A Walk in the Park-

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto!

Chapter Ten

Family Time

I wouldn't deny that it hurt my feelings when we got to Sasuke's house and he asked me to wait in the car, but in a way, I understood where he was coming from. Much as I understood though, I was glad he'd changed his mind and let me go inside with him. Meeting Itachi was something I really wanted to do, and I quite liked Naruto anyway, especially knowing that he was Hinata's boyfriend. There was no way he could be a bad guy, to have such a sweet and caring girlfriend.

Seeing Luna made me happy. I'd been looking forward to picking her up and going to the park with her and Sasuke, and I was happy to pet her as soon as we walked in. Their home was nice and comforting and Itachi ended up being exactly how I imagined him. Sasuke favored him a lot, especially in the eyes and the facial expressions he made reminded me of Sasuke more than once.

I loved seeing the way those two interacted together, and even Naruto too. Before I knew it though, Naruto had talked me into walking into the living room to leave those two alone. I went along without argument, but I was curious about being alone with Naruto. However, Sasuke didn't seem to mind.

"I still can't believe it. I'll say it again, you're pretty awesome, Sakura! Getting that bastard coming out of his shell like that. And so quickly too! I can't tell you how long it took me to break through that wall of his. He's almost as stubborn as I am and can be such an ass. I gotta know, is he nice to you all the time? Like on a regular basis?"

I giggled, only slightly overwhelmed by Naruto. "Of course." He was always nice, aside from asking me to wait in the car, but we still weren't even official, so I understood him wanting to keep me to himself for a while longer.

"You know he's my best friend, so I'm obviously happy for him. He kinda has trust issues and really hates being around people, girls mostly. If I had to go through what he did in school, I'd be traumatized too. His fan club was scary! Practically ran me over just to get near him! I honestly thought that Sasuke would die alone for sure, he was ruthless turning them down.

"But then you came along. He's mellowed out a bit and a little more open with his feelings, I can tell. In a way, I'm sorta jealous that you could influence him so much. He seems strong, but his heart is delicate so take care of him, Sakura. And, if you don't mind, do me a favor and take care of his cockiness." He chuckled loudly and I just shook my head and laughed.

Sasuke must have been serious about being antisocial, and his annoyance with the female population for Naruto to be so ecstatic about us. Itachi walked in the living room to join us without Sasuke and we both turned to look at him.

"Sasuke's getting ready." He announced with an amused smile that reminded me of Sasuke's so much. "He's been treating you well, I presume."

"Oh, yes." I nodded quickly and smiled back at Itachi. "He's really sweet."

Itachi and Naruto exchanged a look before they were both grinning broadly and I was feeling quite left out of the loop.

"Well, if he ever gives you a hard time, let me know. My brother's been a brash one for the better part of his life."

"He gets it from you!" Naruto snorted and Itachi smirked. "Though, he's worse than you are. He can be really hard to handle if you're not used to him."

"He used to be so adorable, yelling 'aniki, aniki' as he followed me around. Constantly pouting whenever he didn't have my attention, I wish you could have seen it. I know, want to see our old photo albums?" Itachi asked and I immediately got excited.

"I'd love to see them!" Baby Sasuke… talk about cute! I just had to see it.

Itachi reached towards on album on the shelf behind him, but before he could even touch it Sasuke came barreling into the room.

"Ready to go, Sakura? Luna?"

I was only mildly disappointed that I hadn't gotten to see his baby pictures, but I made sure to tell Itachi we'd have a rain check before Sasuke and I left. I could see the relief wash over him the instant we were out of the house and on the way to the car. Unable to stop laughing even when we were finally in the car, I watched Sasuke thoughtfully. Those three were quite adorable together, especially when Sasuke tried to act so annoyed constantly.

We made it to the park before too long and Luna was definitely excited. She ran around as Sasuke and I sat at our bench to watch her. He'd taken my hand in his and brought it to his lips for a kiss, it wasn't the first time he'd done it, but it affected me no less. I chided him for it, and yet he only teased me about it and I knew it was something he'd continue to do. Though it did fluster me, I didn't mind it and secretly, I hoped he would do it often.

That was nothing compared to when he'd forced me to look at him, his thumb caressing my cheek as his hand held me in place. He'd turned so serious so suddenly that all I could do was stare at him with wide eyes. What was he going to do… kiss me? My heart was pounding just at the thought.

But then he'd asked me to be his, and I was so happy I cried. After that we enjoyed what time we could at the park before it was time to leave. Sasuke had to go to work, but he demanded I let him drive me home first, even though the walk wasn't far. Of course I agreed. I wanted to spend all the time I could with him anyway.

