Author's Note: Sorry it's been so long! I tried to make this chapter extra-special to make up for it.

Be nice and review? =)

Spring
by
Taka Momos

"Thought you could get away with ripping us off? You should know better than that!"

"I didn't rip you o-AHH!", his was body slammed hard into the wall once again by the thug. He was grabbed by the shoulder and violently spun around so that he was facing his assailant, then shoved back into the wall once again, the pain from where the pipe connected amplifying as the back of his head hit the wall.

"We told you, get us the drugs or you die. You didn't get us the drugs. When it came time to die, you ran. That's ripping us off." Haku felt sick as he stared at the thugs toothy (granted, missing a few) grin.

"That's not fair!" The grin didn't even waver. "Life's not fair, kid."

That was when the filthy hand grabbed him by the face and began smashing his head into the wall. Blow after blow rippled through his body until his vision finally began to darken, his consciousness flickering in and out as the beating continued. A mangled cry escaped his throat, the last ounce of strength he had to resist leaving with it. With a final slam, his body was released and he slowly sunk to the ground, his back sliding against the grungy wall. That was when the rest of the gang joined in, kicking and beating him with whatever they had in their hands.

A voice calling his name in the distance pulled him into darkness. He could feel his body being shaken – he opened his eyes to the dark room, only a small light casting over the worried face looking down at him.

"Kid?" Haku sat up, rubbing his eyes. His body was still trembling from the dream, a cold sweat making his clothes feel clammy. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself. The eyes stayed set on him. He gave a weak smile.

"I'm alright... just a bad dream." Suddenly, his heart fluttered as a hand reached up and gently rubbed his cheek. He leaned into the gentle touch, sighing softly. The hand dropped down to his shoulders, and pulled him down. He leaned into the hard chest, pressing his forehead where he could feel the heart beating. The hand began gently rubbing the base of his neck, bringing soft mewls of pleasure from his throat. His mind quickly turned to mush beneath the massaging fingers – his body relaxed completely, sleep sweeping over him.

But, in the fading moments of consciousness, Haku was sure of what he felt – soft lips pressing against the crown of his head, warm breath sending heated puffs across his scalp.

The sensations sent him over the edge, into a comfortable sleep.

LINE

The whine of the door hinges dragged him back to consciousness, though he stayed still to feign sleep. Footsteps came closer, and the chest he was pressed to shook, someone shaking the man's shoulder to wake him.

"What?" he grunted harshly, sending shivers down Haku's spine as the throaty growl vibrated the hard chest.

"Just checking on you. Usually you're out there getting ready for the raid." Kisame kept his voice quiet, concern coloring the voice Haku remembered as carefree. A hand came up to gently run through Haku's hair, before the chest turned slightly, Zabuza looking at Kisame over his shoulder.

"Kid had a bad night. I was up every few hours trying to calm him down. I only had to wake him up once, but still... neither of us slept well. Just... go make sure my bike's checked out, and my gun's clean and loaded. I'll be up in a few hours." Haku couldn't tell, but Kisame probably nodded – silence hung in the air momentarily.

"Anything I can do? You know, for him?" The hand cradled the back of Haku's head, leaning it into the hard chest – a chin gently came to rest on the crown of his head. Zabuza was quiet, before taking a deep breath and letting out a deep, tired sigh.

"Just help me with him, Kisame. Because I don't have a fucking clue what I'm doing." Zabuza's voice lacked the confidence and strength Haku associated with him – it was tired, strained... nervous. Fingers began running through his hair; back and forth, massaging the back of his head. After a moment, the door closed, and darkness flooded the room. Haku unconsciously pressed into Zabuza's chest as the thumb suddenly strayed over a spot that sent a wave of pleasure down his spine. His breathing quickened as the thumb began to attack the sensitive spot, then suddenly pulling away slightly to ghost light touched over it in a cruel tease. His head foggy in pleasure, Haku groaned – a silent demand for more. The hand suddenly pulled away.

Haku looked up, eyes cloudy from sleep and the sensations of pleasure from the fingers' treatment, to meet Zabuza's analyzing gaze – as if he'd just encountered some alien creature. Haku smiled gently, before burying his head into the chest one again.

"Don't stop. Feels good." he muttered. The hand hovered slightly, before gently dragging the fingers down his neck, drawing random patterns along his shoulders.

"I'm going out later." The meaning of the words were almost lost to Haku as the vibrations in the chest sent a current of pleasure through him.

"Where?"

"Just another gang's hideout in the city. They have some things we want."

"Can I come?"

"No." The finality of the tone was like a punch to Haku's gut. Zabuza seemed to realize the impact, and added, "I don't want you getting hurt. You need to rest today." The hand found a spot on Haku's neck that had any thoughts of disagreement forgotten. He was puddy; heat waves rushing through him, nerves exploding. Then, suddenly, it was gone. The body next to him shifted, sitting up.

