A Walk in the Park-

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto!

Chapter Twenty Four-

Confrontations

There was nothing more mortifying than the guys at the shop all commenting on the scratch marks down Sasuke's arms. Nobody was stupid . . . They were so obviously done by a person . . . Me . . . And if he called me Kitten one more time I was going to crawl under a rock somewhere. He just loved teasing me, but sometimes I just got too embarrassed. Like now.

We'd been in the shop for an hour and I was still red all over. I sat on a short stool right next to where Sasuke was working under his race car, too ashamed to even look at any of the other guys, including Naruto. What was the worst was Sasuke finding it all so amusing. All morning it was kitten this and kitten that. He was all smug smirks and cheeky grins.

Solemnly I vowed to never claw him again. I'd keep my hands flat on the bed instead of holding him if I had to. Anything to keep my humiliation at a minimum. I was totally pouting in my embarrassment, my eyes locked on Sasuke's legs. Even if I was a little down and shy at the moment, I still couldn't get over those legs.

From my short stool I could even see the rest of him. His legs were spread, knees bent slightly. His arms were raised as he worked and I could see every muscle under his thin blue t-shirt. His arms looked so strong, just like the rest of him. Yeah . . . He was definitely the more distracting one out of the two of us.

My elbow was propped on my knee, my palm cupping my cheek as I secretly admired him . . . At least until his eyes cast down towards me and he caught me staring. I stiffened, blush deepening and I averted my eyes shyly as he smirked. He would definitely be the death of me one day. Sasuke continued his work for hours. I never got bored. He stopped only one time for lunch and then got right back to work. This passion of his really intrigued me.

Even several hours into watching him, I was still happily gazing at him. Before I knew it everyone else had taken their leave but Sasuke was still hard at work, though now he was standing and tinkering under the hood. I loved how entranced he could be with his work. Honestly as sexy as he was . . . Nothing compared to seeing him like this.

He wiped some sweat off his brow as he turned to me and smiled. "Are you sure you're not bored, kitten?" He teased, unable to help himself.

"Stop that!" I growled, turning away from him with beet red cheeks. He came up behind me and whispered in my ear. "But I love it when you scratch me."

"That's it. I'm calling a cab!" I proclaimed as I dug my phone out of my purse with flustered hands. Once I pulled it out, he quickly nabbed it, keeping it out of my reach. We wrestled over it for a while but it was no use, I was no match for him. He caught me by my wrists and held them behind my back.

Then he tugged me towards him and placed a single kiss on my nose. "I love you." He said, charcoal eyes softening.

I melted then. "Why must you be so cute!" I groaned before whispering, "I love you too."

…

The next day it was back to work for me and I dreaded it so much. Work had always been a place I enjoyed being, I looked forward to going. I wanted to be with my patients, to do the work that had always meant something to me. But lately, every time I walked in the door at the hospital, I was nothing but uncomfortable.

It was hard to keep my mind on my tasks when I was constantly feeling watched or being hovered over. More than once, Sasori had gone out of his way to ask me on a date. Even though he knew I was in a relationship. The audacity of this guy flabbergasted me, disgusted me and I just wanted to be as far away from him as possible. Yet every day we had to work in such close proximity.

I didn't know what to do. I was at a loss. He bothered me even when he wasn't doing anything. Just being in his presence was unnerving, but what could I really do? I had to do my work. If I ever got called into surgery with Tsunade instead of Sasori, I was beside myself with relief and joy. But it seemed with each day that passed I had to be around him more and more.

He refused to work with any of the new nurses, even though they were excellent with their work, so it put a strain on me just having to be around him. I was thinking seriously about filing a personal complaint on the guy… though I was afraid to cause any more problems for me at work.

All I could hope was for him to eventually realize he would never have me, because I could only ever be with Sasuke and even if I'd never met Sasuke, I would never give this guy the time of day… he was just a creep!

…

Things had only gotten worse. I couldn't help but be overly aware of Sasori these days. Just today he'd showed up in my private office to question me about nothing but nonsense. Of course he made it seem work related, but it was nothing more than excuse to get close to me. Just looking at the guy was enough to give me the chills.

Sasuke knew something was going on with work, but he tried not to press me, and I really didn't want to worry him. I couldn't keep my emotions in check though, tonight was worse than the prior two. I got in Sasuke's car, accidently slamming the door and I huffed an apology that didn't come close to sounding sincere.

"Clearly whatever is going on isn't getting better." He observed. "How much longer are you going to keep me in the dark?"

Great. Now what was I going to do? Keeping secrets from him wasn't something I was intentionally doing. I just didn't want to bring my work problems home, but if they were coming with me… what could I really do?

"I'm sorry… it's just… This new surgeon at work has really been bugging me lately." I didn't want to get more into it than that and was grateful when it looked like he was satisfied with my answer.

"I see. If surgeons are as arrogant as I suspect, I can only imagine." He said. "If it gets to a level where you can't handle it, tell me. I'll help anyway I can."

