A Walk in the Park-

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto!

Chapter Twenty Two-

Insecurities

Waking up alone in bed wasn't what I expected. Though, I supposed I had really lost it last night and Sasuke probably hated me now… I never expected last night to turn out like it had, and we'd had such a nice date planned. It was something I'd been really looking forward to, because with working so much recently, I just missed him so much it was unreal.

I wasn't used to going so long without seeing him. Not even a whole day. A text or a phone call just wasn't enough for me anymore. I missed him. I loved him. If I could have, I would have spent every second with him and now I'd ruined it… just because I fell asleep.

Usually I dealt with exhaustion pretty well, but it had caught up to me with all the long hours I was pulling, not to mention the extra work load. I should have been stronger. It was all my fault. Sure, Sasuke's words had hurt me deeply last night, because I so desperately needed him to understand… but, I must have hurt him worse. Now, he'd left me… and all I wanted was him.

Just great… now I was crying again. I got out of bed and went to the bathroom. After relieving my bladder, I washed my face and brushed my teeth, all while fighting to keep my tears at bay. How had it all even come to this? We were so happy… so blissfully happy. We were so perfect for each other… was that still a fact?... Or were we ruined for good?

I didn't know what I was going to do about work. As much as I loved Sasuke, it wasn't like I could just quit, or stop going in when they needed me so desperately. Even if I didn't love my job, I would have never done that to Hinata… but could I lose Sasuke over it?

My tears finally stopped, but I looked like a mess. Right now, I just hated everything, including myself. I'd reached a new level of stress that I wasn't prepared for. It wasn't even the work that got to me, no… nothing compared to how down I felt about Sasuke and I having such an argument.

I could only hope that we could get through it somehow. I needed him so much.

I had to make it up to him. I had to tell him that I was sorry, that I loved him and would do whatever I could to make him happy. I still had vacation days left, and had been planning to take a few days, just for me and him as soon as we got more nurses hired, which should have been happening this week. However, I'd never gotten a chance to tell Sasuke that… and now he left me.

Could I call him? Would he be mad? I had to try something at least. I left my room to go find my cell phone, which had to be in my purse by the front door. Every time I came home, the purse never made it farther than the living room before I dropped it.

When I stepped out of the hallway and into the living room and found Sasuke on the couch, just casually reading a book, I had to hold onto the wall to prevent myself from falling out on the spot. Tears threatened to fall again, but I fought them back, sniffling and choking back a sob as I ran to him.

Sasuke sat the book aside just in time to catch me as I all but jumped him, throwing my arms around his neck and resting my head on his shoulder. He was here all along. He hadn't left at all. The realization made my love for him swell and there was nothing I could do to stop my tears then.

"Shhh, I'm here, love. I'm here." He cooed as he held me tightly.

"S-Sasuke... I'm... So sorry." I sobbed while clinging to him.

I hated hurting people, but nothing damaged me more than hurting Sasuke. It wasn't something I'd done intentionally, but it happened and yet, he was still here.

"I love you so much. Please forgive me."

"No, I'm the one who's sorry." He insisted. "There's nothing to forgive, if anything I need your forgiveness. I . . . I don't want you to regret being by my side. I love you, Sakura. I always will.

"I don't ever want to fight with you." I told him as I leaned up to look at him. His hands released me to come to my face, thumbs gently wiping my tears away. "I've never loved someone like this. Ever."

Soon as I rested my forehead against his and breathed in a breath of relief he pulled me into a kiss. It was slow, fleeting but full of affection. I couldn't lose Sasuke no matter what. He meant too much to me. It had taken no time at all for him to become such an important part of my life.

More important than anything.

"I love you." I whispered again before kissing him with every ounce of my love for him. My hands went into his hair as my lips met his again and again.

After long minutes of sweet kisses and gentle caresses, we had calmed down and settled into a comfortable silence, basking in each other's warmth for a while longer.

"I brought breakfast." Sasuke stated and brushed stray pink hairs out of my face. It was then that I noticed his palms were bandaged.

"What's this?" I asked, confused and worried as I pulled his hands into mine. I looked over the bandages before looking at him for an answer.

"It's nothing, it was stupid of me." He explained. "I just clenched my hands too hard."

"Oh no... Why would you do such a thing?" I asked, hurt to know he had injured himself. He looked defeated which had me sighing and running my hand through my hair in exasperation.

