Note: Sorry for the long wait! Because of some urgent work I had to do I had to put this story on hold for a week, even though this chapter was practically finished. I sincerely hope you like it! Next chapter is going to be the final chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter XXVI

It was a beautiful spring day and the sun gave off a type of energy that was contagious to whomever she reached. Like electricity it lights up my body and gives me a much needed confidence boost.

I wait in the empty classroom and ponder for a moment how on earth I was going to pull this off.
My eyes go over the list of names. thirty-eight students. That was more than I had thought.

'Nervous?'

Startled by the feminine voice, I turn around only to see a striking appearance in the doorway. Mei always seemed to look stunningly fierce. As if nothing could touch her. It was something I kind of envied.

'A little,' I smile. 'But a good type of nervous, I'd like to think.'

'Yeah, well you're not dealing with a bunch of kids either. Once you are chunin, you are qualified for the classes. I didn't want anyone to waste your time.'

'Y-you have to be a chūnin?' I stutter. I hadn't thought about that at all. Of course that made a lot of sense but I just immediately thought of Haku. As far as I knew, he wasn't a chūnin.
'But Haku said he'd be attending!' I tell myself out loud. I suddenly felt myself crumble inside.

'Yuki Haku?' Mei answered, apparently knowing who I was talking about. I quirk up an eyebrow in response.

It then hit me she probably knew his name because of Zabuza.

'Yes,' I nod, suddenly feeling uncertain. I stop leaning on the desk and start fidgeting with my clothes. I don't know why but the idea of Haku being here gave me some peace of mind. It kept me confident and calm. In my mind I had created the idea that I could just pretend to be talking to him, something that was quite effortless for me to do.

'He'll attend,' she said noticing my concern.
I give her surprised look. 'He's not a chūnin yet.'
'Yes, he is,' she said without hesitation. 'I passed him personally. It would've been a real waste to make him attend those exams.'
'You can do that?' I ask her baffled by what I was hearing. Haku hadn't even mentioned it once!

'Well, once we start attending the exams with the other villages again, I'm afraid I will be no longer capable of doing that. But let's say he was the last one who was granted the status the old fashion way.' She gave me a wink and wide smirk, obviously very pleased with herself.

I simply nod while having an instantly relaxed feeling again. Smiling while feeling twice as confident now.
Maybe it is also the sudden feeling of proud filling me up when realizing how fast this boy was going. I reminded myself to no forget to tease him about it later. We should celebrate! I excitingly think to myself.

…I wonder if Zabuza knows?

'Have you found out yet?' Mei asks as if knowing I was thinking of Zabuza.
I was taken back by her bluntness. A small gasp escapes my lips and I almost want to shake my head, telling her no I had no idea what he was planning.

'I do think he has changed, lady Mizukage,' I politely tell her. I wasn't exactly lying. But I'm not being completely honest with you either. I sharp pain goes through my heart and I feel instant shame come over me.

There is a plan but… I don't know. He has let me in his life, a little by little. Wordlessly most of the time. But no, he hasn't told me a word about what he's planning on doing.

The brunette gives me a nod in acknowledgement. Getting lost in her own thoughts for a moment. Her grin fades and I see lines of worry forming on her rather flawless face.

But I assume none of that matters to you. You have so many to care for…

I understood her worry. In fact the idea of someone possible threatening this time of peace made me nervous.
And I was worried too, but not for the same reason… I didn't want him to lose what he had now. I didn't want him to run anymore. I want him to find some peace too.

A feeling erupts inside of me.

Placing my hand on my rapidly beating heart, I swallow at what this exactly means.

'Sakura,' the sternness of her voice, made my head snap up. 'I know he's changed. For a man like that, it takes a lot of him to simply ask for something.'

'To be allow back into the village?'

She smirks at my naïve conclusion, nodding before stating she wasn't exactly referring to that. She gives me a certain look to make me understand and I instantly feel embarrassed.

Aware of what she was talking about, I take a sharp breath. No matter how much he claimed it all meant nothing to him, she was right. Him wanting me to be here meant something.
And perhaps it didn't have anything to do with any scheme he was planning...

'However,' she said disrupting my positive mindset, 'That doesn't mean I can be careless. If you can't give me the clarity I need, I'm afraid I'll have to go with the advice given to me and ignore my personal ideas about him.'

I could feel my heart grow heavy at the thought. I suddenly felt torn and the pure feeling from before was ripped from my hands before I hadn't even been able to touch it.

