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A few days later, Zabuza woke Ann and Haku to the smell of cinnamon. They looked confused when they realized he was holding two mugs for them.
Ann~This isn’t more tea, right?
Zabuza~No, Ann. It’s apple cider.
Haku~Did you make it from scratch?
******** no. That takes too much time I don’t have. I bought plain apple cider then added the spices myself.
Ann~So we’re taste testing it? We just woke up!
Zabuza~Quit being a brat. I’ve made this before, but never with you. If you want to be a pain in the a** we could do some training today instead
Ann~We weren’t going to train?
Zabuza~No. It’s a holiday. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to celebrate.
They took the mug and carefully took a sip of the hot beverage.
Ann~It’s sweet. I like the cinnamon.
Haku~I like this a lot. Do you know how to make egg nog? I’ve only heard of it.
Zabuza~I can only make it with the alcohol. You’re not having any until you’re older.
Ann handed Zabuza her empty mug and ran off to the bathroom. Zabuza scoffed and shook his head.
Zabuza~Done? I’ll see you at the table.
Haku finished his drink and handed it to Zabuza, watching him leave the room.

After a few minutes, Ann and Haku came into the dining area to see their mugs refilled and waffles on their plates. There were even sausages, potatoes, and omelets to pick from as well.
Ann~What holiday is it? Even on our birthdays you didn’t make breakfast like this…Is something wrong?
She pulled at his shirt.
Zabuza~Nothing is wrong. It’s just a holiday I thought you should experience. I hear that the Leaf enjoys their holidays. Go eat.
He ruffled her hair then moved to make himself coffee.
Ann frowned. Haku led her to the table.
Haku~It's Christmas today. It's a day to celebrate family and generosity. Haven't you noticed Zabuza always shows he cares with what he does rather than saying it?
Ann~No…He does?
Zabuza stood behind them and patted their heads, one at a time
Zabuza~Start eating before it gets cold. I still have other plans.
Ann~Nothing is wrong? Like…like the other week when we…back ho–
She stopped herself. She didn't know if she could consider their old place of living as their home, especially with the hiding and the coup.
Zabuza~No. Nothing like that is happening. I'm not putting either of you through that again. It was an unavoidable necessity. Today is just a domestic holiday for us to have a chance to indulge before we focus on training again for a few days.
Ann~And after that? Why only a few days?
Zabuza~Another holiday: New Year's. And then Haku's birthday is almost a week and a half later. They can have their celebrations. Then I need to tell her my history before she hears it second-hand.
Ann~New Year's? Like with fireworks?
Zabuza~Yeah. Did Haku tell you about those? The town we were at has a small celebration every year.
Ann~And nothing is wrong? Really?
Zabuza~Nothing is wrong. Just some small indulgences we can have now because of where we aren't anymore.
Haku~Let's eat, Ann. There's nothing wrong happening, like Zabuza said.
Ann~Okay…It's weird that life goes on…As if no one has died…As if I never killed anyone…
She scratched the back of her hand. Zabuza noticed and placed his hand over hers to stop her scratching.
Zabuza~You don’t need to go back to that mindset. We can talk later if you need to. Have something to eat first.
She nodded and started with the waffles in front of her. Haku gave Zabuza a worried look, but the man just nodded towards his plate. He nodded before reaching to get a scoop of potatoes.
Zabuza~I'm not too surprised that she's still shaken from killing those Maws. It's the first time since we came into Fire Country that she's mentioned it though. Has she been bottling her emotions again?

After eating their fill, Ann and Haku were tasked with washing dishes while Zabuza went to the closet. Other than his sword and Auron's, he didn't have a lot of the blades he had collected anymore to validate dedicating this closet into another weapons closet like in the Mist. It wouldn't make sense either because it's a safe house. He planned on rotating to a new one in the spring after Ann left anyway.
He grabbed two boxes that were hidden on the top shelf, under a comforter. He was surprised that he managed to sneak the gifts in without Ann finding out. She's usually the first to greet him between the two of them.
He went to the living room and sat on the sofa. Zabuza eyed the boxes and wondered if he should have done more than a stick-on bow. The red bow was for Ann, and the blue one was for Haku. Then again, he doesn't wrap any gifts for them usually. They might get overwhelmed or worried like Ann was before breakfast. She might still be actually. Hopefully the gift itself will be a distraction for her.
Ann~What's that, Zabi?
Zabuza~You can find out once you finish the dishes.
After a couple more minutes, Ann and Haku joined Zabuza on the sofa.
Haku~You got us gifts?
Ann~Is…is this part of the holiday? Is there something wrong?
Zabuza~Yes, the gifts are part of the holiday, and I got the two of you something. There isn't anything wrong. Again, just a small indulgence.
He took the boxes and handed them to the kids.
Ann~What's in it?
Zabuza~Open it and find out.
Her brows furrowed and carefully opened the box. She didn't know what to expect, so she opened it slowly. Inside was a neatly folded autumn colored kimono. She pulled it out to check how big it was compared to her.
Ann~It's so pretty, Zabi.
Zabuza~Hopefully it isn't too big. I'm not going out to get another one. Haku, open yours.
Haku lifted the box lid. His box had a folded yukata set. The top was blue with a black hem and the pants were grey.
Haku~Thank you, Zabuza.
Zabuza~You're welcome.
He looked back at Ann to see her turning in circles trying to reach behind her back to wrap the obi around herself. He quietly sighed before reaching to help her.

