Chapter 19 – They Will Stay Here Forever

He'd yet to receive an answer, but Shisui knew that was only because Sakura had yet to decide on what she wanted. If it was time she needed, then time she would get. He would not force her to make a decision she wasn't ready for, no matter how badly he wished to hold her in his arms once more.

Leaning back against the freezing stone wall, he allowed it to cool his body, head falling back with a quiet thud. His chest was rising and falling, his pants for breath causing his lungs to burn uncomfortably. Across from him, Hatake Kakashi and the Hokage's former guard were no different, all in various stances of exhaustion, barely capable of holding themselves upright after their unforgiving training session.

Like himself, they believed they were growing sloppy from sitting around, doing nothing with themselves all day. They were all men who were used to being under pressure, used to barely catching a break, used to having orders. Now, without them, they all felt a little lost. What did one do with himself after decades of serving their village? They'd fought, stolen, seduced and killed all in the name of their beloved Konoha. How were they supposed to take being locked in a hideout, unable to show their faces for fear of endangering everyone else? The men surrounding him, the Copy-Nin especially, were the highest on Danzo's hit list. Not a stone would be unturned. Nowhere was safe for them. For any of them.

"What's the situation with Haruno?" asked Raidō once he'd caught his breath. "Any improvement?"

Kakashi looked to him, like he was expecting Shisui to answer the question, before sitting on the ground with a heavy sigh, knees bent upwards. "I want to say she has more fight in her – a will to live – but I'm still unsure how deep it runs."

"Can't say I blame her," came Genma's gruff response as he placed a new senbon in his mouth. The previous one had been lost during their sparring session and, much to Shisui's annoyance, was much too thin and fast for him to see without the use of his Sharingan. "Kid can't even look me in the eye without getting lost in that head of hers."

Iwashi was the next to speak, his dark eyes narrowed. "Makes you wonder what they did to her. Who they used against her in their manipulation. We've all heard her speaking to herself-"

"We don't need to talk about it, do we?" They weren't stunned by Genma's harsh demand. "All that matters is helping Sakura. Shizune'd kill me if she could see the state she's in right now."

"Only if Tsunade-sama didn't get there first. Not many saw how much she cared for her," Raidō stated, trying to smirk. He clapped a hand to his teammate's shoulder and offered a single nod when Genma looked to him. "For them both."

Like Sakura, the Hokage's guard and Kakashi were still beaten and bruised, though not to the same extent. Their wounds were mainly defensive, some more superficial than others, but all were healing at a much faster rate than Sakura's. No, their deeper wounds were all emotional, Shisui noted as he watched Genma. The man was reserved, with his teammates offering silent apologies for speaking so insensitively. It didn't take a genius to work out that he and Shizune, the Hokage's assistant, had been romantically involved. While he didn't always show his grief, it was clear to them all he was drowning in it. Shisui couldn't begin to imagine what that pain felt like. He didn't want to.

"How're the eyes?"

It took him too long to realise the question was directed towards him, having been too lost in his thoughts to pay any further attention to the conversations surrounding him. Genma was the one who asked the question, more than likely wanting to take the attention away from himself.

"Better than expected," Shisui replied truthfully. He left out the part about the constant headaches and dizzy spells – they were nothing he hadn't experienced before. He'd coped with the strain when he was just eleven years of age, meaning he could sure as hell cope with it now. "But now I am training myself for life without sight. Itachi didn't explain it, but growing blind is inevitable for those with advanced eyes."

That, he could cope with. Going blind for the sake of his village – or, in this case, for the sake of taking back said village – was honourable, in his opinion and well worth the sacrifice. Losing his sight at the hands of Danzo, from escaping his clutches, was not worth it. Neither was losing himself.

"It's still surreal seeing you after all these years," stated Kakashi with a small smirk hidden beneath his mask. "You almost became a myth – people questioned whether you truly existed, or if you were a figment of our imaginations."

Genma joined him in the smirk, the senbon between his teeth shifting to the side. "A horror story for the children. Misbehave and the Uchiha Shisui of the police force will take you away. You'll never be seen again."

