A Walk in the Park-

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto!

Chapter nine-

Relationships, Work, and Annoyances

Waking up with Sakura on my chest gave me such a warm feeling. I could definitely get used to her soft body pressed against mine. It was no easy task to restrain myself last night, but I'm glad I did. Taking her to bed is a big step and I wouldn't take it for granted. First things first, we have to become official. I didn't care if it was too soon or not, I had no intention of seeing Sakura with another man. Just the thought alone made me pissed.

As Sakura went into her room to get changed, Naruto sent me a text.

'Itachi finally got here after I fell asleep in the guest room. He's making me breakfast now, you're missing out! We're both looking forward to you explaining where you've been all night. Hurry up and get your ass over here!' - Naruto

Shit. I could not, under any circumstances, have both Itachi and Naruto near Sakura at once. She hasn't even met Itachi yet and I wanted to keep it that way at least a while longer. Last night was so perfect and I didn't want it ruined by my brother and idiot friend. Sakura came back out of her room dressed in a pink short sleeved shirt and jean shorts.

My eyes lingered on her wonderfully exposed legs and I inwardly cursed.

"Do you have to wear those shorts?" I asked and forced my eyes to meet hers.

Taken aback, Sakura looked down at her shorts and legs. "Are they ugly? It's supposed to be really hot today so I thought they would be cool..."

"It's not that." I quickly explained. "They're very… distracting."

She gave me a smug smile and decided to wear them anyway, probably just to torment me. I took her hand in mine as we left her apartment and walked to my car. I continued to hold her hand on the way to my house for comfort while I silently had a mental breakdown. No matter how much I thought about it, there was only one option. I would have to convince Sakura to stay in the car.

When we pulled up to my house, I reluctantly let go of her hand.

"Sakura, I'll only be a few minutes. Would you mind staying in the car?" I asked and regretted it when she made a face.

"W-what?... Why?" She pouted. Damn it.

"Naruto is in there." I admitted, wanting to be honest. "And my brother."

She looked down, averting her eyes from me completely. "I've already met Naruto... But it's fine. I'll stay in the car."

Oh to hell with it, I can't stand seeing her like this.

"No, we might as well get it over with." I sighed and gave her an apologetic smile.

"Are you sure?... If you don't want me to meet Itachi yet I understand."

No, no I'm not sure. "I'm sure." I told her and got out of the car, Sakura following suit.

Luna was at the door when I opened it, jumping on me and showering me with kisses.

"Hey, Luna. Miss me?" I asked and she barked. "Sorry to leave you with the dope."

"I heard that, bastard!" Naruto yelled from the kitchen. And so it begins.

Luna walked with Sakura as I lead the way to my funeral. Itachi and Naruto were sitting at the kitchen table finishing up their food. Itachi smirked upon seeing Sakura and Naruto cursed.

"Pay up." Itachi said and Naruto handed him a twenty. Those assholes.

"Hey, Sakura. What's up?" Naruto asked with a grin.

"Hey Naruto." Sakura said, giving him a soft smile.

"Sakura Haruno." Itachi greeted as he walked over to us. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Finally."

If it was up to me, you would never meet her, stupid aniki.

Sakura giggled as she looked to my brother and I wondered what it was she was thinking. "It's nice to meet you as well, Itachi."

Itachi smiled at her and I wanted to punch him. I could see his mind plotting.

"It's a shame we've had to wait this long, you seem rather sweet. We'll have to have a chat sometime, just the two of us." He said and shot me a smirk. Oh no you don't!

Sakura just laughed and petted Luna as if for a distraction.

"You can take your chat and shove it." I told him with a glare. Naruto started laughing and came over to Sakura.

"Why don't we give them a sec?" Naruto asked and I was glad he was on my side this time.

"Um... Okay..." She agreed and Luna followed them out of the kitchen.

"Now, now, little brother, I was simply being polite." Itachi said after they were out of earshot.

"Yeah right, I know you better than that. Don't embarrass me… I really like her." I told him and his expression softened.

"I know, Sasuke. You never would have brought her into your life if you didn't." He said and flicked my forehead.

"Ow. Must you always do that?" I complained.

"Of course. It's in the elder brother Uchiha handbook."

"There is no such thing."

"Are you calling me a liar?" He asked and I scoffed.

