A Walk in the Park-
Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto
Chapter Seventeen-
Cabin Trip Day One
Sakura was not happy with me after we had sex. Did I regret what I did? Hell no. How could I ever regret being with the woman I loved? Did I feel guilty about what I did? Just a little bit. We weren't able to go to the park and Luna was mad at me as well for that. She was ignoring me and sticking to Sakura's side. Sakura wasn't able to go to work either and I decided to keep her company the rest of the day, though she made me agree to a no touching rule.
I had called Naruto and planned out the cabin trip. The four of us would drive there this Friday and then drive back home on Monday. Later that week, Itachi and I went over there to get everything set up. It had been years since we or anyone else had been there. We spent the whole day cleaning, uncovering furniture and unpacking and washing dishes. Then we came back home and decided to get groceries for the cabin tomorrow afternoon.
The week went by faster than I thought it would and I was able to make it up to Luna with more time playing in the park. After a while Sakura seemed to forgive me as well and I was relieved she did. It's not that I was scared of her anger, it was actually quite cute, but I didn't like not being on good terms. She makes it difficult not to tease her though, more often than not I can't resist. The way her face flushes, the way her lips draw up into a pout, it all just makes me want to kiss her until she's at my mercy.
When it was time for the trip, Naruto and I put our packed bags in the red van we rented and left to pick up our girls. Sakura's apartment was closer, so we went there first. I parked out front and left Naruto in the van. I took the stairs two at a time and knocked on her door dressed in jeans and a blue t-shirt. She opened the door wearing jean capris and a white shirt, her face grinning in excitement.
"Hey you." I greeted and returned the smile.
"Hey." She giggled. She let me in and I grabbed her bags, packed and ready, at the door.
"Have you got everything?"
"Yes. I'm so ready!" She cheered and I chuckled.
Sakura locked the door behind us and we made our way to the van. Naruto rolled down the passenger window and waved.
"Hey Sakura!" He yelled, that cheesy grin on his face as usual.
"Naruto." Sakura gave him a nod and a soft smile. "Thanks for suggesting the getaway."
"Hehe, no problem." He laughed as she got in, sitting behind him.
I put her bags in the back and then came around to the driver's side, getting in and putting the van in reverse. It took about thirty minutes to get to Hinata's house and Naruto got out to go get her. He helped her with her bags as well and she sat behind me while he put them in. Sakura and Hinata greeted each other as Naruto got back in the van. I waited until everyone had their seatbelts on and then we were on our way. The drive took us three hours and we stopped a couple times for bathroom breaks and food. It may have not been a long drive, but it felt like it with Naruto in the car. He could not sit still which is why I had to be the one to drive.
When we had arrived, the girls gasped at the large cabin. Naruto had seen it before when we came as kids, but it could be overwhelming the first time. The dark wood cabin was fairly big, containing four bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a basement, two bathrooms, and an upstairs game room. Naruto and I asked the girls how they wanted to split up the rooms as we carried our bags inside. Two bedrooms were upstairs and two were downstairs, giving everyone their own room if they choose to separate. After a while we decided couples would be best, and I'm sure that had at least a little to do with ulterior motives.
"Sasuke!" Sakura squealed excitedly and threw her arms around my neck. "This place is so nice. We're going to have a great time!"
I wrapped my arms around her waist and spun her around a few times, both of us laughing.
"Hinata, you have got to see the upstairs." Naruto was saying as he took her hand, leading Hinata up the steps.
"Oh wow. This is beautiful... So cozy." She said as they disappeared.
"I assume that means they've claimed the upstairs bedrooms." I thought out loud. I didn't mind, but there was no way I was going to be on the same floor as him.
"That just means we've got this whole bottom floor to ourselves!" Sakura giggled, staring up at me happily.
I winked at her and then led her to one of the downstairs bedrooms. The large mahogany room was clad in burgundy curtains. There were sliding glass doors looking over the lake. The bed was a king size, dressed in dark green sheets and blankets. There was a walk-in closet that would easily hold both of our clothes. A door next to the vanity dresser led to the bathroom. It had a walk-in shower, glass doors, as well as a tub big enough for the both of us. All the knobs in the bathroom were crystal, Itachi had insisted on it, during remodeling for all the bathrooms. I gave Sakura a tour of our space and enjoyed how happy she looked as I showed her more.
"What do you think?" I asked, though I had my suspicions she really liked it.
"I could totally live here." She told me with a grin.
"Don't give me any ideas." I warned. "Now, which side of the closet do you want?"
