A Walk in the Park-

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto!

Chapter Thirteen-

Tension

Last night was certainly interesting. I was shocked when Sakura's mother hugged me, she caught me off guard with the caring gesture. Her dad reminded me a little of Naruto with his energy and love for cars. I could see some similarities between Sakura and her parents as the evening progressed. Dinner was enjoyable and watching her and her parents interact was endearing. I had gotten a warm feeling with them and . . . it made me miss my parents.

I had woken up the following morning next to the most beautiful woman I knew. It was hard to believe such a caring and wonderful person was mine. We were both on our sides, my arms wrapped around her, holding her against my chest. Uchiha's do not cuddle and I certainly wasn't doing that now. I was only cradling her in a protective embrace and there was no way in hell I was moving.

She sighed in her sleep and snuggled closer, her breasts firmly pressed to my chest. Damn it all. Lately my mind has drifted to sex every time I think of her, every time I'm near her. And it's not just because she kisses me with so much passion, though that is a definite factor. It's because I want her and I know she wants me. I was so close, so fucking close to taking her in that bathroom. God, I had nearly lost it when she attacked me like that.

I've reached my limits, I'm not sure how many more times I can resist her. I meant it when I said I wanted our first time to be special, but she is seriously making me think we should just do it already. Like right now when her soft skin and strawberry scent stabbed my groin with arousal.

"Sasuke . . . " She mumbled in her sleep.

Oh fuck it.

I rolled on top of her and started kissing her neck, my body settled between her legs.

"Sakura." I breathed in her ear before resuming the kisses.

"Ah... Mm... Sasuke." She moaned sweetly, completely awake now.

Her arms came around my shoulders and she arched against me. I began to lick and nibble the side of her neck as my hands traveled her hot body. The touch was gentle and light, I didn't want to frighten her. My lust had taken over but I would never hurt her or do anything she didn't want. When no protests came, my touch became firm and more daring.

"You have been driving me crazy." I told her. "A man can only take so much."

She whimpered and I kissed her temple, soothing her own lust. I knew she was just as frustrated as me. Her hands moved down to my chest and I let her feel the muscle. Her green emeralds were dark as she took in my bare skin, blatantly displaying her passion. Finally, I kissed her and her hands gripped my back to pull me closer to her.

There it is again, that demanding side. I took hold of one of her thighs, raising her gown just enough so I could stroke the skin there. She moaned into my mouth and I thrust my tongue against hers. My other hand came to touch the side of her breast, teasing the soft flesh under her clothing. My heart was beating fast and I struggled to breathe through our kiss. It felt like my skin was fire, every sense heightened.

"Shit." I groaned as my boner rubbed against her trembling body.

I had meant to make her filled with need but this is making me just as desperate. I can't wait anymore.

I broke the kiss to ask Sakura if she was ready to do this when my phone rang. Are you fucking serious? Ignore it, Sasuke, ignore it. I tried to ask her again but the damn thing kept on ringing. Oh for the love of-

"What?" I snapped, reluctantly giving in.

"Again, I have yet to say hello. Why must you treat me this way?" Itachi asked on the other end of the line.

Of course. Of course he would be the one to cock block me. Stupid aniki!

"What do you want?" I would give him five seconds before I hung up.

"You need to start heading over here or else you'll be late. I've already left the house with Luna." He said. My eyes widened and I got off of Sakura.

"The race."

"You actually forgot? Interesting. Just what were you doing before I called?" He asked and I hung up on him. Nosy as ever.

"We need to get ready and go. I still have to go by my place and get my uniform." I explained to a dazed Sakura.

"O-okay." She nodded slowly, turning the cutest shade of pink as she sat up, clutching the covers to her chest as she looked around as if in a loss.

"Don't worry, we will continue this later." I told her and kissed her forehead before going to the bathroom.

There was no way I could go to the race in this condition…

We both got dressed, Sakura choosing jeans and a dark green shirt, and she made us something quick to eat. Then we stopped by my house and I changed into my red and white uniform. It took me forty minutes to drive to Ichiraku and we were the last ones to arrive. The rest of the team was huddled in front of our camera screens near the starting line. Naruto was in his hideous orange uniform, Hinata by his side.

