Pompeii
Chapter 26
jaylene

Sakura stared at the near catatonic man on her couch. Since showing her his tongue, as if that explained everything, he'd remained silent, gazing off into the distance with unfocused, glassy eyes. She'd left him there, giving him space, but the hour was drawing to a close and Sakura was starting to feel concerned.

"Sai," she said, trying to bring him out of his daze.

He didn't even blink.

"Sai!" she said a bit more forcefully.

He shivered, distant but miserable in the cold.

That was what decided it for Sakura as she gently took his hands in her own. He didn't respond and Sakura could almost feel the ice running in his veins. She'd no idea how long he was outside, but it had been far too long.

"Sai," she said in a firm tone. It was the voice she used to control unruly patients or speak with those who looked down upon her. It wasn't exactly a kind tone, but it was effective. "Sai, stand up."

Sai stood as she pulled him, following her lead of gentle touches and strong voice. She pressed him into the bathroom, turning on the shower. Sakura tested the water, waiting until it was lukewarm before turning and assessing Sai's state.

He was still completely unresponsive and she worried to leave him alone.

Sakura chewed at her lip, weighing her options.

Sakura stared down at him for a moment, heart in her throat. She turned abruptly, heading to her balcony. Sakura threw it open, ignoring the rain and the way the dark birds scattered with cries of dismay, and leaned over across her balcony to knock on Kimimaro's window.

She waited for a moment, banging on it again until Kimimaro came stumbling out of the kitchen, dressed in silk pajamas. He looked around wildly, hair unkempt before settling on Sakura. He blinked, before hurrying to the sliding door.

"Sakura? You're soaking wet! What are you doing?"

"Don't worry about that," Sakura said. "I have a...friend over tonight. Just...wanted you to know."

He furrowed his brows, green eyes lightening with understanding. "Are you...alright?"

Are you safe ?

Sakura thought about it for a long moment, remembering how unresponsive Sai was. "It's fine," she said, shaking her head. "I just...needed someone to know."

She turned to go back inside, only to stop as Kimimaro wrapped a hand around her wrist. Sakura paused, looking up into his inscrutable expression. "Yes?"

"Sakura...stay safe. Not everyone in Pompeii can be trusted," Kimimaro said, rain soaking through his pajamas, making them translucent against his skin.

"I know," Sakura replied, pulling out his warm grasp. Her thoughts flew to a snake eating itself, dancing faux foxfire, whispers among the trees, and secrets wormed in deep beneath the soil of Pompeii. "Trust me, I know."

She left him there, on the balcony and returned to Sai. He was where she left him, eyes glazed over even with the running water behind him.

Finally, with a sigh, she rolled up her sleeves and tugged Sai with her to the shower. As gently as she could, Sakura moved him beneath the spray of the showerhead, watching him for signs of life. His eyelids flickered before closing, a deep sigh rattling out of his chest.

He was still far too cold so Sakura grabbed a washcloth and began methodically rubbing over his fingers before moving to his feet. Along the way, she slowly increased the heat of the water until it steamed. Sai's translucent skin was flushed a deep, healthy red when Sakura turned off the tap.

Sakura ignored the way her clothes clung to her skin as she directed Sai out of the shower. She didn't pay attention to the trail of water on her tiled floor as she made Sai take a seat on the toilet. She glanced into the cabinet, pulling out two towels. One she left to the side as she tilted Sai's head forward and began tousling his hair. The thin veins beneath his skin were clear in his neck, a shimmery silver in color. She stared down at his back, wondering what had happened to him.

Sakura felt him stiffen beneath her touch and she pulled away, allowing him to sit up straight. He regarded her warily, eyes trained on her.

Sakura sighed in relief, leaning back against the counter. "Good to see you're back," she said. She grabbed the extra towel and tossed it his way. "Take off your clothes and dry off. I'll get you something else to wear." Sai was watching her with a perplexed look as she pulled something off a hook. "Wear this for now," she said, passing him the robe. Sakura felt a bit embarrassed as she looked at the fabric, dogs playing poker against a searingly green background. Ami had given it to her as a gag gift for Christmas one year and, to her surprise and shy chagrin, Sakura kept it. After all, it was Ami's first haphazard attempt at sewing. Now, Sai was going to wear it. "I'll grab a t-shirt and sweatpants for you."

Sakura bustled out of the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. She couldn't help but wonder if she'd done the right thing, bringing Sai here. He clearly wasn't in a good head space. And that whole tongue tattoo…

Sakura paused in her thoughts before scurrying into her bedroom. She lifted the book, stroking her fingers over its spine. The book fell open and asked in bright ink, What's up?

