A Walk in the Park-

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto!

Chapter Twelve-

Dinner, Guilt, and Urges

Today was the day. I was a bit nervous, but at the same time I was full of excitement. One thing I'd noticed recently, is that time seemed to fly by since I'd met Sasuke. But, I supposed that was because we were always having so much fun. We saw each other daily, we talked even when we weren't together, and before I'd realized it I was considering myself hopelessly in love with him.

Though I couldn't see myself admitting that to him for a much longer time.

Sasuke came to my apartment to pick me up at five o'clock on the dot. He was dressed in black pants and a grey button up shirt that made him look even more scrumptious than usual. I felt like I was lacking in my aqua capris and white and aqua top. But, the outfit was cute so I decided not to think much of it. He pulled me into his arms the instant I opened my door and I inhaled his scent, loving how he always smelled so good. Only when I leaned back did his lips press against mine in a brief but heartfelt kiss.

We didn't linger. I'd promised my parents we'd be at their home by five thirty, so after a quick greeting we got in his car and on the road. Sasuke was unusually quiet, but I could understand him feeling a bit nervous about meeting my parents, because even I was nervous about it. But my nervousness only came from fear of them scaring him off for being too… them.

I was sure Sasuke would be able to handle them though. Sure my dad would probably crack a few lame jokes, and mom would probably question him endlessly, all while showering him with love and affection… But, I was still sure Sasuke would accept them just as he had accepted me.

Once we got there, I held onto Sasuke's hand as we walked up the stone walkway to the front door. Offering him only a brief smile first, I opened the door and stepped inside quietly. The last thing I wanted was my mom rushing us at the door. The thought alone had me rolling my eyes, but I was grinning all along.

I took my shoes off, as did Sasuke upon entering the house and then as we walked through the foyer together, I went ahead and called out.

"I'm home!" I said before stopping and looking at Sasuke. "Now, they can be a little much… just overlook them if they annoy you too much, okay?"

Sasuke never had the chance to say anything back to that before my mom had hurried out of the kitchen and into the foyer, wiping her hands on the yellow apron that was over her green dress. I could not believe my mom was wearing an actual dress. What did she think this was… a wedding?

"Sakura, dear." She smiled brightly, though she was all eyes on Sasuke. She met us halfway, kissing my cheek as I kissed hers before she turned to him with that wicked gleam in her eyes. "And Sasuke… What a pleasure it is to meet you. My you're more handsome that I imagined! Sakura must be a lucky girl. Oh my." She giggled girlishly and I mentally face palmed myself.

How embarrassing.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Haruno. I'm the lucky one to have met your daughter." He greeted, ever the gentlemen.

Gods, he was a blessing.

My mom's eyes sparkled with delight as she admired Sasuke and I could see the wheels turning in her head. "You two are some kind of adorable together, come on into the kitchen. Dinner is still cooking, but we will sit and chat for a bit while we wait for Kazashi to get home."

"Oh, dad's not home? I thought he was off today…" I asked in confusion as Sasuke and I followed mom into the kitchen.

"He was… but you know if somebody calls out, he's the first one they call." She explained.

"Right…" I agreed. It had always been that way so it didn't come as a surprise to me.

Sasuke and I sat beside each other at the table while mom checked the stove and then she came to join us. She hadn't stopped grinning yet, and I'd never seen such a suggestive look in her eyes.

"So, Sasuke… Sakura has told me a lot about you, and Luna. You'll have to bring her someday. I love dogs."

"Alright." Sasuke agreed with a smile and a nod. "She's well behaved and loves attention."

"Sakura only says good things about her, even claimed she'd like to keep her for herself." Mom nodded to herself thoughtfully as she spoke and I groaned.

"Mom!"

"What?" She looked at me in utter confusion. "You did say that!"

"Those were not my exact words." I pouted.

"Anyway," Mom waved me off, turning all her attention to Sasuke. "So tell me, what was it that made you want to date my daughter?"

"It was hard not to notice her reading in the park. She was so genuine as she read, it wasn't hard to tell what she was thinking. If I had to pick one thing, I would say her laugh. Her laugh made me want to get to know her. After that, well, she was shy, stubborn, sassy and caring . . . I'd be a fool to pass her up."