"Thank you." I told him with a smile, finally calming down. He was always so great at relaxing me. "I'm sure it will settle down eventually. But… that's why I've been so annoyed after work lately."

I sighed, telling myself that I would have to try and not let him get to me as much. But I knew it would be hard.

"Is it my turn to distract you, kitten?" He teased but his smile was sweet.

"You never have any trouble with that, do you?" I shook my head, but I couldn't stop smiling.

"Hn."

…

It was just the next day that I'd got to feeling at my wits end. After the day I'd had with being creeped on, I was really trying to get out of the hospital quickly. However, on my way down the long hall I was suddenly snatched into a dark room. I tried to scream but a hand covered my mouth instantly, muffling my voice as my back was forced against the wall.

My body was trembling as I felt a person I couldn't see towering over me. I knew who it was. I knew it was him, even though I couldn't see. I could smell him. He was too close. Too strong. I was so afraid. What was he going to do to me? Was this where it all ended? I just… I wasn't ready to die.

"Why are you trembling?" His deep voice murmured into my ear, the feel of his breath on me giving me a chill that I would never forget. "I just want to talk to you."

I couldn't even respond, his hand never moved from my mouth. He claimed he only wanted to talk, but we were way past that. This had escalated more and more over time. He was harassing me, something I had been in denial about, but now he'd taken things too far. I'd have him fired for this. He'd be lucky if I didn't press charges.

"You spend so much time with that kid… when you could have a real man." His voice was so quiet, his free hand running over my hair as his body kept me pinned to the wall.

All I could do was try to remain calm and wait for an opening to escape. Unfortunately, I'd never been in such a situation, and even though I knew I needed to relax and think as rationally as possible, I was nothing but anxious. I was whimpering and shaking, tears brimming in my eyes.

Then Sasuke was outside, waiting for me. He was expecting me by now. How would I break something like this to him… and how would he react? For some reason, I was almost as afraid of telling Sasuke about this guy as I was of the guy himself.

"You could have it all… you'd never have to work… I'd spoil you rotten. Just let me have you and you'd always be happy."

His body relaxed as his free hand went from my hair to my neck and he gave me just enough room to make a move. I kneed him between the legs quickly, with as much strength as I could muster and he crumbled to the ground.

I choked out a sob as I struggled to find the door handle in the dark. He was already scrambling to his feet behind me before I pulled the door open, but I had just enough time to run. He couldn't stop me, he couldn't come after me. My purse and scrub coat were left behind, but all I could think about was getting out of here… and getting to Sasuke.

He would protect me… I knew he would.

I'd never felt paler, or more lifeless as I ran on weak and trembling legs down the remainder of the hall. It seemed endless and when I finally reached the door, I stumbled out of it, my sobs finally catching up to me. I almost crumbled on the spot, but I knew Sasuke was parked close, though I couldn't see his car through the tears obstructing my vision.

My heart was pounding and I felt so weak, so fragile, so helpless. I was shaking so horribly that I felt I couldn't move, but I was far too afraid to stand still. He could have been coming after me… I had to move.

"Sakura?" Sasuke's voice called and I looked up.

He was standing next to his car, having just opened the driver's side door. Once his eyes locked with mine his face hardened and he dashed towards me. Within seconds he was at my side, pulling me into his arms like I hoped- like I knew he would.

"Sakura, what is it? What happened?" He asked, expression full of worry. "Talk to me, love."

"Sasuke . . . " I clung to him, finally collapsing against him as a wave of relief crashed over me. "Get me out of here . . . please . . . now."

He looked at me in confusion but did as I asked none the less. He scooped me up in his arms and carried me to the car, placing me into the passenger seat. Then he went around and got in to start the car so we could get the hell out of here. To my surprise, he drove us to his house instead of mine. I felt broken and at a loss . . . I hated Sasuke having to see me like this. Weak and a mess of emotions. I'd cried several times along the ride but as we pulled into his driveway, I had finally dried it up for the most part.

I was so afraid . . . Once I told Sasuke everything he would probably hate me and never want anything to do with me again and I just loved him so much. I needed him. He made me feel safe. After tonight, I wasn't sure how I'd ever return to work . . . Or if I could take not having my safe haven by my side. He quietly helped me inside, setting me down on the couch. Luna came over from her little dog bed and jumped onto my lap, offering me her own form of comfort. I laid my arm over her, hugging her close and finding a sense of peace with her with me too. I was glad Sasuke chose to bring me here instead of taking me to my apartment.

Sasuke smiled at us before his expression turned serious again. "Can you tell me what happened?"

The instant he asked tears filled my eyes once more. Could I tell him? I knew I should . . . But I was a coward . . . I feared him getting angry with me. And if that wasn't enough, I was so shaken I wasn't sure I could get any words out. He raised a hand and cupped face, slowly stroking with his thumb.

"Whatever it is, I can handle it." He insisted. "I'm here for you. Always."

"Sasuke . . . I . . . I . . ." My hands fisted his shirt as tears streamed down my cheeks. "That guy . . . The surgeon . . . " I trailed off, choking on my words.