"I'll take the left." She said and picked up one of her bags, ready to claim it.
After everyone got settled, we all met up in the living room. Naruto and Hinata sat on the beige couch across from us. It was easy to tell Naruto was already up for some action, his girlfriend was the only thing keeping him seated.
"Alright! What does everyone want to do first?" He asked excitedly. Honestly, he never runs out of energy.
"Do you want to rest before we do something?" I asked Sakura. Not everyone had limitless supplies of energy like him.
"Oh no... I'm fine as long as everyone else is." Sakura assured me, her gentle smile forever placed on her pink lips. "What do you think Hinata?" She asked considerately and all eyes turned to Hinata.
"Oh um... Naruto mentioned canoeing... I think that will be fun." She suggested. Naruto smiled brightly at her and leaned over to kiss her cheek.
"You're the best! We should totally go canoeing!" He insisted with a fist pump.
"Oh that sounds fun. I've never been! Can we, Sasuke?" Sakura begged and hit me with a dose of puppy eyes, her emeralds shining. How on earth was I going to say no to that?
"I suppose." I said, not wanting to seem like I couldn't resist.
We left the cabin and went down to the lake towards the teal shed on the pier. Once we reached it, I unlocked the door to reveal two canoes, one blue and one ugly orange. The vests were sitting in a row on the shelf. They were all god-awful orange as well except for the two red ones on the end. Naturally, I went for a red one and put it on. Naruto and Hinata choose two of the orange ones and Sakura also went with red. Smart girl.
"Sakura, you're with me. Hinata, you're with the idiot." I directed once everyone was vested.
"Hey!" Said idiot yelled. I ignored him and continued.
"It's calm on the lake but once we get further out to where it meets the river bend, the waves will get more intense." I explained. "Nothing to worry about, Naruto and I have done this a million times."
"Yeah and this time I want the blue one." He stated with a cheeky grin.
"That's not happening. Since when have you forsaken your trademark color?" I asked skeptically. He just wanted it because I did and would never ride in the other one. There was no way I was getting in that . . . thing.
"Since I've wanted to see you steering this awesome orange canoe. It'll be freaking hilarious." He chuckled and I glared at him.
"Naruto. I am not canoeing in your orange monstrosity and that's final." I claimed and grabbed a paddle hanging from the wall. I handed it to Sakura and asked her to get in the front of the very blue canoe while I held it steady.
"Killjoy." Naruto mumbled but was still smiling. Then he grabbed a paddle too and also had Hinata sit in the front.
"Sakura, hold onto the dock." I told her as I put my paddle in the canoe.
"I got it." Sakura said as she held it steady.
"Ready Hinata?" Naruto asked as she held onto the other side of the dock as well.
"Ready." Hinata said.
Once Naruto was settled, we picked up our paddles and gave the girls a crash course.
"Sakura, you and Hinata are the bowmen. When you paddle, you'll be responsible for our speed and power." I stated and Naruto took over.
"We'll be counting on you two to keep us going while we steer as the steersmen, alright? If you hear us say 'switch' then start paddling on the other side of the canoe." He said and I went on.
"Naruto and I will sync with your strokes. Don't expect the canoe to go straight when you paddle, it's impossible. It's going to turn a bit, but we will straighten out the course." I informed. These were the basics.
"Right." Both the girls nodded understandingly.
"This'll be fun so don't stress it, don't freak out. Sasuke and I got your backs!" Naruto reassured and I scoffed.
"He's speaking from experience. The first time we went canoeing he tipped us over. We were soaked." I recalled and smirked at him.
"It's not my fault! You took off before I was ready!" He whined, shaking his paddle at me.
"That's because you were too chicken to move." I told him. "What was it you said? Something along the lines of 'why is it so wobbly' and 'this is a bad idea'. I was tired of waiting so I gave you a little push."
"A push? It was a shove, you bastard! And it is wobbly! I just wanted to get my bearings but you had to be an impatient jerk." He said and gave me a dirty look at the memory.
Sakura and Hinata were laughing at us and soon had us joining in. It was a funny memory, though I was pissed when it happened. Once everyone calmed down, Naruto untied the stern lines and we were off. We got along easily enough, the water was smooth and Sakura seemed pretty good at paddling even though it was her first time. Naruto was showing off a bit, which had me rolling my eyes, but Hinata seemed entertained enough. My annoyance evaporated when Sakura looked back over her shoulder at me with that breathtaking smile on her face.
"Sasuke this is so nice. Calm and soothing. We should do this more often!" She proclaimed. I couldn't help smiling fondly at her and nodded.
