Oh, look. It's another disclaimer. Okay. Obviously this isn't mine, or I wouldn't be posting it on . see, there's a reason it's called fanfiction. It's fiction written by fans. You see where I'm getting at?
Haku remained frozen in the abandoned building for some time. He remembered the feel of Kai – Her name's not Kai. It's Mizu. Sukiyari Mizu. – of Mizu's body pressed against his, at how fragile it felt, but how the shape hinted at toned muscles. "She is a talented kunoichi," he murmured. Shaking his head, he started back to where Zabuza was waiting.
Zabuza nodded as Haku came back. "Did anyone recognize you?"
"I know better than to give out my real name, Haku of the Mist."
"No. I stayed out of trouble as well."
"Good."
"Have you eaten, Zabuza-san?"
"I know how to take care of myself, Haku."
"Of course, Zabuza-san."
Zabuza eyed him critically. "You seem tired."
"Not very, Zabuza-san. I'm fine, really."
"You're weakened if you are fatigued. Go to sleep, Haku. Exhaustion is a weakness."
"Yes, Zabuza-san." Haku went to the back room where he slept, and was surprised to find Mizu sitting on his bed.
Her eyes were sparkling as she held a finger to her lips. She was in different clothing than before; now she was in dark blue tight fitting pants and top. Her feet seemed bare, but Haku noticed there was actually a strip of fabric over the soles of her feet. Her hair was twisted in a long braid that ran down her spine. There was thin black rope tied around her waist, and Haku thought it for show until he noticed a handle. It was a whip. Other than the whip, there were no other visible weapons.
She stood, beckoning him closer. He did, and he noticed the kunai in her hand just a bit too late. She had the side of it pressed against his stomach. "Did you tell Momo-kun about me?"
Haku's fingers clenched at his stupidity. He shook his head carefully.
The kunai disappeared. She fell back into a sitting position on his bed. "Good." She seemed aged, somehow, like the spirit had gone out of her. She no longer seemed like the sixteen years she had; she seemed decades, centuries older. As old as time.
She dropped her head in her hands. Haku was surprised she was putting herself in such a vulnerable position, but remembered that afternoon and thought it must have been a trap.
"You are The Angel, Mizu," she breathed. It was almost like she was quoting someone. ""The strongest ninja ever known. You will do Konohagakure proud. You are a master of disguise and trickery. You would blend perfectly into any village."
Her thin frame shuddered, and Haku realized she was crying. He went to sit next to her, and he put an arm around her shoulders. She tensed, but quickly relaxed into him.
"Ever think maybe I didn't want to be The Angel, Sarutobe?" she said, her voice thick with tears. "May be I just wanted to be a regular girl with regular friends and regular problems. Maybe even a boyfriend. And I wanted to love someone, and be able to grow old with him. I wanted to have children. A regular girl. Just a kunoichi. Not The Angel. I don't care if it's a prestigious title or any of that. I don't want it."
Haku was surprised. A regular girl? Love? Children? So the strongest ninja did have a weakness: her dreams of having a regular life. Haku stroked her hair. Children. Mizu would be the perfect mother. Strong enough to bear them and later protect them; patient enough to teach them; sweet enough to love them; talented enough to hide them lest someone tries to hurt them. "The perfect mother," Haku whispered.
Didn't think I'd post this one so soon, didja? Well, I did. Accept my apology for taking so long. Again. bows Vous connaissez je vous adore!