Chapter 6
A hush had fallen over the meeting room when they'd walked into it for handover, making it obvious the majority of the day staff had been gossiping about their arrival together. They were huddled together messily and blatantly keeping their voices lowered, but only until they entered the room, which was when they scattered into their respective units, waiting for their on shift seniors to handle their handover.
Prior to that, while changing into her uniform, Sakura had repeatedly told herself that it didn't matter if they said anything about them, that she had a tough skin and could handle whatever they threw at her. In reality, however, she was worried about it getting to Shizune before they had the chance to discuss it with her, and her deciding to split their team up.
Sakura knew she was biased, but she genuinely thought that her and Shisui's teamwork was incredible. They never bickered, never acted inappropriately in front of the residents, their personalities bounced off one another well and in turn made for a lighter atmosphere for residents, he knew when to step in and help her if Sakura was struggling, they never had to ask one another for assistance because they were already there. Gods, the list was endless. But her focal point was that she believed that she would never make such a deep connection with another co-worker or work with them so well that it was almost like they were in sync (and not just because she liked Shisui).
"So, to those of you who weren't on the night shift last night, the E.M.I unit is under quarantine due to a DNV outbreak. Any contact should be made via the phones – if you can't reach them, use the tannoy system. The senior on shift up there tonight will be relaying this same message to the others," Shizune informed them all the moment she entered, her trusty clipboard close to her chest (she'd yet to see the older woman without it in hand) as she dove straight in without a care for the atmosphere.
Standing beside Shisui, she looked to the day staff of their unit now that the attention was well and truly taken away from them in their superior's presence, wondering whether they'd been chewed out for once again missing Madara's final check of their shift the day before (part of her wanted to go and check his folder to see if they'd done it that night too, so that she could see them be scolded to make sure it actually happened). Chances were, Shizune had already seen to them and stressed the importance of checking on their oldest resident, but what if she hadn't? Was she supposed to chirp up and say something about it? It would seem unprofessional of Shisui to ask – they all knew of the relation between them.
Usually, unless spoken to directly, Sakura remained silent during handovers and allowed Shisui to do all the talking, merely because she was still learning from him in some ways and knew he would keep handover moving along smoothly. Sakura didn't doubt her own professionalism or abilities, she just knew he was better at it.
"How are they all doing today?" Shizune questioned the day staff of their side of the unit, easily covering the conversation on the other side of the room. "Have we had anyone showing symptoms at all?"
The woman she presumed to be the leader of the day staff (but not the senior) shook her head, answering simply, "Everyone's had a quiet day."
Just as she was certain that was it and they would end handover without any answers regarding Madara's care, of course, Shizune didn't disappoint in the slightest. She never did and it was what Sakura admired most about her. Despite having a friendly countenance and positive outlook on everything, if anyone dared to step out of line then she cracked down on them faster than Sakura's mother when her father stuffed his face just before dinner. While she herself had yet to witness that side of her (first-hand, for she'd seen the brief flashes when Shizune heard something that displeased her), Shisui had assured her it was pretty terrifying.
"I made a note on file for the senior on shift today to speak with you all regarding the importance of our two hourly checks," Shizune brought up what Sakura had desperately wanted to, and she noticed out of the corner of her eye that Shisui briefly frowned before smoothing out his features. "Yesterday, nobody checked on Uchiha-san and during his eight o'clock check, it was reported that not only was his window left open, but he was worryingly cold and in a state of great indecency."
"Indecency?" one of the day staff demanded, her features twisting with what Sakura presumed was disbelief. "Are you trying to say we did something?"
Their response made it brutally apparent that nobody had said a damn word about Shizune's note and Sakura had to fight back the anger it evoked within her. How could they have been so careless with someone's life? Madara was easily the eldest on the end of life unit (boasting a minimum of ten years on the others) and it showed with each passing day that it was getting harder for him to move around.
Hearing the frustrated sigh from beside her and feeling only a little shocked that Shisui was growing annoyed too, Sakura spoke up first to allow him the chance to regain his composure, insisting, "We're not saying you did anything, but that's the issue, Kana-san. You all missed his six o'clock check. We used the term indecent with Shizune-san due to knowing Madara-san's personality and knowing how proud he is. The state he was left in for over four hours is completely unfair on him. He was cold, wet and hungry when we started our shift."
Was it wrong of her to butt in on Shizune's scolding? She wasn't sure until she looked to the older woman and saw she wasn't opposed to it, keeping her hard eyes fixed on their co-workers. However, it was obvious none of the others had expected it of her and Sakura couldn't blame them for that. As previously stated: she usually allowed Shisui to take the lead during handover discussions.
But she couldn't just sit back and let them brush off the importance of somebody's care or needs.
"Four hours?" another questioned, affronted.
"That's what his folder says," Shisui answered simply, and the seriousness in his tone took the others by surprise.
They all knew him to be the cheerful, friendly guy who got along with everyone and never had any issues. The only complaints made against him were that he took too long while providing personal care for the residents (but Shizune always dismissed them, for he was literally only doing his job).
During their surprise, Shisui continued to voice his disapproval, saying, "Although not entirely incontinent, Madara requires frequent changes of his pad due to his inability to make it to the bathroom in time, or being unable to move at all. In addition to that, since he can't move as much as he'd like or won't move because of the pain he's in, he needs assistance in changing positions to reduce the risk of pressure sores."