"I'm glad you approve."
We all paddled through the lake and took in the scenery. The woods were far towards shore now, but still easily visible. Some ducks were swimming by us and Sakura cooed at them. She was so adorable sometimes. The sun made the lake glisten as we arrived at the stream that turned into the river bend. The waves were picking up a little, but it was still calm and steady. They won't get active until we get further down where the stream splits.
"Switch." I called and the girls changed sides, Naruto and I following right after.
We steered into the path and left the lake. The water began picking up again and wasn't as calm.
"Is this safe?" Hinata questioned.
"Yeah, we go through here all the time." Naruto explained her.
"Sasuke?" Sakura looked back to me worriedly. Despite her slight apprehension, I took pride in the fact that she waited for my word to be certain.
"It's alright. The waves are only getting faster, they won't get any bigger than this. If it starts to frighten you then paddle slower to ease the pace. We won't tip over, I've got you." I told her and Naruto fake gagged. I ignored him and kept my eyes on my girl.
"Okay." That soft smile was back, her eyes lighting up with reassurance.
It was enjoyable paddling down the stream and we had even come across a deer on the shore.
"Ooh look, a deer!" Sakura exclaimed, though her tone was hushed.
"So pretty!" Hinata cooed.
"Hey there, fella." Naruto added.
The deer stared at us and before it tilted its head, blinking. Then it carried on and pranced away into the woods.
"Too bad, Naruto scared it off." I teased and he quickly splashed water on me with his paddle.
He laughed as I gave him my unimpressed look. I splashed him back and war ensued, though it was short since we both had to steer. Both of us ended up damp and laughing at each other, acting like children. Hinata and Sakura had gotten a bit wet too, having been caught in the crossfire.
"You two are something else!" Sakura giggled.
"Really... they are!" Hinata agreed.
Soon we reached the halfway point and the water was getting faster again, however it was more subtle than earlier.
"Hey Sasuke, we go right here, right?" Naruto asked as we approached the break in the path. One way led to the river with rough rapids and the other circled around back to the lake.
"No, we go left." I told him and shook my head. How many times have we gone canoeing? You would think he would remember by now.
"Are you sure? I'm telling you, we always go right." He insisted as we got closer to where the stream split.
"We always go left. You would know if you-Naruto!" I scolded as he and Hinata started coming towards us. "Dope! Pay attention to where you're steering!"
My warning came too late and they ran into us hard, causing both canoes to go down the right path. The girls yelped and held on to the canoes. Miraculously we stayed afloat, but not for long on this path. The waves were going to get dangerous. It would be different if we were water rafting, but these canoes had no chance. This was not good, not at all.
"Ah Sasuke!" Sakura shouted in panic, holding onto the canoe tightly. "The water..."
"It's going to get rough!" Hinata declared.
The waves were indeed getting bigger and the speed of them was picking up by the second.
"Shit! Sorry!" Naruto apologized as he fought to stay in control of the canoe. I was having the same difficulty on my end, the water was changing too quickly.
"Oh no. Oh no. We're not going to make it!" Sakura yelled, fear running through her voice.
"Calm down, we're going to be alright." I told her. "Sakura, you will be alright. I promise."
"R-right." Sakura took a deep breath and seemed to calm considerably. I gave her a quick smile before turning back to the task at hand.
"Sasuke, what should we do?" Naruto asked and locked gazes with me.
"We need to get to shore. Sakura, Hinata, paddle as hard as you can. We'll do the same and steer us out." I ordered.
"Okay." They both said as they got to work helping us.
Naruto and I fought against the waves trying to pull the canoes along. The canoes bobbed on the water and became more and more challenging to maneuver.
"On my signal, I want you both to stop paddling and hold tightly onto the canoes!" I yelled to the girls over the now roaring water.
They yelled back their understanding and the anxiousness in their voices was easily heard. The sooner this was over, the better.
"Naruto, we'll have to anchor them!" I shouted.
"Right!" He shouted back, reading my mind and understanding my plan. Our years spent together weren't in vain.
Finally we got close enough and Naruto and I gave each other a curt nod before acting.
"Now!"
We pushed the paddles through the water as hard as we could before dropping them in the canoes. Within a second we gripped the side of the canoe and jumped ashore, digging our heels into the ground and holding onto a tree stump with our other hands. I grunted as my muscles strained to keep the canoe in place against the rapids. It hurt, and the water was so much more violent now.
"Fuck!" Naruto cursed as his body went through the same rough treatment.