I promised no more lying, I reminded myself. Yet my mouth stayed sealed.

'We'll see,' she eventually said. 'I just came to wish you good luck and tell you I have a surprise afterwards.'

I try to smile, intrigued by what she could be talking about. However her expression gave no indication of what it could be. Bidding me a good day and shaking my hand resolutely, she then thanks me again for making the opportunity come true.
I almost wanted to tell her that it was I who owe her thanks, that this whole thing gave my mind the peace it longed for.

Spending time here had made me feel so much better.

Getting closer to both Haku and Zabuza… made me feel like being part of them.

I suddenly felt a sharp pain go through my heart.

Why couldn't this last?

As the class enters, I shake off my conflicting emotions and greet my new students. Happily smiling at the boy in the front row with the familiar brown eyes.

I let out a tired a sigh and let myself drop in my seat. Haku was wasting time, waiting for the rest to leave. I give him a grin. His brown eyes gleam deviously while not being able to suppress a grin of his own.

When the last student leaves, he slowly comes to me. 'You are truly a wonderful teacher, Sakura.'
I smile, thanking him for the compliment while sheepishly asking if I hadn't come off as too strict or too easy. He shook his head, telling me I was close to perfection. I snicker in response but was truly flattered by the comment.

'But I'm afraid the only other true teacher I've had is Zabuza,' he then adds. 'So I have to admit you are by far more kinder then him,' he started. 'And much prettier too.'

'Haha!' I laugh wholeheartedly. This boy was becoming more charming and smarter by the day!
A flash of the little kid begging me for help comes before my eyes. Blinking, I now see a young teen standing proudly before me. You are sure going to be something when you are all grown up, Haku…

But in all honesty, I was kind of glad it was over. First lesson were by far the hardest to teach and now I could finally feel at ease. I now knew I could handle this and I was actually looking forward to the next one. Practical lessons would have to get included soon too. I still had talk Mei about that.
I quickly scribble it down on a piece of paper so I wouldn't end up forgetting.

My stomach turns into a knot at the idea of seeing her again. Would I know more by our next meeting? Or would she have made up her mind before I could voice my opinion?

Zabuza's face comes before me and I freeze on the spot, feeling completely conflicted.

'I have to go now, Sakura,' Haku announced while turning around. He gave me one of his signature kind smiles. 'See you later!'

'Hey!' I suddenly spoke up, waking up from my fearful mind state. Haku halted, giving me a blank expression while waiting at the door. I'm a bit at a loss to what to say to him. Suddenly remembering what Mei had told me earlier

'You didn't tell me you had become chūnin!'

His passive expression turned into one of embarrassment and proud.

'Oh!' He simply gives me a shy smile before mumbling a lame excuse and then claiming Zabuza was aware of his achievement.
I give him a playful glare in response. 'And you forgot to tell me!?'

'I really need to go, Sakura!' He said while walking out the door in a hurry. He promised to talk later tonight when he'd come over to help make dinner. As he was about to close the door, I tell him to keep it slightly open. I needed some fresh air.

'We better talk tonight!' I yell as I see him disappear in the hallway.

Writing down a few more notes I had thought of during class, I halt when I hear Haku's voice in the distance. I hear him talking to someone in the hall. I peek up from my desk wondering who it was. Haku was extremely polite and I suddenly hear a familiar sharp voice.
Opening the door with certain force, Tsunade walked in. Her fierce amber eyes were practically glowing.

'Sakura!'
'T-Tsunade?' I ask in surprise. No one had told me she was one her way over!

With a proud smile she greeted me before looking around in the class.
'Nice,' she muttered. 'Not exactly a small group to start with, hm?'

'No,' I laugh while getting up to greet her properly.

Without saying a word I pulled her into a tight embrace that she immediately responded to. Taking a step back and complimenting me when taking a good look at me.
'You look great! I thought you'd be a mess. I'm sorry it took so long but… from what I've heard you've kept yourself busy.'
'She asked and I had the time.' The sheepish answer doesn't go by unnoticed and she snickers while taking another glance at me.

Walking towards the desk, she sat down on it while starting to reminisce about her own teaching days. Remember it was one the more happier periods of her life. No stress or big decisions like when she had been a Hokage. Just teaching what she was good at, being a medic.
When telling me I'd see it when someone would become just as passionate as us, I tell her I already seen a few remarkable students that I'd have to keep a close eye to.

