A Walk in the Park-

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto!

Chapter Four-

Getting Closer

My second 'date' with Sasuke was even better than the first. Playing with him and Luna left me elated. I never wanted our time together to end. I had my insecurities and to me, Sasuke just felt too… perfect. He was far beyond attractive. Attractive enough to get attention from women of all ages, so it was hard for me to believe him when he acted as if he wanted me so badly, and yet wasn't usually like that with other girls.

However, there was a sincerity in his eyes and voice that told me he was honest. He wasn't trying to deceive me. It was going to be okay for me to enjoy this- and that's just what I was going to do.

After playing in the park we'd gone to Mae's once more. There was a lot of laughing, though mostly on my part, but Sasuke smiled a lot… even if most of the time that smile of his was a suggestive smirk. It was still enough to send a flutter through my stomach.

We took our time. I didn't have work and he seemed to be in no rush. All talking was casual, at least until it came time to end our date and go our separate ways. When he asked for my number again, I couldn't deny him. The thought of him calling or texting me gave me a thrill I just couldn't ignore.

I really wanted to see where things would go between us.

When I got home I had a much-needed shower and then I laid lazily on the couch in my living room with the TV on. I wasn't watching it. Instead I was lost in thought, Sasuke forever on my mind. I remembered so vividly every little detail of our time together, and I couldn't help fantasizing about more. It wasn't long before a text came through to me and the second I saw it came from an unprogrammed number, I jumped into a sitting position, heart ridiculously pounding as I opened it.

'If you're by my side, I'll make sure you won't regret it' - Sasuke

I literally squealed as I read it, unable to believe he would send me such a thing. Maybe he wanted us to really be official. Boyfriend and girlfriend. It was fast, but that was the last thing on my mind. I was excited. I was happy. I wanted more of him in my life. I needed to know more about him; a lot more.

I thought over what I'd say momentarily before responding.

'I like being by your side… and don't go making promises you can't keep!' - Sakura

Unbelievably just sending the text alone had me blushing like an idiot. He'd even asked me on a 'real' date for tomorrow and of course I said yes. I didn't know what we were going to do, or where he was taking me. But, he was going to be picking me up from work since I'd be working an early shift.

I couldn't wait. My life had suddenly become so much more interesting… and all thanks to one faithful day in the park. I wondered idly if we did start dating regularly and became a thing, if the park would always a thing for us. I thought it probably would, since Sasuke seemed to love it as much as I did.

(And Luna too of course.)

I'd had just enough time to save Sasuke's number under his name in my phone before he replied.

'I always keep my promises.' - Sasuke

I felt like some fangirl with the way I got so giddy at his response. Totally grinning like an idiot, I sent back a quick reply.

'We'll just have to see about that. And I'm excited for tomorrow!' - Sakura

'Hn. I'm looking forward to it as well. It will finally be just the two of us.' - Sasuke

Finding it annoying that I couldn't stop thinking about him, I started cleaning my already clean apartment to get a distraction. But, no matter what I did, he was still on my mind. It wasn't such a bad thing, but I should have been able to forget him long enough to focus on other things. Yet, I couldn't… I could only hope I'd be able to keep myself together at work.

Hinata was already suspicious and I sure didn't want everyone else getting on my case or questioning me. My private life would be kept private as long as possible. I wanted to enjoy things, just me and Sasuke, and Luna too, but she was the only plus-one I didn't mind. After all, she was the one who brought us together in the first place.

Work the next day was my worst enemy. I couldn't help being disappointed in myself for being so unfocused. There was nothing wrong with being excited about my upcoming date, but it shouldn't have been all I was thinking about all day long! Not counting the whole night before as well.

Time couldn't have moved any slower and I was so anxious that I couldn't sit still for the life of me. In the last hour of my shift a feeling of nervousness overwhelmed me, making work even more awkward. I thought to myself that it might have not been the best day for our first actual date. But then again, I would have probably been freaking out no matter when it was.

Once my shift was over I escaped into our private restroom to change out of my work clothes. Sasuke told me to dress nice so I brought along my favorite cocktail dress. It was an off-white, like a cream color. The top wasn't too revealing, though it did show off my slender shoulders. It was very fitting, and open down the back. Once I changed into a pair of heels I had to match I added a few basic makeup touches, including my favorite pink lipstick and I was ready to go.
I was really hoping nobody noticed my appearance on my way out, and thankfully I ended up making a clean escape.

He was waiting on me when I walked out of the hospital, casually leaned against the passenger door of his car, which was just as sexy as him; or pretty close anyway. His hands were in the pockets of his black slacks and he wore a red button up shirt that had a silky look to it. I wanted to touch and I couldn't help eyeing the top couple of buttons that he'd left undone. This guy was the definition of eye-candy.