"What can you tell me about tongue tattoos?"

Bad idea. Fade in about a year and you can't taste shit for a while after eating...Not that I'd really know. Hell, go for it!

"What?" Sakura shook her head. "Terrible advice aside, that is not what I was talking about. I...I saw a tattoo on someone's tongue. It was...I don't know, a bunch of dark lines, some segmented and some not."

what.

"What does it mean?"

is that person still here.

Sakura's brow furrowed; the book always used correct punctuation. "Yeah, he's in the bathroom-"

get him to leave NOW.

The absolute rage in the lettering made Sakura jump. "What the hell?" she whispered, glancing toward her bathroom door. "What's your problem?"

Not safe. Whispers. Spider. The trees have eyes.

"Stop," Sakura said, heartbeat speeding up in her anxiety. "Sai has been nothing but...well, pretty cryptic but he's done nothing to earn your enmity."

Sakura you don't understand! He's bad news-

"Haruno," Sai called, almost tentative.

Sakura closed the book, shaking her head. "Coming!" she said before turning her gaze back to the book. "I'll deal with you later."

Sakura tossed the book down and headed back into the living room. She had to fight her instinct to laugh at the sight that greeted her. Sai stood calmly in her living room, swamped in her hideous robe. Ami hadn't done the best job with the proportions. Sai's pale knees peeked out beneath the robe. As unbecoming as the garment was, Sai seemed completely unaffected.

"Let me grab you those clothes," Sakura said, remembering her initial goal.

"This is fine."

They stood there for a moment in silence as Sakura searched for something to say.

"Why were you sitting out in the rain?" Sakura asked.

He shrugged, not quite meeting her gaze.

"Didn't you have somewhere to go?" A blank look greeted her. "You know, a house, your home?"

"Home?" He blinked and Sakura had the sinking suspicion that he was suppressing a flinch. "I have no home."

"Where do you live?"

"Nowhere. Everywhere."

And thus continued his (and everyone else's) habit of cryptic evasiveness.

"So you're homeless?" Sakura clarified.

His nod was minute, but it was still there.

"Stay here," Sakura said, before she could talk herself out of it. She didn't know Sai, not really, aside from his abrasive and socially inept attitude. But she knew he was wounded, hurt in a way that festered and rooted itself deep beneath his skin. She couldn't just stand by and let his suffering continue unabated.

"What?" he asked, an expression of shock clear across his face.

"Stay here," she repeated, reckless. "You can sleep on the couch tonight. Tomorrow and the days after…" She shrugged. "It's not much but I can set up one of the patient rooms for you. There's beds and while I can't promise fantastic food you're always welcome at my table-"

Sakura was cut off as she was wrapped in strong but shaking arms. The worn fabric of her robe brushed against her face and Sakura was surrounded by the strange intermingling scents of herself and Sai, spicy and earthy. Sai pressed his face into her hair, exhaling heavily.

"Sai-"

"Thank you," Sai said and Sakura could feel his tears in her hair. "Just...thank you."

Sakura brought her hands up to his back, drawing nonsensical patterns across the expanse. They stood like this for a while, Sakura aware of her wet clothes and the way Sai's breath heaved from his chest, trying to escape. Sakura made small noises of comfort, hoping that she was helping.

"Are you...writing out the bones of the body on my back?" Sai asked, voice steady but subdued.

"I'm surprised you noticed," Sakura said, flushing with embarrassment. "It's something I used to do in medical school too, after I learned all the bones for an exam. It...soothes me."

Sai pulled back slightly, only to smile down at her. It was a genuine smile, small, wobbly at the edges, but genuine nonetheless. "It soothes me too. Thanks."

Sai was the first to pull away from the hug and Sakura let him, ignoring the way her heart squeezed as he did his best to erect the barriers he held at the beginning of the night. They were tattered and frayed but Sakura could still see the way his gaze shuttered as he looked away from her. Then he yawned, mouth opening wide.

Sakura giggled. "Time for bed I suppose. Let's get you fixed up here."

Sai nodded, following in her footsteps.

As they gathered blankets and pillows, Sakura couldn't help feeling at ease with her decision. There was something right about it.

Sakura bit her lip as she took in the befuddled expression on Sai's face. I think I could get used to this...

The pounding of her heart woke her.

Sakura sat up in bed, glancing around wildly. Her clock read 3:20 AM. What had woken her? Sakura's brows furrowed. It wasn't a nightmare, she didn't get those anymore. It was…

Sai .