Once we pulled up to my apartment, Sasuke got out to walk me inside. I was going to miss him for sure, but I knew it wouldn't be long at all before we saw each other again. We'd both make sure of that. For the first time, while I had him inside before he left, I was the one who went to him, throwing my arms around his neck and holding him close.

I loved the way his own arms wrapped around my waist, and he held me as if he never wanted to let go. Before I lost my nerve, I leaned my head back to look up at him, hands going into his hair and then I got on my tiptoes to press a quick kiss to his lips. He didn't leave it at that. We were alone now, so he took full advantage, crushing his lips against mine after that initial touch. I gasped into his kiss, taken aback by the sheer passion I felt from it, and the way his hold tightened on me. Being pressed so snuggly against his hard body was nothing less than perfection.

But all too soon, that heated kiss was over, and he had to go. "I'll see you soon." He told me, to which I nodded quickly, eyes locked on his as he backed away, his hand holding tight to mine until he was far enough that he had to let go.

"Have a good day at work." I said, smiling shyly at him. He smiled back, uttering a quick word of thanks and then he was gone.

It probably wasn't natural to miss someone the instant they left your side, but that's how I felt every time Sasuke and I had to part ways. He was definitely special to me, and I knew I never wanted to let him go. Now, we were officially official and a part of me still couldn't believe it. But, I'd never been more happy about anything. For the first time in my life, I had some untold and special news to tell my parents.

Since I was off again today, I'd already made plans to go see them. My dad wouldn't be home for a few more hours or so, but I just looked at that as having some girl talk with my mom first. I wondered if she would be excited about the news, or how she would take it… I'd never had a boyfriend before, so this was going to be a first. I was sure she'd be happy for me and so would my dad, so I was happy to go and see them.

After a long shower, I dressed in a pair of white capris and a light blue top, got my things together and left my apartment. It was about a half an hour walk to my parent's home, but I quite enjoyed walking, which is why I never bothered to buy a car, or call a taxi.

I stopped by a store on my way, buying some sweets to have after dinner, since I already knew I'd stay to eat with my parents. Every time I visited, it ended in me staying late for dinner and dessert before they would drive me back home. Tomorrow I'd be back to my regular hours, working late, but I was glad I wouldn't have to get up early.

When I made it there, I walked right in. My mom had a bad habit of never locking the door when she was home alone, this was something I got on her about occasionally, but she never listened to me.

"Mom?" I called as I stepped in, toeing my shoes off before walking through the living room and into the kitchen.

"Sakura…" She turned back to look at me from where she was at the counter, cutting up some vegetables. "I was wondering if you were never coming to visit again."

"Mom." I sighed at her as I placed the bag of sweets on the counter opposite where she was working. "I was just here last week."

"Feels like much longer." She said as I came over to kiss her cheek and then she smiled at me. "I'm glad you're here. We're having stew tonight, you can help me chop these vegetables."

I got right to work. Cooking with my mom had always been something I enjoyed, she'd taught me everything I knew, and thanks to her I considered myself quite the cook. There weren't many things I couldn't make, or had never tried to.

"Did you have to work this morning?" She asked casually as we worked together.

"No, thankfully. I went to the park for a while though."

"I should have figured." She laughed at me and I gave her a pout, but she knew how much I loved that park, even though she had no way of knowing how much more I loved it these days.

The thought had me grinning to myself.

"So, what's new in your life?" She asked and I blanched, blinking at her as if she had some sort of sixth sense.

"What makes you think there's something new?"

"Nothing… until you asked that. So there is something… Spill it."

My mother… she certainly was one of a kind. "It's nothing really." I mumbled as I moved the chopped carrots aside to start on the onions. "I met this guy…"

"I knew it!" She dropped the knife in her hand, spinning around to face me, her mouth hanging open and brows raised in surprise… yet she knew it… "I want to hear everything, and by everything, I mean don't leave anything out, missy!"

Oh my… I laughed at her as I continued to dice the onion before me. But I was happy, I enjoyed talking to my mom and for the next hour I shamelessly went on and on about Sasuke, telling her everything I could, aside from the fact that I'd talked him into staying with me last night.

"Just wait until your father hears about this…" She shook her head and laughed, both of us knew how over reactive dad could be, but we both knew he would be happy for me. "He certainly sounds like a nice boy, and to think he goes to that park as often as you. It's really such a sweet story. You'll bring him over for dinner, soon. On your next visit. Your father and I want to meet him sooner than later."