Kana was still blatantly offended at the insinuation, Sakura realised, and it showed as she snapped, "We try. Half of the time, Uchiha-san is extremely uncooperative with anyone who isn't you, Shisui-san."
"And the other half?" Shizune questioned, but it went unanswered, their expressions showing hints of guilt that clearly agitated Shisui further.
"My first shift, Madara-san didn't like me at all – actually, for the better half of a month of being here, he didn't like me," Sakura told them earnestly, trying to dissipate the horrible tension that was settling over them all. "But since I decided to copy his blunt personality and sat down and asked him how he would like me to provide his care, we've gotten along just fine. I know his boundaries and what he's uncomfortable with."
Such as not being the one who changed his incontinence pads, or making sure to inform him of everything she was going to do (like going through his drawers to find his clothes), or showing him what clothes she had picked out for him (or asking if there was anything in particular he wanted to wear, which he often replied it didn't matter), all to show Madara he still had a choice of what was going on around him and he was still in control. He detested being coddled or treated like an incompetent old man, Madara had told her when she asked him what he wanted from her. And the fake cheery act didn't fool him in the slightest, he'd muttered coldly when she asked about why he didn't like other members of staff.
"You know yourself how chaotic it can be during the day," Kana retorted, though thankfully much calmer than before. "Sometimes we don't have time to sit down and talk to him – it's difficult when Uchiha-san refuses to leave his room."
Nodding in understanding but certainly not backing down because that sure as hell was no excuse seeing as they all alternated between day and night shifts (particularly since a day shift on the end of life unit was still laughably easier than the other two units), she said, "If he doesn't want to leave his room, then that's his choice to make, but Madara-san is still a resident who deserves our undivided time and care. I can't imagine how lonely it can get being left in there all day."
That was what made Sakura try harder to get on his good side. Not because he was Shisui's uncle, but because at the end of the day, he was still someone who was in her care and even though he could be difficult and intimidating as hell at times, he still relied on her to provide his care. He was still a person who was essentially living in isolation, so why not try and get on his good side in hopes it would ease the loneliness he no doubt felt at times locked away in his room?
Shisui had confessed to her not long after she started that Madara's main reason for refusing to leave his room wasn't because he didn't want to interact with anyone, but because he hated the thought of being stuck in an uncomfortable chair, unable to even take himself to the bathroom and left to fester in his own bodily fluids in front of everyone. And honestly? Sakura couldn't blame him for that. It was humiliating as hell.
"My uncle is a proud man," Shisui said with a sigh of resignation, lips quirking momentarily and leaving Sakura to wonder if he was remembering a fond memory. "All his life, he's been someone who was always in charge, who others have always looked up to and admired – or in most cases, feared. Being where he is now and having to rely on others is unnerving to him, even if he won't admit it and because of that, he despises being in this position."
Looking up at him with a heavy heart, Sakura wondered if anyone else could read the faint traces of sadness in his gaze as he told them of Madara's prime. Seeing a relative in care wasn't easy, but knowing they would never come out of that place? Watching them fade away either from an illness or old age?
Much to her gratefulness, Shizune saw it and she set her jaw.
"I will not stand for anybody jeopardising Uchiha-san's health. Whether Uchiha-san wants to leave his room or not, that is no excuse to essentially forget about him," Shizune told them all in a no-nonsense tone, daring someone to argue with her and it was at that cold edge that the other half of the unit looked over to their meeting in surprise, some even gulping at the sight of her anger. "Due to his age, he is at a much higher risk of contracting illnesses that can be fatal for him and the chances of said illnesses can be reduced by our regular checks. It means we can spot early symptoms before it progresses to potentially untreatable stages."
Oh, Gods, she was getting angry. Sakura could see it in the knitting of her eyebrows and the glare in her eye, not to mention the others finally bowing their heads to accept their wrongdoing. It truly was a terrifying sight, she thought to herself and she hoped, more than anything, that she would never be on the receiving end of her ire.
Also, it was as Sakura had thought the night before: people tended to avoid interacting with Madara due to his unpleasantness at times. But like she'd also said: after taking the time to sit down and talk with him, to understand him, he was much more accepting of her. That was all they had to do. Why couldn't they understand that?
"I don't want to hear that you couldn't find the time – you make time. There are almost twice as many healthcare assistants working days than nights and there are even two extras than in other residential homes. Our home is designed to bypass the funding allowances, which is the reasoning why the unit is set out the way it is." Taking a moment to allow it to sink in, she ended the scolding with a final, angry, "The next time his checks are skipped or forgotten about, I will not hesitate in throwing you all back into training until I feel you have improved enough to work in our home – and that is a minimum of the punishments. Is that understood?"
"…Wow."
It wasn't the longest handover they'd ever had, but it certainly was up there and, in the end, Shizune had dismissed the night staff so that they could get started on their rounds.
Shisui smirked as they went about starting their first checks of the night with the supper trolley, depositing the folders for each resident outside of their rooms to ensure they were filled out as soon as they were finished providing care to each one. As they did, they wrote out who had something to drink or eat, along with any other personal care they provided.
Like the night before, everyone was already hanging out in their rooms, though a couple were still dressed in their daytime clothes, telling Sakura that they'd either only just been taken to their rooms or probably wanted to relax there for the evening. To make certain they were comfortable, however, they asked if they wanted to change into pyjamas for the night, or for those who were able to move around by themselves, seeing if they needed help. The majority did before settling down in front of their televisions with a cup of decaffeinated tea, thanking them for the help.
