Pompeii
Chapter 33
jaylene

Sakura cursed softly as she fumbled with the dish, catching it with mitted hands. It had been a while since she last cooked a casserole and she could almost feel her grandmother cackling from behind her, laughing at her lack of grace. That'd never been a problem for Sayuri Haruno, who'd traveled in a circus act as a trapeze artist before settling down, but she'd never faulted Sakura for her shortcomings.

Sakura shook free of her thoughts, balancing the casserole between one hand and her hip as she knocked on the door next to her own.

She heard a loud thump and a few colorful words before the door was cracked open and a suspicious brown eye peeked out. Upon seeing her, Yamato's countenance changed entirely, lighting up from within as he flung the door open.

"Sakura."

Sakura shivered slightly, unused to the affection instilled within the single word. "Hey Yamato," she greeted before thrusting the casserole out in front of her. "I made chicken divan."

For a moment, he looked confused. Then he brightened, smile heartbreakingly happy. "For me?"

"A little housewarming gift," Sakura said, returning his infectious smile. "Just a little way for me to welcome you to the neighborhood."

"I've never had a neighbor before," Yamato said, taking the too hot dish in his bare hands. Sakura bit back an exclamation, seeing the way he moved on unaffected. "I think I'm going to enjoy it though."

"So, will you do your neighbor the honor of a house tour?" Sakura asked, peering over his shoulders. "I want to see what you've done with the place."

"It isn't much," he warned, stepping away from the door and into the apartment itself. It was laid out almost as a mirror image to Sakura's own apartment though it was far more sparse and Spartan in style. There weren't really any personal, familial touches other than the exquisite tree that took up a good portion of the living room. Sakura approached it a bit warily, the familiar throb of her wrist an echoing warning.

The tree seemed to grow from the very floorboards, a smooth transition that Sakura could barely even see. However, as it grew taller, Sakura saw vertical stripes of reds, greens, purples, and dappled blues. She pressed a tentative hand to the tree, starting at its warmth. It seemed to thrum beneath her hand, a living, vibrant thing. It was Yamato, his strength, his kindness, his-

"Oh!" Yamato exclaimed and Sakura drew her hand from the tree hastily. He came out of the kitchen, cheeks flushed with heat. His expression was miserable. "I am sorry about that," he said, shoulders slumped. He looked like he was preparing for her to hit him or something. "That's...that's an extension of me. It's sort of a necessity." Yamato looked up at her, eyes desperate. "I'm sorry for damaging the floor and this lovely apartment. I'll pay all the damages just don't make me leave-"

"Leave?" Sakura said, cutting through his growing panic. "I'm not going to make you leave. This space is yours to do with as you please. I happen to like the tree. It's quite nice." Sakura wondered for a moment if she said something wrong as his blush deepened as he stared down at his toes. She pushed forward, grabbing his hand in hers because he needed to understand this. "I'm not here as your landlord or minder. I'm your friend. If something bothers me, sure, I'll let you know but we can work through it. I'm not going to kick you out without warning or punish you for doing something you need to survive. Do you understand?"

Yamato blinked a few times before nodding. "Yeah," he said, voice rough. "Yeah, I get it. Thanks."

Sakura watched him for a few moments more, waiting to see if the panic set in again. When it didn't, she squeezed his hand and released it. "It smells like...is that eucalyptus?"

He nodded. "Eucalyptus degupta, the rainbow eucalyptus," he said meekly.

Sakura grinned and said, "Now, want to have some dinner and come over to my apartment to watch a movie?"

She turned and flounced away toward the kitchen before he responded, oblivious to the wondrous look on Yamato's face.

He wasn't sure how long he stood there, just watching her, but when he came back to himself, he looked around. Dark birds lined the rail of the balcony, peering in with beady, cold eyes. Yamato frowned and pulled the blinds closed.

Let the Uchiha think whatever they wanted, this moment was his.

"Sakura!" Naruto whined, pouting up at her with bright, bright eyes.

Sakura sighed, pressing the thermometer into his open mouth. "What's got you so worked up, Naruto?" she asked.