Not that Shisui could really blame them for it. His clan had never held back in boasting about his eyes, claiming they were the most powerful since Uchiha Madara's time. It had been so ingrained in their minds that even Itachi had mentioned it so offhandedly during the meeting, having heard the same line repeatedly throughout his childhood. Adding his sudden and unexplainable disappearance, as well as the deaths of his family members, and bang. A bedtime story, a warning, for the children to keep them in place.

"Seriously, though," Raidō interrupted their joking, eyes inquisitive. "You went through a great trauma. How're you holding up?"

"And not just physically," Iwashi added.

Honestly, it felt surreal being with them all. Prior to the whole incident, Shisui was pretty certain that he had never held a real conversation with any of them. The guard… He spoke with them every now and then, though only in passing. They didn't stop and talk about their days or go out for friendly dinners or train together. And it was the same for Hatake Kakashi, too. They had all been busy people who put their professions above all else.

"Come, Sakura."

They each glanced in the direction of the archway, silent as they watched Sakura trailing behind Itachi, features determined but scared. Considering the direction they were headed in as well as the time, Shisui knew that they were heading outdoors, no doubt attempting to bathe.

According to his friend, the progress was slow. But slow progress was still progress, he'd added seconds later. At first, she couldn't even dip her fingertips into the lake. A few days ago, she allowed Itachi to wash her hands and arms, though it wasn't properly, as she was still caked in dried blood. That changed yesterday, however, when she allowed him to repeat their routine, soon growing brave enough to truly scrub at her skin. But she'd grown frantic at the sight of it coming away, desperate for the rest of it to be washed away too and because of that desperation, she'd worked herself up, unable to go any further.

"I want to try again," she murmured, almost so quietly that they couldn't hear her at all. "Putting my feet in the water."

Shisui noted he wasn't the only one warmed by her determination. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw both Kakashi and Genma's features lighten, even though it was by the smallest amount.

"Regardless of what everyone else thinks, Danzo had better prepare himself for her," stated Kakashi and with a grunt of exertion, he stood. Unlike others, he didn't dust himself off, uncaring of the dirt covering his already tattered pants. "The rest of us won't get a look in."

Continuing to watch the space he'd briefly seen her in, Shisui allowed a small smile, repeating his friend's words to himself.

Slow progress is still progress.

"Enough with the suspense, Itachi," he couldn't help but snap.

Too worn out from the gruelling task that bathing had become, Sakura returned to her bed the second it was over, already asleep before her head had even hit the pillow. Shisui wasn't sure how long it had been since he last witnessed her sleeping so soundly – well, he assumed it was soundly. She didn't fight sleep for once, anyway. Whatever happened, it well and truly exhausted her.

He and Itachi sat to the far right of the main hall while they ate their meals, allowing themselves just a fraction of privacy to discuss the events that had transpired. The food was adequate and rarely filled him, but that could only be expected considering the sheer number living at the hideout. They had to ration their supplies meaning more often than not, many came away from meals still hungry. It couldn't be helped, though as he ate a spoonful of the unflavoured slop that was porridge, a small voice in the back of Shisui's mind wondered when the next supply run would be. They wouldn't be able to train or fight or recover fully without taking in proper nutrients.

"How do you think it went?" asked his friend, a faint smile pulling at his lips.

"Well, considering how chipper you are." Gods, it was rare for him to feel so impatient, but damn it… "Did she manage to complete her goal?"

There was no mistaking the pride in his eyes. "That and more."

The weight that lifted from his shoulders was indescribable and Shisui found himself returning the smile. So much for slow progress, he thought proudly. Although it clearly exhausted her, he couldn't help but admire the determination and strength it would have taken to push herself so far.

"Not only did she dip her feet in the water – she washed her upper arms and shoulders, too."

They – no, Sakura was getting there. She was proving to them that she was still capable of fighting. Proving that they shouldn't have doubted her ability to bounce back in the first place. Inspired by her internal strength, Shisui finished his tasteless slop quickly, determined on returning to his training. No matter how hard he had to push himself to get there, he was going to stand by hers and Itachi's sides when they returned to Konoha. He would be there the day justice was served.