"Alright, I'll play along. If there is one, then how come I've never seen it?"

"Because you're the little brother." He said and smiled.

I couldn't help smiling back, but I rolled my eyes. "Smartass."

"Go change into something presentable, can't keep Sakura waiting too long. I'll entertain her with your baby photos in the meantime." He said and left the kitchen.

"Don't you dare!" I yelled after him and he laughed. He was probably serious too.

I quickly went to my room and changed into a pair of khaki shorts and a lavender t-shirt. The four of them were in the living room when I was finished, Itachi reaching for the picture book on one of the shelves.

"Ready Sakura? Luna?" I asked before Itachi had the chance to make good on his threat.

"Aw... well you'll have to show me those next time." Sakura told Itachi before looking at me with a smug grin.

"Not if I have anything to say about it." I said as Luna came over to my side.

"Don't worry Sakura, I will be in touch." Itachi promised and I glared at him.

"Yeah, you'll see baby Sasuke soon enough." Naruto added and I flipped him off behind Sakura's back. What happened to being on my side?

Sakura laughed and continued all the way to the car. Luna hopped in the back while Sakura and I sat in the front.

"I'm glad you find them amusing."

"Oh, come on... don't be like that. You guys are so cute." She said.

"I can't help it. They always team up to bully me." I confessed. Naruto favorited Itachi over me, he sided with him seventy percent of the time.

Sakura just shook her head, her laughter finally calming. "It's clear to see how much you all adore each other, even when you put on that front of yours. Sure they may annoy you, but it's all in good fun."

I smiled at the fact that she could see right through me, but I wouldn't admit to anything.

"I despise them." I lied and Luna barked. "Don't worry girl, you're the only one in that house I adore."

Sakura laughed, this time at me because she knew better. "Keep lying to yourself… but, you're not fooling me."

The drive to the park was short and Luna was excited to run around. We let her run wild as we sat in our spot on the bench.

"I'm glad she loves it here as much as we do." Sakura said, gazing at Luna fondly.

"Hn."

I held her hand and brought her fingertips to my lips, kissing them gently.

"You can't just suddenly do things like that!" She squeaked, blushing from head to toe but not daring to pull her hand away from me.

I chuckled and smirked at her. "How can I not when you react like that?"

She bit her lip, unable to say anything. All she could do was ignore me outright and look back to Luna instead. I loved every second of it.

"Hey..." I said and turned her face back towards me, my fingers tenderly touching her chin.

She stared back at me with wide emerald eyes.

"Sakura... I... will you be my girlfriend?" I asked, unusually nervous.

Her lips parted as she sucked in a surprised breath. "R-really?"

I smiled at her and kissed her forehead. "Yes. I want us to be official."

"Officially official..." She sniffled and I was surprised to find tears welling up in her eyes.

"Don't cry." I told her and pulled her into a hug. "You're supposed to be happy."

"I am!" She laughed, wrapping her arms around me in return. "I'm so happy I can't help but cry."

"Is that a yes?"

"Of course it is. I can't say no to that."

I held her close and couldn't stop smiling. Finally, she was mine. Luna came up and barked, feeling left out. We both turned to her at the same time, keeping one arm around each other while letting go with the other to reach out and pet her. Doing this at the same time led to us looking back at each other, and laughing together.

Then I leaned down captured her lips in a kiss. It was chaste since we were in the middle of the park, but I made sure to put my feelings into it. I passionately moved my mouth against hers while my hand held the small of her back. When we parted I gave her one last peck, my expression soft.

"I hope you know this means I won't be letting go of you." I declared.

"I hope you never do."

…

After I dropped Sakura off at her apartment, I went back home to get ready for work. Naruto was still there and Luna went over to the armchair, laying at Itachi's feet.

"Hey, how was the park?" Naruto asked, having changed into white shorts and a light blue t-shirt. The guest bedroom was practically his room when he stayed over. It was full of his stuff.

"Fine. Why are you still here?"

"Cause I want you to give me a ride, duh." He explained.

"And what's wrong with your car?"

"Nothin'. I just don't feel like driving."

I shook my head and went to grab my tool bag. Then I said goodbye to Itachi and Luna before Naruto and I left. He wasn't fooling me, I knew the real reason he wanted a ride was so he could grill me about Sakura. I had only pulled out of the driveway when he started.

