Author's Note: I finally thought of where to fit this fic in the anime's timeline! That would be some time after the Chuunin exams, before the next story arc. So Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura would be pretty close friends by then. I'm sorry if things are going a little slow in this chapter, but I really wanted to capture as much of Sasuke's thoughts as possible. But don't worry, I'll update as soon as I can. )

Disclaimer: We all know that I do not own any part of Naruto, so let's get on with it, shall we?

Chapter 3: "Seven-Minute Musing"

Uchiha Sasuke had three goals in his life right now:

His long-term goal was to kill a certain man and avenge his clan;

His short-term goal was to become stronger;

His immediate goal was to bang his head mindlessly against the bed's headboard.

Stupid, stupid Sasuke.

Actually he had thought about doing it to punish himself, had imagined cocking his head as far back as he could, focusing all his indignation and shame on the wooden panel like an enemy, and with one sharp crash, his world would go black, and he'd wake up in his own room, very far, FAR away from where she was.

But that was just wishful thinking now, wasn't it?

Sasuke was still hunched over Sakura's bedside, his right arm still pinned under her weight, and his free hand brought over his face, covering his discomfited expression, a gesture someone such as himself rarely—if not never—displayed.

It's been only a few minutes after he found himself stuck in her room, but he had already grown restless. Outside, the rain was getting stronger. Streaks of light flashed occasionally, displaying the shadows of branches that swayed to and fro against boisterous winds.

Inside Sakura's room however, the dreadful weather was toned down into only a faint rattling of the window and the monotonous drumming of raindrops against the moist glass. Everything inside remained very tranquil.

Sasuke checked the alarm clock on Sakura's table, beside the small lamp. It was exactly half past one, roughly fifteen minutes since he left his place, and consequently around twenty hours since he last slept a wink. Almost immediately, he suppressed a yawn that tried to escape. He squeezed his eyes shut a few times; trying to fight back the tiredness that was gradually seeping into his body, effected by both his long training and the lassitude her tranquil room gave off.

Abstractedly, he glanced at other objects that crowded the table. There was a basket of green apples and oranges, most likely Kakashi's present from an earlier visit. He suddenly asked himself if Sakura liked green apples, mulling over the thought for a while. A card was propped up on the basket, with the words "GET WELL SOON!" written in bright bold letters, with a signature underneath.

It read, "from: N-A-R-U-T-O" in hasty black marker ink. There were light, yellow stains on the card, which he deduced were drops of broth from ramen he was slurping as he wrote on the card. That earned a sneer from Sasuke.

Sloppy as usual, Naruto.

Then his eyes slightly widen when he realized, who was the sloppy ninja who froze like a dope and got stuck in Sakura's room?

He had to get out of here, he thought. He checked the clock again. One thirty-five. He was tired, sleepy, and admittedly, hungry. The sweet tangy scent of apples and oranges had invaded his senses the instant he came inside, but he was unmindful of it…until now.

Uchiha Sasuke's new immediate goal: raid her basket?

Slightly embarrassed at his musing, and shook his head gruffly.

No! I am NOT like Naruto! He screamed in his head.

He found himself looking back to Sakura, who lay supinely, apparently very comfortable despite his arm being under her. She slept peacefully, though she shivered every once in a while. He stifled another yawn. Another minute had just passed by.

Finding his composure once more, his hand descended to his chin, and revealed his brooding, onyx gaze. He reexamined his situation carefully, and after he had considered their position, her physical condition and his mental state, he decided that the best option was the fastest one…

He would cautiously but quickly yank his arm free, run like hell to the window and get out before she could open her eyes. Never mind getting soaked.

Yes, not exactly elegant. But it will definitely work.

At that moment, Sakura stirred, giving Sasuke an opening.

Now or never!

question: I wanted to Sasuke to say "hindi ako patay-gutom tulad ni Naruto!" in English. But I couldn't find a good translation of the word "patay-gutom." If anybody knows, please tell me! Thanks!

thanks: many many thanks to everyone who took time to read this fic, but most especially to the following readers! Thanks for the encouragement!

Lone Sakura– Glad you think it's interesting!

Safrawr - /smiles/ thank you! I'm glad you think it's funny, very glad indeed!

sasukefurever – hmm, I'll try and see if that's possible in the later chapters, thanks for the suggestion! And yes, it will be SasuSaku to the end! Hell Yeah!

little wolf blossom – Tormented Sasuke is very delicious reading material, isn't it? hehe. thanks.

PrincessChii – I'll try not to get writer's block…haha. Yey, thanks for keeping Sasuke's OOC-ness in check.

Zuan – I'll try to update as soon as I can.

InuyashaObsessed101 – Thank you for the review! I'm happy to know you loved the humor!

daydreamer53221 – wow, my first reviewer! your encouragement inspires me, thanks. Thanks also for reading my other work!