"Don't answer that... I understand... And... It's my fault. This is just another reason why we can't let ourselves get like last night ever again. Can we agree to that?"

"Agreed." He nodded and then stood. He reached out his hand to me and help me up, leading me to the pancake, eggs, and bacon breakfast.

Bacon, of course. This brought a smile to my face as we sat down to enjoy breakfast together. It was early but I could tell Sasuke was tired. I wondered if he had slept bad . . . Or not at all. But I wasn't sure if I should ask, at least directly. So as we started eating I nudged him with my elbow.

"You look like the exhaustion got you too now."

"I'll be fine." He told me. "I'll sleep after I drop you off at work."

"Are you sure?" I asked worriedly while rubbing his back. "I have to worry about you like you do me, you know?"

He smiled and leaned over, laying his head on my shoulder. "I'm sure."

I rested my head against his and sighed happily. "Are we going to make it to the park today?"

"Do you still want to go?" He asked sounding hopeful.

"Of course I do… and I really miss Luna." I told him with a grin, knowing he had a fear of me wanting to steal her from him. Not that I ever would… no… I considered her 'ours', even if she was Itachi's too. As far as I was concerned, we could all share her.

My thoughts had me giggling as we finished breakfast. We tidied up together before I got dressed, already getting in my scrubs since I would have to get to work after we enjoyed a few hours of peace at the park. It was hard, not being able to go every day like I was used to. I missed it. I missed going with Sasuke, and I knew he missed it too… even if he still had to go without me.

Luna attacked us as soon as we walked inside Sasuke's home, just like she always did. After we greeted her with lots of petting, Sasuke went to take a quick shower while I sat on the couch with Luna. Itachi wasn't home so it was quiet… especially without Naruto around too. He was here a lot of the time.

I didn't mind the quiet, and Luna was good company. Also, the time alone allowed me to reflect on last night, the argument between Sasuke and I… and then us making up this morning. I supposed it could have been worse, and there would be times when we'd argue… it was only natural. But, I hope we never had to feel like that again.

One argument with him nearly destroyed me.

Soon enough the three of us were on our way to the park. The ride was nice, things always felt even more complete when Luna was with us. I couldn't wait to play with her, to watch her running around so freely and to sit on the bench next to Sasuke and enjoy the few hours we had left together.

"I'm going to get busy soon. I have to prepare for my race." Sasuke mentioned all too casually as we walked through the park, Luna between us as Sasuke held her red leash.

"Wait… what?" I stopped on the spot, looking at him in surprise. "I hadn't wanted to bring it up myself… though I knew you and Itachi spoke about it. So, you finally decided to give it another go?"

A look of confusion passed over his face before he shook his head, chuckling. "I don't believe it. I never did tell you, did I?" He said almost to himself. "Itachi released me from my promise. I'm scheduled to race in three weeks."

"Oh my… I can't believe you." I swatted his arm playfully, but I was nothing short of excited for him. "I'm so happy… and only in three weeks? I can't wait… but… does this mean we're going to have even less time together?"

I almost didn't want to ask that last question, but then it kind of just slipped out. I was surprised to see him smile before he answered.

"Absolutely not. I'll work around your work schedule, Sakura. I'll ask for my off days when you're off as well. If I'm forced to work on one of those days, then I'll just have to take you with me. If you are willing, that is."

"Of course I am!" I giggled, touched and overjoyed by his words. That ass of his certainly knew how to be sweet when he wanted. "I want to go with you as often as possible… if I'm lucky, we'll find a few good nurses between today and tomorrow." The more I was off, the more time I could spend with Sasuke… and I didn't want to miss this, him getting ready for the race, and the race itself especially.

This was so important for him, which meant it was just as important for me. I had to be there for him no matter what, and I really couldn't wait to see him in action. I'd bet anything he was even sexier behind the wheel of a racecar. Just the thought of it had me shivering with excitement.

"There it is." He stated, looking at me fondly.

"W-what?" I blushed, blinking at him as confusion and nervousness took over me.

"That expression. As if you're the happiest person in the world." He explained, but then smirked. "Even if the look had a hint of lust there at the end."

My blush turned much darker then and I looked away from him. "I have no idea what you're talking about…"

"Hn."

