Chapter Four

Music pulsed through Sakura's chest as the heavy bass pounded across the dance floor and drifted to the bar. She stirred her drink lazily as her emerald eyes scanned the throng of bodies around her, in search of one familiar face in particular. A frown tugged at the corner of her mouth when she found Ino still absent.

"Is this chair taken?"

Shifting her attention to the male next to her, Sakura cocked her brow in slight surprise. She was wondering when the civilian boy was finally going to stop staring at her and make a move. It appeared that he had finally found his courage.

"I suppose that depends on your definition of taken," she drawled.

He was cute enough with his curly brown hair and deep hazel eyes. There was a foreign hint to his features with his rounded face and upturned, almond shaped eyes; characteristics that were common within Suna. At her comment, his mouth pulled upwards into a crooked smile and his eyes dipped down the slender column of her throat to rest on the delicate curve of her cleavage. Then he blinked his gaze back to hers. "I suppose I'm asking if you're here alone."

"No," she replied. She saw his expression deflate a little and the alcohol in her made her feel some sympathy for him. "But I am right now." She gazed at his tan shorts and white, loose-fitted tank top. It was absent of any village markings, but she was already fairly certain of his birthplace. "Are you on vacation from Suna?"

His brow arched in surprise, but he smiled nonetheless as he slipped into the chair next to her and subtly – or not so subtly to her shinobi eyes – pulled his chair closer. "Yes. How did you know?"

Sakura shrugged before she finished her drink, the strong taste of whiskey warming her on its way down. "Lucky guess."

An absolutely flirtatious smile settled on his full lips before he gestured to her glass. "May I buy you another?"

"I don't drink cheap," she warned.

If possible, his grin widened and his fingers brushed suggestively against hers as he took her glass from her. "I'll be right back then."

With a smile playing on her lips, Sakura settled her chin in her upturned hand as she watched the male walk to the bar. She felt light from the effects of the whiskey she had been drinking, causing her normal reserves to be pushed aside. It did feel a little mean of her to lead him on so much already when she already knew she would return home alone that night, but it had been so long since she had flirted that it felt nice to just let go a little.

In the back of her mind, Sakura suspected Ino knew she had been tightly wound for some time now and needed a night to relax, but she did curse her best friend for leaving her alone in the popular bar while she danced with whatever attractive male had caught her attention that night. Where the hell did Ino even go off to?

"He's cute. Where'd you find him?"

Sakura turned and arched her brow in surprise at finding not Ino but rather Uchiha Shisui standing behind her with a beer in hand. He was leaning back against the railing that separated the bar from the dance floor as he watched the male from Suna collect her drink, and unconsciously her gaze traveled over his shinobi shorts and well-fitted, dark t-shirt. The material clung to his broad shoulders and muscular biceps, causing Sakura to smirk. She wouldn't have put it past the infamous flirt to have purposely picked out a smaller shirt to enhance his well-sculpted, ninja's physique.

"You really think I need to find guys?"

Shisui cocked a brow as his gaze slipped to her. "You're awfully confident."

"Are you saying I shouldn't be?" she countered.

The older male's eyes raked over her form and her skin flushed under his heated stare as he met her gaze again with a roguish smirk. "Not at all."

A small, genuine smile settled upon her face at his honesty, and she straightened in her chair as she briefly scanned the bar. "You here alone? I hardly ever see you without your other half."

To her disappointment, Shisui merely chuckled as he raised his beer to his lips. "Itachi wouldn't be caught dead here. This might surprise you, but he's not really the socializing type."

Sakura was caught between laughing at Shisui's little jab at his cousin and frowning at Itachi's absence, for she had an ulterior motive for inquiring about the whereabouts of the Uchiha Heir. It had been weeks since she had last treated Itachi and she knew his lungs had to be strained by now. She was both frustrated and worried that he was still trying to manage his health on his own, but she hinted no further, afraid that in her intoxicated state she might accidentally let slip something she really shouldn't.

Sighing inwardly, Sakura settled for shooting the older male a small smirk before her gaze returned to the dance floor for the umpteenth time that night. She didn't realize Shisui had been watching her until he spoke again: "Want help getting away from your new boy-toy?"

His question caused her smile to return and she shot him a look. "You think I'm incapable of handling myself?"

Shisui held up his hands innocently. "Not what I was asking, but whatever. I'll leave him to you."

He nodded in the direction of the bar and Sakura followed his gesture to see the male was just paying for their drinks. She bit her lip as she suddenly realized that she had no interest in continuing their little game and she glanced back at Shisui before he could slink away. "Wait."

The Uchiha turned and looked at her expectantly.

"Are you suggesting that you'd be better company?"

The smirk that crossed Shisui's face could only be defined as utterly devious. "Let's just say that you wouldn't be looking for your friend."

Sakura chewed her lower lip to hide the smile tugging at her mouth before she shot him a daring look. "Prove it."

That was all the permission Shisui needed. He finished his beer in one, large swig before he set the glass down and grabbed her elbow in one fluid motion. Then he flickered with her to the door and the pair burst out into the night air before her admirer even got the chance to see where she had disappeared to.