"I need a shower." The word almost seemed foreign to him – it had been so long since he'd been somewhere he could actually clean himself. He began to ask if he could take one as well, but lost the words when he noticed the well-muscled back flexing as the man stretched – rubbing his shoulders, muscles rippling. Heat spread across his cheeks when Zabuza looked back and caught him staring.

"C-can I come?" Zabuza watched him carefully, then finally grunted in affirmation before walking out of the room. Haku scrambled off the mattress and followed him around the corner.

The shower room, much like the bathroom it extended off of through a doorway, was impressive despite its mediocrity. Simple shower heads, most of which Haku assumed worked, lined three of the four walls. The walls showed visible signs of damage – chips, cracks, even a large hole. But it was still one of the most impressive rooms he'd ever seen. Given the state of wasteland on the other side of the walls, a room with something as impressive as working showers, with hot water, given the steam still fogging the mirrors from earlier use, was nothing short of a testimony to the gang's notoriety.

Watching Zabuza remove his boots, he almost began to head into the showers, before realizing that Zabuza wasn't done. His stomach suddenly turned, heat racing to his face, as he realized that he'd need to take off his clothes to shower. Zabuza was working on his pants, and self-consciousness suddenly slammed Haku's nerves. A violent shiver ran through as the man's pants fell to his ankles. Haku couldn't look away – he found his vision locked on the man's well toned thighs, muscled ass... as he began to turn around, Haku finally broke his gaze and his eyes shot to the corner of the room. Zabuza didn't seem to understand at first, but a hard, nervous swallow finally made him realize Haku's discomfort. A deep chuckle rumbled in this throat.

"What, do I look that bad?" Haku shook his head weakly, head still turned. "Come on, we're both guys. Let me help you with your shirt." Haku took a deep breath lifting his arms. The shirt quickly slid off his body and over his head. Zabuza began folding it and putting it on the floor next to his own boots and pants. The boxers he'd only given half a thought to until now were his only clothing. As Zabuza began into the room, Haku quickly slid the boxers off his waist, kicking into the corner and followed the man. Zabuza walked up to a shower head and turned the handle, grunting as steaming water slammed into him. Haku stood back, unsure.

"C'mon, kid. We can share a head. I don't wanna waste the water." Haku nodded quietly, walking up next to him. The hot water burned him at first, but he quickly pushed aside the pain and began to wash off the dirt and grime that coated his body. After his arms, he worked on his legs, and began upwards. By the time he was working on his chest, the steam had drained his energy. He felt dizzy, panting for air. Working on his shoulder, he bumped his arm against Zabuza. A quick glance turned into a fixed gaze as he finally saw Zabuza's impressive length. It was limp, but still bigger than Haku had ever seen. His body temperature seemed to soar as he began to imagine it hard.

"Like what you see?" Haku was shocked out of his trance by the deep voice, almost a growl. He suddenly realized the hardness between his own legs, and looked away, shame burning in his stomach.

"Sorry." he managed, the heat beginning to wear him out.

"Nothin' to be sorry for, kid. It happens." Zabuza went back enjoying the shower. Suddenly, the room went dark, and Haku felt like he was flying. It wasn't until he heard a squeak – until he felt arms wrapping around him, a hard body slamming into his chest – that he realized he'd passed out.

As they hit the ground, Zabuza let out a harsh grunt. The room spun as Haku opened his eyes. His head rolled weakly on Zabuza's body, his hair clinging to the muscles underneath him. The two lay there, Haku panting harshly.

"Shit. Tell me next time, got it?" Haku nodded as the body slipped out from underneath him, laying him gently on the tile flooring. The water shut off, and Zabuza walked out, leaving him. The thought of Zabuza not returning came with a shiver from the cold air, but bare feet padding towards him put his mind at ease. A strong hand gently slipped underneath him, pulling him into a sitting position. He felt himself being pressed against a shoulder, and he instinctively lifted his arms, still weak, and wrapped them around the neck, still wet. As he felt himself being lifted, a towel was wrapped around his waist, he moaned lightly, wrapping his legs around Zabuza's waist.

Closing his eyes, he was vaguely aware that they were moving. He wrapped himself around the body tighter, searching for warmth, as the cold air around him cut into his back. A door whining as it opened brought him back, and he found himself being lowered on his back, onto the bed. When Zabuza tried to stand, however, Haku hugged his neck even tighter. The unexpected weight brought Zabuza forward – he just barely caught himself in time before crushing the small body beneath him. Naked, panting, the two stared at each other.

"Haku –"

"Please." His voice was desperate – a whine that made Zabuza's blood boil. All thought was drowned out by a roaring in his ears. But he shook his head, and forced himself to stop.

"We can't do this." Trying to stand, he found that the arms held firm.

"Why?"

"I'm too old for you!" Haku gave him a disarming smile.

"I'm nineteen."

"There's no way in hell you're –"

"I'm older than I look. I'm old enough to know that I want to be close to you. As close as I can be. No one's ever given me so much in my entire life."