"I can't believe they tried brushing it off like that," Sakura murmured, trying to make sure none of the residents heard their conversation as she jotted notes down in one chart. "I don't think I've ever seen Kana-san like that, either."
He sighed at that, only pausing in their conversation to ask someone if they wanted a cup of tea and a biscuit. After handing them over to them with the promise of returning to collect the cup afterwards (that particular resident disliked clutter in her room and grew distressed if it happened, Sakura recalled), he said, "People tend to show their true colours when they feel they're being accused of something."
Too right they did, she thought with a sigh that matched Shisui's. The concern in his expression troubled her and while it was probably selfish of her, she longed for the mischievousness to return.
It was crazy how quickly the handover had sapped the playfulness out of him, but in a way, Sakura supposed she also understood his concern. When her grandmother was in a care home, she'd agonised over whether she was receiving the care she deserved (she always did, but knowing she was stuck in a home was upsetting and Sakura had had the tendency to overthink everything). Trying to see it from Shisui's perspective, knowing that he was seeing behind the scenes and knowing Madara wasn't receiving the right care… It broke Sakura's heart.
Hands gripping the handle of the supper trolley as they made their way down the plain, almost bare corridor to the next room, she inhaled deeply, attempting to calm herself down before she got angry once more. Save from posters and notice boards, all corridors were to remain uncluttered to prevent accidents or create easier access for those residents who required wheelchairs or supports to get them in and out of beds or chairs.
She'd only been there for two months and during that time, everyone had been welcoming and friendly towards her, though Sakura knew that wasn't always the case, since she also had complaints about timing made against her (complaints that were always made behind her back). It'd stung when she received her first one, for she was only trying to offer each resident quality care and hearing that it put a strain on her co-workers made her question her methods. Shisui cheered her up about them, though, telling her with a smirk to hurry and catch up to the number of timing complaints made against him so that they could turn it into a competition.
"Uncle Fugaku will be coming for his weekly visit tomorrow," Shisui informed her and scratched at the back of his head. "The others usually straighten themselves out whenever someone from the family visits, but especially Fugaku. He isn't afraid to put someone in their place if he believes they're in the wrong and his say usually carries a considerable weight behind it."
It sucked that it had to be that way, though.
Their job was draining in every sense of the word and Sakura empathised with her co-workers, she really did, but… Well, this was the residents' home. They were supposed to feel comfortable asking for assistance, not made to feel like a nuisance or like the only time they could receive top notch care was when a relative was visiting.
Was that why Shisui started working at the care home? Sakura pondered the possibility while assisting a woman into her nightdress, bringing her a cup of tea once she was settled down in her bed with the television on. Beside her bed sat a book she was halfway through, and briefly, she felt a pang of sadness as she recognised the title as one Ukina had been reading only a couple of weeks ago. Was it hers, she couldn't help but wonder morbidly, the well worn spine telling her it was a possibility.
"Don't be up too late now," the resident told her with a grandmotherly smile. "It's not good for you, you know."
Sakura smiled at that and approached the bed with a hairbrush, eyes softening at the relaxed sigh of the woman as she began gently brushing her hair. "The same goes for you, Ai-san. It's Wednesday tomorrow – your son should be taking you out for the day, right?"
Her expression brightened considerably, one hand flapping in a 'oh you just reminded me' kind of way. "He is, indeed. I believe his wife is taking me to get my hair and nails done too."
That was so–
Genius.
It was freaking genius!
"Lucky," Sakura giggled before stepping to her side so that Ai could see her clearly. "I wish I could get my nails done. Have you seen these?"
Ai tsked at the basic nails, gingerly grasping both hands with a distraught expression. "You have such beautiful hands, too. It's such a shame."
Chuckling once more, she gave a soft squeeze before handing the woman her tea once more, tucking the wheeled table into the side of her bed, followed by the controls for her bed and assistance button.
"Sweet dreams, Ai-san."
"Goodnight, sweetheart."
"She adores you," Shisui said with a smile once she left. They were three folders less, Sakura realised, but she didn't feel guilty about taking so long, especially when he informed her, "Two of them were already out cold."
While they continued their tasks, Sakura spoke up before she lost the idea completely, saying, "Do you remember that idea I had last night about presents for the residents?" At his hum of yes, she continued, "Ai-san gave me an idea."
"Oh?"
Grinning, she said, "Well, during the day we usually have event coordinators, right? So what if we happened to pitch an idea of inviting a beautician and hairdresser friend of mine to give everyone a glow up?"
Shisui paused in placing another folder into the slot beside a resident's door, appearing genuinely impressed with the idea. "How much would Ino-san charge? I feel like the company won't want to pay too much."
Sakura waved him off with a simple, "Easy – she won't. It'll be my Christmas present."
Not only did she already have everything she could ask for, but the majority of the people in the residential home couldn't leave for various reasons. They received basic trims when necessary and they certainly weren't luxurious. Ino's heart would break just hearing about it!
"I know a lot of them would appreciate that," Shisui praised her.
"Would Madara-san allow Ino to cut his hair?" she wondered aloud. "I know he lets me brush it from time to time, but that's rare to happen."
He hummed thoughtfully, shocking her by actually considering it since that told Sakura Madara wasn't actually all that opposed to being pampered. "As long as she doesn't go against his wishes."
