Soooo, I have both a book analysis and an essay due tomorrow for my English class . The best part? The lady accuses me of not being able to write D:

*The day before teams are chosen* (they're thirteen)

Quaking Fingers

Sasuke couldn't help but to notice Sakura's quaking fingers as she ate her ramen. Thinking that a 'date' might help to calm her nerves, he'd brought her to this quaint, secluded noodle shop.

ffffooooooooo

She blew at the steaming pork pinned beneath he disposable wooden sticks.

Affected by her gentle blowing, broth rippled lightly in the bowl.

With a timid tongue she drew the meaty morsel into her mouth, practically purring with her enjoyment (which was clearly shown by the way she lapped the broth from her lips).

"Mmmmmmmm"

Sasuke couldn't help but inwardly agree.

But then the crease between her brows returned, a sigh escaping her throat. A responding sigh of his own sounded. Sakura glanced over.

"I'm sorry Sasuke-kun" Sakura bowed her head in shame, "She brought me here to treat me and all I can do is mope."

Sasuke didn't respond, not to be rude, but simply because he didn't have a response. Sakura had known him long enough to know this.

She continued, "I just can't stop thinking about tomorrow. It's all I've dreamed about for the past week, and not in a good way." She shook her head, "All I can see is you, and the rest of the class, even that annoying blond kid. You all have your head bands with the leaf village symbol. Iruka-sensei is congratulating everyone. But I'm still running laps, because I wasn't able to keep up with the rest of you guys. Ino is there too, she's sticking out her tongue and holding your hand…." Sakura's voice muted and she blushed, turning away.

Sasuke's face hardened a bit. He really couldn't stand the Yamanaka girl. She taunted Sakura day in and day out, enough to be in her nightmares apparently.

You were there aswell.

The sinister voice whispered from within him. It was right. His pessimistic side had pointed out that Sasuke was a villain as well Sakura's sleep terrors. His optimistic side (that really only came around where his and Sakura's futures entwined) had wanted him to play hero. Deep-down, that what he wanted. One of his major goals in life was to be Sakura's hero, to earn her love in a sense. He felt grateful for it now, but still how the lingering doubt that he might lose her to someone…. Less damaged.

Even at this age Sasuke had knowledge that he was different from what most boys would offer. No, he was not affectionate. No, he didn't talk a lot. No, he was definitely not charming. The most he could offer was a handsome face, and the best protection he could provide, which, if Itachi ever returned, would not be very much.

Sakura, on the other hand, was smart, beautiful, cheerful, sweetamazingfunny, and every other positive adjective he knew.

He was not a prince, and that's what this princess deserved.

He could offer her a kingdom, he thought wryly, a whole domain of land previously filled by rich and powerful people. Surely the death of hundreds and a cursed bloodline wouldn't bother her, right?

The chopsticks still lay in her cooling bowl of ramen.

"Eat" was the soft command.

She glanced over hesitantly.

"Sasuke…" she began.

He placed his chopsticks aside and gave her his undivided attention.

"Sasuke…" She squeezed the red material of her in her tiny fists, "IloveyouandIdon'teverwantyoutoleaveme!" She blurted as fast she possibly could. "Especially for that Ino-pig" she muttered after a long breath.

Sasuke stayed still for a moment. Then he reached over and unclenched her fists. Her hands were soft and small in his, delicate he decided. She was so breakable to him, he would have to make her stronger before he left, armor her with more than her knowledge, give her the skill it took to kill.

"I'll always love you Sakura. You have nothing to worry about" But he couldn't promise he wouldn't leave, because he knew that one day he would have to. But if all went according to plan, he'd come back. Only then could they truly relax.

She sighed again, the blush deepening.

"Everything will go well tomorrow. Now finish eating. It's getting cold." He kissed one her hands before placing it back in her lap. Sakura resumed eating the lukewarm ramen, her mood at stasis for now.

No more quaking fingers, he thought. Just her usual calm.

So I really just didn't want to write a huge chapter right now because I have to now write an essay and a book analysis. And I'm already running on about 4 or 5 hours of sleep (which is very bad for me :P ). Sooooo Enjoy! I'll try to have the other stories updated this week. Ps, do you guys think I'll be okay on the SAT and ACT writing?