"Before you leave," Itachi began, pausing in his eating. He looked to him inquisitively, silently asking him to continue and with only a brief moment of consideration, he stated, "The others believe Sakura is too great a liability to test at this moment in time. However, we are all in agreement that it is time for you to stretch your legs and join us on a supply run."

Damn, that kid never stopped, did he? And Shisui didn't mean it in terms of being a workaholic. He meant the suspense. The surprises. Itachi was full of them, wasn't he? "When?"

The thought of leaving the hideout, if only for a few hours, was almost too much to handle. It was like a dream he hadn't known about, one that was suddenly within reach, poking at the hidden giddiness he'd been experiencing only moments ago. Leaving the safety of the hideout was exactly what he needed in order to push himself further, to test his abilities, to see the results of his training. It also proved that others were seeing his hard work and determination.

"Tomorrow, noon – if you are up to the challenge, of course."

Up to the challenge? He was raring to go. It'd been many years since he'd last been excited at the mere thought of a mission – he hadn't felt such a way since he was six years old. After that, they became predictable and dull. Genin missions were too easy for him. After a month or two of being promoted, so were chūnin missions. But this… It felt like his first ever mission all over again.

"What does it entail?" he questioned and placed the empty bowl down between them.

"You will be accompanying myself and several others on a supply run," explained Itachi quietly and he returned to his meal, eating calmly. The only time his composure slipped was when a child waved to him cheerily, asking if he would like more food. Politely, he shook his head, ordering the young girl to finish her meal. The sight, the easiness of the interaction, warmed Shisui's heart. Had they been back in Konoha, it wouldn't have been the same. The child would have been shooed away by her parents, warned in hushed tones to stay away from their clan. At the hideout, they could see the Uchiha Clan wasn't as bad as the rumours made them appear. It was a shame there were only three members of their clan left to witness the change. "We split in small groups, with the exception being myself. Until this point, I have worked alone. However, as of tomorrow, you will be my partner."

"Working together," Shisui reminisced. They had always made for a great team, playing to each other's strengths and making up for the other's weaknesses. There was no one Shisui would want to return to duty with more. "It's been a while."

"It has."

When he found her, she was back in the medical wing, green eyes focused intently on the sight of the Hyuuga girl caring for the young boy. No chakra was being used, as it was too risky given her injuries, but the basic knowledge she showed in her care seemed to be enough for Sakura in that moment in time. It was good to see her focused. A motivator, perhaps.

"Sakura."

She didn't look away from the pair, muttering, "What?"

It seemed she was in a bad mood, too. Seeing the tension in her muscles, the scowl threatening to mar the smoothness of her features, told him that. No doubt the bad mood had stemmed from the bathing, which would have stressed her out greatly.

"May I speak with you for a moment?" he asked, undeterred. "Privately."

There was a debate going on in her mind, one that was settled when she finally, reluctantly, met his eye and nodded, sighing. Shisui paid her reluctance no mind, understanding it wasn't anything personal. Only once she managed to stand from the bed did he turn to leave, pausing by the door to make sure she was following him. Certain that she was, he guided her in the direction of somewhere more private, although they were still out in the opening. Those in the main hall would be able to see them, should they look up.

Sakura was the one who decided they had gone far enough, coming to a standstill in the hall. Arms hanging by her sides, feet spread slightly and eyebrows furrowing, her stance could almost be described as defensive.

"What?"

Saying the coldness didn't affect him was a lie. "Have you thought about it?"

Her gaze dropped to the ground, no longer able to meet his eye. "About sharing?"

"Yeah."

The lack of answer had Shisui giving a small smile, fighting back the urge to reach out to her, to activate his Sharingan to see every line of detail on her face. What other expressions could she make? He'd seen angry and scared – he wanted something positive. Something that would make their darkest days seem worth it. Her smile… how beautiful was it? Did it light up her entire face? Would it affect him in the same way her frowns did? Would it make him want to smile, too?

"I will stand by you regardless," he assured her. It'd been years since he'd felt childish butterflies, but the second her eyes met his and widened, there was no denying that they were there. He, a grown man who'd seen hell and had created hell for others, had butterflies. All because a pretty girl looked to him with just the faintest glimmers of hope. Holding back his smile was difficult. "Just try not to keep me in the dark too long."