Naruto was perhaps her most faithful client as he had the tendency to be a hypochondriac. Any scrape, big or small saw him to her clinic. From what she gathered from Kushina and Minato, Naruto wasn't this way until she rolled into town. Sakura was inclined to take that information with a grain of salt as it came up in a conversation that involved herself, one of the twins, and grandchildren.

"I'm tired," Naruto said after the thermometer beeped.

Sakura pulled it away, glancing down at the temperature and shaking her head wryly. As always, Naruto ran at 113.6° Fahrenheit. "You're tired?" she repeated. "Could you expound upon that a bit?"

"I get really sleepy every time I go outside. Not right away but I realize a few hours later that I'm exhausted. Mito-sama's got me out in the field now and it's exhausting. It wasn't this bad last year or the years before!"

Sakura frowned slightly. "You know, it could have something to do with the changing seasons. Are you noticing any other symptoms?"

"My eyes are getting pretty itchy and watery," Naruto said.

"It might be an allergy thing. Maybe a response to the coming of Spring?"

"But it's never happened before," Menma said, speaking up for the first time.

"And he's experiencing it too," Naruto put in.

"Well, maybe new flora was introduced into the environment," Sakura said. "Maybe when they burned the tree for the ceremony."

The brothers exchanged glances and shrugged.

"That was around the time we started getting tired," Naruto said.

Sakura nodded, writing a few things down. "I'm going to suggest you pick up an antihistamine from the pharmacy." When she was met with blank stares, she smiled and shook her head. "Sorry. Any generics of Benadryl should be fine. Try taking them twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. They will make you sleepier for the first few weeks, but they should combat the allergy symptoms. Stop back by if they don't work."

"Thanks Sakura," Naruto said, hopping to his feet. "You going to the InoShikaCho Bash on Friday?"

Sakura wrinkled her nose in thought. "Is that the party that Ino's parents are hosting?"

"Them, the Nara, and the Akimichi," Menma said, straightening from his slouched position to lean in close to Sakura with a roguish grin. "Their parties are legendary."

Naruto laughed, digging his elbow into his brother's ribs. "Give her some space, asshole. Menma is right though, their parties are the best. With the Akimichi's amazing food, the Nara's wit, and the Yamanaka's impeccable taste, it's basically the perfect party."

"You guys have a lot of parties here in Pompeii," Sakura said. "It's basically every other weekend at least!"

"We've had centuries to cultivate these traditions," Menma said with a shrug. "With such long-lived lives, why wouldn't we celebrate?"

Sakura nodded. "Be that as it may, I unfortunately won't be able to make the party on Friday. I have some paperwork to catch up on."

"Take a break!" Naruto exclaimed, slinging an arm around her shoulder as they made their way to the front office.

"Cute," Sakura said, shrugging out from beneath his weight. "Truly though, I can't go this weekend. You can't convince me otherwise; Ino's already tried."

Naruto pouted at her and Sakura averted her eyes, knowing better than to allow herself to be suckered in. She needed some time this weekend for herself. She felt like she'd been pouring herself out for others and Sakura needed a chance to recuperate. It was hard to remember the finiteness of her body at times; the burn in her lungs, the ache of her bones, the stretch of her muscles. She only had so much to give.

And at times, she found she gave far too much.

Sakura sometimes worried she'd keep giving and giving until she was just a bundle of scattered parts, offered off to those who needed it more.

So yes, she was firm in her rejection.

There had to be boundaries.

Sakura feared what she'd become otherwise.

(What she'd been before.)

Menma watched her as she set the date for their follow-up, eyes keen and too wise for Sakura's comfort. "Well," he said, grabbing the scruff of Naruto's neck as they prepared to leave. "We will miss you. Try not to overtax yourself this weekend."

Sakura's smile softened from the angry, weeping slash to something calmer, more genuine. "Thanks Menma. I'll see you in a few weeks."

"I'm sure we'll see you before then," Menma replied, slouching into his brother in a way that was just shy of intentional as he nudged him toward the door. "Catch you later, Sakura."

"Bye Sakura!" Naruto said, smile all sunshine now.

Sakura waved them off before sinking into her seat with a deep sigh. Shizune was out, restocking their supplies. She didn't say it outright, but Sakura knew she was working with Tsunade on a variety of potions "just in case." They weren't "just in case" potions though, not really. Sakura wasn't sure why Shizune wouldn't say it outright, if it was in deference to the animosity Tsunade felt toward Sakura or a fear that Sakura would order her to stop.