Sakura and I made our way through the crowd and I showed security my ID pass. Most people think legal street racing is like the illegal racing in movies. It's actually a professional sport, the races aired on TV. We're by no means some amateurs getting together and speeding down populated streets, endangering those on the road. When a legal street race is held, the roads are blocked off by the town holding it, preventing any interference and injuries to bystanders.

"Sasuke!" Naruto called as we reached them, everyone's eyes turning to me and then Sakura.

"It's about time, the rest of the guys already did the check! What took you so long?" He asked and Itachi came around with Luna.

"I would like to know as well." He said with a knowing smirk on his face.

"I overslept. How did the check go?" I asked Neji. I knew no one believed me, but I won't be saying anything else on the matter.

"It went well, everything is in good condition. I don't expect any problems." He said.

"Gaara showed up with his 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo." Shikamaru informed with a frown.

I looked across the starting line and found it in the middle. Team Suna wasn't playing around this time. No matter, they won't be able to beat us. Luna went over to Sakura for some attention and I quickly made the introductions.

"Sakura, this is Shikamaru, Neji, Kiba, and Lee. Everyone, this is Sakura, my girlfriend." I said and heard gasps all around. Was it really that surprising?

"Um... hi." Sakura smiled shyly at the group, petting Luna to her heart's content. Maybe I should heed her mom's warning about her wanting to steal my dog.

"You . . . you are Sasuke, right?" Kiba asked and Naruto busted out laughing.

"That's exactly what I said!" He chuckled and I rolled my eyes.

"All racers please proceed to the starting line."

"Naruto, that's your cue." I reminded as he calmed down.

"Yeah, yeah. Wish me luck, Hinata." He said and kissed her on the cheek.

She blushed before her entire face lit up with a smile. "Good luck, Naruto... and be safe."

"You bet!"

"Naruto." I called before he started walking away. "If you die-"

"You'll kill me, I know." He smiled.

"Hn."

I led Sakura to some chairs in front of the monitors and Hinata sat next to her, Luna in between them. I sat on the other side of Sakura while Itachi and the others circled around a different monitor, casting glances at me. Could they be any more obvious? Curse them and their childish gossiping.

"This is the first time we've seen each other outside of work in ages." Sakura mused with a giggle and Hinata joined in on the laughter. It was nice to see her and Hinata interact.

"You should really come more often... I've grown to love the sport since Naruto is so invested."

"I plan to be here." Sakura told her seriously. I was glad to hear it, I planned on having her around for a long time.

"It's actually nice getting out more." She added, smiling sweetly at me then. "Sasuke is pretty good at getting me out of my comfort zone."

Hinata giggled before bumping her shoulder against Sakura's. "I've noticed."

"Has Naruto been racing long?" Sakura asked in interest.

"About six years or longer now... He got much more into it though after Sasuke started racing too." Hinata explained and Sakura turned curious eyes to me.

There was so much she wanted to know, questions she wanted to ask . . . and yet she remained silent and thoughtful after that. The drivers were getting into their cars on the screen and I watched nostalgically. It was time for me to tell her, I didn't want any secrets between us or her to feel as if it's something she can't ask.

"It was fun racing together with him." I said, giving her an opening.

"I know you're really passionate about your work... and it's obvious you enjoyed racing... so, why did you stop?"

I kept my eyes on the screen as I answered. "I made a promise."

The flag came down and the drivers took off, engines roaring. Here we go.

"Go Naruto... You'll win this for sure!" Hinata cheered.

He had three cars in front of him, not a bad start but not his best either. Gaara was one of the three. He was trying to take the lead early on. I could feel Sakura's eyes on me, silently asking me to continue. I didn't see any reason not to tell her the whole story. It was an important part of my past and I wanted her to know. I wanted us to know everything about each other.

"I had gotten into an accident in my last race. I almost didn't make it." I told her. "It scared Itachi, I can't remember a time I saw him so shaken up, even when our parents had passed. He asked me to promise not to race again and . . . I haven't raced since."

She looked shocked as she stared at me for a few beats.

"Oh wow . . . I had no idea . . ." She just shook her head, seemingly deep in thought about the whole thing. I hadn't meant to change the mood so quickly, but there was really no other way to say it. I wanted to be direct and put it all out in the open.