We smile, both getting reminded of our own time together. Sharing a few memories that made us laugh, we talk as if no time has passed and nothing ever had stood between us.

Ironic how I once thought I had lost you. Just thinking it made it hard on me to look her in the eye.
Noticing my pained expression, she softened hers and suddenly reminded me everything was alright. That she was genuinely happy to see me.

Ah, sometimes our personalities would clash but we'd always pulled through.

I give her a grateful smile.

'So,' she then said when we fell silent. 'Ready to go home?'

I bite my lip while getting overwhelmed by feeling of doubt. This had been the moment I had been waiting for. But ever since the start of this project… I had forgotten so much. The need to get out of here and how I had ended up being here in the first place. It had all just kind of… faded away.

'Well,' I start. 'I just started my first day on this new project.'

Tsunade gives me an odd look before shrugging. 'You could let someone else teach, you don't have to do it personally. You've made the study ready to be taught.'

'But I put so much hard work in it, the fun part starts now,' I answer, feeling like a child that wasn't getting its way. I had looked forward to this, I had enjoyed myself so much this afternoon!

Hearing myself speak, I let out a long sigh. I had managed to run from this for a while but now I'd have to face it.

Did I still want to leave?

'I figured this was a bit more complex than assumed,' Tsunade laughed at my confused expression. 'I assume Mei did her part too.'

'Was this also a part of the deal?' I ask, hating the idea of the answer being yes.

Thankfully Tsunade shook her head but admitted she had expected something of a twist. It was unnaturally kindhearted of Kirigakure of going along with the idea of me staying here without getting something in return.

'They do need my help,' I add, trying to defend Mei a little.
'I'm sure they do,' she nods. 'Konoha could need you too right now.'

A pang of guilt goes through my heart and shuts me down completely. Letting myself fall against the desk behind me, I sit next to her while I try to think of a good argument.

I can't possible debate that this was some sort of therapy for me. Konohagakure would never accept that.

'Do I have to leave?' I ask with a small voice.
'No, not necessarily.' Another shrug is added and I'm starting to wonder where she is going with this.

Giving me a grin when I give her an odd look at her aversive answers.

'Let's go for a walk,' She suggests.
'I've been here all day, I could use some fresh air,' I reply with a smile.

Nodding at our agreement, she then tells me she's hungry and could use a drink too.
I let out a sigh and get up with her. I end up asking her just what she had been up to for the past few weeks and how come it had took so long for her to get here.
Her beautiful face turns sour at the mention of it. Muttering something along the lines of certain men not being able to hold their liquor, that a drunk bet was never a good idea and that I needed to treat her to dinner since she was practically broke now.

'It's nice here.' Tsunade takes in the green rooftops and I hear her loudly inhale the scent of freshness surrendering us. I agree, saying at first this place didn't look too good.
'But ever since spring, I find it more beautiful every day,' I tell her with a wide smile.

'So how are you, Sakura?'

The question wasn't to be answered with a short good. Her amber eyes bore into mine. Though the bistro is still rowdy, my ears feel like they've been deafened and I find it hard to keep my composure for a moment. I wasn't quite sure what to tell her.

I had been so caught up in my past, I hadn't actually been able to catch up with the present time just yet and dare to simply face my emotions.

I promised myself no more lies or secrets.

'I've been good. Really good,' I tell her in one breath. 'But I had rough time.'

'I know but I felt you needed space… or have different people surrounding you.' Giving me a mysterious look before continuing. 'I always found his request odd. I know Mei has probably told you now of her suspicion of him but in all honesty,' she took sip from her drink. 'I could never place it in his personality.'

Him being Zabuza of course. It feels strange to talk about him with her but at the same time I was glad I was able to do so. The memory of the aching loneliness all too clear in my mind and I didn't want to go back to that time at all.

'He…' Has been good? Nice?

He is affectionate when no is looking. And I times I feel like I can reach him but… we are not in some sort of love relation. We are just… together at times.

'He has been good to me,' I finally say. I see her lips curl up at the answer. Again taking a sip before speaking up. I could sense something was on her mind.

'Sakura, I don't know what his plans are. But I don't think you are a part of it. He isn't the type to engage in anyone. He doesn't care for anyone but himself.'

I shift in my seat uncomfortable.

'But I do find it odd he asked you to come here. Do you think he… has developed some type of feeling towards you?'