Ino could be forceful at times, Sakura knew. But with enough warning (and hearing his surname), she knew the blonde would know not to push any boundaries. Although her personality at times screamed otherwise, she was professional and always put her clients' needs or wants before her own opinions.
"We can ask them all on the day, anyways," Sakura suggested, honestly growing giddy at just the thought of being able to do something nice for them all. "And it's not just hair she does, either. Ino does nails, makeup, waxing treatments–"
"Waxing?" he prodded playfully, making Sakura roll her eyes and smirk.
"I'm a dancer, don't forget," she shot back. Remembering their little game from the staffroom and certainly not wanting to lose, she added softly more so that nobody overheard, "Those little costumes you mentioned this morning requires it."
That lidded gaze from earlier returned, though not nearly as intensely and Sakura knew that was only because they were at work. It still hit her with its full effect, however. Even if it wasn't as powerful as it was earlier, it shockingly happened to be enough for her to wonder if he made similar eyes in the bedroom, and before she could even attempt to stop herself, Sakura wondered if she would ever get to see it to confirm her thoughts.
"I'd love to see it," Shisui murmured, making her cheeks flush.
So would she.
Although they were barely even half an hour into their shift, she could tell already that he wouldn't go easy on her in their competition, could already tell that Shisui was determined on making it the most difficult shift she'd suffered through – and that was coming from someone who'd been kicked so hard while on the E.M.I unit that she'd had a bruise the size of a person's footprint and started her period early.
But as she'd told him when they'd started work: it was game on.
"Maybe you will one day," she replied cheekily.
"Soon, I hope."
It wasn't even warmth that time – it was a full blown explosion of heat that made her legs feel like jelly and had Sakura inhaling as carefully as she could to mask the effect his words had on her, praying he didn't notice because holy shit, that would be way too embarrassing.
She had to be a late bloomer. There was no other explanation. Nothing her ex ever said (or anything she ever thought for that matter) had even a fraction of the effect Shisui had on her, not even his tame flirting.
"Maybe," she replied, heart refusing to slow its rampant pace.
The distraction of caring for the residents was welcomed with open arms and Sakura did all she could to shove aside her once latent hormones, entering rooms with bright smiles and positivity. Only a couple grumbled at the cheeriness, but she knew not to take it personally, for it was getting on in the evening for them and Sakura knew a shocking majority of their residents switched personalities at sundown. Usually, it was those on the upper levels, but there were a couple on end of life that possessed the switch too.
She met up with Shisui once more outside of Madara's room, her cheeks colouring at the meeting of their eyes – his teasing gaze only causing the flush to deepen cruelly.
"What's wrong, Sakura-chan?" he asked lowly, smirking. "Too much?"
Not enough, a part of her she hadn't even known existed replied silkily.
Mortified by that voice, Sakura ducked her head and knocked on Madara's door, alerting the man of their presence before she entered with a dimmer smile than what the other residents received (she'd already been told by him that he disliked forced cheerfulness).
"Oh, it's you."
"Don't be like that, Uncle," Shisui said with a pout. "I thought I was your favourite nephew?"
"Did I say that?" he questioned lowly, but there was no mistaking his smirk. "Or did I say my cowardly nephew?"
His pout grew more pronounced. "You're too cruel."
"You deserve it," Sakura threw in, much to Madara's amusement as the man snorted.
Fortunately for the day staff, Madara's six o'clock check wasn't missed that day and his window was also shut, the room a toasty temperature that immediately called to her (especially when reminding herself of how cold the lounge would be for them later that night).
It quickly became apparent he didn't require any personal care, but they hung around for a while anyway, comfortable that they had nothing else to do until the next checks anyway. Had there been any residents left in the lounge, only one of them would have been making the rounds and should anyone require assistance while in their rooms, the alarm system would ding throughout their unit's hall, alerting the carers no matter where they were that they were needed (those alarms also sounded when a resident left their room due to sensor mats, just to make sure they didn't wander anywhere that could cause them harm).
Shisui sat in the chair beside Madara's bed, and she busied herself giving his room a quick clean up for him, always telling Madara exactly what she was doing before she did it. Although he didn't seem it, she knew he was grateful from the subtle nod he gave her when she returned to his side, smiling warmly.
"You look different," Madara stated, squinting up at her.
"She looks beautiful, doesn't she, Uncle?"
Rolling his eyes at his nephew's antics, Madara adjusted his position in the bed and had Shisui not told her previously what to look out for, Sakura knew she would have missed the barely noticeable wince as he moved, his joints cracking and creaking. Pride refused to allow him to show too much weakness.
"Then what is holding you back?" he demanded in what they both knew to be an attempt to keep the attention off himself, huffing. "I know Kagami would not have raised you to be a coward."
Shisui's playful pout returned.
Was Kagami his father? Sakura looked between the two relatives, an eager part of her begging for them to continue with their conversation about Shisui's past and his life (because outside of work, his working out and living with Itachi, she knew next to nothing about him), but sadly, they didn't.
"Stop tiptoeing around with this so-called plan," he warned his great-nephew without a shred of concern for embarrassing him, or her as Sakura's cheeks flushed for the hundredth time. "You will miss your shot at the rate you're going at."
"You're so harsh," he said with a sheepish chuckle.
"Perhaps, but look at the woman I married," Madara muttered and gestured blindly at his photographs. "Do you know why I got the girl?"
Oh, was Shisui holding back an eyeroll? Sakura bit her lip to hide her smirk, asking in his place, "Why, Madara-san?"
"Because I didn't waste my time."