His dark eyes took their sweet time taking in my appearance before he spoke, a smirk on his face.

"I didn't think you could get any lovelier, but I stand corrected. That rarely happens to me."

Hoping my light touch of foundation helped to hide my blushing cheeks, I finally made it over to him. "You can't be always right, you know." I said, grinning from ear to ear.

His eyes shined and he laughed, his deep rumble great to hear.

"Touché. Can I count on you to tell me when I'm wrong?" He asked as he held the door open for me.

"You bet your sweet ass you can!" I laughed as I got in before looking back up to him.

I couldn't believe my words came out like that! Why did I say that... Sweet ass? Really?! How embarrassing!

His eyes widened a fraction before his expression turned seductive. "I'll keep that in mind."

Just the thought of what had gone through his mind had me fidgeting nervously. There were definitely a few fleeting thoughts that he had, I could tell by the look in his eyes alone. His tone turned so velvety, those obsidian orbs narrowing suggestively. I could totally see myself going into cardiac arrest before the night was over.

Once he was finally behind the steering wheel he got on the road, offering me his hand across the center console. I took it, smiling shyly at the kind gesture. Every fiber in my body thought the two of us to be pretty cute together. If we could always have so much fun together, I was sure this connection between us would last a really long time.

The drive was about a half an hour and we didn't talk much. I was pretty nervous, but somehow the feel of Sasuke's hand holding mind calmed me. By the time we pulled up at what seemed to be a really fancy restaurant, I was cool as a cucumber.

Sasuke was out of the car and around it before I could completely open my door. Always the perfect gentleman, offering me his hand and then his arm. The place looked super busy and I soon found that he'd taken the time to make a reservation, which he was only lucky enough to get thanks to a last-minute cancellation, even though he called the day before.

We were taken to a booth and I loved the entire atmosphere of the place. From the dim lighting, to the dark wooden tables and the black seats. The hostess and the following server were both polite and professional. We were given our menus and asked for our drink order. We both got water just like any other time we ate together.

"I've never been here before." I admitted shyly to Sasuke, being sure to keep my eyes on the menu before me.

"Me either. My older brother speaks highly of this place." He confessed.

"Oh… you have a brother?" I asked, the menu forgotten then. I was eager to learn all that I could about him.

For a second he looked annoyed, but then he schooled his features.

"Yes, well. He's an arrogant pain and I don't know why I brought him up." He said.

I get the feeling I asked something I shouldn't have.

"But he's a loveable pain. I won't be able to hide you from him forever, so don't tell him I said that when you meet him." He explained, his expression soft again.

"Oh." I nodded understandingly. "I'd be glad to meet him… I don't have any siblings myself."

"Maybe someday you will." He said and took a sip of his water.

Totally missing the hidden meaning in his words, I laughed. "No way my parents would ever have another kid!"

He gave me an amused look but offered nothing else. "Tell me about them." He insisted and leaned in.

"Oh, well… They're both a couple of dorks really. My dad works a lot so my mom can stay home. He cracks the lamest jokes all the time and mom well… she's sweet but serious when she needs to be. They've always got along really good and I admire them for that. What are yours like?"

Sasuke gave me a thoughtful look before answering. "My father was the definition of serious, expected nothing but perfection. He was caring like any other parent, but strict. Itachi had to deal with most of his expectations, though. I got off easy. Mom was another story.

"She was proud, cunning and strong. No one could handle my father like she could and she spoiled us rotten. Itachi says I take after her more than him, but I think it's the opposite. He has the same aura around him that she had. It's gentle and . . . calming."

The fact that he spoke of them in past-tense gave me a shiver. I didn't want to outright ask if they were no longer living and I didn't need to. I already knew. His words had me reaching across the table to take a hold of his hand, possibly reassuring myself even more than him.

"They sound admirable. And comparing Itachi to your mom… I knew you must really cherish him."

A light blush graced his cheeks as he quickly looked away from me.

"He's alright. Nothing special." He mumbled, embarrassed for once.

I'd never seen a man go from sexy to adorable in a split second until now. I couldn't help but giggle as I finally returned to looking through the menu. We ended up with a feast on our table. Lobster, shrimp and steak, not to mention the sides that came along. We had enough food to give us a long time together and that only proved to let us get to know each other a little better.

"I got to say," I sighed, fully stuffed as I looked over at him. "I miss Luna. Isn't she lonely without us?"