Sakura was too busy trying to smother her laughter as Shisui pulled her down the street to ask where they were going, but she willingly allowed him to tug her along as her focus turned to not tripping in her heels. Now that she was standing, she realized just how intoxicated she really was. It was fortunate she had convinced Ino to let her out of the house in her white, summer jumpsuit rather than the dress her blonde friend had originally picked out for her, otherwise she would have been far too busy trying to keep herself decent.

"Where are we going?" Sakura laughed.

Shisui glanced back to flash her a brilliant grin. "Downtown."

"We are downtown?" She wasn't sure if she was asking a question or making a statement. She was fairly certain they were already in the downtown district of Konoha and with one sweeping glance, she confirmed it.

"We're going to the downtown of downtown."

Sakura shook her head in confusion but before she could ask for clarification, Shisui pulled her through a small alley until they reached the next street over. It was full of life with shinobi and civilians alike shopping and drinking and overall enjoying their evening. Bright, string lights lined buildings of both bars and Gentlemen's clubs, and Sakura admired their inviting displays with interest as Shisui continued to lead.

It was only as the pair neared a pink-lit entryway that Sakura drew to an abrupt halt, using her chakra-induced strength to stop Shisui. "There is no way I'm going to a dancers' bar."

Shisui stilled before he rounded on her with an incredulous look. "Do you really think I need to go to a dancers' club to find women?"

His sarcasm wasn't lost on her and she didn't fight her grin at his obviously offended expression. "And you call me arrogant," she quipped as she pulled her wrist out of his grasp to rest her hands on her hips. "So where the hell are you taking me?"

"Anko told me there was a bar around here that has the best shots." His dark eyes took to searching the surrounding buildings and he frowned thoughtfully until his gaze settled on a bar a few buildings down. "That's it."

Before Sakura could utter a word, Shisui snatched up her wrist again before he towed her towards the entrance. Immediately they were intercepted by a large, tall male with biceps as big as Sakura's waist and a firm expression on his face. "Sorry, this is a civilian bar only. No shinobi allowed unless on official business."

She could feel the argument stirring within Shisui, but Sakura quickly scoffed before he could voice his displeasure. "Do I look like a shinobi to you?"

Her small, petite size and brightly-colored hair usually caused other ninja to overlook her. Inwardly, it was a bit of a sore spot for her, one that Naruto and Sasuke tried to understand but could never fully comprehend, but rather than sulk, Tsunade had long ago told her to use it to her advantage. And use it she would.

"Uhh…" the bouncer stuttered. He looked her up long and hard, his gaze raking over her high heels and bare legs to her trim waist and small bust before finally resting on her face. "You have a name?"

"Temari." The name slipped out before she could stop herself and she added a subtle Suna accent in respect towards her friend from the Village Hidden in the Sand.

It escaped the bouncer's notice and his hard gaze turned to Shisui expectantly. "And you?"

"Kankuro."

Sakura bit down on her tongue sharply to keep from bursting out into laughter. Next to her, she could practically feel Shisui vibrating as he held his expression in check. The bouncer watched the pair warily, but eventually he stepped aside, still a little distrustful, before he gestured for them to enter. "Have fun."

Sakura waited until the door closed behind them before she finally burst into laughter. Shisui flashed her a brilliant grin as he grabbed her hand and led her through the packed tavern until they reached the bar.

She was still grinning by the time the bartender made their way over to them and gave them an expectant look. "What ya'll havin'?"

The older woman could have easily passed for a retired shinobi. Her shoulders were broad, her blue eyes were hard and there was a set to her expression that made it obvious she didn't take shit from anyone. Even Shisui's boyish grin had no effect on her. "You must be Ishi. Plumb told me you make a mean shot. Is that true?"

At Anko's nickname, the woman seemed to perk up, causing the hardened edges of her face to soften slightly. "Plumb? I haven't seen her in some time. How's she doin'?"

"Same old. Still kicking ass. She told me to find you for a good time."

Ishi looked Shisui up slowly as a secretive smirk crossed her face. "Well, I think you have the wrong parts for me to have a good time." Then her gaze fell to Sakura. "Your friend, on the other hand, well…I'm off in a couple of hours, if you're interested."

Sakura felt herself flush. She wasn't entirely sure if it was from the alcohol or Ishi's suggestive smirk, but she smiled politely as she she declined. "I appreciate the offer, but the only thing holding my hand tonight is going to be my heels when I finally boot them off my aching feet."

Ishi shrugged harmlessly. "Can't say I didn't try. But don't worry, hun, I'll make ya somethin' good," she winked.

The bartender grabbed two shots and set them on the counter in front of Shisui and Sakura before she turned back to the bar to grab two different bottles. She filled both glasses up nearly to the top before she topped it off with another bottle of alcohol and finally pushed the glasses out towards them. "Enjoy."