"Mom! We only just started dating… today actually… I don't want to rush him into anything." I was blushing all over as I struggled to keep up with my work.

"Have you met his family?" She asked, hand on her hip as she regarded me seriously.

Well, she certainly had a way of backing me into a corner. "Once… Just today. He only has a brother."

"Hmm… Well, just ask him. I'm sure he wouldn't mind having dinner with us, if he really is such a nice boy."

"Okay, mom. I'll ask." I groaned, giving her a look of defeat. She smiled victoriously at me and then we both went back to work.

…

"I'm home!"

Dinner had just gotten ready before my dad walked in, announcing his arrival. I went to greet him while mom set the table. "Welcome home, dad!"

"Oh, Sakura." He grinned at me, opening his arms wide and I walked straight into them, hugging him tight. "It's about time you came to visit."

I scowled at the wall. How could they both guilt me like this and I had been here only the week before? "Yeah, yeah."

He chuckled as I released him and we both went to join mom in the kitchen. "Welcome home, dear." Mom said, smiling nicely at dad as he went over to greet her with a kiss as he always did. They were so mushy sometimes, but I really loved it.

We were eating dinner in the next half hour, sitting in our usual seats at the table. Dad asked about work, so I told him how things were going, but work never really changed much. The stew was delicious, and mom had my favorite rolls to go along with it. Dad talked a while about his own work and mom didn't speak for a while, when she did though I glared at her.

"So, Sakura has news…"

"Oh?" Dad looked at me expectantly. "What news exactly?"

I took another few seconds to glare at mom before answering him. She could have waited for me to tell him on my own time, but I supposed she just wasn't like that. She'd gotten it out of me earlier before I was ready to tell her. Originally, I'd wanted to tell them both together, but my parents had their own way of going about things and I just couldn't compete with them.

"I've got a boyfriend." I stated simply and rolled my eyes when my dad dropped his spoon and gawked at me.

"You got a what now?"

"Boyfriend."

"Dog?"

"Boyfriend." I rolled my eyes and went back to eating, knowing his disbelief could drag on forever.

"Honey?" He questioned my mom.

"She's got a boyfriend." Mom was giddy. This was so embarrassing. How could I bring Sasuke over for dinner if they had to act like this?

"Who is he?"

And so for the remainder of dinner and even dessert, I talked to both of them about Sasuke, mostly because they wouldn't let it go. Mom was too happy for her own good, and dad was so overdramatic I couldn't deal with him. But, I loved every minute of it.

…

"Okay, I should get home. I've got to get some sleep." I told them after they'd worn me out with their excitement. We were still at the dinner table, though we'd long since finished eating.

"You'll be bringing this boyfriend, Sasuke, to dinner next week." Dad reminded and I nodded.

"As long as he can come, dad."

"He'll come." Mom said confidently, a pleased smile on her face.

They drove me home together and I kissed both of their cheeks before getting out of the car. "I love you both. I'll let you know about next week."

"I'll have something nice cooked and ready so you won't need to help."

"Mom, I'll still help. I like helping."

"We'll see… have a good night, sweetheart."

"Daddy loves you!" Dad called from the driver's seat and I laughed.

"I love you guys. Bye!"

I hurried to my front door and waved back to them before going inside. They always made sure I was safely inside before pulling away. They could be pretty overprotective, but I was used to it. I just hoped that Sasuke could handle them.

A/N:

Welp, I'm back. If it hadn't been for Kana, you guys would just be getting that last update today. On top of my daughter and husband getting sick, my grandma was admitted into the hospital and that's where I was when I handed the reins over to my partner.

So you guys should thank her kindly for that, because I gave her lots of work to do. Thankfully she is a lifesaver!

Anyways, things are turning around now but it's looking like updates could start slowing down. I hope not though, guess we will have to see what happens.

So, questions of this update:

What was your favorite part/favorite line of dialogue so far?:

Tyy: My favorite part was when Sasuke went to the flower shop and got flowers for Sakura. I had no idea Kana was working that out and it really surprised me. Then him bringing the flowers to Sakura for their date night at her place. SO CUTE!

Kana: My favorite line . . . that's hard to choose. There were so many great lines! Okay, okay, if I have to decide I choose this one from chapter three: "I many not know you, Sakura, but I sure as hell want to." It got me right in the heart, it was one of my rare strokes of genius. It really brings to light the reason people start dating in the first place. Its not always about physical attraction even though that's a factor. Its about who they are and you can't find out who they are unless you start getting to know them. Does that make sense?

Well, that's it for this update. Thanks for all support, we really appreciate it!