"So Hinata texted me and said she works with Sakura, how crazy is that, ya know?! Like, how have we not met before? And honestly, I'm shocked at you, Sasuke. You reeeeeeeally like her, huh? I'm happy for you! I've always had this fear you'd end up alone and I-"

"Naruto. Shut up." I said, cutting him off. He knew I didn't mean anything by it, but he gave me a hard time anyway.

"Fine, sorry I care." He grumbled and sulked.

"I'm grateful you care, just don't be a dope." I said and he laughed.

"That's like me asking you not to be a bastard, impossible." He said and I smirked.

Even after all these years, I still couldn't get over how his moods did a one-eighty. It was quiet for a while before he spoke again.

"Do you miss it?" He asked carefully. I didn't need clarification, he asks me every time we're in the car together and I'm driving.

"You know I do."

"You can do it again. I can talk to Itachi and-"

"No." I told him and he let it be. He was trying to be helpful and look out for me, but he needed to let this one go.

"Hey Sasuke."

"What?"

"I'm here for you."

"I know . . . . . . . idiot."

"Haha."

" . . . . . . I'm here for you too."

"Yeah."

We arrived at the shop to find everyone there huddled around the busted second-generation fusion.

"What's the verdict?" I asked as Naruto and I joined them.

"It's shot to hell." Neji said and glared at Naruto.

"Ehehehe, sorry guys." Naruto apologized.

"It's alright, Naruto. We can still fix it!" Lee offered.

"No way, that'll be a drag." Shikamaru complained. "I say we forget the SGF and focus on our other cars."

"Yeah, we weren't able to do much the other day. This test car just doesn't have what it takes." Kiba added.

"Then what am I gonna race in next week?" Naruto asked.

"That's up to the boss." Neji stated and everyone looked at me.

"We knew there was a chance the SGF wouldn't make the cut, that's why it was only a test car to begin with. I'll get with Itachi and see who we're up against before I make a decision. Right now, I want this car moved out and the others brought in." I ordered.

The guys all nodded and got to work. The other cars were in good condition, only needing a few parts after checkups and tune ups were finished. At the end of the day, we had four cars to choose from, minus my own race car. Naruto had brought it despite knowing I wanted it left in my college days shop where it belongs. It's been a long time since I was last behind that wheel. After I fixed it up for the final time, I shut it away and haven't seen it sense. It gives me a bittersweet taste in my mouth.

"Naruto, what the fuck?" I hissed as I pulled him to the side. We were finished for the day before I ripped his head off.

"What? You said you wanted the others brought in." He said, the picture of innocence.

"You're not that stupid. You know I won't let anyone drive it but me." I reminded.

"Exactly. Which is why you have to be the one to race it. I'm not talking about next week's race, you're probably too rusty for that, but-"

"Naruto."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Shut up. But if y-"

"No buts." I spat and walked away. I told him to drop it and he won't. Why can't he get it through his head that no means no?

"Wait, Sasuke, don't be like that. I'm sorry!" He called after me but I kept walking.

I was in a bad mood when I got home and slammed the door shut behind me. I flopped down on the couch next to Itachi. He raised an eyebrow at me and put down the paperwork he was going through.

"What happened?"

"Nothing. Just Naruto being the dope he always is." I grumbled. It was enough information to keep Itachi from prying and left enough out so Naruto wouldn't have to deal with two angry Uchiha's.

"Shouldn't you be used to it by now?" He reasoned.

"You would think." I huffed and glanced at the stack of papers. "What are you working on?"

"Orders mostly, for new parts and backstock. Kakashi went to get the lineup for next week's race." He explained. "Have you decided what car Naruto is racing in?"

"About that. The SGF is a no go. I really thought we could work on the NASCAR angle but it couldn't take Naruto's driving."

"It was a good idea in theory and I believe you could transfer NASCARS to street races someday. But those cars are made for the left turn track. Street races are much more intricate and demand more flexibility. It's best to stick with the older models for now." He said and I chuckled.

"You only say that because you're an old soul."

"Perhaps." He smirked.

Luna came in from the kitchen and looked from Itachi to me and back again.

"We haven't played this game in a while." Itachi mused. The 'game' was who Luna's favorite parent was. As far as I'm concerned, I hold the number one spot, but Itachi continues with his delusion that she likes him better.