Each reached for their respective shot glass, but Sakura didn't immediately toss it back. Instead, she studied the dark amber liquid as the smell of alcohol made her nose burn. If she wasn't drunk already, she definitely would be the moment this hit her system. However, she merely glanced at Shisui, mirrored his grin and clinked her glass against his before they pounded their shots back in unison.

The alcohol bit at her taste buds before it even hit her tongue and it scorched her throat the entire way down until it finally settled warmly in her stomach. Next to her, Shisui set his glass down with a heavy thud as he coughed with a flinch, but Sakura was unable to laugh at his expression. Her mouth was still searing from the burn.

"Damn," Shisui rasped. "What the hell is this?"

"I call it Liquid Cocaine," Ishi said. "Plumb drinks those like water."

"I'm not entirely convinced Plumb has a liver left," Sakura said when she finally found her voice again. "Or is even human."

Sakura had spoken with Anko only on a handful of occasions in the past, but it was well-known throughout the village that the edgy, older kunoichi was tough as nails, and could fight and play harder than most of the male shinobi within Konoha. The knowledge that she could down one of these shots without any effort was not at all surprising; in fact, Sakura wouldn't question it if Ishi told her she knocked back half a dozen to get drunk.

"Want another?"

Sakura waved her hand to decline the offer as Shisui readily agreed. Instead, she ordered something sweeter and fruitier; something that would cleanse her palate of the stinging in the back of her throat. As they waited, her gaze lingered over the rest of the tavern, noting the small dance floor that was seemingly packed with bodies and the bar games scattered throughout the floor. Most were in use, but it was the vacant board against the wall that made Sakura sit up straighter and take notice.

"Shisui, we have to play!"

He followed her gaze only to shoot her an amused look. "Darts? Seriously, Sakura. We're shinobi. Darts is like child's play."

A smirk stretched across her face. "Then I guess you'd better win."

Shisui sighed but there was a smile tugging on his lips and after quickly tossing back his second shot, he stood. "Fine. But loser has to buy next round."

"You haven't even paid the first two rounds," Ishi said as she set Sakura's drink on the counter.

It was bright pink and had piece of pineapple wedged onto the rim of the glass. Shisui eyed it with obvious judgement on his face, but Sakura merely sipped from it happily as the sugar cooled much of the heat still burning her taste buds. Without giving her the chance to search for her own wallet, Shisui pulled a small stack of yen from his pocket and set it down on the counter before he grabbed her elbow and pulled her from her bar stool.

"Hey, I could have paid mine!" Sakura yelled over the music as the older male dragged her across the tavern to the dart board.

"You can pay after you lose," Shisui grinned back at her.

His smile was infectious, but she couldn't stop herself from ribbing him. "You mean you can pay again when you lose."

The challenge danced in his obsidian eyes but he said nothing as he gathered the darts from the board and began their game.

##

Sakura lost track of time as they played one round after another. Neither really knew the rules so they took turns trying to knock the other's bull's eye from the board as they teased and baited one another. She wasn't entirely sure how many more drinks she had consumed, but even in her alcohol-fogged mind, she knew Shisui was not much better off than her and she leaned back in her chair to watch the older shinobi from the nearby table they had claimed as their own.

"'ight, Shi, last throw," Sakura said.

A small pinch of concentration appeared between Shisui's brow as he took aim and released his last dart. It hit the center target flawlessly and she giggled as he gave a little victory dance. Considering the light sway to his stance, his abilities were quite remarkable and she was inwardly impressed his skills were so well honed that his precision hadn't wavered even heavily impaired. Her last attempt had been off by an inch to the left, but she didn't feel offended. She could hardly see straight as it was.

"I win! You getta pay last round."

Sakura scoffed jokingly as he joined her at the table. "Fine, fine. We should get some'n to eat though. I'm starving."

Shisui hummed thoughtfully. "Mm…yes, but not here. I know another good place nearby."

"They still open? It's pretty late, isn't it?" She glanced around the still bustling bar in search of a clock. "What time is it anyway?"

"Only one way to find out."

She turned back to Shisui as he grasped her hand and pulled her from her chair. As soon as she was on her feet, the alcohol running through her system made itself clearly known. She swayed for a moment but before she could regain her balance, Shisui tugged her towards the bar, causing her to stumble into his side with a soft laugh.

Shisui didn't even budge and his easy strength didn't escape her notice, but it quickly fell forgotten as he once again pulled out enough money to cover both of their tabs. A protest fell from Sakura's mouth, but Shisui either ignored her or didn't hear her complaint for he simply turned and steered her out of the bar and into the night.

The air was refreshing against Sakura's flushed skin and she took a deep, purifying breath before she followed Shisui's gentle tug on her hand as he led her in the opposite direction of the village center. The streets were far emptier than they had been when they had first arrived some hours ago. The surrounding clubs and bars were still brightly lit with artificial light, but as Shisui ushered her away from the downtown district, moonlight began to become more evident as it bathed the road and buildings in silver.

"Where are we going?" Sakura asked as she stumbled after him. She was beginning to regret wearing her heels as she stumbled again and she pushed chakra into her system, forcing her body to breakdown the alcohol a little more rapidly than her metabolism could on its own.