I took her hand and watched Naruto weave through the streets to pass another racer. He was looking good so far, but Gaara had taken the lead. I have always suspected that Gaara had a supercharger under his hood and am rarely wrong about these things. Which is exactly why I gave Naruto's Camaro a turbocharger. While a supercharger is arguably more reliable and predictable, the turbocharger is more efficient. It doesn't require the engine to work harder for a greater boost in horsepower. The turbo isn't directly connected to the engine, so it can spin a lot faster than a supercharger can. However, the supercharger is still one hell of a boost and the turbocharger has the potential to lag, and in some cases, fail altogether.

There are racers that say the turbocharger is too risky because of that fact. Itachi argued that very point when I had first installed it, but I was well aware of its fallbacks. I'm not the head mechanic for nothing and even before I stopped racing I was the best under the hood. It took me awhile, but I was finally able to get rid of the lag to give Naruto an advantage over the other racers. That combined with his natural talent made him a shoe in to win as long as the dope kept his head on straight. I've always done my best to set him up for success, but it's all up to him during the races.

Naruto was catching up now, soon neck and neck with Gaara. They were coming up to one of the hardest turns in the town, drifting into the curve. He was able to start a split second before Gaara and took the inside of the road.

"Yay Naruto!" Hinata cheered as he masterfully turned the corner. That's our driver for you.

"Go. Go!" Sakura yelled excitedly, unconsciously squeezing my hand. I was glad she was enjoying this.

He was ahead after the turn, but Gaara wasn't giving in. They fought back and forth throughout the rest of the race, pushing each other. As they reached the final stretch, Naruto took a short we had gone over, pulling out in front of Gaara. Naruto kept accelerating and crossed the finish line, winning the race.

"Yes!" I yelled, unable to help myself. The rest of the team was cheering and heading over to Naruto.

Hinata ran up to him, making it to his side before anyone else. She jumped him with a hug. "I knew you would win!"

"Sasuke! This is great. No wonder you're so passionate about your job." Sakura told me, excitement written all over her face.

"Well, it is pretty cool." I teased as we also headed over to congratulate the dope. "So, you really enjoyed it?"

"Oh yes. The whole race was thrilling. I hope you'll let me come back." She giggled.

"Hinata, did you see? I totally crushed it!" Naruto exclaimed to his girlfriend, then giving her a kiss.

She laughed after the kiss and shook her head at him. "You always do."

He set her down as we reached him and I put my arm around his shoulder, pulling him to the side.

"Well done." I praised and he grinned.

"Thanks! Gaara was pushing hard, but he was no match for me! I'm the best there is!" Naruto bragged. I chuckled and rolled my eyes at his attempt at modesty. Though he deserved bragging rights so I let it slide.

He would always go on about how he was the best after a race. It made it all the more satisfying when I used to beat his cocky ass, but in all honesty, I was cocky too. Naruto wasn't the only one with natural talent. We would more often than not give each other a run for our money. It was never boring racing with the idiot, it was. . . . .

"Sasuke?" Naruto called, bringing me out of my thoughts. He was looking at me with a worried expression and if I didn't know any better, a bit of pity.

"Come over and we'll celebrate your win. Itachi is probably going to go all out on dinner tonight." I told him, avoiding the concern in his eyes.

We headed back to my house and Itachi and Sakura cooked dinner for us. Naruto seemed preoccupied and wasn't as cheerful. As more time passed, his mood only worsened. After we finished eating, I took the chance to talk to him while Sakura helped Itachi wash the dishes.

"What's got you looking all serious?" I teased to lighten his mood, but he didn't find it amusing. "What's wrong?"

"I'm going to get Itachi to let you race again since you won't." He declared.

"What?" Where was this coming from?

"If you're too scared of your brother to do what you really love, then I'll confront him for you." He said and I glared at him. What the hell?

"I am not scared of my brother. I am a man of my word and you sure as hell know it. How dare you suggest otherwise?" I spat.

"I know you, Sasuke. And I know the only thing you're afraid of is disappointing Itachi." He said in a determined voice.

"Don't do this." I knew what that tone meant, he wasn't messing around. We've gone down this road before and I don't want him bringing it up again.

"I have to." He said and got up, going into the kitchen. I quickly followed him.

"I want you to let Sasuke drive again." He demanded and Itachi turned around from the sink, confused. Sakura's eyes widened and she looked between the two, not sure what was going to happen or if she should say anything.