His words had my heart soaring and I gripped his hand with my own in reassurance because I could tell he was a bit embarrassed. My mom had certainly put him on the spot, as I knew she would, but Sasuke handled her well enough.

"How sweet!" Mom gushed like a schoolgirl, hands clasped over her pinkening cheeks. I could only roll my eyes even though I couldn't stop smiling. "Sakura you should have brought him over much sooner!"

"We're here now, mom. No sense worrying about the past." I grumbled, highly embarrassed.

She laughed at me. "And so the two of you see each other at the park almost every day? That must be a nice thing. I know Sakura is glad she found someone who would go to that park as much as her."

"Mom…" I ground out.

Sasuke chuckled. "I may be guilty of going more than her, Luna gets very unhappy without visiting the park every morning." I told her.

Mom scoffed. "Sakura is there every day as well. I've never understood it. Unless it's raining or she's ill, she makes time no matter what to go to that same old park. Her father actually proposed to me there. I honestly think that's why she loves it so much."

"MOM." The embarrassment would probably never end… and dad wasn't even here yet. Great.

"Really? Interesting." Sasuke mused and shot me a wink.

If only I could have disappeared, the mortification of this moment might have not been so bad.

"I'm home!" Dad called from beyond the kitchen. "Nice car out front, I like this guy already!"

Gods, help me. I braced myself, squeezing a grinning Sasuke's hand as my dad walked in, a cheesy smile on his face. Mom got up to greet him with a kiss, mushy as always. Sasuke seemed pretty entertained so I supposed being a little embarrassed was the worst of my problems.

"Sasuke. Sakura told me all about you. When she told me she got herself a boyfriend, I thought I misheard. But then I soon found out that it was true, my baby girl is growing up. Going from a small bud to a beautifully blossomed flower, just like her mom when she met me. Ha! I might not look like it now, but I was definitely a looker just like you back in my prime!"

Had dinner really not even started yet…

"Oh, you're still a looker, darling." Mom insisted. Gag me.

They were all giggling and hugging. This was them on the daily. I loved that about them, but with Sasuke here… I just couldn't handle them with a straight face. Couldn't they have been a bit more reserved for one night?

"What's for dinner?" Dad asked as he sat opposite Sasuke and I at the table. "I'm starving. Had to work through lunch like a borrowed mule."

Here we go…

"We're having pot roast… once it's done I'll bake some brownies since Sakura forgot dessert. Don't worry, dear… I know you have… other things on your mind."

UGH.

Sasuke was laughing again and I was glad I was the only one uncomfortable here.

"So, Sasuke… the man of the hour… Tell me about your work. There's nothing more prideful to a man besides his work… and his woman, but we'll get to Sakura later."

"I'm in the auto industry, sir. I'm the head mechanic for the Konoha street racing team." He explained.

"Oh?" Dad seemed impressed. "How interesting… and great to know. Actually, I could possibly use your help if you wouldn't mind taking a look at my old Nova. It's a bit of a work in progress, but it was my baby back in the day. I'm sure you've worked on a few… I'm just not able to do mechanic work anymore."

"He's not lying, Sasuke dear. Last time he messed with that old car he threw his back out!"

"I would be glad to. A Nova, right? What year?" He asked and was suddenly in work mode.

"Seventy. Come on out to the garage and I'll show you while these beautiful ladies finish up dinner."

Sasuke glanced at me as he stood with my dad, I gave him an apologetic look while mouthing a quick 'I'm sorry' before the two of them were on their way out. I sighed in defeat, unable to believe my dad was really dragging him out to the garage. For goodness sakes, what if he said something horribly embarrassing about me, or worse… offensive to Sasuke in some way.

Would I ever actually survive this night?

"You shouldn't worry so much, dear. Your father likes him a lot, I can tell. And when they get out there, two men and a car… nothing else will be on their minds."

I sure hoped she was right, but I was still worried.

Now that Sasuke was out of the room, I forced myself up and started helping mom set the table. The roast was ready, we were just waiting on the greens and the rolls mom had just put in the oven, though they only took a few moments.

Soon enough, it was time for me to go get dad and Sasuke out of the garage. I assumed they must have been doing a great deal of talking for them to have been out there for nearly a half an hour. However, I wasn't expecting to find Sasuke under the car when I walked out the garage door.

"What?" I squeaked to myself as I took in those long legs and dad was out of sight, but I soon noticed him behind the wheel after I walked around so I could see beyond the open hood.