Shisui glanced back at her, a boyish grin on his face as he began to walk faster. "It's my best kept secret."

She couldn't stop from baiting him. "A girlfriend?"

"Ha-ha."

She snorted only to trip again as Shisui came to an abrupt stop. He caught her easily and shot her a look that clearly showed he was silently laughing at her before he released his grasp on her to return his gaze to the building they had stopped in front of. It was a small teahouse.

Even from the outside, Sakura could tell it wasn't very big with its single-door entrance and white, wooden gate that wrapped around to one side. It was wedged between two large buildings but looked welcoming enough with two strings of lights framing the walkway to the entrance. To her, it looked closed but Shisui merely ambled up the path and knocked lightly on the door.

Sakura followed, a little unsure, and she was just about to offer that they were probably closed and should just go elsewhere when the door finally swung open to reveal an elderly lady. Her hair was the color of the flour on her hands and she gazed first at Sakura with keen, grey eyes before glancing towards Shisui.

At the sight of him, a warm smile spread across her aged face. "Shisui, I was beginning to wonder if you were to see me again before I keel over."

He smiled cheekily. "Keel over? You still have some usable years left, Hama."

Her laugh came out dry and wheezy, but it was of joy and she held her arms out as Shisui stepped forward to embrace her gently. Sakura could only watch silently as Hama half-heartedly lectured him about forgetting about her, but it wasn't long before her dark eyes fell to Sakura again.

"And who might this beautiful young lady be?" She elbowed Shisui. "Your girlfriend perhaps."

"I'm just a friend," Sakura said as she stepped forward. She tried to make herself out to be more sober than she actually was as she bowed politely and extended her hand. "I'm Sakura."

Hama accepted her hand, her skin surprisingly soft and her fingers full of hidden strength, and she pulled Sakura a little closer as the wrinkles around her eyes deepened. "Sakura?" she repeated curiously. "Sakura, the Godiame's Apprentice, Sakura?"

"That would be me."

"Oh dear. You are far more beautiful than the rumors say," she said, causing Sakura to warm. "Are you unattached?"

"I am," she admitted quietly.

The elderly woman shot Shisui a scathing look. "What are you waiting for, boy?"

"Hama, is the kitchen still open by any chance?" he asked, quickly changing the subject.

She stared Shisui down a moment longer before she stepped back inside the teahouse, leaving the door open for the pair behind her. Shisui shot her an apologetic smile, which Sakura returned with one of amusement before they trailed after the woman.

Inside was just as small as it looked. There were only three two-seater tables along the wall while a counter separated the kitchen from the diners. However, the back of the teahouse held a large glass door that opened out into a backyard that was filled with flowers and bushes of every color. Half a dozen tables dotted the lawn and Sakura left Shisui's side to wonder to the doorway to gaze out at the beautiful garden.

"I have a few ingredients left over from the evening rush. What are you looking for?"

Sakura glanced back to see Shisui was leaning on the counter that was separating the kitchen as Hama organized her work station. "Anything deep fried."

"That I can do," she smiled. Then she waved her hand towards Sakura. "Go. Sit down. I'll bring it to you when it's done."

Shisui said his thanks before he joined Sakura at the doorway. He pulled the glass door opened and gestured for her to lead the way before he followed, sliding the door closed in his wake. Sakura made her way to an empty table nearby and plopped herself down in the closest seat as a sigh of relief escaped her. With her weight off her feet, she realized just how sore her soles were and she made quick work of kicking off her heels.

Her world was still swaying a little, but it wasn't nearly as bad as before and she glanced at Shisui as she rubbed her feet against the cool grass below them. He was leaning back in his chair with his head tilted back as he stared straight up at the night sky. However, even drunk, he was still a shinobi and he lowered his face to meet her gaze. "What?"

"Are we just gonna ignore that fact that you woke an elderly woman up to make us food?"

He cocked a brow. "Hama doesn't go to bed until sunrise."

"And you know this for a fact?"

"I come here all the time. This part of town goes to bed at dawn and wakes up in the middle of the afternoon to start all over again. She makes her business off drunks looking for something to eat."

Sakura glanced around at the beautiful garden. It was practically overgrowing with all the various flowers, most she recognized but there were many she didn't. It made her wonder if Ino even knew all of them, her parents being the go-to florists of the village. "How did you even find this place?"

The sliding door opened again as Hama brought them two glasses of water and a basket of warm bread. The smell immediately caused Sakura's mouth to start salivating and she quickly tore a slice in half as the elderly woman patted Shisui on the head. "I met Shisui and his little cousin about five years ago. Poor dears had been dead tired on their feet after a hard mission."

"She fed and watered us," Shisui continued as he leaned forward to grab a piece for himself. Then he pointed at Hama as he fake-whispered to Sakura, "Don't let her young age fool you. She makes the best dango you've ever had. I couldn't get Itachi to eat anywhere else for a month afterwards."

Hama promptly swatted him on the back of the head with a fond smile. "I'm not that young. You better keep that in mind next time you go so long without seeing me."