Holding my glass in my hands, I let it sink in. Staring at the clear water, wishing my mind could be in the same state.

'Just what exactly is your relationship?'

'It's… quite physical,' I answer with a blush.
'Yes, I figured that out when I my ears caught the rumor of you sneaking off to his room in our very own village for everyone to see.'
Feeling myself redden by the thought of people knowing I couldn't help but ask her just who knew about this. "A few" wasn't exactly a pleasing answer.

'None of that matters. Life goes on,' she shrugs.

'Where are you going with this?' I finally ask her.

Staying quiet in thought for a moment while staring into her own glass. Making up her mind, she grabbed it and drank it down in one take.

'I had two scenarios in my head,' she muttered. 'Either nothing would've changed and you'd still be a mess. Or you'd be yourself again, perhaps happier…'

'He isn't the reason…' 'But he is the reason you are here.'

'Where are you going with this again?' I repeat with a sigh while feeling a bit annoyed.

'How do you feel about him?' She then asked, ignoring my aggravated expression. 'Do you think you can stay here? With what you have?'

I suddenly understood the looks she had been giving me weren't meant to be mocking or mean. She wanted to be sure. She was here for me and not in the name of Konoha or any other function she had served the world. Feeling slightly guilty before becoming overwhelmed with loving warmth, our bond was stronger than ever before. I give her a grateful look before thinking of answers.

'He'll never say the things I long to hear,' I mutter. 'It's ridiculous. We'd be embarrassing ourselves with this. We have already and for so long!'

'Exactly,' she sharply said. 'I'm here as your friend, Sakura. I'm not going to drag you out of here, so you can be miserable again but I'm also not walking away without the certainty that you won't be that here one day too.'
'I don't have certainty with Zabuza,' I explain. 'He's too conflicted with himself.'
'And precisely for that reason I gave you some extra time to figure that out.'

I fall silent and think about it for a moment. Realizing that without knowing his plan and revealing his true intentions, I was none the wiser about how my life here was going to be.

There would be no future here.

We hadn't spoken since last night and he had made it clear to Haku that he thought I wanted to leave.
And I had thought that too for the longest time but now I wasn't so sure anymore.

'Give me one more night,' I tell her. I bite my lip while wondering if it would make any difference.

Nodding her head in agreement, she complies to the plea. When seeing the insecurity rise inside of me, she gives me a small reinsuring smile. I give her a look of a appreciation.

We fall completely silent. Thankfully dinner is served and we can eat instead of talking. Ordering a light salad with the idea of eating later with Haku and Zabuza, Tsunade goes all out.
I've forgotten how much of a good eater she was. I receive a few odd looks while gently nudging her foot to make her aware of how she was looking as a former Hokage and a visitor.

Lifting up her eyebrow, she gives me a annoyed look. 'What?' she asked with a full mouth.
'Nothing,' I sigh not being able to conceal a smile.

The whole scenario took the pressure off and I felt we could tackle some light-hearted fun topics now.

'How is home?' I ask.

'Great, I suppose,' she shrugs. 'With finally being able to travel again I haven't been around much. But I have faith in Kakashi.'

We talk a bit more. Apparently Naruto had become his usual self again at one point and suddenly wanted to travel after us and stop me from getting here. Agreeing on what a knucklehead Naruto was, Tsunade explained there was still a lot he wasn't aware of.

I assumed she was talking about the exact details surrounding Zabuza.

I suddenly missed him and though I longed to see him, my body did not respond to the idea.

'If…' If what? There is no if. I dismiss the negative thoughts, trying to focus on the future. 'If I don't stay here… Do you want to go travelling together?'

She smiled at the suggestion before it fell and she gave me a tired look in response. 'Yeah, well…' She let out a sigh. 'I'm kind of tired, really. I think I'm going home after this.'

'Oh.'

I suddenly was feeling a little disappointed. A perhaps a bit foolish too.

'You don't have to go, you know. You can finish your work here first,' she reminded me while trying to make me feel better. 'No one can stop you. Kakashi has pardoned the cases running and any accusations made against you. And technically speaking you didn't have much of a job to begin with.'

'Yeah…' Getting reminded of the tiring journey I had left behind me while realizing how bright this place was to me. When looking at Tsunade, I realize she saw that too. Back in Konoha I'd become a socialite again. Not a real doctor.