"Come towards us and jump! Don't let go until the last moment and move slowly!" I instructed, wanting to get them out of the river safely. If they rushed or let go too soon, they'd fall in.
Hinata started moving first and then Sakura at a steady pace. Naruto and I cheered them on, trying to keep their focus on us and not the waves. Hinata reached the end of the canoe first and took a deep breath before jumping.
"You did it!" Naruto praised. She turned and reached to help him pull the canoe ashore while Sakura was at the edge of ours, hands white from gripping the sides. She was shaking with fear and it was killing me to watch.
"Sakura, just a little further! You can make it!" I told her, willing her to jump.
"Sasuke . . . I . . . I can't swim." She admitted, green eyes wide with the fright she was feeling.
My heart stopped and my ears began ringing. I had barely heard the words over the water and for a moment, I thought- hoped I imagined it. A heavy breath escaped me as I tried my best to keep the horror off of my face. I didn't want to scare her more than she already was, but this was a first for me. I was . . . I was scared. I couldn't muster up any anger that she hadn't told me sooner. My mind was consumed with the thought of her drowning right before my eyes.
"Jump, Sakura." I said once I finally found my voice. "Jump to me!"
Naruto and Hinata where to buy struggling with their canoe to notice the slight tremor in my tone, the urgency. This situation has taken a turn for the worst.
"Okay." She nodded, still visibly shaken though she seemed to resolve herself, breathing slowly as she prepared herself to make the move. I watched her intently as she let go to jump, but a wave had hit the canoe just right and she screamed as she fell into the river. My entire world came crashing down.
"SAKURA!" I yelled and let go, diving into the water after her.
The rapids pulled me along and I had trouble staying afloat. The red vest was almost useless as my black eyes scanned all over for her matching vest and pink hair. Where is she?! I was trying not to panic, but it was futile. My moves started becoming more frantic as the seconds ticked by. Calm down, Sasuke! Keep searching, damn it! I finally spotted her before she was forced under by the waves. I took a deep breath and gave into the current, letting it push me under as well. It was near impossible to maneuver through the river. I was barely able to reach her and dragged her back up by her vest. We both gasped for air as we surfaced and I held tight to her body with one arm, her arms coming around to latch around my neck.
"I've got you. It's alright, I've here." I said to her trembling form. She coughed a few times before she started to sob against me.
"S-Sasuke." She cried, her voice strained and hoarse as she clung to me desperately.
I fought hard to keep us both above the raging rapids. The further down we were swept, the worse the currents were getting. I had to get us out of here now or else I won't be able to swim against the water much longer. Suddenly an upcoming rock grabbed my attention through the waves. That's it! I angled us towards the stone and waited. Once we got to it, I turned and kicked as hard as I could off of boulder. My arm held tight onto Sakura while I grasped one of small tree trunks leaning off the shore line.
I pulled us up with the last of my strength and we collapsed on our backs, completely exhausted. My eyes drifted close as I caught my breath. After a few moments, I reached over and took her hand in mine. I never want to go through anything like that again. That was one of the worst experiences of my life. If I had lost her . . . I don't know what I would've done. My hand wouldn't stop shaking as it gripped hers and it wasn't from the cold water.
"Sasuke! Sakura!" Naruto's voice yelled. I opened my eyes to see him and a very flustered Hinata running towards us.
"Are you guys alright?" Hinata asked fearfully as she made it between us.
"Oh my god! I am so sorry you guys! This is all my fault! Are you okay?! Talk to me! Don't die Sasuke!" Naruto yelled from the other side of me.
"Naruto." I panted. "Shut up."
"Oh thank god, he's fine. Hinata, how is Sakura? She okay?" He asked as she helped Sakura sit up.
"She's shaken up... But she's fine." Hinata determined while stroking Sakura's back comfortingly.
Naruto yanked me up into a hug and nearly squeezed the life out of me.
"I'm so glad you're both okay! I swear I almost had a heart attack! If only I had been paying attention, then this never-"
"Stop that." I interrupted. "It was an accident and it's not as if you pushed Sakura into the water. Now let go so I can breathe."
He started laughing and released me from his death grip. Sakura and I kept our hands intertwined as Hinata looked us over, double checking for any injuries, but besides a few small scrapes here or there, we were fine..
"I saved both canoes." Naruto told me proudly. "I knew you'd save her so I wasn't too worried about jumping in after you. Besides, Hinata would've killed me if I did."
"I'm just thankful everyone is safe." Hinata said, completely ignoring his comment.