"We haven't played because last time you cheated. You had treats in your hand."

"It wasn't cheating, it was strategizing." He insisted. If it was anyone else who said that, I'd call bullshit.

"Yeah, well, no 'strategizing' this time."

We both sat on the edge of the couch and beckoned Luna towards us.

"Come here, Luna, you know you're my girl." I called.

"Here, Lu, come to me." Itachi called and I sent him a mild glare.

"That's dirty, calling her by her puppy name."

"You're only upset because you didn't think of it first, little brother."

This went on for about three minutes before Luna finally made a move, both of us holding our breaths. She wagged her tail, loving the attention she was getting, and sat right in the middle of the couch.

"Looks like another draw." I sighed and wished she'd stop sparing Itachi's feeling and pick me already.

"It may never be settled who the favorite is." Itachi stated and went back to his paperwork.

I sat quietly, petting Luna until he was finished.

"How about lasagna for dinner?" He asked as he stood and stretched.

"Sounds good."

"Alright. Stay out of the kitchen." He ordered.

"But-"

"No." He said firmly.

"Tsk."

"Don't pout."

"I'm not pouting." I insisted, feeling my face grow warm. He laughed at me and proceeded to the kitchen.

"Sakura let me in the kitchen." I mumbled and decided to watch TV until he was done.

Later that night, I got a call from Naruto as I was getting ready for bed. I knew I couldn't be angry with him forever and he's been beating himself up over it, so I answered the phone.

"Hello? Sasuke?"

" . . . . ."

"At least answer me, I know you're there."

" . . . . ."

" … Are you mad at me?"

" . . . . ."

"Yeah, I figured you were… do you hate me?"

" . . . . . . . no."

"Thank god! I would seriously die if you did."

"Fool." He's always so melodramatic.

"I would! You know you're my best friend ever!"

"It's debatable."

"Ha ha, jerk."

"Loser."

"Bastard."

"Idiot."

"Uchiha."

"How is that even an insult? Dope."

"Hahaha, I don't know, it just felt right. Grumpy Pants."

"Now you're just being childish." I said and we both laughed.

We talked for a bit longer and I forgave his sorry ass. We may argue and pissed each other off, but we would always be friends. And that's how it should be.

A/N:

Hey, everyone!

So, this is Kana. Usually, Tyy writes these and I tell her what to put for me, but life happened and here we are. I will do my best in her place for this A/N!

Let's see, what was next . . . OH! Thanks to all the readers for following, reviewing and adding this story to their favorites. We love reviews, really, please continue sending them.

I have no idea what to say after that so on to the the questions!

Questions for this update:

When you guys finish this story will you be doing others together?

Kana: It's a definite possibility. Tyy and I are gonna be friends til death do us part, so I am up for it if she is. It might not be right after this one is finished, but whatever we do together will be posted on Tyy's profile so keep a lookout!

Tyy: I would love to do another fic with Kana. This has been so much fun and I'll be pretty sad when it's over!

Any parts that the other Author wrote that stumped you?

Kana: For me, it would be this line:

Sakura's eyes went to my face, a mixture of confusion and doubt crossing her features. "Really? I had a feeling you weren't always so sweet."

I was at a loss. I was like "Oh no, what is he going to do? What can he say to fix this?" It was such an unexpected line and caught me off guard. I would have thought of something eventually, but luckily Tyy took pity on me and had Sakura save Sasuke and I. ( thanks again for that Tyy )

Tyy: This has happened to me many times when Kana pulls some cocky and confident or super cute Sasuke on me. I start fangirling so hard I can't concentrate. Haha.

Like this line:

"Hn. I better get started then." I said as I tucked a stray hair behind her ear.

It's so fun because we never know how we're going to respond to each other!

Well, that's all for now, but we've got lots of good stuff coming up in the future so don't go anywhere! I don't want to spoil anything however I will say this: the smut is on it's way. That's right, I finally let Tyy have her smut, hahaha. The struggle was real, I kept telling her "No, wait, wait, wait for it" and she was like "But it's getting good!"

All good things come to those that wait, so please wait for our next update. Oh wow, that rhymed! Anyone else catch that? No? Just me? Okay, shutting up now, hehe. See what happens when Tyy doesn't filter me?

Bye for now!

-KanaTyy