There is a moment of silence before her amber eyes meet mine. Her eyebrows frowning when seeing my green ones.
'Does he have to say it?' She then asks on a more serious tone.

Does Zabuza have to say I have to stay?

'

Not really,' I say aloud. 'But I don't want to look over my shoulder my entire life. I want to be free.'

Of doubt. Hurt. Insecurities. And no matter what this place offers me, if the people that I'm living with are going to infect my mind… I have no medication to fight it.

'It's complex.' Another deep sigh leaves my mouth.

Tsunade nods her head in agreement as if she had some experience in these type of relationships.
I make mental note she has indeed loved men and lost them too. Tragically.

You probably feel lonely… just like me.

I see her lose herself in thought and staring at her drink and start to feel extremely guilty for always being so stuck in my own head and never considering her feelings. She too had suffered.

'Tsunade,' I quietly start while trying to think of the right words to say.

Her amber eyes look straight into mine, having a certain fierceness in them that made me believe that she needed to know something from me. Now.

'So when you say physical… do you mean like rabbits or…?' 'Tsunade!' I yell with red face. I look around to see if anyone had heard.
'Are you drunk already?' I hiss.
'No,' she plainly answered, though she signaled a waiter for another drink. 'Just curious.'

'We just have… good chemistry,' I politely word while feeling my blush deepen.

Her amber eyes give me an amused look. She enjoyed embarrassing others far too much. I shake my head at her, realizing she had just said it to rile me up.

'Sakura,' she then started on a serious tone. Grabbing my hand she gave it a light squeeze. 'Men like him were never taught to be vocal… they were not allowed to think unless it was of a battle strategy. But their emotions eventually catches up with them, no matter how hard they train.'
I stay silent, listening intently while slightly gaping at her wisdom.
'And one day, you fall out of fuel and the anger that once drove you disappears. And only then there is room for other emotions.'

I take a sharp breath at hearing that. I knew how that felt but only since recently. Her words gave me a sort of epiphany, understanding it all much more than before.

'He can only express himself a certain way…'

Physically…

'He's selfish…' she acknowledges before adding a twist. 'But a different type of selfish… He just wants you for the sake of having you.'

I get reminded of one our many nights together.

Knowing where she is going with this, I take a huge sip of my drink while shaking my head at her ideas.

'I'm a pawn in his plan… I can be played out well against the Mizukage.'
'Plans and schemes are what make him who he is,' she answered shrugging while dismissing that was the true reason. 'He probably thought of it as he was going along.'

She hit the nail on the head. I swallow at the idea swirling in my head suddenly.

'You think he is… in love with me?' I ask struggling to put him and that word in one sentence.

'I don't think he knows,' she snickered. 'But yeah.'

'A different type of selfish?' I tell her disbelievingly. I wanted to argue her, telling her she was wrong. Get rid of the doubt inside of me with a few good points. But I felt as if I was out of ammunition.

Or maybe my mind doesn't want to pick up any weapon to fight the idea.

'He had no good reason to bring you here other than to have you around him. Just you.'

Just you.

It echoed loudly in my head.

'You also have that boy in common… You both are fond of him which makes you undeniable connected.'

My heart flutters while my mind slowly went wild from all the realizations hitting me.

I open the drawer with a certain harshness. I was feeling angry for some reason. I didn't want to do this but I didn't know how else to draw him out. Chewing on the inside of my cheek, I hold on to the few pieces of clothes I had grabbed.

When I hear the door open, I get startled and to my surprise it is the very man I had been thinking of.

'Zabuza,' I quietly greet him.

He gives me an angry look before throwing his things aside while neatly placing his sword on to the wall. Without a word, he walks to the kitchen. He does what I usually do when he gets home, boiling water to make some tea.

'How was your day?' His voice is cool. He standing with his back to me so I can't see his expression.
He doesn't sound angry.

This entire day has been about you. First Mei, then Tsunade. The teaching part was easy and passed by quickly.

'It went really well.' My voice sounds almost a little hollow. I place the clothes on the commode, feeling kind of foolish to make him feel bad in order to make him… be someone who he wasn't.
Slowly walking to him while my mind was going slightly mad with ideas and thoughts.

'Have you seen Haku yet?' I tried to use a light tone but the waver in my voice betrayed me.
'He's studying…'

Not really know what to say, I don't say anything in respond. Suddenly Haku being a chūnin seemed like such an insignificant detail. Tsunade's arrival was a brutal awakening.

