Pancakes

Prologue

The morning sun was slowly crawling over the horizon as it filled the sleeping town below with its soft golden rays. Konoha shimmered as the morning light caught the dew that glistened on the tops of buildings and trees. The village was still and picturesque. The mountains were bathed in a warm glow giving the Hokage carvings a stunning halo of light and all was peaceful.

The light's beams finally reached her window panes. The rays danced across her leaving a breathtaking array of patterns on her soft ivory skin. She didn't stir as the light found her peaceful face. She was caught in a blissful slumber.

He walked into the room and leaned against the doorframe. A smile graced his face as he saw her sleeping form. She was beautiful. He sighed to himself knowing that the moment was quickly fleeting. He pushed himself away from the doorway with another sigh and walked over to her. He took a seat at the corner of the bed but she didn't stir. He leaned down to place a kiss on her forehead. Her tired emerald eyes fluttered open and were immediately met with his stunning cerulean stare.

"Good morning," he said with a smile.

"Good morning," she replied back sweetly. He took in the sight of her messy rosette hair and her beautiful emerald eyes only for a moment.

"Get dressed," he said sweetly as he stood up. "You were paged into work. You have an hour before you are needed at the hospital," he informed her as he walked out of the room to give her the privacy she needed.

It was now her turn to sigh. Dragging herself out of bed, she stretched and walked toward the bathroom. She turned on the shower and heard over the rushing water Naruto talking in a hushed tone. 'Who would he be talking to?' she thought to herself as she tested the water. 'Maybe Kakashi.' She thought briefly before letting her thoughts trail off. She then undressed and stepped into the steaming shower. Sakura quickly bathed and walked into her room to dress. Once again she heard Naruto whispering to whomever the mystery guest was. 'Kakashi must be briefing him on a new mission,' she thought. She groaned knowing that she would be alone once again if Kakashi and Naruto set out on yet another secret mission.

The last secret mission left Naruto in the hospital for a month. His impressive healing abilities could not even begin to repair the damage the enemy had done. She had heard rumors that Naruto's extensive injuries had been caused by the unexpected appearance of the infamous Sasuke Uchiha. She had confronted the blonde several times about the matter but he wouldn't disclose if the Uchiha had caused his casualties. He claimed that all of the information she was requesting was confidential and he was unable to say anything more on the matter. 'What was there to hide?' She thought.

She needed to find her peace again before going to the hospital. She couldn't be distraught while operating on a patient. She couldn't let her mind drift to the mystery that was Sasuke Uchiha.

She dressed in her scrubs as she tried to relax. She tried to hum to herself to calm her nerves and distract her from her musings. Sakura re-entered the bathroom to dry her disheveled rosette locks. She sighed when running her fingers through her damp hair. Her long rosette locks were a sign of weakness. When looking at her beautiful long locks, her mind would undoubtedly remind her of the Forest of Death and her resolve would crumble. Thoughts of Sasuke broke through her fortress ever time she gazed at her long hair and the depression and despair would soon follow. Her mood was dampened. Her smile was gone. Sakura pulled her hair into a messy pony tail and let out a sigh. She then composed herself and looked in the mirror. The long shifts at the hospital were really starting to wear on her. Her skin has lost its dewy shimmer and her eyes were heavy laden with dark plum circles. She quickly applied her makeup. Try as she might, she couldn't fully conceal her tired complexion. Before leaving the bathroom she snatched her matching jewelry set off the vanity and walked into the hallway.

She quickly dawned her necklace, bracelet, and ring as she walked down the hallway. As she turned the corner and entered the kitchen, she dawned her earrings. 'This jewelry is truly stunning' she thought to herself as she caught a glimpse of herself in the reflection of the appliances. Naruto and Kakashi had bought it for her birthday last year. The jewelry was set in a beautiful white gold. In the center of the necklace was a the Haruno symbol with a cherry blossom with vines the wound up the side of the pendant. The ring, earrings, and bracelet all matched the blossom theme and was color coordinated masterfully.

Sakura paused upon entering the kitchen. Her thoughts of the jewelry were now replaced with thoughts of what to make for breakfast. After quickly debating, Sakura began making breakfast. She set out three plates figuring Kakashi would stay and eat with them as was the norm when he was briefing Naruto. She quickly grab a skillet and began making eggs. She struggled to reach the pancake batter off of the top shelf. She heard the shuffling of feet against the tile as she continued to struggle. It was then that she felt the hot breath of someone behind her. The man easily reached the box which frustrated Sakura.

"Thank you," she mumbled under her breath thoroughly embarrassed. She continued to stare at the floor until she was sure the dark blush was fully subdued. Finally gaining the courage to met her pancake batter Prince Charming, she gazed up into the the startlingly beautiful onxy gaze of the one and only Sasuke Uchiha.

"Sasu...ke?" she mummbled.

Author's Note:

This is the new prologue. I rewrote a small portion of the old one.

This story places Sakura, Sasuke, and Naruto in their late twenties for those of you who were wondering.

I do not own Naruto!

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