Huffing and sitting back comfortably in his chair, Shisui's arms crossed behind his head. "Put your claws away, Uncle. We actually had our first date tonight."
Covering her mouth completely like that somehow masked her totally unladylike snort, Sakura turned her back on the other two, making her way over to Madara's photographs.
The collection sat atop his chest of drawers to his immediate right, allowing him to look at them whenever he felt the urge to. Back when he'd been capable of moving around more freely, all Madara had to do to grab one was sit on the edge of his bed and lean forward, although now, such a move was too risky for him, not to mention it would set off his sensor mat.
Knowing he wouldn't like it, Sakura didn't pick any of them up, not even the one that included Sasuke and the rest of their family. It looked like some kind of birthday celebration (Madara's more than likely considering he was surrounded by the others), and she was stunned by the warmth in each of their eyes, their smiles small but unmissable. It was so unlike what they all put on display to the world.
"Good," Madara muttered. "You're getting old–"
"You're calling me old?" he asked with a bark of laughter. "You're ninety-eight!"
"And I could still put you in your place if you interrupt me again," came his warning, though it lacked the cold edge he used with anyone else, Sakura noticed and she smiled, returning her attention to the bickering relatives. "You're old but not too old, brat."
Shisui straightened up with a smirk, saying, "Lecture Obito before you lecture me – he's been trying to find the courage to propose for seven years now."
Madara sighed in disappointment at that and shook his head, muttering, "Why doesn't that surprise me? Is it the same girl as back when he was a kid?"
"Do you really need to ask?" he questioned, laughing.
"I don't know why I even asked. He doesn't have enough years left to find anyone else, considering it took him nearly twenty years to ask the girl out."
"No way," Sakura couldn't help but say. "Twenty?"
Once more, Madara sighed, his eyes shutting in resignation. "Even the girl with pink hair knows how ridiculous that is – there truly is no hope for Obito."
Witnessing how effortlessly Shisui managed to coax Madara out of his shell was always a sight to behold to Sakura, and as always, she enjoyed every moment of watching their interactions, even when she became the target of his almost cruel teasing.
"What about Itachi?" he enquired, sighing like there was no saving his family members and amusing her to no end.
"Itachi?" Shisui repeated like he really needed to ask.
"He's still as strange as ever, then."
"You find it endearing, really."
"Oi, I hope you're not picking on Itachi-san," Sakura threw in and she folded her arms over her chest, shooting Shisui an unimpressed glower. "I'll use whatever I can to get a roommate like him, even if it means throwing you under the bus."
Madara smirked at that.
She felt his eyes on her as she moved towards his wardrobe after noting the beginnings of exhaustion in his gaze, although he already knew the drill of her grabbing him another blanket for during the night. The fleece was thick, fighting off the winter chill and she envied him greatly for it, unafraid to show her longing over such a luxurious blanket as she spread it out lengthways, knowing that Madara was able to cover himself fully after that if he wanted to.
"I better get a head start on cleaning the lounge," Sakura suggested as per their routine, allowing Shisui a while longer with his uncle. "Goodnight, Madara-san. If you need anything, let me know."
"Does that apply for me too?" teased Shisui, making his uncle chuckle.
"Don't push your luck, pervert!"
She left to the sound of Madara's laughter, and Sakura paused just outside of the room even after the door shut behind her, shocked because that was the first time that she'd heard him actually laugh.
By the time Shisui returned to the lounge, all tables, door handles and standing aids were sterilised and the floors were mopped, the sight of the spotless room making him whistle appreciatively. Quiet music played on the television solely to fill the silence as she worked and ended up aiding her in getting it all done much quicker than she'd anticipated. Then again, she always lost herself to music, hence why she stuck with her hobby of dancing after so many years and refused to go pro, just in case it sucked the fun out of it.
"I don't know whether to feel bad for leaving you to clean everything or be impressed with how fast you got it all done."
She smiled and returned the mop to the bucket, standing several wet floor signs in different sections to make sure they weren't missed. It was highly unlikely anyone would wake up and want to join them but if they did, then she and Shisui would assist them back to the lounge anyway. The signs were for other members of staff more than anything.
"You should feel bad," Sakura shot back playfully. "Awful, even."
"I'll make it up to you," came his quiet response, the tone he used making her insides clench again.
Oh, it became apparent minutes into their shift that Shisui was determined on driving her insane in the process of winning their game, but still, Sakura was never prepared for any of his comebacks – or, more specifically, how they made her feel. Instead of firing back instantly like she'd been able to over the past month or so, she hesitated, lingering in her stunned longing.
"Oh yeah?" she questioned and hoped Shisui hadn't noticed the too long pause (all the while knowing he definitely had, because of that damned, impish smirk). "And how would you do that?"
Two thick blankets that were folded up on the arm of what had soon become their sofa in the lounge caught her attention, and inwardly, Sakura smiled at the thoughtfulness of Shisui's actions, especially as she noticed they were both out of Madara's room (he wouldn't have taken them without asking because even while in the process of losing his sight to old age, Madara never missed a detail and it made her heart warm even further knowing he allowed them to borrow his belongings).
Until he suddenly raised a hand, Sakura hadn't even realised he'd been holding it behind his back, the sounds of the box of chocolates rattling enticing her enough to approach him.
"I ran out to the car to grab them," Shisui told her.
Blankets and chocolates? The only thing they had to do now was find something to watch on the television, and they were well and truly sorted until the next round of checks.