Uncomfortably I stand behind him, noticing he doesn't turn around when he glances at me out of the corner of his eye.

'You're going?' he asked. It was short and rough. Sounding slightly angry this time.

'I don't know,' I simply answer.

That was true, it was genuine answer.

'It's a simple question,' he said while turning around. His brown eyes bore into mine and I look down at my hands fidgeting with my sleeve in response.

'I thought you wanted to go.'

'D-do… you want me to go?'

He shrugs, coldly stating he doesn't care. 'It doesn't matter what I think.'
'It does to me,' I sharply tell him. That seems to stir something up inside of him but he doesn't show me what it exactly is doing to him. I can practically see him pull up his usual mask of coldness.

'Don't,' I immediately say. Giving me a confused expression in return, I take a step towards him. Leaning against the cabinets as he stands next to me doing the same. 'Don't do that.'
Pointing at his face probably did not make much sense at first but he seemed to understand when I gave him a pleading look.

'I can't lie anymore, Zabuza,' I tell him. 'I promised I'd stop.'

He stays silent, not making any taunting remarks about my good intentions. I can see something brooding in his eyes. I can see the conflicts going on inside his head.

'I can't tell them you don't have a plan when I know you do.'

Final chance, Zabuza.

When parting with Tsunade I realized I couldn't stay here and play pretend either. After all, she had said emotions eventually catch up and it would only be a matter of time before I'd find myself guilty of something again.

Deep inside, I knew I just had to walk away. It was simplest and easiest solution.

'There is no plan,' he coldly states.

His hand reaches out to touch my arm and comes to stand before me. Grabbing my chin, he guides his to his mouth. When we kiss, I get remembered clearly of what I was holding onto. Its intense, almost passionate. But mostly possessive.

Slamming his fist into cabinet next to my head, I jump before getting hold into place by him. Shaking his head while nuzzling his nose into my neck, I hear him inhale sharply. His mouth is warm and intoxicating. He gives me a few light kisses before he moves down. His mouth goes over my collarbone before halting at the middle of my chest. After a second of wavering, he goes further down. His fingers unbutton my shirt. Slowly placing himself on his knees as his mouth goes lower and his hands tighten their grip on my hips. I then look down at him.

My mouth parts at the sight in awe. It's almost lovable. The look in his eyes is something between lust and pleading.

'Stay, Sakura,' he whispers. I didn't know if he was just saying what I wanted to hear.

His brown eyes disappear when his eyes fall shut and presses his mouth against me. I feel his one hand leave to push up my skirt.

I halt him. Not letting it, lust, cloud my mind. Though my body disagrees at first, I can finally win it over but I have to use all of my willpower to do so.

'I need more than that, Zabuza.'

I hear him mutter something that was muffled because he kept his mouth too closely to my thigh. I feel his head toss and turn when my hands go through his brown hair.

'Please.'

It was hardly audible.

Struck by how he was playing this role of almost an desperate man, I slowly go to his eye-level. Crouching before him, I give him a long look. I still didn't know what this meant to him. I didn't want to wonder much longer either. I needed to know now.

'I'm going to need more than a plea.'

His hand snake around my neck and I do the same, holding on to him. I still can't tell if he's being honest with me after all this time. Or maybe I'm just too suspicious and disbelieving towards the idea he could be.

'What if you need to be alone?'

This wasn't about what he had told me. I obviously wasn't his teammate or his superior.
But he and Haku was all I had here. I knew I could always count on Haku. But him… What if I started to annoy him after a while?

His mouth tasted mine. Eyes locked on mine. I lose myself for a second before pulling back.
'If you go… I fear I'll fall into my old ways again,' he confessed.
My eyes widen but before I could respond his mouth silenced me, as if silencing me took back the words he had spilled. I could tell he couldn't bear the idea of himself baring his deepest thoughts to me.

This physical thing was his best strategy to keep me away from him. It was personal but not enough to surpass his mental barrier.

I let my hands glide through his hair. Feeling his hands snake around my body. I feel myself getting slowly lifted me off of the floor before being pushed against the small cabinets. Locking me between himself and the wood, he steadily keeps me in place. Fluttering my eyes open, I see how his stay close.
I instantly shut mine and decide to enjoy the kiss for as long as it lasts. Who knew what could happen next.

His hands go over my body before he slowly puts me down and ending the long kiss.

'There is no plan,' he repeated.
'I heard you talk,' I remind him. 'You and Haku.'
'Don't you have plans?' he sharply replies.