A timer suddenly sounded from the kitchen and Hama excused herself before she shuffled back into the little teahouse. Once the door closed behind her, Sakura shifted her attention back to Shisui as he scarfed down his appetizer. She hadn't realized she had been smiling at him until he looked at her expectantly. "What?"

Sakura shook her head before she bit into one of her torn pieces of bread. A mix of spices flooded her taste buds and she quickly swallowed it down, enjoying its unique flavor. "I guess I haven't ever really talked to you before. You're not who I thought you were."

An entertained but curious expression crossed his face as he leaned back in his chair. "And who did you think I was, Sakura?"

"A flirt," she admitted readily. "You like to joke and play pranks and keep people on their toes. You're well-known throughout the village, but not because of your family name. I thought you were just a tease, but you're actually very kind. Just seeing you with Hama shows it." She was smiling as she spoke, but it slowly faded as she turned contemplative. "One wouldn't think you're one of our most skilled shinobi. Graduated from the academy at eight; moved up in rank to chunin at nine; jounin by eleven. You have a mastery of the Flicker Technique that is unrivaled by anyone within the village, possibly the entire five nations. You're quite humble for someone with so much talent."

Silence passed between them as she finished. Shisui sat calmly in his chair, his gaze and expression never wavering as she listed only a handful of his most remarkable skills. Eventually he laughed out his nose before he shot her a look. "Did you get a hold of my file?"

Sakura shrugged unapologetically as she reached for the last piece of bread. "It may have crossed my path recently."

A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, but it slowly wilted. "It always sounds better on paper. I don't doubt that there is someone out there who can outmatch me. And it's that thinking that keeps you alive."

His words were strangely eerie, like he had witnessed the consequences of overconfidence in the past. But before Sakura could ask, the glass door opened again and the mouth-watering scent of well-seasoned tempura reached her nose. Sakura turned expectantly as Hama set down a large plate of deep-fried shrimp and vegetables with a large bowl of tentsuyu dipping sauce. She hadn't even fully set the plate on the table before Shisui was reaching for a large piece of broccoli.

"This should hold you over, at least for a little while."

Sakura took one bite of shrimp and groaned audibly in pleasure. "This is delicious."

Hama smiled kindly at her. "Aren't you sweet. Is there anything else I can get you?"

"I think we'll be rolling out of here quite happily," Shisui replied through a mouthful.

"All right then. My old bones need to go to bed. I've already locked the front door so make sure to use the side gate when you leave, dears."

"We'll be sure to keep quiet," Sakura told her respectfully.

"Just leave the dishes on the counter next to the door when you're done. I'll get to them in the morning."

And with a murmured goodnight, Hama meandered back to her teahouse and softly slid the door closed behind her, leaving Shisui and Sakura alone once again.

For a while, they ate in silence as each indulged in the delicious meal Hama had made for them. Sakura devoured more than she should have to be comfortably full, but the sauce and battered shrimp was so delightful she couldn't stop herself from grabbing one after another until they were gone, leaving her to sort through the various fried vegetables.

"You know, appearances don't mean everything."

Sakura looked up from the potato she had been playing with to find Shisui was staring at her. Just by his gaze, she could tell that the fatty food had sobered him some - if only a little - but there was a seriousness about him that captured her interest.

"You joke that you don't look like a shinobi, and yet you can crack boulders in half with just your fist, wrestle guys twice your size without breaking a sweat and hold your own against your teammates; who, by the way, are quickly becoming the most successful shinobi of their generation."

Sakura smiled as warmth bloomed under her breastbone, but he hadn't finished yet. "You can fight. But you can also do something the rest of us can't and that's heal. I'm sure this village is full of people that wouldn't be here if not for you."

She couldn't help but wonder if he was thinking of his and Itachi's brush with death some years ago. Sakura had led one of the two teams that had fought with chakra and sutures to save their lives and though it had burned through most of her team's chakra reserves, they had come out successful. Sakura had slept for nearly twelve hours following that surgery.

However, she didn't dwell on her thoughts as she smiled cheekily. "Well I had to be more than just a pretty face, right? Besides, Naruto and Sasuke are so impulsive someone has to be there to save them when they get the snot kicked out of them."

"From what I hear though, a few days ago you nearly killed Sasuke and took the whole village with him."

Sakura stilled. Self-disappointment caused her stomach to flip and a frown tugged at the corner of her mouth as her gaze dropped to where her finger was tracing the rim of her water glass. A tense silence passed before she collected her voice. "What happened with Sasuke was an accident."

"He tells me you've been avoiding him."

"Well 'I'm sorry' doesn't seem to really cover it so if you can think of something better to say, I'm all for it."

Sakura didn't mean to snap – after all, Shisui wasn't the source of her frustration – but she was still sore on the subject and the fact that Sasuke knew she was avoiding him only made her feel worse.

"Maybe you should start with 'I'm sorry' and see where it goes?" Shisui offered gently.