Ooh… sometimes I just didn't know what to do with him. Those triple C's were back hot and heavy and it really messed with me. But only in ways I liked… really liked.

We played ball and frisbee with Luna until she wore us out. We were both breathless and laughing as she continued to run around, full of energy while we took a seat on our bench. There weren't many people in the park today, so it was definitely peaceful, fun… like a breath of relief. One that we both had needed.

"Time goes by so fast when I'm with you…" I sighed as I rested against him. "So, was Itachi working today, or gone for a run?" I asked then curiously. There weren't many times that we didn't run into Itachi at their home, unless it was later in the evening.

"No, he was at the house sleeping like the dead." Sasuke answered and I laughed.

"Sounds familiar…"

"Not really. You sleep deeply, but not like the dead." He said and winked at me.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "You know I wasn't talking about me." I stuck my tongue out at him then.

He wrapped his arm around me and kissed my forehead lovingly. "Sure you weren't."

I wasn't about to argue… even though he knew he slept like the dead. We sat on the bench lazily, just talking about any and everything, and sometimes talking about nothing at all. It was nice just to be together and not let ourselves think or worry about all that had been on our minds recently.

I did feel much more rested after sleeping all night and late this morning, so I didn't think work would be too bad. The worst part of it was having to leave Sasuke… that was always the worst part. But, there was always a chance I could see him again tonight.

"Hey um… do you want to pick me up from work tonight?"

"Of course."

How did I know he'd say that?

Our perfectly peaceful time at the park ended too soon and Sasuke drove me to work. I groaned just at the sight of the hospital. The second we were parked I unbuckled my seatbelt and leaned over the console to hug him tight. I wondered if he knew how much I missed him already… being that I wasn't even out of the car. If I said something like that he'd probably think I was crazy.

"I love you. Thanks for the ride, sexy." I grinned at him before giving him a hot, deep kiss.

He groaned when we broke apart, not wanted it to end. "Don't work too hard today. I fully intended to enjoy you when you get home."

Kyaaaa! I melted against him, not wanting to leave, and hating that I had to. I couldn't believe he said that… but at least it gave me something to look forward to. "I love you. Be good and I just might give you something to enjoy."

"Sounds interesting." He smirked, but it softened at his next words. "I love you more."

Oh no… heart… calm down, heart! I kissed him again, unable to help myself and then whispered goodbye before hurrying out of the car. He never left until I was walking in the door, that was always when I'd hear him speed off. But, I never looked back at him, for it made it even harder to watch him go.

Interviews were underway on our floor and I was surprised to find an aid walking up to me along with a new face. Not only was the woman a new face, but a new nurse. I thanked the heavens as I glanced over her nametag, beaming at her and shaking her hand instantly. It was certainly a pleasure to meet her, and I hoped there were more wherever she came from.

The new nurse, Ino, was knowledgeable, kind and hardworking. Though she followed me around for the first couple hours of my shift, she knew what she was doing and I liked her a lot. She'd taken a huge load off my shoulders, and she was only one of the additions we needed.

She was good to have, along with my aids, being that I once again had to go assist with a surgery. I couldn't deny that there was something about Sasori, with the way he smiled at me, or followed me with his eyes that was just so unsettling, but most days I was able to ignore it.

Today wasn't one of those days.

"Sakura," He called to me just as I was leaving the OR to go back to my office and I stopped, turning around to see what he wanted, only to shiver uncomfortably when I noticed his eyes crawling over me. "I'll be needing your help in another hour. We have another surgery at six, but I'd like you here half an hour early for prepping."

"Um… sure." I nodded, finding his way of asking a bit suspicious. The aids were more than capable of helping before the surgery really, so I wondered why he wanted me there so soon. Fifteen minutes wouldn't have been so strange to me… but a half an hour?

I left the room then, frowning since I couldn't shake the chill that guy gave me. I didn't understand why he made me feel so uncomfortable, but he did. Really, he hadn't done anything aside from look at me. I didn't know if he was interested in me or something, but it wouldn't have done him any good… but at the same time, unless he did get too friendly, I didn't want to just blurt out the fact that I was in a relationship.

I was at the nurse's station typing up some of my reports when I noticed someone standing over me. I looked up, stiffening when I saw it was Dr. Akasuna himself. "Uh, sir?"

"I was just getting ready to take my break… thought I'd see if you'd like to join me."