Stunned by the answer, I let it sink in. He… has a plan for himself?

'You mean like… in the future?' I ask in disbelief.

He didn't respond and his expression stayed cool, yet the frown appearing on his face explained to me it was a bit more complex. He looked uncomfortable by telling me this. Suddenly understanding how far we've come, I smile at him. Sending me a glare at the reaction I was giving him, I place my hand on his cheek.

He doesn't have to tell me more.

'I trust you.'

His hard expression faded and he mirrored my movement for a second before going through my hair with his hand and staring at the short strands slipping pass his fingers.
Giving me a nod of approval he then lets out a sigh, as if something heavy had been lifted off his shoulders too.

I had said something he had longed to hear from me. The confession asked a lot of him, after all he was a man trained to keep secrets and only dismantle them from others.
I couldn't ask him to be someone other than himself. I knew who he was and what he had done.

It took me a little too long to realize that I scared him as much as he scared me at times. I evoked things inside of him… no textbook had ever taught him. My heart swells at the idea. And I confess my head slightly too. I had longed to be this person to someone and now I finally was.

He just hadn't been what I had always imagined.

'Zabuza!'

We both get startled by the sudden eruption. Whoever it was, was banging on the door loudly. Clearly angry or upset.

Letting out a sigh, Zabuza lets go of me and gives me a shrug in respond to the sudden ruckus.

'Zabuza!'

Not hurrying, he slowly walked to the door. I quirked up an eyebrow and slowly followed behind him while adjusting my clothes again.

'Calm down,' he yelled back annoyed.

Opening the door with a certain force, Zabuza snarled what he wanted. Apparently he knew who it was. And so did I once I saw him. It was the man from... that very afternoon that sill haunted me today. I had felt so stupid afterwards.
I suddenly realize I had caught him talking to Zabuza several times now. He always seemed to be wearing a nasty grin or a glare on his face.

'What the hell do you think you are doing?' he hissed while giving me a furious look as well.

Surprised, I just give him a startled look before looking at Zabuza. His face had become somewhat unreadable. He seemed to be nervous. Glancing back and forth between the two of use.
'I heard she's leaving!' he yelled. 'Are you going to let her go? Did you forget about our plan?'

Zabuza stays quiet before snapping at the man and telling him to be quiet. 'Do you want everyone to hear?'

Without permission he enters the house and closes the door behind him. Standing intimidatingly before Zabuza, he repeats the last question. 'She not going anywhere,' Zabuza hisses.

Confusion grew inside of me and I didn't want to believe what was being indicated right now without seeing Zabuza's expression first.
I needed to see him. I needed to see his eyes and perhaps even hear him say it. Had I just let myself get caught in some sort of illusion?

Tsunade had told you to not romanticize him! I angrily reminded myself while fighting back the tears of disappointment. Mostly at myself, I was behaving so utterly weak again.

'Did you grow weak, Zabuza?' the man asked, unknowingly taunting me too.
'Shut it,' the short angry answers had little to no affect on the evenly tall man who kept his cold eyes on Zabuza's.

Abruptly changing his attention from Zabuza to me, he sends me a glare. Suddenly he walks over to me. Startled and intimidated by his persona and appearance, I take a few steps back. My eyes anxiously go from his to Zabuza's who remained unresponsive to my fearful expression.

'Have you been using your magic on his head too? I mean I've noticed how distracted he can be by you can be but… have you actually gotten inside of his head?' His voice was vicious as if an unsatisfying answer could only lead to a fatal destiny.
'I-I don't know what you are talking about!' I shout in defiance having no choice but to halt when my back meets the kitchen cabinets again.

Not stopping until he was as close to me as he had been to Zabuza. I feel his breath on my face.
For some reason I'm shaking uncontrollable but I try to keep my look defiant. Out of nowhere, he takes me by my neck and grabs hold of me. Before I know it, I have a kunai pressed against my cheek and my one hand is behind my back. Zabuza's perfect mask crumbles for a second and I see a flicker of concern in his eyes.

'You said you had the key, the right pawn to execute our plan perfectly. That it wouldn't be like last time!' the man started again. 'I'm tired of living in disgrace!'
'Give it some time—'you're on that wench her side aren't you, Zabuza?' he yells. 'You think that woman is going to help us!'
Zabuza let out a sigh while slowly making his way towards us. With my free hand I grab hold of his, trying to get the kunai as far as away from me as I could but it was as if the man was made of iron. He didn't budge.
'The Mizukage isn't like last time… She actually has some good ideas—'I'm not taking orders from a woman!'

