted. Her tone was almost pleading but I could tell she was too proud to actual portray how urgent this was.

In reality, I don't have to think twice about it. The idea lights up my body and suddenly I feel relativized. Not just the idea of teaching but to work as an actual doctor again.
For the first time in years I wanted to jump at the chance I was getting. I had always dreamed of these sort of opportunities to come my way one day. Teach what had been thought to me and share my own personal experiences.

However… I let out a loud sigh.

'I don't know if I can stay here,' I mutter, hating the idea of rejecting her offer. 'For so long that is.'

This wasn't something for a week, this project would take months.

'Tsunade has told me. I sadly have to tell you she is not going to be able to meet the deadline she had set.' Her green eyes averted mine for a moment. I could tell she felt a little worried about how this was coming off. But I knew Tsunade, she wouldn't let herself get intimidated so easily.
'I know the reason why she can't make it isn't because of you,' I tell her. I know the woman better than that. Tsunade would have a good reason to be late.

She gives me a grateful smile and then casually explains Tsunade has some indebtment and some sort of bet going on in a village in the outskirts of the land of Fire. I halt her and simply roll my eyes at what my mentor had gotten herself into.

'I know why she promised to come get you out of here,' Mei then said.

I'm still not entirely certain how to start the subject "Zabuza" with her. I still kind of wanted to avoid this awkward moment at all cost.

'Despite rumors and reasons, he seems keen on having you around.'

I don't know if she meant that kindly or not. It seemed to be a cultural habit to hide your feelings behind a false smile around here.
I give her a look, explaining without words I was not in the mood to decipher her coded ones.

'I'm aware he's up to something…but I'm afraid I don't know what his plan is either, Sakura.'
I take a sharp breath, realizing this all is far from over.
'But,' she then added on a more softer tone, 'perhaps if you stayed around longer or at least long enough, you could figure what is going on in Zabuza's mind.'

I'm a little shocked at how well she knows him. Understanding her indication quite well the first time, she adds to it by being a bit more blunt.

'The truth is Sakura, that nor this village or this world can face another tragedy. We need rest, peace and steady faces to lead us further. I'd like for him to be the example of a changed man. I want more of the missing-nins of our village to get a fair chance of redemption and returning home. But if he's planning another coup d'état…'

'That's why he left the first time around, right?' I ask, letting it all sink in.
'I don't blame him. And I certainly can't say it was a small group that was disappointed by their failure.'

Her words linger on and we fall completely quiet, both lost in our own thoughts and doubts. Mei was much like Tsunade, placing a steady hand on my shoulder and asking me if I was still alright with the situation. I tell her I'm fine.

'How does this village see me?' I then ask. 'If I'm going to be a person to teach others, I need respect and—'this village is unaware of many things. I believe they mostly portrait the both of you as something very different from the truth. It is almost romantically unrealistic, really,' she snickered.

Her smirks falls and is replaced by a stoic expression. 'Good, you are here.'
The change of tone and shift in atmospher makes me aware we are no longer alone.

I gasp when I see Zabuza behind me, kneeling and bowing his head when greeting the Mizukage respectfully.

I've never seen him act like a true shinobi. I could see in his eyes that he didn't like behaving this way but had no other choice. Mei's suggestion was echoing inside of my head.

Was he planning something again?

He seemed to be all by himself and quickly stood up when she nodded at him.

'You are relieved of your duties for today,' she said with a smile. She came off as charming and kind but I could see pass her façade. Calculated, powerful and unnerving cool even when under pressure.
'That isn't necessary—'I insist,' she said, sounding almost offended by his rejection.

He swallowed and gave her a nod. He obviously refused to thank her and so stood before us in silence, waiting for me to join him home. Our eyes briefly meet before Mei starts talking again.

'Think about what I said, Sakura,' she repeated.

I don't know how to take it, so I just nod in agreement. When my eyes meet Zabuza's again, we nod in acknowledgment that is time to leave. As we bid her goodbye, she doesn't respond much to it obviously somewhere in deep thought.
Ready to leave while keeping a certain distance between us, I follow as Zabuza turns around.