Sakura would never interfere with something so vital to the community.

The office was therefore quiet and Sakura turned her eyes to the flowers Izuna arranged for her, smiling. They were beginning to wilt, but they were still as magnificent as they were when Itachi delivered them. Sakura's mouth firmed.

Itachi.

He'd stepped way out of bounds when he questioned her a few days ago. Still, Sakura couldn't help but wonder how many others wanted to ask those exact same questions and more but found themselves bound by propriety.

How many people doubted her?

She knew she was the outsider. When push came to shove, Sakura would be the first one on the chopping block. It wasn't intentional or malicious by any means, but her bonds here were shallow and superficial in comparison to the centuries that wove these people together. Sakura wished she could say she wasn't used to the feeling but she was.

Sakura was never first for anyone.

Sakura shook her head roughly, refusing to get caught up in the vicious cycle of negativity once more. Instead, she stood and turned the sign on the door to closed. There was only fifteen or so more minutes until she was technically supposed to do so.

She headed out the side door to the back of the complex and stepped into the garage. Sakura never thought she'd have reason to use the garage for anything other than additional storage but, as she opened the door to the Camaro, she couldn't help the little thrill that lifted her heart.

Sakura slid with practiced ease into the driver's seat, gingerly placing her hands against the steering wheel. She didn't crank the car. She never did.

It wasn't hers, despite the title that named it so. She refused to keep the gift, for that was what it was. And it was a gift she didn't deserve, one she couldn't repay. Sakura knew Pein didn't expect anything in return, just as she knew that the novelty of her existence would be worn away by time and leave only Sakura.

And only Sakura didn't get free cars.

Instead, she sat there, inhaling the scent of warm leather and relaxing. Sakura rolled down the window, closing her eyes as the breeze wafted against her face. Briefly, everything was perfect.

"Dear girl, what are you doing?"

Sakura jumped, legs ramming into the steering wheel that was bound to leave bruises. She looked around wildly, frowning as she found nothing. She grabbed the nazar from her pocket, tapping it over both eyes before looking around once more.

Nothing.

"Who are you?" Sakura asked, taking the ankh from her pocket and placing it around her neck for additional protection. The knife Sai gave her was tucked into her back pocket and she inched her hand that direction.

"The mortals have assigned me the name Fujin," he replied, voice rasping.

"God of the wind," Sakura muttered, incrementally relaxing back into the red leather. Her fingers wrapped tightly around the knife, ready for anything. She wasn't sure how well she'd do against a god, but she would try. "What brings you out this way?"

"Many things awaken during the Ceremony for Spring," Fujin replied. "Things that hibernate habitually during the winter and…others."

"Which are you?" Sakura asked.

The breeze kicked up into a wind with a rumble, ruffling her hair. "You seem an intelligent one. I'm sure you'll figure it out."

Sakura bounced on the balls of her feet, glancing up at the line. It hadn't moved at all. She sighed, turning her attention back to her phone. From the disjointed, rambling texts Naruto was sending her, it seemed that his tiredness had led to a full on viral infection that afflicted nearly everyone at the grocery store, leaving poor Konohamaru to man the only open register. It was a Friday afternoon and the store was quite busy.

"Quite a line," a voice said behind her.

Sakura turned, blinking as she met the cool gaze of Danzo Shimura. He was looking at her like he couldn't quite place her so she said, "Sakura Haruno. It is a long line, isn't it?"

"Ah, the resident doctor," he said with a nod. "I am Danzo Shimura. I apologize for not stopping by your clinic yet, I've been quite busy with all of the celebrations." His voice was fondly exasperated. "You played one of the heroes during Founder's Day, did you not?"

Sakura grinned. "Indeed I did."

They shuffled forward in line before Danzo said, "You've caused a stir here in Pompeii."

Sakura glanced askance at him, trying to read what he thought of that. His face was impassive, however, and his eyes flinty. "I suppose so. The residents here can be a bit rambunctious so I'm sure they were excited to have someone in town to treat their wounds."

"You have made a strong impression," Danzo said, smile turning wry. "Minato has yet to stop singing your praises during town meetings. Many of the clan leaders do the same."