Sakura bolted out of bed, stepping out into the living room.

Sai stood outside on the balcony, barefoot and dressed once more in his dark clothing. Somehow, it seemed that the garish robe suited him better. Sakura swallowed back the protests on her tongue like whiskey, heavy and bitter, stinging her throat as they went down. "You're leaving?" she asked instead, doing her best to keep her voice level.

She failed.

Sai looked at her, pale face ancient and distant beneath the silvery light of the moon. He stuck out his tongue and Sakura's breath caught as she saw the tongue tattoo suffused with golden light. "I am called," he said, simply as if it explained anything.

"Stay," Sakura entreated.

He looked at her, pure misery carved into his expression. Sakura blinked back the tears as she took in the pain in his eyes. "Thank you," he said, forcing one of his fake smiles. Sakura hated it.

Her eyes burned as he stepped off the balcony, consumed by shadows.

Then, she let the tears-the tears that she knew Sai couldn't cry-fall.

"What did you just say?"

Sakura winced, ducking away from Naruto's gaze as she continued to wind the bandage around his chest. She wished she hadn't spoken at all. "Nothing, Naruto, just forget it."

"It's not nothing!" Naruto exclaimed, leaning in close to her. "It's your birthday ."

"I highly doubt birthdays are a major celebration here in Pompeii," Sakura said. "It gets monotonous after awhile does it not? Centuries passing by in the briefest flicker."

Naruto pouted at her. "But, but it's your first birthday in Pompeii! That's something worth remembering right?"

Sakura found herself softening beneath the weight of his charm. "It is special only because Pompeii is special. Besides, my birthday's already passed. What does it matter now?"

"It was yesterday ! There's still time isn't there Menma?" Naruto asked, looking to his silent twin. "It's still March 28th somewhere right?"

Menma scoffed, shaking his head. "Not on this plane of existence at least."

"It's fine ," Sakura said, redirecting her gaze to Naruto's wound. He'd been messing around with foxfire and found himself with some serious burns. While they were healing at an accelerated rate, Sakura knew that dressing them would expedite the process further. "There's no need to worry about it. Things have been very busy recently and everyone's been away on business. It was a peaceful birthday."

Though she was trying to soothe Naruto, she couldn't have said anything else that would strike guilt into his heart like her words did. "I'm sorry Sakura," he said, voice quiet. "We may have been busy, but that's no excuse for making you feel so unimportant on your birthday."

Sakura shivered, looking up into the face of a man who suddenly seemed eons beyond her. "That isn't what happened at all, Naruto!" she exclaimed hotly, looking to Menma in support. He wouldn't meet her eyes either however. "Oh for the love of-! Look, it does not bother me at all in any shape or fashion that we did not celebrate my birthday. You didn't know!"

Naruto looked up at her. "Can we make it up to you?"

Sakura sighed, fight leaving her. "Look, we can get a small group together and go out for dinner tonight. I am paying for my meal and we can celebrate the party that way." Sakura glanced up at the clock, paling. "I need to get prepped for my next appointment. I assume you know your way out?"

Naruto and Menma waved her off before turning to look at each other. Menma shook his head as he took in Naruto's wide-eyed enthusiasm.

"She said small party," Menma warned.

"Semantics!" Naruto exclaimed, waving a hand in Menma's face.

"Naruto…"

But Naruto wasn't listening.

Menma shook his head, grabbed Naruto by the collar, and headed for the door. Sakura would have no idea what hit her.

"Have a wonderful rest of your day," Shizune said, heading toward the parking lot.

"Sure you don't want to come along?" Sakura asked, fiddling with her handbag. "We're meeting at Akimichi's ."

Shizune laughed, stopping and taking Sakura's hands. "I would love to join you for a celebration of your birth. Unfortunately I have a prior engagement. With the Spring Planting at hand, I am kept rather busy."

"Do you need a few days off? A few weeks? Is Chiyo working you too hard?" Sakura demanded, clasping Shizune's hands.

Shizune blinked, startled before giggling. "No, it's fine, it's fine. I'm glad to be a part of the Planting; it's a pretty big deal here in Pompeii."

"Please take a couple days off," Sakura said. "Paid and everything. Don't run yourself into the ground for my sake."

Shizune smiled beatifically and bussed kisses over both of Sakura's cheeks. "Thank you, love."

"Have fun!" Sakura said, waving her friend off.

Then she looked down at her watch and cursed herself.

She was late.

Sakura raced down the darkened streets, making her way into downtown. Nestled cosily between the florist and the hair salon, Akimichi's green sign glowed warmly down upon her.