A week later, Ann and Haku wore their new outfits when Zabuza took them to the hamlet. He even wore a black and grey yukata for the occasion, but still kept his bandage mask on and a few hidden blades, just in case.
It was late at night, but there were street vendors and game booths lining the main street.
Ann~Is every place like this?
Zabuza~No. Some places have a whole festival for the new year. You guys let me know what you want. Just stay where you can see me.
Ann grabbed Haku's hand and went off. Zabuza rolled his eyes and followed after them, mindful of everything else going on around them.
They stopped in front of a stall making taiyaki. She tugged at Zabuza's top when he got near.
Ann~Can we have a fish? They have sweet fillings.
Zabuza~What do you want?
Ann smiled big and turned back to the flavor list, expecting to get a no.
Haku~Can I have the red bean?
Zabuza hummed, then tapped Ann when she didn't say what she wanted yet.
Ann~I…c-can I have the chocolate filling?
Zabuza rolled his eyes but nodded. He got the vendor's attention and ordered their flavors, including a cheese flavored one for himself.
They soon got their taiyaki and moved on.
Ann~Ah! Hot hot hot
Zabuza~Stupid brat. You were just watching him make it. What'd you think was going to happen?
Ann~Not with filling!
Haku~You took a big bite, Ann. You probably got some of the filling and burned yourself.
She pouted. Zabuza rolled his eyes at her and pulled down a bandage to take a bite of his fish-shaped treat.
They continued down the street as they finished their taiyaki, and stopped at a game booth. There were a few rabbits on display. There was one snow rabbit that had black dots on the corners of its nose to make it look like its nose was a heart. Before Ann could turn, Haku was already speaking
Haku~Zabuza, can we play for the rabbit?
Zabuza raised a brow. Haku didn't always ask for something, usually trusting Ann would do it anyway, but he took the initiative for this one.
Zabuza~You guys take care of the thing. I'll help gather any supplies you need, but it's your pet.
They smiled big and turned back to the man, who explained the rules. They had to guess the exact weight of the rabbit without any hints, including picking it up, and they only had one attempt
Ann~I think it's five pounds!
Man~Not quite little lady. What about you young man?
Haku thought for another moment.
Haku~2.9 pounds.
The man did a double take.
Man~Th-that's right. Congratulations! We have a winner!
Zabuza~Alright. I'll carry its crate. I hope you can provide us with enough feed to last a day or two?
He glared at the man, daring him to skimp out on any items they might need.
Man~Of course, sir! It will also have a water dripper, too. Rabbits can be litter trained like a cat, by the way. I would recommend a pellet type medium for it though.
Zabuza was given the crate with the rabbit and a bag with supplies.
Zabuza~Let's go. The show should be starting soon. You can get more snacks before we need to find a spot to watch.
They moved on and circled the street one more time before following the villagers to a clearing. Ann and Haku sat on either side of Zabuza. Zabuza also handed Haku the crate to hold onto.
Ann~So how will I know what fireworks are?
Zabuza~You'll know. Just watch the sky.
Ann~I don't see anything.
Zabuza~It's almost midnight. Just wait.
Only a few minutes passed when a whistle was heard, then a flash of colored light, and a loud boom that Ann felt in her chest. She grabbed onto Zabuza, making him chuckle.
Zabuza~That's a firework. You'll get used to the shockwave. Just watch the show, it's safe.
He pulled away from her and wrapped his arm around her.
More fireworks shot into the sky over the next couple of minutes, and Ann was both in awe of the lights and afraid of the booming she still felt in her chest. Zabuza's arm around her was the only comfort, and hearing the rabbit skitter too, because that meant she wasn't the only one not liking the booms.
Once the show was over, and the other villagers started to get up, Zabuza helped the kids stand before getting up and grabbing the rabbit crate again.
Zabuza~The street will be open for another hour. If there's anything else you guys want, now's the time before we go home.
Ann~Can we get another taiyaki?
Zabuza~Sure. Haku?
Haku~Maybe ice cream or shaved ice?
Zabuza~I think I saw both. Decide which of the two you want.
They went back to the main street. They found the ice cream place first and they each got a scoop before going to find the taiyaki shop.
The ice cream was gone by the time they got their taiyaki, and Ann was fighting to stay awake as she ate the last bites while they walked home.
Zabuza~Ann, how are you holding up?
He watched her head bob again, then she stumbled a little and straightened out again.
Ann~Yeah, Zabi. I'm fine.
He grumbled, quickly assessing the situation.
Zabuza~Haku, are you falling asleep too?
Ann~I'm not sleeping
She yawned
Haku~I'm okay. I can give Ann a piggy back.
Zabuza~Won't be easy because of her kimono. Even if she wasn't wearing one, it's dark. I don't want you to hurt yourself. Ann, come here.
Ann~Huh?
She squinted at him as she ate the final bite of her treat. Zabuza sighed and went to her, then scooped her up with his free arm. Ann immediately cuddled into his neck and quickly fell asleep.
Zabuza~This ******** brat…
Haku giggled~But she's our brat. I mean–!
Zabuza~I know what you meant. Come on, it's really late.