"What?" Itachi's tone was carefully neutral.

"You know he won't break his promise to you so I want you to release him from it." Naruto said and Itachi sighed.

"Naruto, we've talked about this over and over again. Why won't you respect my wishes?" He asked.

"Itachi, please just hear me out. Sasuke loves racing just as much as I do. Last time was an accident, it wasn't his fault." Naruto insisted.

"It was an accident that almost got him killed. I won't lose the only family I have left." Itachi answered and a lump formed in my throat. I don't want to hear this.

"Then what about me? I could be in an accident too! Aren't I family? Don't you care about what happens to me?" Naruto asked. That was a low blow.

"Of course I do, Naruto. You know that." Itachi told him.

"Yes, I do. And I'm so thankful for that, you have no idea how much. But that's why it hurts to see my best friend on the side lines when he belongs- when he wants, to be behind the wheel." Naruto proclaimed.

"Naruto, that's enough." I warned. I didn't want them to do this again, especially in front of Sakura.

"Come on, Sasuke. Can you honestly say that you wouldn't be racing today if Itachi hadn't made you promise him? If he only said he didn't want you to race and asked you not to?" He asked me.

"I won't answer that." I stated firmly.

"See?! That's an obvious yes, even an idiot like me can see it!" Naruto yelled.

"Stop! . . . . just stop. I won't choose between you and Itachi. I won't." I said and Sakura came to my side, holding my arm to comfort me.

"Sorry . . . I didn't mean it like that. I want you to be happy, Sasuke, that's all. I won't bring it up again, I mean it. I don't want this to come between our friendship . . . but don't settle, okay? You deserve more than that. You deserve more, you bastard." He said with a sad smile.

The room was silent for a few minutes after that. Naruto was looking at Itachi who in turn had his eyes closed. I could tell this conversation wasn't over, but I wasn't going to stay and listen. Itachi and Naruto can talk all they wanted, in the end it's my decision, it's my life.

"I'll take you home, Sakura." I said and stared at the floor. This was so humiliating.

Sakura's hold on my arm only tightened, but she remained silent, unsure what to say. I didn't wait for Naruto or Itachi to acknowledge that we were leaving and walked on out. The silent atmosphere continued during the drive to her apartment and in a way, I was glad for that. On the other hand, this was supposed to be a date and I've completely ruined it. When we arrived, I turned off the car and stared at the wheel.

" . . . . . . . May I stay the night again? . . . I don't' want to go back." I said, hating how weak it made me sound.

"Of course you can." She told me with a smile that was somewhat reassuring.

I nodded and got out of the car, following her inside. We sat next to each other on the couch and I put my face in my hands. This is not at all how I wanted today to turn out.

"I'm sorry." I told her quietly. I'm sorry she had to see that. I'm sorry she had to hear that the same day she found out why I don't race anymore. I'm sorry my past has ruined our date.

I rarely apologize to anyone, but I felt Sakura deserved it.

"Oh, no . . .you don't need to apologize to me." She said as she rubbed my back soothingly. "It's yourself you should be worried about. I think you're in between a rock and a hard place right now. But, you know . . . you can be honest with me? How do you feel about all this?"

How do I feel? I don't know, I'm not sure. I may not express myself clearly all the time, but I do have feelings. I would even go as far as to say my feelings are sensitive, I feel things on a deeper level than most. I don't care what other people think, but when it comes to those I care about . . . it means everything. The ones I've let get close to my heart, they mean everything to me. That's why I hate it when they fight, especially over me. I never wanted any of this to happen.

"I don't like it." I told her simply. We were just starting our relationship and I've already brought her into my problems. Was it too much to ask of her too soon?

"I know that much, Sasuke. It's easy to see. But is Naruto right... do you really want to race again? Answer me without thinking about your promise to Itachi."

I sat up and looked at her then, her emeralds concerned and determined. Answer without thinking about my promise . . . what do I want?

"Yes." I whispered and the admission practically stabbed me in the chest.

To my surprise, Sakura tackled me in a hug, her arms wrapping around my neck with a strength that baffled me. After a moment of silence, she pulled away slightly, though still close enough to rest her head on my shoulder.

"Then you need to be honest with your brother, Sasuke. Itachi will understand. And... if you don't, then you will never be truly happy."