Sakura flushed, glancing down at her cart. "I can only hope I'm doing my job half as well as they say I am."

"I'm sure you are," Danzo said softly. "I will need to stop by soon and find out for myself." He looked past her for a moment. "Thank you for keeping me company while we waited."

Sakura turned, fumbling with her cart as she realized that she was at the front of the line. She faced Danzo once more, offering him her hand. "It's been a pleasure getting to know you, Danzo."

He took her hand, shaking it firmly. "Dr. Haruno, I believe the pleasure was mine."

Sakura gathered her groceries as Konohamaru rang her up, loading them into the bags she brought with her. It was her turn to cook tonight and Sakura decided she wanted to be a little fancy with it. She and Yamato had fallen into the habit of eating dinner together two or three times a week. It was nice to spend her evenings quietly, whiling them away in pleasant company.

The dinners were a good distraction from Sakura's mounting frustration at the general incompetence of the people around her. They still rarely worked together, relying on their familial pride to keep them going. All of them, however, believed that Orochimaru was the culprit behind the attacks. Sakura wasn't nearly so sure. It was made even worse in the way that they tried to keep Sakura out of the loop, all in the name of "protecting" her.

Thankfully, she had a plan.

A tantalizing scent caught her attention, dashing all fleeting thoughts of espionage and heroism. Sakura turned slightly, surprised that she hadn't noticed the large tree she was walking beneath. She'd taken a new path today, trying to familiarize herself with every aspect of the town. Unlike most other denizens of the town, Sakura didn't have the song of Pompeii stirring in her blood or etched across her bones. She wanted to though.

She wanted it more than anything.

Then, maybe, Pompeii could truly be her home and she could be at peace with herself, surrounded by the family marked out for her by the town.

Maybe.

She hadn't realized that there was a veritable orchard just on the outskirts of downtown. Ripe apples hung low and heavy, ladening the branches. They lined the sidewalks, not seeming to belong to any of the nearby houses or apartment complexes. Sakura juggled her bags, fumbling for a moment, before stretching out a hand and taking a few of the apples.

Sakura dropped them in her bags, counting the ingredients in her head. She grinned.

Tonight, Yamato would get to try her green apple pie.

She paused for a moment, leaning against one of the trees and inhaling deeply. The fragrant fresh smell of the apples surrounded her and for a brief moment Sakura could simply be. She looked skyward, enjoying the view of the brilliant blue sky through twisting, gnarled branches. Sakura didn't know how long she stood there, just breathing deep and feeling the way the air filled her lungs, until something caught her eye.

Further down, on the edge of where her vision went blurry, was another fruit tree. It was a different tree, with flowering pink buds on the fringe branches. Some, however, were burdened with heavy, fat peaches. They were rather pretty peaches, all oranges and reds amongst a veritable sea of green. The tree stood out too, as the only peach tree among the apples.

Sakura frowned thoughtfully and stepped in its direction.

"Yo."

Sakura flinched as Sai appeared at her side, dropping down from one of the apple trees.

"Sai," she said, unable to keep the reproach out of her voice. He just looked at her, juices running down the corners of his mouth as he bit into an apple. She sighed, feeling almost fond. "What am I going to do with you?"

"Do you like the knife?" he asked, cutting through all of the social niceties. Sakura was almost certain he didn't even notice them. Her heart ached a bit at the thought.

"I do. Where in the world did you get it? It's been so handy," Sakura said.

He shrugged but Sakura caught the way his eyes flickered away from her. So he was keeping secrets from her. Charming.

Sakura began to walk, winding her way back to her apartment. She was unsurprised as he fell into step beside her. Their walk was silent but from the grimace hidden at the edges of Sai's mouth and eyes, that wasn't on purpose. She decided to be gracious and extend an olive branch of sorts.

"Here, take these bags," Sakura said, plopping a few of her bags into Sai's empty arms. He caught them easily, though his expression could only be called befuddled. "If you're joining me for dinner, you have to help out."

"What are you cooking?" he asked.

"Tuna steak with roasted purple potatoes," Sakura replied. "I'm making apple pie for dessert."

"I'm not a good cook," Sai said. "And, from the last time I was at your house, it seems that you aren't the best either."