"Take your time." He cooed and pulled me closer, kissing my forehead.

It took a moment to compose myself but I knew I had to go on. "I mean . . . I knew he had an interest in me for a while but at first, he just asked me out . . . And I told him I was in a relationship."

I looked down at Luna nervously, petting her to ground myself as I continued. "It was like even though he knew I was taken . . . He didn't care. He only made more passes as me. He got more assertive, more flirtatious . . . Even during surgeries. He scared me . . . But I figured I was just thinking about it too much. Still, I couldn't get over it and it seemed everyday he was getting worse."

I took a deep breath before continuing. "Then today he just kept showing up. Standing over me at the nurse's station . . . Following me down the hall . . . Standing too close during surgery. And . . . On my way out tonight . . . " My breath hitched and I shuddered, fearful of how Sasuke would react. He hadn't budged nor made a sound which only had me more afraid. But I had to tell him. I had to.

"He pulled me into a dark room and . . . pinned me against the wall. He was saying all these things and wouldn't let me go, even kept his hand over my mouth so I couldn't scream. Eventually I was able to kick him and run away . . . But Sasuke . . . I'm scared . . . I don't know if I can go back to work after that." I finished, looking at him fearfully.

I expected him to be mad for not telling him sooner, scold me for keeping quiet so long, but instead I got nothing. He was staring at the floor, his expression neutral. He hates me. He really hates me. He thinks I'm disgusting and untrustworthy. I opened my mouth to apologize when I noticed his eyes. Despite his face being void of emotion, his charcoal eyes were encased in fury. Finally he spoke, keeping his gaze locked on the ground.

"He won't touch you again. That I promise." He declared. Then he got up and clenched his hands, knuckles turning white.

"I don't . . . I can't . . ." He was saying to himself as he started pacing the floor, his anger building. "Is he still there? Where are my keys?" He asked and felt his pockets.

"Sasuke no! What are you thinking? . . . And you can't leave me!" I yelled, fearing what he was about to do. Itachi suddenly appeared form the hall, rushing at the sound of my voice.

"What's going on?" He asked, looking to me first.

I looked at him, red eyed and trembling. "Something bad happened . . . This guy at work . . . And Sasuke . . . Sasuke . . . "

Itachi's gaze went to his younger brother who had now found his keys. "Sasuke?"

"I'm going to kill him." Sasuke stated coldly. "I'm going to fucking kill that bastard."

Itachi quickly intercepted Sasuke as he made his way to the door, blocking his exit.

"Calm down, little brother. Don't do something you'll regret." He said in a soothing tone, trying to reason with him, but Sasuke wasn't having it.

"Get out of my way, Itachi." He growled. "That man, he-"

"Sasuke." Itachi bit in a dangerous tone, one I never thought him capable of. Sasuke flinched at his harsh voice and furrowed his brow.

"You don't understand. That man needs to pay for what he's done."

"We'll discuss this later, right now Sakura needs you. Are you going to abandon her? Leave her afraid and alone?" Itachi asked and that seemed to snap him out of his blind rage.

He dropped his keys and turned to me, a pained expression taking over his face. "No. I won't leave her."

"Please. Don't." I whispered, lip trembling. Luna whimpered in my lap, seeming to beg Sasuke to stay as well. He gave in and came back over to me, held me again while taking deep breaths. Itachi sighed in relief before silently making his exit to give us our privacy.

"I'm sorry I scared you." Sasuke mumbled in my hair, his hold tightening.

"I need you so much right now." I whispered as I clung to him. "I'm so sorry about this."

"I won't lie. I wish you had told me what he was doing sooner, but it isn't your fault." He told me. "That man knew what he was doing and he is to blame. Him and him alone."

"Can I stay here for a while? . . . I can't . . . I'm not going back to work tomorrow. I'm exhausted mentally and physically . . . I still have some vacation days left."

"Of course, love. There's no way in hell I'm letting you go back as long as he's there." He declared.

"I won't impose staying with you guys? Itachi won't mind?" I couldn't help but worry about being a burden on them, but I was too afraid to stay alone at my apartment. I could always stay with my parents if I needed to.

"Stop that. You're staying by my side and that's final." He said firmly.

I laid my head against him and sighed in relief. "Thank you Sasuke. I love you so much."

"I love you more."

A/N:

Better late than never. Hehe.

Okay so wow. Crazy chapter I know. Don't kill me. Lol. It's all Sasori's fault.

Thanks for reading and reviewing!

On to the questions:

I forgot... how old is sasuke sakura and naruto again?:

Kana: Sasuke and Naruto are both 26. Ahhh, so young. Itachi is 34, not as young but still young, hehehe. (not part of the question but he needs love too)

Tyy: Sakura is twenty five.

The kitten thing was hilarious. Did any of you guys have a similar experience?:

Kana: Hahaha, no I haven't. I don't think I'd like scratching and would probably get mad. Total opposite of Sasuke in that sense, lol.

Tyy: Ehehehe. Well... Similar maybe, but not exact.

Welp, that wraps up this chap!

Til next time...

-Kanatyy