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: Pink and delicate.

Word count: 644

After trying on the dress that had been custom made for her, Sakura felt the nervousness setting in. The dress itself was not the reason, being a most gorgeous burgundy strapless slinky dress that fell right above her knees and showed off all her curves in all the right places, just the mere prospect of why she was wearing it. Even the high red heels that sparkled in the light daunted her. She spent quite a lot time in front the mirror just trying to figure out what else needed. But her mind was blank, Ino, sure would be helpful here, Sakura just wasn't the type of girl who was graceful with makeup and hair styling.

"Maybe if you wipe that pitiful look off your face, I can help you out, just this once."

Sakura looked over her shoulder at Kakashi, who was leaning nonchalantly against her bedroom door. Privacy meant nothing to this man, Sakura mused annoyed at his intrusion. But his help certainly couldn't hurt, right? She nodded at him to proceed, and seemingly out of nowhere he pulled out a mixture of hair pins and makeup swaths. Where he kept it, Sakura would never know. Speaking with his mouth full of hair pins while combing out her long pink locks, "I never really understood why women put themselves through such pain to look beautiful. Though Rin was much worse than you, at least whenever she was with me."

Sakura had no witty retort for him, so amazed was she by his nimble hands. Sure, he could kill with them in mere seconds, but for her, watching his hands twist and wrap up her hair in elegant coils atop her head was something she would never be able to explain to anyone else. When her hair was finished, he applied a light dab of lipstick and a pinkish glow to her eyes and she was done. She turned to go, only to be pulled back by his hand on her arm. She turned so fast towards him, that her chest almost collided with his body barely able to stop a mere few inched away, looking up with a questioning gaze; Kakashi breathed huskily, "You're forgetting something very important…"

Sakura laughed, slightly alarmed at their proximity to each other, and his constant hold on her hand, "Thanks so much Kakashi! I almost forgot to thank you, I wouldn't have looked nearly this good had I done this myself."

His gaze was so deep, as he replied, "I got this for you at the market, the other day." His hands were quick to wrap a necklace around her neck. Bringing one hand up to marvel at the fragile necklace, Sakura admired his taste. The necklace was on a simple silver chain, but the pendent itself was truly ethereal. Light pink and delicate; it was a half-bloomed Sakura blossom. So small and fragile, it made Sakura smile wistfully, it was like seeing the old her, the one who simply watched Sasuke leave Konoha. She gently wrapped her arms around Kakashi in a light hug and then pulled away.

Before she could step back completely, his hand grabbed her chin forcefully making her eyes stare directly into his. Leaning forward, he slowly closed in closer to her, and Sakura feared he would kiss her. It was not the fear of the kiss, but of its repercussions. But instead of a kiss, she placed his mouth next to her ear, his fanning breath sending shivers down her spine as he spoke, "I just hope he's worth it, Sakura-chan."

Blushing furiously, half pissed off Kakashi's approaches, and pissed at herself for almost wanting them, Sakura stormed ut of the house, careful not to ruin her hair in the process.

Kakashi sighed in contentment after the front door slammed, "I believe I just gave her the choice to choose."

{A/N; Plot twist! Duuuunn Dun Dun. Anyways reviews make a happy authoress.