"Why, Sakura. . . We're finally alone and all you can think about is my dog?" He teased. "She has Itachi. He may not be much, but he's better than . . . Hmm, on second thought, maybe not."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Oh, Sasuke… Trust me when I say she is not the only thing I'm thinking about."

Sasuke's seductive smirk was back, effectively cutting off my laughter.

"Really? What else is on your mind Sa-ku-ra?"

Oh my… I was going to need a really strong cocktail to keep me going if he kept on with that look. I swallowed hard before I could respond. "A lot really… Mainly you."

"That's quite the coincidence. I happen to be thinking a lot about you." He declared.

The blush that took to my entire body could not be contained. Luckily our server appeared and I didn't have to come up with an immediate response to that. When he asked if he could get us anything else I couldn't stop myself from asking for alcoholic recommendations, to which Sasuke laughed quietly. But, I loved the sound of it and it made me happy.

Was it even possible to be this happy?

The server left to get my drink, leaving me with a smug-faced Sasuke and nowhere to hide; and no alcohol to help me.

"You're really cute when you blush." He said, continuing to torment me.

"Stop!" I laughed, covering my face with both hands shamefully. He reached over and pulled them away, firmly holding them in his.

He expression was serious, laugher now gone from his eyes. "You're really something, Sakura."

That's it. My heart can't take it. Heart attack coming. Breathe Sakura, breathe. "So are you." I squeaked.

The smile he then attacked me with was not legal. Give a girl a chance!

"I'm glad you think so."

Thank the heavens my much-needed drink arrived and Sasuke released my hands so I could take it. I had a long drink. It was a fancy looking drink that tasted good, not too strong even though it had a high alcohol percentage. I sighed in relief after that initial taste, knowing well enough that it would calm me.

"I really like you Sasuke… so… if you're serious about pursuing a relationship with me, I want to know more about you. A lot more."

He nodded his head in agreement. "As long as that goes both ways. I expect to get as much as you take. What do you want to know?"

I shrugged, unsure what it was I really wanted to know. Because I wanted to know everything.

"I want to know more about your job, your daily life. What do you like, what do you hate? Have you dated a lot of girls? What has your life been like up until now for you to be the man you are?"

I sipped my drink as he thought over my questions, not having a quick response like usual. I wished he would give in and just spill his heart out to me, but that didn't appear to be something he would do. If I had to, I would give myself to him first. There wasn't much to know about me anyway.

"As for me, there's really not much to know. I have few friends because I stay busy with work and keep to myself. After hearing about my parents, you can imagine how my home life was growing up. I went to school, I made good grades and I never got in trouble. I struggled to keep up with work and college and was so glad when I finally graduated.

"I take pride in my work, I enjoy it a lot… I like reading and going to the park. I'm pretty boring for the most part, honestly. I like to keep things clean and organized. I like my privacy, which is why I enjoy keeping to myself… and… this is really my first actual date."

That last bit had me blushing again and taking another taste of my drink.

"Boring is a word I would never use to describe you." He said thoughtfully before mirroring my story with his own.

"I have a handful of friends and one best friend who's an idiot. After elementary school, it was just Itachi and I until we got Luna. I was an unsociable loner in school but earned good grades, top of my class. I went to college and studied to become a master mechanic. My brother and I have always shared a fascination with cars and it's never left us.

"I wouldn't trade my work for anything and always make time for Luna. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I can be stubborn. I also like my privacy and have never dated anyone before. Before you say anything, let me explain. I won't lie and tell you I wasn't popular, I was in fact, much to my great disappointment.

"I found all the attention annoying and the girls even more so. They were shallow and obsessed with the idea of me, not who I really was. It's like that everywhere I go so I've avoided the female population altogether. You're the first woman I've ever taken an interest in."

I listened with interest and finished my drink as I thought over his words. "You know, I think we actually have a lot in common." I told him with a smile, much more at ease now that our conversation was getting deeper and I could feel the alcohol a bit.

"Tell me more… Show me something." I suggested. Maybe I was being selfish, but I needed more of him.

He chuckled and the amusement was back in his eyes. "Show you something. Let me see . . . I could show you where I work."

"Hmm… Sounds like a nice start."

"Well then. What are we waiting for?"

Annoyingly enough, Sasuke refused to let me help pay for our meal. I relented after a few moments of arguing, but only because I was excited to go and see his place of work. I knew he worked on cars, but he hadn't really told me much else about it. I was grinning with excitement though, knowing Sasuke had such a passion for cars, to me I felt like this was a big part of him that I was going to get to see.

Things were just getting started between us, but I couldn't help feeling like we'd been pulled together by a string of fate.

A/N:

Hello readers!

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