"Try it." Sasuke called loudly so dad could hear him and a second later that loud Nova roared to life.

Gawking in disbelief, I was completely taken aback by the fact that Sasuke had managed to get that car running in such a short amount of time. It had been almost a year that it had been parked, for good I thought. Sasuke rolled from under the car on dad's old creeper with a grin on his face at the same time dad jumped out of the car hollering.

"I can't believe it! What! You, son… are a genius!"

"Will you tell my brother that when you meet him?"

It was actually nice to see Sasuke and my dad like this, so I couldn't help but giggle as I listened to them.

"Surely he must know if your skill level is this advanced. You should have brought him to dinner as well. I'll expect you to do so next time, and don't worry I'll definitely let him know how genius you are." My dad chuckled heartily then the two of them looked over at me.

"Dinner is ready." I announced, which had Sasuke glancing down at his now dirty hands.

"Sasuke you go on in and get yourself cleaned up, sorry for the trouble. I'll just be a minute." Dad said and then started giggling as he hurried back into the car. I rolled my eyes as I wrapped my hand around Sasuke's arm and pulled him along with me.

"I'm so sorry about this…" I told him, fearful they would run him off one way or another.

"It's alright, this is nothing. You should see the crap Itachi has me do. He's a demon at work." He stated.

"You sure?" I asked, looking up at him worriedly as I continued to lead him along towards the bathroom. I couldn't tell him that the sight of him under the car like that had nearly sent me into a heat rush. Even his legs were sexy. This guy… I wanted all of him.

"I'm sure. They're your family, Sakura, and nothing is too much for family." He reassured and looked at me fondly.

He was so… perfect. I adored him far more than I should have. He made me feel so much more than I'd ever felt in my life and because of that, he had me doing things I would have normally never done. It surprised even myself when I pulled him into the bathroom and closed the door. Had I really just pushed him back against the door with my arms flung around him? Had I really just forced his head down to crush his lips to mine? Why couldn't I stop myself?

Sasuke's arms wound around me at the same time a low rumble of a groan escaped him. The sound vibrated all the way through me and I gasped because of it. A wave of goosebumps washed over me as his tongue found mine and my hands went into his long soft ebony locks.

The next thing I knew Sasuke had hoisted me up, his hands just under my thighs and then I was on the bathroom counter, Sasuke pressed firmly against me as my legs and arms were around him, holding him in place and I never wanted him to let me go.

For the next few minutes, the fact that we were at my parents' house was completely forgotten to me, and possibly Sasuke as well. We were lost to the world, only grounded by each other and nothing else. His hands roamed up my back until he grabbed a hold of my braid and pulled, forcing my head back and effectively ending our kiss. I whimpered a protest as our lips remained close enough that they were brushing against each other, our ragged breaths mingling.

"Damn it, Sakura . . . just how far will you push me?" He growled and leaned to bite my ear lobe.

I gasped when he tugged and a sensation coiled in my lower belly that made me shiver against him. Why was my body doing this? What is wrong with me?

"I-I'm sorry." I managed, my voice shaky. Sasuke stepped back, pulling me along with him before setting me on my feet.

I couldn't handle being so close to him, when I wanted him so. This unquenchable thirst I had for him was appalling. I turned away from him, more embarrassed now than I had been all night. I started the water in the sink for a distraction and then stepped aside so he could wash up.

"I'm not mad." He said and ran a hand soothingly through my hair. "But when we take that step, I want it to be special for us, for you. It doesn't have to be fancy, it just has to be meaningful."

Oh my… I was feeling hot all over as he turned from me and went about washing his hands thoroughly. It was then that his eyes widened and he turned to me with a look of fear.

"Sakura, turn around."

I frowned in confusion, but did as he asked. He let out a breath of relief then and I turned back to him with a questioning look. "What?"

"Just making sure your clothes were clean."

He had a devilish smirk on his face when we finally left the bathroom. Mom and dad were at the kitchen table waiting for us, but I somehow managed to keep a straight face that hopefully wasn't giving anything away. We took our seats across from them.

My mother was no fool, the suggestive look she was giving me told me she knew exactly what had been going on in the bathroom, but my father was an entire different case. The only thing on his mind was that old, loud Nova and he quickly had Sasuke wrapped up in car talk that proceeded over the course of dinner. But, it was all a good time.