Sakura didn't reply and she watched silently as he began collecting their used napkins and piling them on the empty plate before he stood. She heard him pile their used dishes on the counter by the door but Sakura didn't immediately move to join him. A soft breath escaped her and she gazed around the peaceful garden, feeling so out of place with her heavy thoughts, but she eventually stood as well. She bent down to pick up her heels before she joined Shisui, her strappy shoes dangling from her fingers. He eyed her footwear but didn't question her before they silently exited the yard through the wooden gate on the side of the teahouse.

Back on the main road, most of the bars and clubs were still in business, but it was far emptier than it had been when they first arrived countless hours before. She and Shisui walked side-by-side as they ventured back towards the residential neighborhoods in the center of Konoha. Under her feet, the well-travelled road was warm but dry, and dust coated her painted toes, but she didn't complain. It felt far better than the heels Ino had picked for her.

Thinking of her blonde friend, it suddenly occurred to Sakura that she probably should have left a note with the bartender or something. Ino was most likely waiting for her at her small condo – that was if she hadn't found someone to accompany home – with an interrogation ready on where she had disappeared to for so long. Sakura would have to think of a lie; she didn't need her blonde friend slipping rumors around Konoha that she was Shisui's latest fling.

Sighing softly, Sakura tilted her head back as she stared at the starry sky. She did hope that Ino had made it to her own bed, rather than hers for she really was in no mood to be bombarded with questions, nor was she sober enough yet to weave a believable lie together. Just the thought of discussing her sexlife with Ino again made Sakura inwardly cringe. Itachi had overheard everything the last time. How embarrassing.

With her thoughts shifting to the stoic Uchiha Heir, she couldn't help but replay the night he had appeared in her bedroom, nearly suffocating on blood and asking for help without specifically asking for help. Looking back, the whole incident annoyed her. She had been utterly exhausted and yet she had done everything she could to heal the disease Itachi had known about and ignored until he physically couldn't any longer; only for him to disappear on her again when they both knew he needed her help.

It was common knowledge Itachi was a tactical genius, but when it came to his own health, he was stubborn to the point of stupid and it frustrated the hell out of her. If he was any other person, she would have tracked him down long ago and tried to shove reason into his apparently thick skull.

But he wasn't just one of her patients. He was Uchiha Itachi. And in the back of her mind, just the thought of being in his presence still made her stomach twist into knots.

"Can I ask you something?" Sakura inquired as she inclined her head to look at the male next to her.

"Yes, you can come home with me tonight."

She shot him a flat look before her gaze returned down the road. "Why is your cousin such an ass?"

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Shisui glance at her. "Itachi? He's not an ass. He's just misunderstood." Upon Sakura's snort of disbelief, he relented. "Alright, maybe he is a little bit of an ass. He's just not great at expressing himself and sometimes he can come off a little abrasively. He's actually a very generous and kind person."

"Yeah, I'm sure," Sakura scoffed quietly, wondering how those characteristics could even be applied to the frosty, arrogant male.

"Did something happen between you two?" Shisui asked curiously.

Realizing her slip, Sakura quickly shook her head. "Nothing in particular."

She could tell Shisui didn't believe her, but he didn't press as they approached the part in their paths. "You headed home?"

As usual, a grin wound itself onto Shisui's face. "Why? You wanna go drinking some more?"

"No thanks," Sakura laughed as they stopped at their intersection. "I think I've had enough alcohol for one night."

A small groan sounded in the back of his throat as he raked a hand through his messy locks. "Tell me about it. Why did you make me drink so much? We're going to have the worst hangovers."

"I don't get hangovers."

Shisui glanced at her sharply. "You don't?"

"I'm a medic," she stated like it was obvious.

His eyes widened in amazement as if he had never considered the possibility before. "Seriously? You can use chakra? Why didn't I think of that before? Maybe you should come home with me."

She snorted affectionately. "Keep dreaming."

"I will. It's a good dream."

Sakura laughed again and elbowed him lightly in the ribs before she turned down the road that would lead her home. "Good night, Shisui!" she said, raising the hand with her heels in the air in farewell.

"Sweet dreams!" was his teasing reply.

A smile settled across her features as she walked away. She took her time to stroll through the silent village and let the cooler night air clear her alcohol-hazed mind. It was the first time in weeks that she could remember having enjoyed herself so thoroughly and she knew it was because of Shisui. She had never spent any extended amount of time with him before, but tonight had shifted her perception of him – if only minutely.

He was every bit the flirt he was rumored to be, but there were other sides to the male she hadn't considered before and it was those parts of him that suddenly made her look at him differently. It was surprising he was close friends with Itachi of all people. But then again, they were family and had grown up together. Perhaps Shisui had just learned to tolerate the sharp edges of Itachi's personality over the years.

With a heavy sigh out her nose, Sakura's smile slipped off her face as her thoughts once again fell back to the male who had become a source of both anxiety and frustration. She didn't understand why Itachi hadn't come back to see her and silently she cursed him. Did he really think it was acceptable to drop into her bedroom unannounced and then just disappear like it never happened? She hadn't even been able to properly research his condition on account that she didn't even really know what she was looking for and the lack of knowing just made her restless mentally.