"Sakura." I called and waited for emerald to meet charcoal. "Are you alright?"
Sakura swallowed hard and nodded a few times, her hand squeezing mine. "I'm fine. Thanks to you."
I gave her hand on final squeeze before letting go.
Naruto helped me up and Hinata helped Sakura. The four of us made our way back to the canoes and carried them down the shore. Once we reached were the paths had split, we got in again and took the left path. The journey circling back around wasn't as cheerful, but Naruto had done his best to talk enough for everyone. When we got back to the cabin my anger started to flare. She should've told me she couldn't swim, what if I hadn't been able to save her? Thinking about it was pissing me off. She could have died. I tried to shove my irritation down though, we have had enough drama today and I just want to be thankful she's alright. We'll discuss the matter later.
Sakura and I changed out of our wet clothes and sat together on one of the couches, a heated blanket around us. It looked like we were both at risk of catching colds and Hinata ordered us to be still and keep warm. Then she went into the kitchen to make us something to eat while Naruto sat on the other couch in the living room. He had made hot chocolate for us and set it down on the coffee table.
"How about we do something indoors tomorrow? Like ping pong?" He suggested and held a pillow on his lap.
"That sounds nice." Sakura mused, her tone dry. Every so often a shudder would still run through her and she would shiver against me.
I pulled her closer and handed her a mug of hot chocolate. Naruto frowned and guiltily watched as she took a few sips.
"Sorry Sakura." He said and I offered him a small smile. He always beats himself up over things. The guy was seriously too nice for his own good.
"It's not your fault, Naruto. Please don't apologize." She insisted, giving him a warm smile.
"But-"
"No buts." I told him, cutting him off before he started.
"Sasuke." He whined but looked back at Sakura to return her smile.
"Deal with it." I stated and grabbed the other mug, taking some sips of my own.
"We're all okay and that's all that matters." Sakura said as she stared down at her mug. "Let's forget all about it and enjoy ourselves."
Naruto's smile spread into his signature grin.
"Thanks, Sakura. You're awesome." He complimented.
"I know." She laughed. "Just kidding... But thank you."
"Uh... soup is ready guys." Hinata said as she came in from the kitchen.
"Alright! Let's chow down!" Naruto cheered and I rolled my eyes. "Don't give me that face, you know Hinata's cooking is the bomb!"
"It certainly smells great." Sakura said as Naruto followed his girlfriend towards the soup.
"Hn." I agreed as I helped Sakura to her feet. "But your cooking is better."
It wasn't just because of her abilities that she was the best, it was because she was the only one that let me in the kitchen.
A/N:
Back again... and the weekend getaway is here. Yay!
My poor Sakura... she could have drowned... and Sasuke is so maaaad. Lol. Luckily neither of them are scarred for life after that incident.
As always, thanks for everything guys. We appreciate you reading and reviewing, also following and favoriting this story!
Questions of this update:
Will the drama have anything to do with Sasuke racing?:
Kana: As of yet, no. However, that doesn't mean we won't decide to use it for some drama, hehe.
Tyy: I hope not, for sure! Sakura couldn't handle him being in a bad accident or anything and I don't know... I'll be hoping the drama doesn't involve that though.
Will there be lots more and even hotter lemons?:
Kana: Yes, yes, and yes. I have unleashed the beast and Tyy and I are getting smutty, hahaha. There will be times later in the story where the lemons will be cut short or skipped so it doesn't overtake the plot. I am responsible for most of those so please don't be mad at Tyy.
Tyy: The beast has definitely been unleashed and I don't want to cage it back up. LOL. There will definitely be more. Plenty more, as Sasuke and Sakura have just lost their virginities to each other and the hormones are raging in this new, intimate relationship. However, I swear I won't get carried away with it or anything... mainly because Kana won't let me and also because I'm not going to just put it in because I want it, if the story is not calling for it. I got other fics and requests to get smutty with anyway. I will admit that having to cut back to limes does make me a bit salty... even if it is necessary. HAHA... Anyway, I'm sure you'll enjoy the amount of lemons to come and limes too.
So, that's about it for this update. There is much to come. How many chapters? We don't know, but we do have everything mapped out. We know what we're doing believe it or not and we're aiming for lots of fun while enjoying a realistic first-time relationship between two young adults. There will be happy, funny and loving times, but with that there must also be drama, heartache, and hurtful times.
This story has had me on an emotional rollercoaster, but I've been loving every second of it. Kana has too! And we both hope you'll continue to enjoy it as well.
Til next time...
-Kanatyy