Story: The Keeper.

Series: Naruto.

Summary:

Due to a malfunctioned summoning scroll, Sakura finds herself sent into back in a time where Sasuke is still innocent. As she tries to undue her mistake her reason for returning grows less every day she spends in a life where everything was simple.

Chapter name: School days.

Word count: 750

{A/This story will be updated more frequently than "Smolder," I assure you dear reviewers if you would be kind to hit that little, "submit review," button. C:

Sakura was slow to get up even as the morning rays came through the window in Kakashi's guest bedroom. It was sure to be awkward between them, so she spent extra time getting ready that morning. After styling her hair in a loose bun and dressing lightly in some black spandex short and a tight fitting white vest, she slipped on her knee high boots before opening her door.

The most awful smell emitted from the kitchen, so bad in fact that Sakura went to investigate. Kakashi had apparently tried to cook eggs still in their shells and bacon on a heat setting way to high. There was quite the mess of burnt food, and splatters of unknown food lingering on the walls that Sakura took pity on him.

After ushering him from the ruins of the Kitchen, Sakura wasted no time cleaning up the apocalypse that was Kakashi's cooking, and then set on the task of preparing something edible. After the kitchen was sparkling and she had finished making breakfast, the rosette kunoichi sat down the food in front of Kakashi for his approval. She looked away so he could eat in peace, happily munching on a piece of toast herself.

The apartment where Kakashi lived was truly a hazard zone; it was like the ninja wars had taken place within it. Then an idea struck her, as she voiced it aloud to Kakashi, "You know I really want to get back to my own time, but for now I'm kinda stuck. So If I play housewife and cook and clean, can I stay here for now as cousin Hatake?"

Not even pausing to think it over, he replied silkily, "That wroks fine for me but where do you plan to start?"

"What do you mean?"

"You can't just stay cooped up here all day now can you, you're going to need a job."

"Well, not to clue you too much into the future and whatnot but back in time I was a pretty amazing medic-nin, I'm sure I could-.."

She was cut off by Kakashi, as he ignored her previous statement, "One of the academy teachers recently was injured in the line of duty. He'll need a replacement. I'm sure Iruka-sensei would love to have you teach in his stead."

Sakura's eyes widened in horro at the very thought, her lips forming a silent O, "B-but, I can't possibly teach mini me! Just think of the rippling of the fabric of time that would cause!"

"I'm sure you'll do just fine. After all you seem to be reasonably sane."

Sakura huffed at the latter part of his statement but knew she really couldn't argue, "But kids can smell fear like rabid animals."

"In fact, class starts in twenty minutes; you might as well head over there now, and introduce yourself. I will send word to Iruka of your arrival."

Grumbling all the way out the door, Sakura left Kakashi's apartment began running towards the academy. This was surely going to be a hell of a day, she thought moodily. At least it couldn't get worse. Then she smacked into Itachi, who managed to deftly catch her before she fell. His hands seemed to linger a few more moments than necessary before he released her. Mind reeling she almost missed his light chuckle, "Well, if it isn't Hatake Sakura? What brings you to the academy?"

Sakura lower lip jutted into a obvious pot as she replied sulkily, "Apparently I'm the new teacher."

"That's wonderful. So that means you're staying for while then?"

"Obviously."

"Well then, perhaps I can show you around Konoha after school hours. After all there are certain other finer parts of the village you have yet to see."

Sakura first instinct was to tell him to bugger off, but she remembered that she had no reason to hate this Itachi Uchiha. He had yet to do anything wrong. In fact he was perfect gentlemen, which disturbed her to no end.