Rolling her eyes, she said, "Okay, you're forgiven."
That was one of the best things about their connection, Sakura thought as she sat down beside Shisui on the sofa, the chocolates situated between them so that they could help themselves. Although there was undeniable sexual tension between them, it didn't end there and sure, Sakura knew there was always the possibility of misreading signals or being led on, but…
She couldn't help but smile shyly when their fingers brushed as they reached for the same piece of chocolate, thanking him quietly when Shisui allowed her to have the last of its option. To make it fair, however, she shocked him by biting half off and offering the rest to him.
Then her heart stopped when he continued their game by leaning forward and taking it from her hand with his mouth, gaze meeting hers languidly and shit, they were such beautiful eyes.
Sakura swallowed.
"You're blushing again," he teased quietly.
Yeah, it felt like she'd been doing nothing but. Soon enough, knowing her luck, she would be stuck with a permanent blush – and not the cute kind, either.
"That's because you've been more forward than usual tonight," she retorted.
The playfulness faded and he sat back, eyes widening fractionally. "Is it too much?"
What? "No, no! Not at all. I… like it," Sakura admitted sheepishly and scratched at her cheek. "Sorry if I made you feel like you did something wrong–"
"Don't be sorry," Shisui assured her before nudging the chocolates closer to her. "Never be sorry for speaking up if something makes you uncomfortable."
There was no hiding the way she warmed towards him at the seriousness in his voice because with it, his expression softened, and he met her gaze with great appreciation.
"On the subject of speaking up… I didn't thank you earlier," he continued in a gentler tone. "Thank you for standing up for my uncle. I know he can be a pain in the ass–"
"Pain in the ass or not, this is his home and he relies on us, even if he doesn't want to," Sakura told him seriously, frowning. "It's hard enough for Madara-san to accept he needs our help with daily tasks that seem so simple – the last thing he needs is for his carers to show their reluctance or leave him similarly to how he was last night. It's not fair."
She averted her gaze shyly when Shisui reached out, brushing the hair framing her features away, watching her eyes for a moment until he smiled warmly at her.
"It's crazy how beautiful you are when you're angry," he said lightly.
When she was angry? Really? Everyone else tended to avoid her whenever Sakura was angry, never wanting to be on the receiving end. Even Naruto, the guy who'd more or less been infatuated with her since the start of high school, never called her anger beautiful. He ran a mile the second her eyebrow started ticking and downright refused to make eye contact just in case.
"You seem more confident in yourself," Shisui continued quietly without any prompting and secretly, Sakura basked in the clarification because it meant so much more to her than simply being called beautiful. "And your eyes seem greener too."
Smirking, she asked softly, "Are you sure that's not just the makeup?"
He shook his head. "The makeup looks great – you look great – but it's not because of it."
Her heart melted and she breathed in deeply.
It was so unlike her previous relationship that part of Sakura was almost wary about it all. Saying she was unused to the attention of another sounded awful of her (because her ex wasn't a bad person, he really wasn't), but that was how it felt. Sometimes, she felt like a fish out of water when Shisui showered her with compliments and teased her. Was there an ulterior motive? Was he leading her on in the same way she'd witnessed friends had been in the past?
Maybe it was naïve of her, but Sakura didn't think so. Everything Shisui said or did seemed so genuine and as she'd thought earlier, nobody had a bad word to say about him.
"Thank you," she murmured, smiling.
They sat in companionable silence until their next checks, finding a rerun of an old show to relax to. Of course, the chocolates were long gone before they were even close to being halfway to the next checks and she pouted childishly when the rubbish was thrown away, Shisui's smile amused.
Almost everyone was already asleep, making their checks swift, and Sakura's heart skipped a beat when they returned to the lounge and sat a little closer than before, arms brushing.
"So, do you have any videos of you dancing?" Shisui asked during a break in the show.
"Pervert," she laughed before shaking her head, settling herself beside him once she had her phone from her back pocket. Had they been working the day shift, her phone would have been left in her locker but because of how dull working nights could be, they were allowed them on their person, as long as they didn't use them in front of residents or use them inappropriately. "Are you really that eager to see the costumes?"
He chuckled, peering down curiously at her lock screen image. Due to being at work and not wanting to be disturbed during her date before that, Sakura had placed her phone on do not disturb, granting Shisui a full view of her posing with Ino and Hinata. They were dressed for one of the blonde's infamous house parties, glasses of wine in hand as they grinned happily, most definitely a little tipsy.
"No, I just wanted to see you doing something you enjoy."
That was really sweet, Sakura thought with a mental pout.
There were many videos on her phone of her dancing, ranging from clips of practice (for when she left dance and needed to practice at home, since working as many hours as she didn't leave her with the ability to join extra classes), to goofing around with Ino performing viral trends, to professional recordings of competitions.
"Fine, I'll show you a couple," she relented with an easy smile, one he returned.
Rather than showing him one of her actual routines, however, Sakura pulled up an ancient video of a viral trend they'd participated in that she knew she would be killed for at a later date, the temptation too great to ignore. Biting her lip, she made sure it wasn't too loud, the start up music low as only one person danced on it, their knees bent and hips swaying jerkily, arms doing random movements as the rest of the group lounged around, acting as though he didn't exist.
"Wait, wait, wait, is that Sasuke?" questioned Shisui, then recognising the music, his eyes lit up with amused disbelief, looking so very much like he'd stumbled across a piece of gold big enough to sustain him for life. "Please, please tell me he gets involved."
