Sukiyaki (Untouchable Memories)

Shanan struggled to fall asleep despite knowing she had to be up early for her Genin team assignment and meeting with her new Sensei. She worried she'd be put on a team with people that either didn't like her or could never understand her. And though she had had a few sensei's at the academy, she'd never worked exclusively with any of them with a small team. She really wasn't sure how that kind of relationship worked with adults and she didn't think she'd like one that treated her too much like a child.

Naruto was already fast asleep, but Sasuke had promised to stay awake with her until she drifted off. 

"I promise we'll be okay," he assured her. "And it'll probably be a while before you go on longer missions anyway." His gaze was fixed on hers as he lay on the floor beside her bed with one arm behind his head and the other hand holding hers.

Shanan lay on her stomach, her head resting on one hand, while her other hand clasped Sasuke's. "I've just never been away from you guys," she said as she fought back tears. 

The thought of separation was daunting. Leaving them alone to worry about her while she worried about them. What if they burned the building down. What if she were severely injured while on a mission? Or worse?... What if the villagers started treating Naruto like some kind of monster again?

Sasuke wasn't accustomed to seeing Shanan afraid, as she usually stepped up as a protector for them. But he was glad they could switch roles, and he got to flex his protective abilities for once. 

"I'm sure you'll feel less nervous once you actually find out who you're working with. And I know you, Shanan, you'll grow closer to your teammates," he said, though the words stung as he spoke them. He knew that, as a kunoichi, she would likely be the only girl on her team, given the two-to-one ratio of men to women in Konoha.

Shanan yawned, tired but wide awake. "I hope you're right, Sasuke," she said softly. "Is it ok if I come and sit by you?" 

Sasuke smiled softly at her, but inside his heart skipped a beat as he nodded, sitting up and moving to make space beside him. 

She slid off the bed and sat next to him, and they sat in comfortable silence, still holding hands. After a while, she decided to rest her head on his shoulder, a gesture she had debated in her mind before deciding to go for it. Being close to him always made her feel happy.

As she rested her head on his shoulder, Sasuke felt a surge of warmth spread through his body. He had always admired her ability to show affection to him and Naruto whenever she felt it. And it had always made him feel important, as if he was the only one who could make her feel safe. 

He glanced down at her, taking in the gentle rise and fall of her breathing and the softness of her hair as it brushed against his arm. For a moment, he forgot about his own worries and fears and just focused on the serenity of her presence.

He thought about how much he loved being close to her, how much he loved the way she made him feel. He wanted to protect her and be her rock, and in that moment, he felt like he was doing just that. He felt a sense of pride and purpose, knowing that he could be there for her in the way she always was for him.

When Shanan woke up in the morning, she was still leaning against Sasuke, with his arm around her, holding her close. She was surprised how quickly his presence had helped her to fall asleep and wondered when he had covered them up. 

Without moving, she gazed at his face, taking in his handsome features. Lately, she had to remind herself not to feel flustered around him, just like she was now. His feelings for her had always been clear, but she couldn't reveal her own emotions. They were too young to be a couple living together, and she knew it.

Her thoughtful gaze lingered and her mind swirled with a mix of emotions - affection, admiration, and a hint of uncertainty about their future. She couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be more than just friends. The thought sent a flutter through her chest, and she quickly pushed it aside, focusing on the present moment. She didn't want to ruin the comfort and security she felt with him by overthinking things. Though, truth be told, the fan club was making more and more sense.

Sasuke's eyes fluttered open to find Shanan's face mere inches from his own. Their gazes met, and they simply stared at each other for a moment. He thought he caught a glimpse of a blush rising to her cheeks, but she swiftly turned away, hiding her face. 

He wished he could use his Sharingan to see her emotions clearly, but he couldn't. Instead, he smiled softly, his deep, dark eyes shining with quiet intensity. Shanan felt lost in their depths, her heart skipping a beat as she took in the tender expression on his face.

His gaze never left her as she sat up, trying to compose herself. "Time to finally be a shinobi," she reminded herself, using the upcoming team assignments as a distraction from her fluttering heart. She turned to Sasuke. "Thank you for letting me sit with you. Sorry I fell asleep on you." 

His smile grew, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're welcome, Shanan. I didn't mind," he added.

Just as she was getting lost in her thoughts, Naruto's sudden outburst broke the silence. He sat up with a start, mumbling incoherently and pointing at Sasuke before flopping back down. 

The absurdity of the moment was like a splash of cold water, snapping Shanan back to reality. She and Sasuke exchanged an amused glance and then burst into laughter. The tension and seriousness of the previous moment melted away, replaced by the familiar comfort of their friendship.

As Shanan finished getting ready for her last day at the Ninja Academy, memories of the previous night lingered. Resting her head on Sasuke's shoulder had felt incredibly comforting, and his gentle reassurances had calmed her nerves. She smiled, feeling grateful for his support, knowing he'd be there to soothe her fears and doubts in the future.

Shanan's thoughts turned to the future. Joining a Genin squad promised new challenges, teammates, and purpose. Wondering what life held in a few months, she envisioned finding her place and making a difference. Daunting uncertainty crept in, but knowing she'd return home to Sasuke and Naruto's supportive presence gave her courage.

With renewed determination, Shanan stood, smoothing her clothes. Excitement coursed through her veins as she contemplated upcoming adventures. Today marked a new chapter.

Sasuke's gentle smile and reassuring words lingered, fueling her resolve. Grateful for his unwavering support, she felt empowered.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped out, embracing the future with hope and anticipation.