Wha- "Sorry, but I can't. I've got so much paperwork to finish before time for surgery."

"I see." He said, not bothering to hide his disappointment.

I watched him walk off, a sinking, sick feeling rumbling in my stomach. What was with this guy? Why did he give me the creeps? I hoped whatever it was, I'd get over it soon and he wouldn't bother me.

…

Surgery came and I found myself shaken and extremely nervous by the fact that he kept trying to converse with me during the operation. Sure, he was an expert. I knew he knew what he was doing… but I wasn't used to watching a surgeon operate while holding a serious conversation, totally unrelated to their work.

It only got worse after the surgery was done. We walked out of the room together and he stopped me by grabbing my arm. His touch was soft, but it affronted me nonetheless. I snatched away from him before I realized it, looking at him as if he'd lost his mind.

"I'm sorry…" He began.

"Um. Forgive me… I wasn't expecting that."

"It's okay. I was out of line. I just wanted to talk to you for a moment."

"About?" I asked, a little more snappy than I probably should have been.

"I think you're quite beautiful… so I wanted to see if you'd have dinner with me tonight."

Okay, this is definitely my cue. "Oh… Sorry, I'm in a relationship."

"Oh, is that right?" He asked, not seeming the least bit disappointed.

"That's right." I told him matter-of-factly and didn't miss the way he smirked just before I turned away from him.

For the remainder of my shift I was annoyed. I couldn't shake the creepy chill that guy gave me and honestly, I'd been praying for time to speed up. When it came time for me to leave, I was walking as quickly as I could without looking suspicious on my way out. Sasuke was parked right up front waiting on me.

Strangely enough, even though I was so happy to be off, and so pleased to see Sasuke, even when I got in the car, I was still annoyed and still thinking about Sasori. I didn't know why. He knew I was off limits now so surely he would have taken the hint and backed off.

"Are you alright?" Sasuke asked, his brow furrowed.

No. "I'm fine." I lied, feeling guilty for doing so, but not wanting to bring my problems at work home with me. I just wanted to forget it and have a good night with Sasuke… but I just couldn't forget it. I couldn't get over it… and the more I thought about it, the angrier I got.

He raised an eyebrow at me. "Are you sure? Was it a bad day?"

"Parts of it." I muttered, really not wanting to talk about it and hating myself for sounding so rude.

"Is that so? I suppose I'll have to make you forget all about it." He told me, his tone suddenly turning seductive.

That did it. I freaking loved him. He was definitely good. Real good. "And I know you will." I smiled excitedly at him then, eager to get home. "Did you get some sleep?"

"I got enough to know you won't be getting much sleep tonight." He purred.

How his words alone could send my body into a frenzy, I'd never know. But I had definitely forgotten about everything else but him now. I bit my lip, reaching over the console to lay my hand right over his crotch. I wouldn't have been against him pulling over right here and now to get in on his promise for tonight.

His breath hitched and he clenched the steering wheel harder. Point Haruno. "Can I help you?" He asked, voice lower than before.

"Hm. Actually… yes, I think you can." I said as I rubbed across his hardening member, a wicked smirk taking to my lips.

"Really? Because it looks like you're helping yourself." He stated, seemingly calm.

I knew he was just being Sasuke, but I still pulled my hand back, acting hurt. "Thanks for reminding me to keep these dirty hands to myself." I said, purposely feeling up my own leg and settling my hand between my thighs.

He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye, gouging my expression. Then he reached over and shamelessly retrieved my hand, caressing my thighs in the process. His hand brought mine to his lips before he spoke.

"Your hands are not dirty." He insisted and proceeded to take my middle finger into mouth, licking and nipping. When it was moistened with saliva, he smirked and released me. "Though now that one is."

He had no mercy and now I was squirming but thanking all that was holy that we were turning on my street. I couldn't get out of this car and into bed with him quickly enough. "That was so hot." I murmured quietly to myself, but the chuckle that escaped him told me he heard.

"Don't worry, I'll make you much hotter in bed." He said, purposely dropping down a few octaves.

We couldn't have pulled in my apartments parking complex at a better time. I got out the instant he parked and was halfway to my door before I looked back over my shoulder at him with a grin and giggled excitedly when I saw him jogging to catch up to me.