She frowned, surprised to see how dark it was inside. Was it closed? She was only a few minutes late, right? Sakura peered into the window closely, scrutinizing it. This darkness was strange, a shadowy dark that seemed nearly solid.

It seemed artificial .

Sakura braced herself, tensing slightly as she pressed against the bright blue door. It gave, opening with a heavy groan.

The darkness did not extend beyond the doorstep. Sakura swallowed, clutching her phone as she called, "Hello? Anyone there?"

There was no response.

Sakura stared into the blackness before shaking her head. She wasn't dealing with this. She turned and headed back down the street.

"Happy birthday!" a multitude of voices exclaimed as light suddenly streamed out through the restaurant.

Sakura turned, blinking in shock at all the people who stood before her. There were nearly a hundred. She located Naruto and scowled. "I said smallparty!"

Naruto shrugged, grinning at her. "C'mon, this isn't even the best part!"

He bounded forward, taking her hand and tucking it at his arm as he weaved through the sea of faces.

Sakura answered all the well wishers with cheer, grinning as Ino attached herself at her other hip, scowling all the way.

"I cannot believe you didn't tell me it was your birthday yesterday! How could you?" Ino pouted. She looked truly hurt.

"Sorry," Sakura said, patting her hand. "I'd no idea this was such a big deal."

"Here we are!" Naruto said, pushing her up the stairs and stopping before the door. "Are you ready?"

Sakura nodded, finding anticipation curling in her gut.

Naruto pushed open the door and Sakura found herself breathless. She wasn't sure how, she expected it to be a combination of some people's magic, but the sky was magnified above her. It seemed much closer, like she could reach out and brush up against the shimmering stars. Galaxies and planets were within the touch of her fingertips and Sakura couldn't speak.

"You like it?" Naruto asked nervously. "We got the Nara family to help with casting the skyscape, the Senju brothers did some of the magnification, Karin and the coven of course maintain the spell and the Uzumaki…" He stopped, grinning. "Well, you'll see what we did shortly."

"Naruto, this is incredible!" Sakura exclaimed. "How did you pull this off?"

"It was nothing." He rubbed at the back of his neck, smile pleased. "Everyone was happy to pitch in. We're really happy you're here."

Sakura blinked away the mist that came to her eyes, smiling up at him tremulously.

"Hey, Sakura!" Kiba called. "Come try some of these ribs. They're to die for!" Sakura headed over, losing Naruto in the crowd. Kiba crowded her into a breath stealing hug before he set her back on her feet. "Happy birthday!"

"Thank you," Sakura replied. "Now what was this about to die for ribs?"

Sakura settled into her seat between Menma and Naruto, grinning at Ino and Deidara who were arguing across from her. She was full, both of delicious food and of pleasure, surrounded by her neighbors who came out tonight to share in a celebration of her life. She felt warm. She felt welcomed.

She felt at home , even among the strangeness.

"Okay, okay," Sakura said, pushing Naruto away. "Stop rubbing this big 'surprise' in my face. Go ahead and show me!"

Menma looked up. "It's about to start."

Sakura turned her gaze up to the sky. It was still a magnified view of space and Sakura found herself lost again among the galaxies. She laid back from the low sitting table, focusing slowly on the sky above.

She gasped as a streak of light streamed across the sky. She cut her eyes to Menma, surprised to find him watching her with a soft look. He grinned, pointing back at the sky.

Sakura obediently looked back at the sky. Numerous stars were falling across the skyscape. Sakura watched the bright spots as they came more alight before fizzling out into nothingness. There was something poetic about it.

Sakura wasn't sure what the future held, wasn't sure when the other shoe would drop. She knew that the higher she climbed, the further she had to fall.

Sakura wasn't sure she'd survive the impact.

There were still so many unanswered questions and Sakura wasn't sure of her place in it all.

Somehow she just did not care.

Sakura decided to enjoy the moment, regardless of what the future held. She had people here; people who loved her, who were family to her.

The tears that were shed were surreptitiously wiped away before Sakura said, "I suppose that was the Uzumaki contribution?"

"Yeah," Naruto said with a wry smile. "How'd you like it?"

"That was one of the best birthday gifts I've received in a long time," Sakura replied, meeting Naruto's gaze.

He seemed puzzled. "But...you haven't even opened your presents yet."

Sakura blinked. "My what?"

Naruto turned, gesturing to a veritable mountain of gifts. "That's how these things usually go, right? Presents on a birthday?"

Sakura sucked in a heavy sigh. "Oh boy."