The brownies mom had in the oven smelled really good. Sasuke was actually laughing at some of dad's lame jokes. Mom was on cloud nine to be cleaning up after everyone and listening to them chat, as was I. I was so glad that Sasuke had agreed to come over for dinner and meet them, and things had gone so smoothly. I hoped he would be close with my family, and I could be close with his.

"So, has Sakura been treating you well? She can be a little feisty thing. Don't let her adorable looks fool you."

"Feisty? Yes, I've seen a little of that." Sasuke teased.

"Don't listen to him. I've never had to get feisty with him." I laughed and so did dad.

"He might not be here right now if you had." Dad cackled.

"Dad!" I growled in annoyance.

"You too settle down now, dessert is ready."

Mom served each of us a large cut out brownie and I groaned. I was so full from dinner I really did not need all of that, but it smelled so good. Sasuke and I both only managed half of ours before we were both trying to give the rest of our shares to each other, both of us ending up laughing.

"You two are too cute!" Mom squealed, causing my laughter to cease immediately.

"Mom." I sighed.

"She's right. I can see why the two of you decided to pick each other. And at the park no less. It's touching."

"Dad…"

I just couldn't handle them today. But I loved them all the more for their approval.

Once all eating was over and we had talked until we could talk no longer, Sasuke and I finally announced we were leaving. My parents were definitely disappointed, but they didn't give us a hard time. After they hugged and kissed me, mom dragged Sasuke into a bear hug that had me blushing all over. The look on his face was priceless, but just a second later his features had softened and he hugged her back, thanking her kindly for having him over for dinner. Then he shook hands with my dad and I started pulling him out of there before we never got to leave.

"Bye, love you both!" I called on my way out, glad that dinner night with my family was over. I wasn't sure if I could ever do it again.

Sasuke and I talked about my parents on the ride back to my place and I was glad to know that he liked them and had enjoyed dinner as well. It was nice to be moving along in our relationship, whether we were taking baby steps or giant leaps, moving forward was moving forward, and the more time I spent with Sasuke, the more precious each moment became. I already know it was going to hurt to have him leave me once we got back to my apartment, and for the last few minutes of the ride I contemplated asking him to come in, to stay… even though I knew he had a lot to do the following day.

"What's on your mind?" He asked when he parked in my driveway as if he'd been pondering it since I'd quit talking.

"Um… nothing." I lied, not wanting him to feel obligated to do anything. He had to be tired and ready to go home and rest up for tomorrow… But I couldn't help wondering… what would be so bad about him resting up at my place?

"Sakura." He called my name in warning and I frowned.

If honesty was the best policy… what did I really have to lose? "I don't want you to leave." I whispered truthfully, ashamed that I could be such a jerk.

Sasuke's head lolled back as he looked at me thoughtfully. I was waiting on him to say something like 'You're really trying me', but instead he said, "I'll stay."

"Are you sure?" I asked, feeling guilty. I had already taken up most of his day today, with our regular park time this morning and then with the several hours we spent with my parents.

He nodded, smiling softly at me. "As long as you promise not to attack me like you did in your parents' bathroom earlier. Though it was very sexy."

Whoa, heart calm it down! My hands flew to my heated cheeks then and he laughed.

"Just saying . . ." He said, voice husky as he leaned over closer to me, his finger raising to run across my bottom lip. "Kissing like that leads to . . . other things. And I only have so much self control."

Apparently so did I, only I wasn't aware until recently.

"Okay… no kissing." I nodded in agreement and he chuckled lightly.

"I didn't say no kissing at all." He told me, his obsidian eyes dancing with amusement and something more.

I got out of the car right then before I had a heat stroke. Sasuke was right behind me on my way in. I was some kind of flustered, but every little feeling he gave me was exhilarating in its own way.

"Um, make yourself comfortable… I'll just go change really quick."

"Hn."

I left him in the living room while I went to my room to change. My only pajamas consisted of my nightgowns and I took a moment to think if it would be okay to wear one and, in the end, decided to go for it. I'd wear my silk robe over it just to be safe. I felt much better as I made my way back to the living room but when I saw Sasuke standing there shirtless and in the process of taking his pants off, I had to lean against the wall. I clutched at my chest just above my pounding heart while willing myself not to faint.

