*UNBEATED*

SAKURA AND VERSACE

15

FINALLY FINAL

With the weekend over and a final week of hour-long study sessions, finals week was upon the senior class. Because the school's administration took the week so seriously, they sent the freshman class out on a field trip before separating the seniors into their testing groups.

As the material was set in front of him, Naruto was a ball of anxiety. His college acceptance was riding on these scores. Despite the fact, Jiraya was trying to teach him about his very…erotic companies, Naruto knew his future was in baseball. Whether it was playing the field or just being a coach.

"You nervous foxface?"

Naruto dragged his eyes to Kiba, who sat uncharacteristically patient next to him. "It's that obvious?" Kiba nodded to the hand, his finger anxiously tapping on his desk, "If someone said you'd taken up drumming, I'd believe them."

The blonde slipped his hand from the desk and into his hoodie pocket.

If Kiba noticed it, he said nothing about it, instead opting to say, "We still have two more days of this after."

Naruto sighed, "It's stupid how they set these up."

Though the senior class would be doing their finals for at most three days, it was called finals week because the juniors were doing their end-of-the-year testing as well. Sakura had done her testing online, so she didn't need to worry.

"I can't wait for this entire year to be over. I used to think gap years were stupid but maybe I'll take one."

Naruto responded, "Even if I wanted to I couldn't, I've already sent in my application to Kage."

"No wonder you're so nervous," Kiba shook his head, "Kage is a pretty prestigious university, that's a lot of stress on your shoulders."

"Like holding up a boulder," Naruto mumbled ruefully. Despite the fact he'd been given enough pep talks to write a small book, it didn't lessen his nervousness. While he had excelled with a bat and ball, his grades were just over average. Naruto just hoped those extra hours in those study groups paid off.

Finally, when the laptops were set out Naruto turned his attention from his friend to the glowing screen. It was time to start.

MOON RIVER

The subject of the test was taken in day-to-day intervals. The first day was math, the second was grammar mastery, and lastly science and history.

At the end of each day, Naruto was more tired than the last. By the end of the third day, he was ready to sleep off the mental ache for the rest of the week. It didn't help he hadn't seen much of Sakura, who promised that he would be ok. Even taking the time to text him good luck every morning regardless of the fact he was up for school far early than her new rising schedule.

The ringing of his phone woke him up from a much-needed nap, the ringtone he'd set for Sasuke during their freshman year playing obnoxiously loud.

"Teme?"

"Look alive dobe, the scout just emailed me." Naruto rubbed his eyes tiredly and propped up, he had told Sasuke to call him when the recruiter contacted him again. "Before final scores are out? They either really want you or really don't."

Sasuke sent him a glare through the phone, "Don't jinx me, besides scores are in on Saturday."

So that was two days of waiting, considering it was Wednesday night. "Alright Teme, read the email.'

"Tch, don't rush me now," Sasuke rolled his eyes as they squinted at his laptop screen, "Dear Sasuke Uchiha, something…something…yada-yada…so we are happy to inform you of your admission into the Amegakure International Baseball program!"

"Congrats, Teme." Despite he was tired as all hell, the pure excitement for his friend kept it from his voice. Sasuke had been particularly anxious following his meet-up with the college scout during championships. It hadn't help he had pretty much been in the dark on their decision. "I beat your heart was in your ass."

"Watch it dobe, I'm a college attendee now."

Naruto snorted, "If that's a joke it's not funny."

Sasuke changed the subject, "It's just up to you and pinky to join me."

"Did you forget Sakura still has an entire year of school left?" Naruto eyed his friend through the phone screen, "It's just me your waiting."

"With her not around, I completely forgot. Aren't you going to miss her all the way at Kage?"

"If I get in," Naruto sighed, "And it's only an hour away. I know we won't be able to see each other as much but I know she'll be ok."

Sasuke made a face at him, "I asked if you'll be ok with being so far away?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

Sasuke pulled the same face again before shrugging, "Why wouldn't you?"

Despite the fact, Naruto was playing clueless, Sasuke knew the blonde knew exactly what he was talking about. The entire incident with Sakura's medicine had really spooked Naruto more than he let on. Whether that was to help his girlfriend or not, Sasuke didn't know. But that didn't challenge the fact whenever someone brought the fiasco up, Naruto tensed up. It didn't help Sakura's mother had pulled her from in-person classes causing Naruto to be in an awful mood for days after. Sasuke had come to the conclusion that while Sakura would be ok with the distance, his best friend might not be after the anxiety that the situation had given him.

"I'll be fine Sasuke, seriously. The hour won't kill me!"

The Uchiha shook his head, "If you're so sure dobe, don't say I didn't try!"

the homestretch now

i hope you guys had an amazing christmas and a happy new years