It was like an itch she couldn't scratch, always there in the back of her mind, slowly fading only to come back to her full awareness again with the slightest mention of his name. The need to know wouldn't have bothered her nearly as much if he would just give her the opportunity to examine him more closely so she at least had something to work with, but he hadn't. Itachi had used her compassion against her, coming to her when he needed her and then disappearing again after she was no longer any use to him. His actions grated on her nerves and she found herself once again growing agitated with his indifference.

Damn Uchiha.

Drawing to a stop at the next intersection, Sakura glanced down the road that would lead her to her apartment. She stared at it silently as she suddenly realized she had no desire to go home. She had riled herself up too much to be able to sleep restfully and she didn't want her good night to end in stress as her thoughts tossed and turned with her body.

Without further hesitation, Sakura turned away and headed in the opposite direction of her home towards the heart of Konoha, her destination now set upon the hospital.

##

Itachi tried not to drag his feet as he passed through the red gates of Konoha. It had been an easy, but long run back from the edge of Grass country and though he was tired, he wasn't utterly exhausted. Nodding politely to the Jounin guarding the entrance, he signed his name on the check-in sheet before he continued into the village.

Dawn was an hour out. The village was still as civilians and shinobi alike rested for the day ahead. Itachi was but a silent shadow as he trekked towards his clan's compound, knowing that the Hokage wouldn't wake until the sun had cleared the high trees surrounding the village, and his report could wait until then.

A small sigh of relief passed between Itachi's lips as the sight of the familiar, wooden gates surrounding the Uchiha compound came into view, but the breath didn't come without pain and he pursed his lips to hide his small grimace. It had been too long since he had last been home, but rather than head straight towards his home, he took a detour, stopping just outside Shisui's house as he felt for the other's chakra. A hint of a smile crossed his face as he felt the familiar chakra signature, strong and unwavering, coming from his cousin's bedroom before Itachi continued towards his own home as the thought of a quick meal and a long shower tugged on his desires.

With much practice, Itachi stealthily pushed the front door of his family's home open. He felt for his brother and parents' chakras before he removed his boots and began the climb up the stairs to his bedroom. There, he discarded his armor and collected a towel before he retreated to the washroom across the hall.

It had been over two weeks since he had left for his solo mission and though he had spent plenty of nights in motels with running water, it was the first time since his departure that his tense muscles loosen under the warm spray. It was always easier to relax within the walls of the village, and he took his time to scrub the dirt and sweat from his skin before he did the same to his hair.

The steam that clung to the air irritated his lungs, but it was nothing to the extent it had been before. Even so, he still recognized that his breath had become harder to draw with each passing day as his mission drew to a close and his nights were becoming restless as his disease further deteriorated Sakura's work. He needed to see her soon before it worsened in severity.

Once Itachi rinsed his hair and washed the residual suds from his skin, he shut off the stream of warm water. Outside the shower, the fog was worse, and he quickly dried and dressed himself in a plain black shirt and pair of shinobi slacks before he escaped the suffocating room.

Just as he was about to enter his room when he heard his parents' door open softly. "Itachi?"

He turned expectantly as his mother stepped out and waited patiently for her to close the door again before speaking, "You are awake early, okaa-san."

It was obvious she had just arisen by the robe she wore over her sleepwear and the way her hair was slightly disheveled and unbrushed. She smiled softly as she approached. "I thought I had heard you return home. How was your mission?"

"It was long but successful."

"Good. Are you hungry? I can make you something to eat."

Her offer made him smile but he shook his head. "That is unnecessary. I will grab something quick before I head out."

"Head out?" Her brow furrowed slightly. "Isn't it a bit early? You should rest first."

Itachi had come to recognized the concerned tone of his mother a number of years ago and he quickly put her worries to rest with a soft smile. "I will rest when I return. I should not be gone long."

She studied him a moment more before finally relenting. "Okay. Just make sure you take care of yourself. You were gone for a while."

"I will."

With a suppressed yawn, she bid him a good night before she returned to bed. Once the door closed behind her, Itachi dropped his dirty clothes and towel in his room before he silently descended to the kitchen. In the fridge, he found a large bowl of fruits and he hungrily dug into it, enjoying the sweetness of the mangos and strawberries, and the fullness of the watermelon. Only after he had eaten his share and then some, did he replace the bowl and head to the main door to collect his boots.

It was still dark in the predawn hours, but Itachi knew the village roads like the back of his hand and he easily navigated the streets until the large, white building of the hospital came into view. He entered through visitors' door and headed towards the elevator bank off to the left side before he rode the lift to Sakura's floor.

He had only been to her office once before, but his memory still remembered the path and he soon found himself at her door. It was open but as he stepped inside, he found neither Sakura nor Shizune within the office. He noticed an opened notebook on the desk with a still-steaming mug of tea beside it. Whoever was here hadn't been gone long.

