AN: Please note that this is my first attempt at any type of creative writing in about ten years! The story is forming as I go and I hope to at least keep a steady rhythm while writing. The majority of the story is told from Sakura's POV unless otherwise stated. The rookie 9 are all 22 and everyone else I believe you can figure out from there. This is going to be a slightly AU fic since I am writing as Itachi and Sasuke both returned after the Akatsuki, Orochimaru, and Madera are all taken care of...
"thoughts"
"Words"
"Inners"
... Once upon a time there was a Princess who was under a terrible curse. Every person she loved and cared for was either hurt or ripped away from her. In an effort to keep those close to her safe she pulled away from everyone and buried herself in her many duties to her kingdom. One day she realized her heart had hardened and she believed herself to be untouchable. All was peaceful in the kingdom and the Princess felt at peace. By chance she met someone who cracked the hard outer shell she worked so hard to build and she slowly began to warm to the populace around her again. She was happy and felt loved but the man who made such a difference had no idea she felt that way towards him at all...
"Hey Forehead! We're done for the day so let's go out and get a drink with everyone!"
... Like I said, she was cursed...