"Do the harlem shake!"
The moment the beat dropped, he burst into loud, carefree laughter that was highly contagious, eyes creasing but refusing to shut as he squinted at the video, watching the group of friends making total idiots of themselves – even his cool, usually apathetic little cousin.
"We had to," Sakura giggled.
Naruto was no longer stealing the show, not even while he bounced around frantically, because surrounding him they were all doing something weird. Sasuke was headbanging – yes, actually headbanging – before jumping somewhat aggressively while playing the air guitar, looking more like he was stomping. Shikamaru remained motionless on the ground throughout it all, seemingly sleeping, looking like he was in the way as she and Ino flipped over him together, the pair of them suddenly becoming acrobats, their bodies linked securely as they performed a two person backbend flip across the room. Kiba was doing a reckless head spin (she was still shocked that he hadn't broken his neck), Hinata was performing an endless series of pirouettes, hair shielding her red face (Sakura could still recall how much she hadn't wanted her face on the video during the dance, leaving Ino to almost furiously mess up her hair to make it easier to hide) and finally, there was a shocked Itachi as he stood in the doorway, perplexed at the sight that he'd stumbled upon, clearly not knowing where to look first.
"Holy shit," Shisui managed to say between gasps for breath. "Why hasn't Itachi told me about this?"
"He vowed to take it to the grave with him," came her laughed answer, wiping away a tear because Sasuke's dance certainly was the best part of the whole thing.
"How old were you guys there?"
"About thirteen, maybe fourteen," she replied with a wistful smile.
Oh Gods, she loved those days. They hadn't really cared about opinions when around each other, all able to let loose and act like idiots. Nowadays, she only really saw Ino and Naruto (had she not lived with the former, she highly doubted she would have seen much of Ino either, considering the blonde worked two different jobs), for the rest were way too busy with their lives and careers.
Then, with a mischievous lilt to her voice because she knew it was going to happen before even showing him the video, Sakura asked, "How badly are you going to torment Sasuke-kun for this?"
His smirk was downright sinful and she felt her stomach flip with excitement in response, once more bursting with heat with he said, "I will do whatever you want if you send me that video."
Was it worth the trouble she would get into with Sasuke if she shared it with Shisui?
One look into his eyes gave Sakura her answer.
Yes. Yes, it was.
He laughed while watching it the second time, his laughter increasing when he sent it to Itachi and received nothing more than an ellipsis as a first response, followed by a solitary "please don't".
When it came to the final few hours of their shift, it was safe to say Sakura was dragging herself through it. Did she regret waking up early and spending her few free hours before work on a date? Hell no. She'd loved every minute of it, just as she loved sitting up all night and talking with him, showing him more videos of her dancing before he showed her a single video of him and Itachi taking part in a competition between themselves during a workout (which seriously made it so much harder to ignore the warmth in her belly).
Being so tired had its downsides, however and the major downside was that it took away rational thought. It made her acutely aware of the tension between them and she repeatedly fell victim to his teasing, to the extent where it caused a persistent throbbing between her thighs, her heart racing whenever their gazes met at one point.
Entertaining the thought of doing something completely crazy and out of character for herself, Sakura imagined going home with him after work. She imagined saying to hell with it and taking that plunge. The only thing stopping her was fear of rejection and fear of him losing respect for her.
So, because she desperately needed some advice seeing as she couldn't make her own mind up, Sakura slinked away to the bathroom before the final checks of their shift, knowing that her best friend would be awake by that time to get ready for work.
"Sakura…?" Ino answered tiredly, yawning into the phone without a care. "Did something happen?"
"No," she replied quietly and glanced to her reflection in the mirror, fingering the smoothness of her skin. After a few hours of starting work, she'd washed off her makeup and couldn't deny she felt more refreshed for doing so. "But… I need advice."
In an instant, Ino sounded more awake, her tone undeniably excited. "I take it the date went well."
It wasn't a question. "Really well," came her hushed response, somewhat embarrassed to admit, "It almost feels like our shift was a date too."
"Then what's the issue?" she asked curiously.
Sakura smiled when she heard the sounds of purring on the other end of the line growing closer, telling her Ino had once again allowed the cat to sleep in her room (despite declaring she would keep her door firmly shut, not wanting cat hair on her clothes).
"He's always teased me and I've always teased him too, but since admitting we like each other and going out last night–"
"Wait, does that mean he said whether it's a date or not?"
There was no stopping her grin. "Yeah, it was a date." The quiet squeal had her grin widening before she continued nervously, "It feels different, like it's… getting to me, y'know?"
Silence, and then… "Holy shit, he's turning you on!"
As much as she longed for Ino to learn to respect some boundaries and her privacy, Sakura was so incredibly grateful for being able to speak candidly to her in that moment. It wasn't that she was confused – she knew what arousal felt like and knew exactly what she wanted. No, what Sakura needed was advice or encouragement to make the next move.
After all, they hadn't even kissed yet. Hadn't held hands. Hadn't embraced. They'd literally only just been on their first date after knowing each other for just over two months.
Was she moving too fast?
"I don't know what to do, Ino-Pig," she whined quietly. "Would it make me look bad if I made a move on him?"
"Hell no," came her firm assurance. "Are you getting signs that he wants that?"