Was that a smile? Even if it was only a ghost of a smile, he was still classing it as one. "Itachi told me you're going on a run with him."

"I am."

She hesitated for a moment, frowning slightly. "Part of me feels happy about that. Happy for you."

She was in there. Danzo could try and lock her away all he liked, but it wouldn't work. The old Sakura was in there and she was fighting hard to come back to them. Shisui smiled. "Soon enough, you will join him, too."

"You think?"

"Of course." As much as Shisui wished he could stand around and talk with her, to continue seeing more traces of the woman he'd fallen for, he could sense the others preparing to leave for the supply run. Damn it. "I'll see you soon."

A nod. A small, uncertain nod that had him faltering in reaching out, wanting to smooth the frown lines away. Instead, he sighed, hand returning to his side. It would get easier – it had to. For Sakura's sake more than anyone's. More than anything, he wanted her to be able to go at least one hour without having to question everything that ran through her mind, or having to question something she had seen or heard.

Just as he turned to leave, trembling fingers caught his sleeve and as ridiculous as it felt to admit it, Shisui felt his heart stutter. She swallowed, head bowing a fraction.

"Be safe."

Be safe.

You have to live.

"Are you sure?"

He nodded once, eyes fixated on the thriving town they were assessing. It had been so long since he last witnessed so much life in one place, so much normality. Seeing it for himself, with the aid of his Sharingan, reminded Shisui of the village they'd once called home, reminded him why it was imperative they continued to grow in strength and numbers: to help restore Konoha back to its former glory.

"Very well," Itachi agreed with ease, though it didn't surprise him. "I trust you know your own limits."

Better than anyone. "The sooner I reacquaint myself with my jutsu, the better."

"Do you believe you will have to relearn them?"

Finally, he looked away from the town, only to find his friend already watching him closely, taking in the detail of his Mangekyō. It was incredibly risky having it activated, let alone using it, but it was a risk they had to take at some point. Was it too soon? Perhaps. However, they would get nowhere if they continued to hold themselves back. They had to push where necessary. Had to push even when it felt impossible. Sakura had shown him that. She was proving to them all that it was possible to overcome the worst.

"We will find out."

The others had already scattered into several groups, all of varying numbers, infiltrating the town from different directions at separate times, not wanting to gain too much attention by approaching simultaneously. Anything that was considered to be even the slightest bit suspicious was avoided, each group going that extra mile to ensure they successfully completed their mission.

Due to it not being the first time they'd hit the town, Itachi had decided that they should be the ones who went after the medical supplies, for they would have increased security surrounding the hospital. It would be good practice, Shisui had agreed without hesitation. It gave him the perfect opportunity to test how out of practice he was in terms of his dōjutsu.

"Let's go."

A/N - Just a quick update to let you all know I haven't forgotten this story! I know it's been forever since I last updated and I'm sorry for that. The good news is that I'm doing so much better than the last time I updated. I hardly throw up anymore and don't feel nauseated all day every day. I still get sick from time to time, but it's much more manageable and I no longer need tablets to keep food and water down. However, I'm also just over 5 weeks away from my due date with killer BH, meaning updates are going to continue being slow for quite a while. Sorry!

ALSO, I was sat in a cafe today with my SO and there was a group of girls at the table next to us, no older than 13-14 years old. At first they were talking about vampire kinks and I perked up a little when they started talking about The Vampire Diaries, but then they started talking about Naruto and how there's all this amazing fan art on Tumblr AND THEN one of the girls brought up my username and Saviour and I was just like OMG. And I was dying to get involved in all the girl's theories, simply because I've never met a reader in person before. Granted, I didn't actually meet her and was sat near her eavesdropping, but still. It's so crazy. I've never paid much attention to the stats page before but the UK is in the top three major audience thing. I never thought I'd meet a reader.

So, to the girl who couldn't even keep her voice level while talking about my story: thank you so much! You probably won't see this as you were only talking about ItaSaku, but if you do: I was the heavily pregnant woman in the green knit dress and you gave me the motivation to finish this chapter despite the writer's block. Thank you so much!