With a sigh, Itachi resigned himself to waiting and he casually glanced around the small office as a means to pass the time. Behind the desk was a large window with a beautiful view of the city. Silhouettes of the large trees guarding the village could be seen just outside the tall gates and beyond that the sky was just beginning to lighten from black to deep blue.

Turning away from the sight, Itachi swept his gaze about the room slowly, noting that there weren't many personal effects from the women. Instead the office seemed to consist almost entirely of notes, journals and books relating to medicine. Interest tugged on him as his eyes landed on the large bookcase taking up the entire length of one wall and he approached it as he read a few of the titles.

Itachi had only gotten his tongue twisted around a few of the complicated scientific publications before the soft echo of footsteps reached his ears. A moment later Sakura swept into the room. Between her hands, she held a book nearly seven inches in thickness as she read and walked at the same time. She was dressed most casually in a white, summer jumpsuit and a pair of blue flats, causing his brow to arch in interest. It seemed an unusual outfit to wear while on shift, but then again there wasn't much he knew about Haruno Sakura.

"You are working late."

The large book slipped from her hands and landed on the floor with a great thud as she jumped in surprise. Apparently whatever she had been reading had seized her attention so fully, she hadn't noticed his chakra signature and she rounded on him quickly, her eyes wide and her stance defensive. "Dammit, Uchiha!" she snapped.

That curse sounded vaguely familiar to his ears.

With a huff of vexation, Sakura bent down and retrieved her thick book off the floor as if it weighed no more than a feather before she glared at him. "You know, if you're just going to come see me every few weeks when it's most convenient for you, there's really no point in me helping you at all. I'm not going to waste my time healing the same damage over and over again when we could be making progress so if that's what you plan on doing, you might as well shove off now. I'm not your slave."

Silent encompassed the room. Itachi could admit that certainly hadn't been the response he was expecting, but he supposed he couldn't entirely blame her for her frustrations. She was correct in that he had been dropping in on her when it most suited him.

"I apologize," Itachi said after a moment, his voice quiet in comparison to her sharp tone. "I would have come to see you sooner; however, my mission had kept me out of the village longer than I anticipated."

She visibly stilled, her anger gone as quickly as it had come as she stared at him with wide eyes. "Your mission?" she repeated. "I wasn't aware you were out of the village..."

Even from across the office, he could feel her embarrassment as she chewed the inside of her cheek. She seemed on the verge of apologizing but it never came as she turned away to drop her heavy book onto her desktop before she lowered herself down into her seat. She reached for her tea before she eyed him. "I'm assuming you're here because it's bothering you again."

"It is."

"Is your breathing restricted or just uncomfortable?"

"It is uncomfortable for the moment," he admitted quietly, "but I do feel it worsening."

Sakura hummed thoughtfully and sipped from her mug before she straightened in her chair. "Alright. You look like you just returned from your mission. Go get some rest, and come back and see me in the morning." Then she reached for her book and opened it with a loud thump before she began thumbing through the pages.

Surprised, Itachi stilled. He had not been expecting that answer. Silently he observed her as she picked up her pen and wrote a few notes before her gaze flickered back to her text. It was then that he recognized the slight drawl of her words was not the result of a long shift as the faint bite of alcohol reached his nose.

He blinked, bewildered. "You are intoxicated."

Sakura stopped reading to glance up at him. "Hence why I said come back in the morning." A faint smile crossed her face. "Your cousin got me drunk, so unless you are currently suffocating right this very moment, I am refusing to do any procedure."

Now that Itachi was looking for it, there was no denying her small slur, but it was her comment regarding Shisui that caught his attention. He wasn't aware that his cousin was acquainted with the young medic and he immediately grew weary.

"Does he know?" he ask. Sakura may have kept his secret to herself so far, but it was not in his nature to trust so easily.

Her brow drew together in confusion. "Know what?"

"About my condition."

"If he does, I didn't say anything," she said before she picked up her tea. "I may be a little buzzed, but I am still a doctor and patient confidentiality is still my priority."

Itachi got the impression she was more than 'a little buzzed' but he didn't correct her as the brief tension in the pit of his stomach dispersed. "Very well," he murmured. "Perhaps I should return in this evening then."

She just waved a dismissive hand at him as her gaze swept over her notes. "Just come back in the morning."

"It is morning."

Surprised, Sakura glanced behind her at the slowly brightening horizon. "Oh. Then I guess tonight would be better then."

Itachi nodded and began to exit her office, but stopped as he reached the threshold of the doorway. There was still one thing he wanted to clarify with her.

"Haruno-san," he said as he rounded to face her once more. She looked up expectantly and he met her forest-green gaze evenly. "Please understand I am aware you are doing me a favor. I did not intend to make you feel taken advantage of."

Her expression reflected her surprise but after a moment, it softened fractionally and she nodded minutely as they reached an understanding. Then Itachi exited her office as silently as he had come, intent on returning that night.

to be continued...

a/n: Oh the ShiSaku feels. I just needed some Shisui time, but don't worry, there's plenty of ItaSaku moments ahead.

Thanks for reading!