He caught up to me before I could get my door unlocked, soon as I got the door open his hands were on me and he was holding me to him, dragging me on inside and kicking the door shut behind us. My breath caught in my throat at the feel of him behind me, along with the feel of his hand sliding down my front and in between my legs.

I gasped as his fingers just barely ghosted across my sex, already throbbing with need and aching for so much more. "I… I have to shower." I managed, voice as shaken as me.

"What a coincidence. I could use one as well." He lied, not willing to let me out of his sight.

We were both laughing in between kisses and struggling to strip out of our clothes on our way through my apartment. Just as we entered the hallway, the kiss got deeper, more heated and Sasuke forced my back against the wall, his tongue seeking dominance against mine. I groaned, totally lost to him.

Sasuke broke the kiss, pulling back just long enough to tug my shirt off hurriedly and then his own. I jumped him then, throwing my arms around his neck and capturing his lips once more. He caught me easily, holding me tight against him while maneuvering us further down the hallway towards my bedroom.

With his hands gripping my backside and his erection pressing against my sex, I was nearing insanity. I wanted him buried inside me, now.

"Sasuke," I moaned his name between kisses pleadingly.

The next thing I knew we were in my bathroom and he was easily letting me down. I groaned at being forced to break the kiss but didn't have a chance in the world to complain as he started nibbling on my earlobe while he reached behind me to unclasp my bra.

My head fell back as his mouth trailed south, teeth and tongue teasing my nipples while his fingers skimmed over my lower abdomen, playing along the line of my scrub pants. I was barely able to keep myself on my feet as he suckled my right nipple hard. I gasped and panted as he slowly knelt before me, mouth trailing further south.

I held tight to his shoulders, praying I wouldn't fall as my body trembled and weakened as my arousal intensified. Sasuke's hot kisses were now going across my navel and lower. He pulled my pants and panties down at once, breath hot against my skin as he exhaled a deep hum.

His head dipped lower, lips pressing another hot, open-mouthed kiss to my thigh and my hands went into his hair. His hands roamed up the back of my legs before coming up to my hips and to my front. I gasped as his finger gently ran between my soaked folds.

I couldn't wait. My body was wound so tightly that I couldn't take it. I was going to lose it. I'd never make it. "Please," I begged. "I need you now."

He ignored my plea, though I felt him inhale a broken breath against me. I cried out, feet shifting as I squirmed while his fingers pressed more firmly, slipping between my folds to find my clit. How I was still on my feet I didn't know, but I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold out. Just as I was about to tell him I couldn't take another second of this teasing, he moved away from me completely.

My eyes opened wide to look at him in disbelief. Sure I might have thought I couldn't take any more, but that didn't mean I wanted him to stop. No, far from it. That signature smirk of his was playing on his face, obsidian eyes heated with lust as he walked to the shower and opened the glass door to turn it on.

He came back to me, wrapping his arms around my waist and sealing my lips in another kiss while we waited for the water to warm up. My hands went to his waist and in between us as I quickly found his belt and went about unbuckling it. I hadn't thought about how complicated it would be, with my hands doing nothing more but fumbling uselessly.

Sasuke broke the kiss with a chuckle and released me to make quick work of removing his belt and pants. As soon as he was completely naked he scooped me up and carried me into the shower. I was giggling then, even though I was beside myself with desire.

He made me so happy. Made me forget about everything but him. Made me want nothing more than just us.

And I was nothing but happy about it.

A/N:

Hello there lovelies!

Back again. Hehe. I just wanna say that Kana and I were both touched by the long review sent by Ghostwiththemost. Lol. Nice name, and thanks a lot. All reviews are appreciated but we never expected such a long review. It made us soooo happy.

Thanks a lot for reading and reviewing and we hope you continue to do so!

So, questions of this update:

is there gonna be any makeup sex after their arguments?:

Kana: Hahaha, miss the smut do we? ;) The smut will be back however its not a lemon, more like a lime. Full blown lemons will come back later.

Tyy: Well kinda sorta I suppose. Lol. Hope you enjoy the limes as well as the lemons!

will there be angst with Sasori, Sakura, and Sasuke?:

Kana: Ehhh, how to answer this without spoiling it . . . . there will be drama of course, and feels. I don't think it gets to an angst point though.

Tyy: OH THE DRAMA. THE FEELS. I'll say kinda sorta a little bit maybe? Haha.

Til next time...

-Kanatyy