"You don't understand, it's not that simple." I sighed. Naruto and I have been down this road many times. Why can't anyone understand?

"Actually, I do understand." Sakura said, sounding hurt on some level. "I understand that you have a passion for racing. Not just working on cars but driving them as well. You were in an accident, you were seriously injured. Itachi is scared. All you have is each other. I do understand. But, if Itachi was aware of your true feelings, do you believe he'd hold you to that promise?"

I turned away and glared at the floor. I wanted to argue, but she was right. Itachi wouldn't do that, even if it meant he'd be the one suffering every time I stepped into that car.

"It doesn't matter. All my life Itachi has put me before himself, suffering all on his own, never asking me or anyone else for help. He's given up a lot for me. Probably more than I know. He's never asked me for anything except to stop racing. If giving it up means I can make it easier for him, then I'll do it." I declared.

"Well that's fine. It's understandable, admirable even... But, I just can't agree with you. I don't think it's right for you to suffer from the one thing that means so much to you, even if it's for Itachi. Maybe I don't understand after all. But I understand one thing, this is something you'll never forget. It will always be in the back of your mind, because you're going against yourself here for someone else.

"Do you think I like the idea of you doing something that could hurt or even kill you? No... but I'd never ask you not to do something you loved. And I'm wise enough to know that things happen. You don't have to be behind the wheel of one of those race cars to get hurt. Anything could happen, anytime. Itachi should realize this as well."

I knew Sakura was pretty wound up and emotional over the situation, but it didn't hit me until she got up after speaking and walked away. As if she couldn't stand be around me a moment longer. Damn it. The last thing I wanted to do was make her upset, but she just wasn't getting it. I could see where she was coming from and it made sense. However, she needed to understand I wasn't going to go back on my word. Sasuke Uchiha does not break his promises.

Then again, hadn't I promised Sakura that she wouldn't regret being by my side? Yet here I am pushing her opinion aside and telling her she doesn't understand. I had to make this right, but I'm at an impasse. I didn't know how to take her advice without compromising who I am. It's true that anything can happen, but doesn't staying away from racing decrease my chances of getting hurt? The less danger you're around, the less likely you will come to harm.

I sighed and rubbed my temples. I'm smart enough to know that isn't always the case and I'm only making excuses. I can't reason away my problems or leave them unaddressed. Fuck. What should I do? I don't have the answer right now, but I can go after her and make things right. I got up and went to her bedroom door, knocking softly.

Sakura opened her door after a moment. Her head was downcast, eyes on my feet. A deep frown distorted her features.

"I'm sorry... I was... really out of line..." I'd never seen her look so sad and vulnerable. "I know... it's none of my business. So, I won't be saying anything else on the matter."

I pulled her to me and held her tightly, desperately trying to convey what my words couldn't.

"Please." I said, letting my feelings sink in before continuing. "Don't apologize. You have every right to know more about my life, Sakura. I want to be able to rely on you and hear your opinions. I want to be the perfect man I've tried to be, but I'm not perfect. I can't promise I won't be at odds with you in the future.

"I can't promise to do everything you ask, but I will try. I will try to take your advice to heart and make a decision. It won't be easy, I don't know what to do, I am a man of my word. But I promised you too, didn't I? That I would never make you regret being by my side? No matter what, I will always come after you, Sakura. Always."

Her arms wrapped around me in return, her body shaking slightly as she started to cry quietly, her face buried against my chest. "But you are... perfect... to me."

"I'm honored you think so." I told her and, if possible, held her closer. "It's alright, love, don't cry."

"J-just ignore me." She sniffled and laughed a little. It was nice knowing our little dispute had finally been resolved.

I kissed her forehead and then wiped her tears away.

"There's nothing wrong with crying." I said and ran my fingers through her hair. I didn't want her to feel like she couldn't cry, it just hurts me to see her upset.

"Thank you." She whispered, and I could feel her grinning against my chest.

No Sakura, thank you for being with me.

A/N:

Oooooh, another quick update.

YAY KANATYY! LOL

So this chapter definitely had us both pretty deep in the feels. We hope you all enjoyed it! All reviews are appreciated!

Thanks for reading, following, favoriting and riding along with us here.

So many feels to come... we hope you're ready!

Til next time...

-Kanatyy