Without a doubt. Teasing aside, the tension between them was bordering on insane and her heart leapt into her throat every time their eyes met, her insides turning to mush at his knowing smirks. Shisui had fully intended on kissing her before their shift started the night before and damn it, while at the time it'd felt like a wise decision, now Sakura regretted it deeply. Not kissing him was supposed to make it easier to get through the shift, but it hadn't helped in the least. It was all she could think about.
"Yeah."
"You're both adults, Forehead," Ino told her wisely, and in the background, she heard the shower starting up, followed by the clattering of almost empty bottles and what Sakura presumed to be a razor. "It doesn't matter what others think if you make a move on him. As long as you're both comfortable with the pace and it feels right, then I say go for it. Live a little! It's been, like, an eternity since you last got laid!"
Sighing at the reminder of how little experience she had in that department, Sakura glanced downwards at her body. She was comfortable with the way it looked, that confidence growing with her dancing as it kept her in shape and toned, but her experience, on the other hand was just…
What if it happened and she disappointed him? What if she blanked on what to do? She'd always taken the lead with her ex-boyfriend, was always the one who initiated anything sexual, however, with Shisui, Sakura knew that wouldn't be the case and that he would definitely be the one in control. What if she couldn't handle that? What if it left her at a total loss?
"I can sense that giant ass forehead overthinking from all the way over here," taunted Ino mercilessly. "Shut it off and listen to your heart."
She was right, without a doubt. Worrying over what ifs was pointless, just like worrying over what people would say about her was too. What mattered was her relationship with Shisui and helping it progress to the next level.
"Let me know what you're doing," her best friend told her. "If you plan on going to his place, I'll throw a bag together of clean clothes for you – I'll even throw in a condom or two just in case it's been a while for him too."
"Ino!" Laughter had her gasp of shock transforming to a smile. She really did have an amazing roommate. "…Thank you."
There was a smile to her voice as the blonde replied chirpily, "You can thank me by getting yourself laid!"
By the time she returned, Madara's blankets were returned to his room and Sakura knew Shisui would have already checked on his uncle in the process, either getting him ready for the day if that was what he wanted, or just giving him a quick check and change if necessary.
"Do you mind if we stick around for an hour?" Shisui surprised her by asking just as they left the lounge together, her phone returning to her jacket in the staffroom. "Uncle Fugaku always visits on a Wednesday and I wanted to ask him a couple of things while we're both here."
Even if she wanted to refuse, it wasn't like she could go anywhere without a car – good thing she didn't want to, Sakura decided, nodding in agreement. Although, it did put a dent in her plans.
Maybe her plan wasn't so great after all, she thought as they went about their rounds of helping those who wanted to wake up and start their day, or providing care to those who wished to stay in bed but needed their pads changing. They were going to be exhausted by the time they clocked off and sticking around for an extra hour or two wouldn't help that in the slightest, increasing the chances of being rejected simply because he was too tired.
Oh Gods, or worse, she actually went to his place and just passed out before anything even happened, seeing as they would both obviously need to shower and–
No. She couldn't do it.
"What's wrong?" asked Shisui with a frown of concern.
He approached her in the lounge as she aided Ai in sitting down in her usual seat, her dulled brown eyes fixating on the news channel Shizune had put on. To help them get on with their final rounds and waking people up (since they were not allowed to leave a resident in the lounge unsupervised), she stepped in, giving everyone who decided to start their day a cup of tea and friendly conversation.
"Sakura-chan?"
Like hell she could tell him what was going through her mind – it was way too embarrassing.
"Nothing," she told him and smiled to try and reassure him.
"You looked deep in thought," he said. Then, once they were out in the hall to ensure Madara was ready for his morning with Fugaku, Shisui smirked, asking, "Are they dirty thoughts, Sakura-chan?"
The blush threatened to give her away, but she liked to believe she saved herself by laughing it off and telling him, "You wish!"
Much to her stupid heart's elation, he murmured softly once they were outside of Madara's room, "What if I do?"
It wasn't only her heart that was stupid, Sakura thought. Her stomach was too as it was flooded with warmth, but what really let her down was the return of the throbbing.
Had he been considering making a move too?
"Maybe I was," Sakura pushed back, reassuring herself that she could always brush it off as a continuation of their game if she messed up. "Maybe you were right and I couldn't handle it." Daringly meeting his eyes and blushing hard at the intensity of his stare and his own blush, she continued, whispering, "Maybe the tension got unbearable."
But then just as Sakura was certain she'd gained the upper hand, Shisui floored her by quietly confessing, "It's always been unbearable."
She melted under his gaze. While previously she would have felt gross after a twelve hour shift, particularly when wearing no makeup and boasting the effects of an all-nighter, under his heated stare, Sakura felt nothing short of desirable. Even in uniform, even when smelling of the residential home, even when so clearly tired and worn down, she felt sexy.
Nobody had ever made her feel such a way about herself before.
Ino's encouragement repeated itself in her mind, attempting to sway her mind and each time it played, it grew more reassuring, more tempting. The question was almost on the tip of her tongue and ready to be said aloud but thankfully, he beat her to the punch and spoke up first.
"We should continue this in private when our shift is over," Shisui murmured, eyes languidly returning to hers, the desire unmistakable.
Oh, shit.
Was it happening? Was he going to make the first move instead?
Sakura swallowed hard and nodded, following Shisui into Madara's room.
There was no hiding that she wanted to go home with him, her body aching with the need to explore the tension between them, but…
Could she?
A/N -I know it's a day late, but Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate it!