Over the next week, Ann and Haku worked together to train the new rabbit. Zabuza didn’t take them out to train so they could get into a routine and socialize it first. Instead, he made sure they had the supplies to care for the thing, including a litter box and the correct medium for it.
Zabuza was actually impressed with their dedication to the animal. It was using the box in three days and learned a few commands by the end of the week. So, when Haku's birthday came, he decided to get them something a bit indulgent.

The morning of Haku's birthday, Zabuza allowed them to sleep in until he made breakfast for them. After getting Ann and Haku out of bed and to the table, they stared for a while. Zabuza had outdone himself from their Christmas breakfast.
Ann~Is there something wrong? Or are we celebrating something?
Zabuza~Celebrating. Haku's birthday.
Haku~You remembered?
Zabuza scoffed~Why wouldn't I? Eat your fill. Tomorrow's your last day of vacation, then back to training
Ann~So, nothing bad happened or will happen?
Zabuza~No, Ann. Go eat.
He ruffled her hair as he moved to pour himself some coffee. Haku was already grabbing some waffles and sausages to start with.
Ann~How does coffee taste like?
She pulled a slice of french toast and a pancake, then paused before grabbing an omelet as well.
Zabuza~More bitter than tea.
Ann~Ew…Why do you drink it?
Haku quietly shook his head and pushed her glass of juice in her line of sight to quietly remind her to eat. Ann took a sip then cut into her pancake.
Zabuza~Caffeine. Adding cream and sugar doesn't do anything helpful for me.
Ann~Can I try a sip?
Zabuza paused, actually considering it. But with how she was with the buttercream icing on her birthday, he didn't want to see how she'd react with something more potent.
Zabuza~No. Go eat already.
He eyed the jam on the table. She's never had issues with that before, so it was likely it didn't have as much sugar as buttercream. It did make him wary of maple syrup though, which is why he never bought any for their breakfast. They could use honey if they really wanted to make it sweeter.

The rest of the day was relaxed. Ann and Haku spent most of it outside to train their rabbit, which they decided to call Usa-chan just the other day. Zabuza refuses to call it that, and instead did sword drills nearby if he was outside with them. Otherwise, he would be sharpening his various weapons to pass the time.
Later in the evening, Zabuza made teriyaki salmon, egg rolls, fried rice, and some dango for after dinner. He also had something else in place of a cake.
Haku~Thank you, Zabuza. You always remember my favorites.
Zabuza~I don't ignore either of you when you voice things. Maybe Ann, sometimes.
Ann~Hey!
He chuckled as he removed their empty plates while they picked at the plate of dango. When he came back, he placed two cupcakes in front of them, one each
Ann~Hey, the frosting on mine is missing.
Zabuza~I still got you one. You bit me last time, and I don't want that happening again
He even got her chocolate flavored. It just lacked icing. Haku's was still a vanilla cupcake, but the icing was a soft blue color with matching sugar sprinkles, and an unlit birthday candle. Zabuza lit the candle.
Zabuza~I'm not singing. Make your wish, brat.
Haku smiled and closed his eyes in thought, then blew it out. Zabuza removed the candle to put it away and started cleaning the dishes.
Ann~What did you wish for?
Haku~You’re not supposed to share it, Ann. Otherwise it won't come true.
Ann~That's a dumb rule.
She took a big bite of her cupcake, crumbs sticking to her face. Haku smiled and shook his head.
Haku~Thank you, Zabuza. This is…Since before you guys…
Zabuza~You don’t need to say anything more. Eat your cupcake before Ann tries to make you give it to her.
Haku looked back and saw the cupcake gone and her picking the crumbs. She gave him a pleading look when she noticed him staring
Haku~No, Ann. You’re terrible with sugar. And it wouldn't be fair for me to share my cupcake when you don't have any for exchange.
Ann pouted~Okaaaay…
She picked at the dango again while Haku took his first bite of his baked treat.
Zabuza rolled his eyes as he listened to them. Four months. A very short time to finish Ann's training and teach her how to survive without him. He still needed to tell her about the things he's done too. Maybe in another week. That way Haku's birthday is just his birthday, and linked to harsh truths about a man she thought she knew.