"Oh my… oh my…" Why is he stripping? Why am I hiding and watching him like a psycho?

Noticing he had some thin shorts on under the pants, I sighed in relief. But… he was still shirtless and I'd never seen such a sight in my life. Sasuke was my boyfriend though, and I definitely couldn't have such a ridiculous reaction to him having his shirt off. I took a few deep breaths, calmed myself and then went to join him in the living room.

"Would you care for something to drink?" I asked shyly and he turned around to face me, every muscle in his torso flexing from the movement. He wasn't a big buff guy, but he was lean and strong all over. A perfect male specimen. I couldn't stop my eyes from trailing over every inch of him.

He never answered me and when my eyes finally met his I swallowed hard. I'd never seen such a heated look full of lust directed at me before in my life, and for it to have been coming from Sasuke… My little old heart couldn't take it.

"I'll get you something to drink." I decided, voice much higher than necessary. I heard him let out a breath behind me and then plop on the couch.

My hands were a trembling mess as I went about fixing him a glass of water, and one for myself since I was suddenly parched. I returned to the living room nervously, telling myself not to stare at his body no matter how good it looked. He took his water with a quick word of thanks and I sipped mine hoping it would help cool me off.

"Do you always sleep like that?" He asked thoughtfully, his eyes all over me. I was squirming where I sat a few inches from him.

"No… um… Not in my robe. Just my gown."

"Mm." He gulped down half his glass of water before sitting in on the coffee table. "It's late, you should get to bed. I'll sleep here on the couch."

A deep frown took over my face as I stared at my glass of water. He was staying, and yet I was still disappointed? There was definitely something wrong with me. Had I ever been so ungrateful in my life? No, I knew I hadn't.

"What's that face for?" He sighed, his hand coming to rub my back soothingly. His touch felt so good that I craved it.

"Nothing…"

"Sakura…"

I looked at him to find him glaring softly at me. "It's just… I thought we could sleep together like the last time you stayed…"

"Oh." He sounded surprised, as if he had to take a moment to think over my words.

Last time might have been an accident, but he was so comfortable. I wanted to have that feeling again, to experience that excellent sleep with him holding me all night long. It was asking too much and I knew it, so I didn't expect him to agree. I got up then and smiled sweetly at him.

"It's okay… it was just a silly thought."

He got up right behind me and I looked at him curiously. "I'll sleep with you… but you have to keep the robe on."

I would be on my best behavior. Smiling happily at him then, I took his hand. "Deal."

I led him to my room and strangely enough, it felt nothing more than natural to me. It wasn't like I was trying to get more out of him, even if deep down I actually wanted it. All I wanted was to cuddle up to him, feel those strong arms around me, and drift off to sleep with that intoxicating scent of him surrounding me.

We both got into bed and under the covers. He laid on his back and I scooted over to him, curling up against him and laying my head in the crook of his neck. I sighed at the content feeling I had then. He felt so good. I was sure I could have never gotten any happier.

"Thank you, Sasuke."

"You don't need to thank me." He whispered, his arms wrapping around me. He started roaming his fingertips across my back and my eyes closed instantly.

"Goodnight." I said just before I pressed a kiss to his neck, but the way he shuddered from the quick touch of my lips to his skin was enough for me to shudder as well.

"Goodnight." He whispered back, his voice deeper than it had been only a moment before.

Tired as I was, my mind wouldn't calm down. A million thoughts bombarded me at once. I wondered how long we could keep this fire between us at a low before we both exploded and lost it. We were both grown, only our willpower alone was keeping us from taking that leap that we both wanted to take so desperately. I definitely had to do better, and I would aim to do just that. I definitely didn't want Sasuke to make any moves until he was ready to do so. And when it came to myself, I felt ready but at the same time full of uncertainty from the unknown.

I supposed we would just have to see how things went.

A/N:

Chapter twelve is here. Quick right? Hehe.

So, we don't know what happened to all our beautiful reviewers, but it's okay. Much as we love them, a little lack of reviews won't stop us. And to those of you who always do take the time to review with a few thoughts, whether you like it or not, or one thing really stuck out to you that you want to comment on, thanks a lot!

Anyways, Kana and I couldn't wait to get this next chapter out, so we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

No questions again this time, but we look forward to any that come our way.

Til next time.

-Kanatyy