Sakura snorted, checking him with her hip before continuing on. She didn't take offense to the comment.

After all, though he was oblivious to it, Sai was smiling.

That first dinner together set something of a tradition among the three. Every time she and Yamato had dinner Sai would slink in through the locked window, dropping into an unoccupied seat. Usually he brought treats or side dishes purchased from one of the many restaurants downtown. On one memorable occasion, Sai brought a dish of misshapen, slightly singed chocolate chip cookies. Neither she nor Yamato commented on the ashy taste.

Sakura had five.

So Sakura was surprised when a knock sounded at her door. Sakura and Yamato exchanged glances before Yamato shrugged.

"Maybe he's learned some manners since his last visit," he said, though he didn't sound all that convinced.

Sakura threw open the door, breath catching on a laugh. It quickly fell away as she met the eyes of the person.

"Kimimaro," she greeted, eying him curiously. "What brings you here this evening?"

Kimimaro cleared his throat, tucking his hands into his billowing sleeves. He had traded his lab coat for a haori. With his unbound hair, Kimimaro appeared ageless.

"I find that I have been remiss in my neighborly duties. I would be honored if you and Yamato joined me a few nights from today for dinner. Would Friday work?"

"Friday should be fine by me," Sakura said. "Yamato-" She glanced back to him, startled to find that he'd silently moved to her side. She thought she'd be better used to this now with Yamato and Sai constantly in and out of her apartment. "Yamato, how about you?"

Yamato's face was placid, but his eyes were hard as he stared Kimimaro down. "I'm available," he said, leaning against the door frame.

Sakura watched him for a moment, trying to figure out what the issue was. She decided to ignore the unspoken tension in the air, turning her attention back to Kimimaro and looking at him expectantly. "Is there anything you'd like us to bring?"

Kimimaro shook his head, smile soft. "Your company is more than enough." He looked to Yamato and in his eyes was a challenge. "I will eagerly await your visit at 7:00." With a slight bow, Kimimaro turned and headed down the stairs.

"How'd he get in?" Yamato asked, shutting the door. "I thought the door downstairs was locked."

"I probably forgot," Sakura replied through a flicker of unease. She always locked the door. "In any case, I'm sure he could've gotten in just as Sai does."

"Sai has no understanding of society. Kimimaro understands far too much. He has no excuse." Yamato's voice was firm and unyielding.

Sakura shrugged, retaking her seat. "You can ask him on Friday if you please. My only request is that you leave me out of any of the passive-aggressive neighborly antics you choose to get up to."

His eyes lit with interest.

"What are these antics of which you speak?" a new voice asked.

Sakura looked between Sai and Yamato for a moment before shaking her head and digging into her chicken divan. "If you two really want inspiration, you can go by the library or look it up."

From their twin looks of determination, Sakura knew that they were going to take her up on that.

Sakura mentally sent up a prayer for her sanity, hoping it didn't go to any god she knew personally as she prepared herself for what she was about to say. "Sai," Sakura began, treading carefully. "Yamato and I have something for you."

Sai cocked his head, watching them blandly. "A gift? Am I obligated to 'return the favor.'"

"What books has Hiruzen given you?" Sakura asked. "No, you aren't required to return the favor. Just…well here."

Sai took the envelope from her and opened it quickly and efficiently, only for his hands to still when he found the contents. She saw a slight tremor run through his body and Sakura feared the misstep.

"These are keys to your home?" Sai asked.

"Well, to mine," Yamato said, scratching his cheek. "I figured, with how often you're over, it'd only make sense for you to have a key. You're basically my roommate already."

"We can get a bed set up for you," Sakura said nervously. "There's that smaller room you stay in sometimes as it is. It'd be easy to get it all fixed up-"

Sai abruptly stood and Sakura shut her mouth. He looked between them for a long time, face unreadable. Then he lunged, awkwardly throwing his limbs across their shoulders and drawing them close to him. He pat them once, twice, and released them, watching them anxiously.

"That is a hug," Sai said. "The books say they are given to express gratitude and affection. Did I do it right?"

Sakura's laugh was high and free as she grabbed him once more and pulled him and Yamato close. "Almost," she said. "It just needs to last a little longer."