"Haku..."

"Please! I can't go back out there! Not after having this! I've never had this much in my entire life! I can't wait that long to find something like this! Please, Zabuza! I'll do anything you want me to do, just please don't take this away from me!" Zabuza rolled over, pulling Haku against his chest. Haku's entire body was shaking; his face was drenched in tears, on fire from panting and gasping for air.

Suddenly, before Haku knew what was happening, a finger slipped under his chin and leaned his head back. His eyes, still blurry from his tears, looked up into Zabuza's eyes, which were studying him closely. Then, lips were on his. It was gentle at first – awkward. But when Zabuza's tongue ran across his lip and he opened his mouth, it turned into a heated, desperate attack. The warm tongue tangled with his own; dancing between aggressive wrestling and gentle caressing. Haku pushed aside the growing need for air, until finally it became too much. They parted, a small string of liquid connecting their tongues. They stared at each other, silent.

Zabuza suddenly stood, this time finding no resistance from Haku's arms – which fell limp onto the bed. He crossed the room, digging into the worn, wooden dresser.

"Zabuza?" The man was silent. Haku stood quickly, terrified. He grabbed onto Zabuza's arm, stopping his search for clothes. "Zabuza, I'm sorry!"

The body stilled. Finally, he let out a deep breath.

"Is it really what you want?" A harsh glare cut off his immediate answer, still hanging on his tongue. He stared into the cold eyes, thinking carefully.

"Yes." Zabuza nodded quietly, not moving. He continued his search through the dresser. He pulled out a pair of pants, gloves, bracers for his arms, and a pistol. To Haku's surprise, Zabuza held the pistol out for Haku to take. Unsure, he wrapped his hand around the grip, grabbing it with his other hand when it was released – he had never held a gun, and the weight was more than he'd expected.

"That's yours. I don't expect you to ever need it. But if anything's going to happen between us, I want you to be safe." Haku nodded, his heart begin to flutter.

"You mean...?" Zabuza grabbed the back of his head and slammed their lips together. Haku was quick to give in to the kiss. It was short, and before he knew it Zabuza had pulled away. The man stood to put on his clothes, throwing a large shirt towards Haku.

"I'm not at all sure about this. I'm not even sure it just hasn't been too long since I've gotten laid. So don't flatter yourself, thinking you've got me around your finger or any shit like that. I'm doing you a favor." Haku didn't even begin to feel insulted by the comments. He knew they were true. Pulling the shirt over his head, he walked up to Zabuza, who was busy preparing the holster for his sword. He wrapped his arms the man.

"Thank you." Zabuza stopped what he was doing. Finally, an arm wrapped around Haku, and a hand gently rubbed the spot on his neck that it had found earlier. He leaned into Zabuza to keep his balance. He let out a whine when it stopped, begging for more. But Zabuza only pressed him towards the bed.

"I have to go. Stay in this room. Don't open the door, don't go get water, don't use the bathroom. I'll be back." Haku nodded, expecting him to leave, but instead found a hand pressing backwards onto the mattress. On his back, he looked up to find Zabuza staring down at him. Lips pressed against his forehead to give a gentle kiss.

"Get some sleep." Zabuza whispered in his ear. Haku nodded lazily, the warmth of Zabuza's breath fogging his head. He closed his eyes, listening to door close. He pressed into the mattress, smelling Zabuza. The scent eased him into a comfortable sleep.

LINE

When he was woken by the sounds of cheering and yelling, he felt more tired than he expected to be. Sitting up, rubbing at his eyes, he listened to the men outside the door – stomping, jeering, glass shattering. The sounds of destruction surprised him, but he brushed it off as the gang being excited about a successful doorknob turned and jiggled, locked. Haku smiled at the thought of Zabuza forgetting he'd left it locked. He sat up, waiting to greet the man.

Suddenly, the door flew open with a loud crack – kicked open.

He locked eyes with a familiar face.

Grinning.

"Life's not fair, kid."

"Well, now! Look what I found!" Haku was unable to move, frozen in terror. As the man moved towards him, he backed against the wall. But then, remembering the gun, he dove off the mattress onto the floor, searching for the weapon he'd lost during the second kiss.

But a hand grabbed the back of his shirt before he could find it, pulling him off the ground and into the air. He landed hard, twisting his ankle. Temporarily blinded by the pain, it was easy for the large man to capture him.

"You still owe us, kid. And since you ran, now there's interest." Haku tried to fight back, but his arms were grabbed and held in a single hand. "We're gonna have some real fun with you."

His arms were released, but he was unable to escape. In a swift move, the man had him turned around – an arm wrapped around his throat. It tightened, squeezing him tight. The man suddenly lifted his arm slowly – all Haku could do was grab onto the arm and gasp for air. Kicking out at the air, his vision began to flicker. His kicks weakening, his grip on the arm loosening, a sick laughter roared in his ear.

Falling into darkness, the last thing Haku managed was a single, choked word –

"Zabuza."