She then halts us again. 'Wait.'

I find Zabuza to stay surprisingly calm towards her antics. It seemed the woman had a few tricks up her sleeve, exploiting the situation a bit further to ensure the safety of her people she so hammered on earlier to me.

'I had just told Sakura about how I know having her around guarantees you your position but also jeopardizes ours, since you perhaps could be planning to use her against me.'

My eyebrow shoot up. That last part she had never said a word of. But I suddenly understand her concerns a lot better. I look back to Zabuza but his silhouette stays unchanged.

'I have no intention of doing anything of that matter.'

'So you are still asking for her hand in marriage?' She cuttingly asked. I almost want to gasp out loud at how she blatantly she confronts him. I now saw a whole other side of her.
Mercilessly striking like a snake, never sinking her teeth in deep enough to make him bleed but enough to set the poison free in his blood.

Seeing him tense up at the suggestion, I keep gaping at the two. He has his back turned against us. When I see him tighten his fist, I can tell he is using all his willpower to no leash out to her and lose his temper.

'If Sakura wishes to leave, we should not deny her plea, Lady Mizukage.'

It was almost unnerving how cold that came out. It suddenly became clear the two weren't on the best terms with one another. Yet I could tell Mei wasn't out to just get him, she was testing him.
She knew as well as I he'd never marry me, at least not out of any form of commitment. I was a pawn in his plan to be used against her and she was baiting him.

But I think I can say that after all this time I did know him a little. He wasn't going to let himself get intimidated or manipulated by her. He possessed much more knowledge and experience compared to her in that department.

He again ignored the question that matter the most.

'You shouldn't care so much about my personal life, Lady Mizukage. I'm sure you have more pressing matters to handle,' he coolly said, finally turning his head to give her a look. His eyes then landed on mine. He gestured me to follow him, without saying another word to Mei.

I nod and bid Mei goodbye again, she simply answers with a wide smirk. I stare at her for a moment, I don't know who was planning what but they both had something up their sleeves. Again I was in the middle of something I was completely unaware of.

The little calmness and peace of the last few days evaporated and were replaced with the same draining emotions from before. As I turn around, her voice stops me once again. Zabuza is already out the door.

'Tsunade will be here by the end of the month,' she said, letting the smirk drop to take a more serious expression. 'Figure him about by then because I can't have him around if he hasn't changed his ways.'

I nod uncertainly, understanding that whatever I was going to say was going to seal Zabuza's fate. I swallow nervously at the idea while at the same time feeling torn on what to do should he confide in me.

'We'll see,' I simply answer her.

'So I'll see you Wednesday?' she then asked. Her voice wavered a bit, afraid I'd reject the idea completely now.

'Yes, of course,' I smile.

I walk behind him, having to hold a steady pass as he rushes through the crowds of people. He halts to talk to someone. A fellow shinobi. The man glances at me out of the corner of his eye.
I halt too, not wanting to get too close. I was feeling upset and the idea of angering Zabuza was the last thing on my list for today.

I see him nod before taking a glance at me. After a minute or so, he starts to guide me back to the house. He doesn't wait around for me to walk next to him. It's clear he wants the distance we have.

Just in time we get inside before it starts raining again. The walk up the stairs is in silence but the distance is getting clearly smaller. When Zabuza unlocks the door, he lets me in first.
It's isn't as cold as the beginning of the week but I feel the need to warm up. Throwing my coat to the side, I wordlessly walk to the kitchen to make some tea. Zabuza continues to ignore me, walking straight to his desk that was piled up with unfinished reports.

As I wait for the water to boil, I walk my way up to him. He gets to work, keen on ignoring my stare.

'What do you think of the Mizukage?' I simply ask.

'I think she's doing a fine job.'

The answer was straightforward and when he turned his head to look at me, I couldn't see any traces of taunting or sarcasm. He seemed to be giving his sincere opinion about her.

I've been so busy working on the next chapter, I kept postponing on posting this one. I hope you liked it, I feel like it is first chapter to have some actual romance between the two.
Next chapter is almost finished and will be up soon!

Thank you and please leave a comment/review!