'I told you the plan was off!' Zabuza yelled back, clearly becoming aggravated with the man.

Too many thoughts were going through my brain to process everything properly, so I desperately tried to get lose and away from the man.

'Grown weak, Zabuza?' He started again, clearly taunting Zabuza effectively. I see Zabuaz's inner conflicts resurface.

Looking at the man, I see his tongue come out as if he was something inhumane. I could catch a glimpse of the swordsmen's signature sharp teeth.

Suddenly he pushes me to Zabuza and throws him the kunai.

'I'm not taking orders from a weakened fool either. Show me. Show me you haven't grown weak.'

Zabuza stared at the kunai before taking a look at me. I wasn't quite sure if I should back away or not. His cool brown eyes gave no indication but his body visible relaxed at being in control again. Ignoring me, he focused instead on the man again.

'I said I had a plan of my own and I wouldn't be needing you nor her.' Emphasizing how much I disinterested him by shaking his head coldly to me when saying "her".
The man laughed before expressing his disbelieve while seemingly also demanding for them to continue.

'I don't take orders from you, you take them from me!' Zabuza hissed, holding out the kunai to the man.
The man's expression went from angry to furious, 'You've grown weak!' he spat again. In a flash he launched himself towards me and as I want to scream in response the tall figure of Zabuza comes to stand before me. It was all happening so fast.

The man instantly calms down and for a moment I think the worse is over. It takes me a second to realize that it is shock that is on his face. His eyes widen when looking at Zabuza and slowly he looks down to his hand. I follow his gaze and suddenly see the metal sticking out Zabuza's stomach. I let out a distraught scream when seeing the blood stream out of the wound.
Letting go of the kunai that was fully inside of the man before him, he muttered he hadn't expected that reaction. 'I was just going… to scare her—you a little,' he mumbled in disbelief to Zabuza.

Zabuza doesn't respond and when I see him stagger I rush to his side and try to hold on to him. His face is mix of surprise and confusion. Stumbling down onto the floor, I hold on to the wound. Accusingly look up at the man who was still in some state of shock.

'You've grown weak,' he finally said.

'Get out!' I scream.
Stunned by my outburst, he looks at me. 'I didn't mean for him to get hurt, he jumped before you!' he angrily responded. Seeing the blood seep out of the wound, his tone changed drastically. 'Can you handle this?'
'Go get help, you idiot!' I yell at him. 'Or do you want to spend the rest of your lives behind bars for murder!?'

Though visible annoyed by my reaction, he nods before running out of the room.

I wasn't too sure if he was actually going to go out to get help. He could just be thinking ahead and be planning an escape.

'Zabuza,' I quietly start. 'Stay awake!'
His complexion is already pale and his eyes become a little unresponsive. Grabbing a towel to stop the bleeding, I start to scream for help. Haku should hear us.

'Zabuza?' I repeat, this time more firmly.

His brown eyes find mine and his gives me a smirk.

'I wasn't… the plan—'none of that matters,' I answer dismissively while trying to do the best that I can.
'I'm not going anywhere,' I tell him.
His smirks widen and his hand reaches out to touch my cheek. I affectionally respond to it, hoping this wouldn't be the last time. His brown eyes hold emotions I hadn't ever caught before.

'I was jealous.'
'Of what?' I lightly ask, trying to keep the conversation going to keep him conscious.
'I was jealous of Haku because I just wanted you to… care for me too. I wanted you to want me…'
He hisses in pain and for a moment all I see his pained expression before he can continue with his confession.
'I do now. I care about you,' I reuinsuringly tell him. I care more about you than you think.
'I just wanted you to want me for no reason… because lets face it, there is no good reason to want me.' He gives me another smirk before lowering his hand onto the ground, falling out of energy and strength. I widen my eyes while understanding how deep my own emotions went for him.

'I'm bleeding all over you again,' he snickers when noticing the red stains on my blouse. I shake my head, not caring about such details. This wasn't like the first time. Not at all.
'You've succeeded,' I tell him in a whisper, placing my forehead on his. 'I want you without any good explanation.'
'Thank you, Sakura…'

I shake my head in disbelieve at what is happening.

'Don't leave me, Zabuza.'

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