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“You know that me having Zabuza kidnap you was only a little joke, right? You're free to leave whenever you want to. You are free to stay, of course, but that's only if you actually want to.” It had only been a few days since you were first kidnapped and brought here, but already you had heard Haku say those words more times than you could count.

“I know, you've told me. I think you've told me a couple times, actually.” Honestly intrigued by the way rogue ninja lived, you weren't sure if you were ready to go back to monotonous village ninja life. This was something new, and different for you. You knew you couldn't live this way forever, but at the moment, you were absolutely loving the change of pace. “You know, if I didn't know better, I might think that you actually wanted me to leave.”

“No, it's not that. I assure you.” Smiling in a gentle, friendly way, Haku placed his hand on your shoulder and reassured you. “I'm just worried that your village might come looking for you. If he felt for any reason that it was necessary, Zabuza wouldn't hesitate to run them through. I don't want you, or your friends to be hurt.” As his thin brows furrowed together, a deep frown formed where his smile had once been. “Also, if you don't go back soon, they might think of you as a traitor.”

“I don't think either of those things are going to be a problem.” Not at all worried, even though Haku did have several valid points, you shrugged. “I cam with you willingly, so there's really no reason for them to come looking for me. And when I do go back, I can just tell them the truth. Problems solved.”

Not one to argue, Haku simply nodded. “If you're sure. But remember, I did warn you.” Though he was still concerned for your well being, he brushed the subject aside and forced his thoughts elsewhere. “Since you're still here, why don't you help me with something?”

“Sure, I'd love to.” Excited to be getting a taste of how he lived on a day to day basis, you agreed without giving it any thought at all. “If I'm here, I might as well be useful.”

Glad you'd accepted his offer, Haku nodded gently. “Give me just a minute to get everything ready.” Leaving you alone for no more than a couple of minutes, Haku returned to the small, empty room with two small, delicate looking hand baskets. As soon as he was close enough, he handed you one. “Here, you're going to need one of these.”

“Thank you.” Now prepared, the two of you left the dreary, dank hideout and journeyed to an open, grassy field. The fresh air and warmth of the sun instantly made you feel alive. It had been raining non-stop since the moment you'd arrived, so you were completely thrilled to see the sun again. Following close behind Haku, you let out a happy sort of sigh. “You know, I never thought I'd actually miss the sun. I guess people tend to take things like that for granted until they're not there anymore.”

“You're probably right.” Traveling just a little further, the two of you entered a spot where several large trees canopied over head. Resting in the shade of these trees, was a field, full of bright, white flowers. “This looks like a good spot.”

Though you could have probably guessed what you were going to be doing, you decided it best to ask. “A good spot for what?”

Realizing he had yet to tell you what you were doing here, Haku smiled sheepishly. “We'll be gathering some herbs today. Since we seldom have the luxury of going out and buying medicines, it's important that we keep our stocks full of usable herbs.” Kneeling down in the still damp grass, he carefully began picking the herbs. “Make sure you get the roots too, if possible. They can be used in medicines as well.”

“Got it. I actually paid pretty good attention in this subject back when I was in the academy, so this should be easy.” Relieved that you would be doing something simple, you knelt down close by and quickly glanced over the flowers. “Before I start, there aren't any poisonous look-a-likes or anything like that, right?”

“Nope.” Already busy with his task, he gently shook his head. “Everything you see here is safe to pick.”

“Good, then this will be a cake walk.” Once you started working, all talking ceased. You knew Haku was probably used to doing this sort of thing alone, so you couldn't blame him for being so quiet. Unfortunately, even with that knowledge, you couldn't help yourself from getting bored. You tried to keep yourself focused, and you did manage to last longer than you'd expected, but eventually, you gave in. With your basket less than half full, you stropped picking and began to weave the flowers together, forming a sort of floral crown.

Far too focused on what he was doing, Haku didn't notice anything until you placed the crown on his head. “What are you doing?” Blinking in confusion, he slowly reached up and touched the floral crown. As soon as he realized what it was that you'd placed on his head, he chuckled. “I haven't made, or worn one of these in a very long time. I'm not even sure if I remember how to make them anymore.”

“Don't worry, I'm sure you'll remember if you try.” Not wanting to neglect your work altogether, you quickly began to fill your basket. “It's like riding a bicycle, once you know how to do it, you'll never forget completely.”

“I'm not sure about that, but it's worth a try.” Though a little reluctantly, he began working the flowers with his thin, nimble fingers. At first, the bands he attempted to create become unwoven with the slightest movement. However, it took Haku less than five minutes to remember the art. Pleased that he'd been able to remember, the corners of his mouth slowly lifted. “I suppose I do remember after all.”

“See, I knew you'd get it.” Surprised by how quickly he'd formed his chain, you couldn't help but feel a little bit jealous. “You really are a fast learner, aren't you?” Warmed by the happy look on Haku's face over something so small, you giggled. “And I thought I was good.”

“You are. I'm sure what you made will last much longer than what I make.” Already finished with his weaving, Haku gently brushed back your hair and placed the band on your head. “There, now we match.” The simple, innocent action caused both of you to blush. It reminded you of something you might see on a playground or schoolyard. Both of you were happy though, so it really didn't matter to either of you how silly you looked.

“There you are.” The sound of Zabuza's voice quickly changed the atmosphere. The playful feeling was gone, making everything feel stiff and uncomfortable. “Haku, you've wasted enough of your time with her. It's time for her to return home.” Though Zabuza's tone had been commanding, there was a softness to it. The only time you heard that underlying softness was when he was talking to Haku. “The rain will start soon. She should go now.”

There was a sadness in Haku's eyes, but he didn't argue. “You're right.” He nodded. “I'll see her part of the way there.” Silently standing to his feet, Haku helped you up and began to lead you away from Zabuza. As you walked, neither of you said anything. Both of you were disappointed at Zabuza's orders, but they were understandable. “This is where we part ways.” Feigning a smile, Haku turned to you and pressed his palm to your cheek. “You look sad.

“I am.” You sighed. “I guess I'm just not ready to go back yet.” Furrowing your brows, you looked down at the ground to avoid Haku's kind gaze. “It probably sounds weird, but I was having fun being with you. Even Zabuza's not so bad, most of the time.”

Smiling with his eyes, Haku lowered his hand from your cheek and pulled you into a warm hug. “I'll tell him you said that. Maybe he'll let you come back.” Returning his hug, you agreed with a silent nod. It was amazing how attached you'd gotten to him in so little time. Though neither of you were ready to part ways, Haku knew he had to bring the hug to an end. “I should go. I don't want to get caught in the rain.”

“O-oh, you're right.” Blushing slightly, you released him from your hug and took a single step back. “I don't want you to get sick because of me.”

“Don't frown.” With a warm, friendly expression, he gave your head a gentle rub, being careful not to disturb the floral band you still wore. “I'm sure we'll see each other again soon. Until next time, my friend.” All too aware of the fact that he had to leave now if he was going to leave at all, Haku turned around and as he walked, waved back to you. For reasons you couldn't put your finger on, you desperately wanted to follow him. Knowing you couldn't, you stood, unmoving, watching his silhouette get smaller and smaller until your eyes could no longer detect his movement.

Letting out a long, heartfelt sigh, you finally turned away and continued towards home. “Until next time.”