A Walk in the Park-

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto!

Chapter Twenty Six

Exhilaration

I'd never expected to go through something like I had with Sasori. Even now that it had been a few days since he broke into my apartment and he and Sasuke fought, I still got a chill every time I thought about him. Sasuke tried his hardest to keep me occupied, which he managed for the majority of time. However, there were still those rare moments when something would bring up those dark memories.

I hated the way he smelled, the way he felt against me. His voice, his cold skin. Just the look of him was enough to creep me out. Those cold, calculating eyes. Every word he spoke, so overly confident and downright idiotic. I'd never hated anyone until I met that guy.

Thankfully, the investigation was going smoothly. Though things were still being looked into, he had been arrested and denied bail thanks to some security footage at the hospital, at the bowling alley, and even at my apartment. He was certainly a psycho and I hoped he had to sit in there for a long, long time.

For now though, I didn't have much to worry about. I was permitted a leave from work that didn't affect my vacation days. I was glad of that, because I really needed the break, mentally and emotionally. Sasuke did wonders for cheering me up though. He took me with him to work every time he went, he still took Luna and I to the park every day.

Honestly, I was really enjoying staying with him and Itachi. Enough so that I didn't even want to think about returning to my apartment. Being alone… in the quiet… in a place that that creep had been. I just felt… uncomfortable… violated. I needed Sasuke. I wanted to be with him more than anything. He always made me feel safe and happy. The feeling he gave me was something I craved and never wanted to lose.

…

Today I was at work with him again. He was still doing work on his car that I knew nothing about, even when he would explain certain things to me I was lost, but I was still interested and I listened and absorbed every word. Maybe eventually I would learn more about his world. I really wanted to.

I was sitting on the little short stool as Sasuke closed the hood and turned away from the car. "Done." He said and wiped his brow, satisfied with his work.

"Finally! I've been waiting for forever. Now I can finally beat your ass in our race." Naruto said and tossed Sasuke a challenging look. Sasuke just rolled his eyes and scoffed.

"The day you beat me is the day I can cook."

I laughed at both of them and shook my head as I stood. "So, you're really going to test it out now?" I asked excitedly. I really couldn't wait to see him behind the wheel.

Sasuke nodded. "I need to get in as much practice as I can. It's been a while. I hope I haven't lost my touch." He confessed.

"Oh, I'm sure you'll do just fine. I have a lot of faith in you!" I beamed at him. He was so passionate about this that I knew he'd be great.

He smiled and then winked at me. "With you by my side, I can't lose." He stated. "Naruto and I will race in our old practice space, the abandoned city about four hours away from here. We'll be staying in the hotel just on the outskirts of town."

"Oh? When are we leaving?" I asked, my excitement showing in my grin.

Getting away would have to be good for me.

"Tomorrow morning." He explained.

I nodded. It was already late in the evening. We hadn't had dinner yet so by the time we went home, ate and had our showers it would be time for bed. Sasuke had been working on his car for several hours now so I was sure he must have been tired. Maybe I would have to give him a massage or something.

His race was fast approaching, so I knew some semblance of practice racing was going to happen, but I had no idea we were going on a trip for it. I was really excited and eager to get on the road already. It would be just Sasuke, Naruto and I, though Naruto said Hinata would come down on her days off.

When we got back home to Sasuke's place we gave Luna some love on our way into the kitchen, following the scent of food and the sound of dishes. Itachi always had it going on in the kitchen. Sometimes he would accept my help and other times he wouldn't, but tonight he had everything ready by the time we arrived.

Sasuke told him about the completion of his car, and that we'd be leaving tomorrow morning for an entire week of trial races. We ate as they talked openly about everything. I could tell Itachi was hesitant, but he hid it well, giving Sasuke the support he needed from him.

Itachi wouldn't be able to get out of work until the weekend, but he said he'd drive up to watch some of their runs as soon as he could. Sasuke understood and didn't seem disappointed. I could tell he was fired up to drive that car and I couldn't sit still at the thought of getting to ride in it.

After a shared shower we got into bed, both eager for the next morning to come. It took me a while to fall asleep thanks to my excitement and when I did I dreamt of that car and riding with Sasuke. Even in my sleep I couldn't stop thinking about it all.

…

"Wake up, kitten."

Feeling Sasuke murmur those words huskily in my ear, I woke sleepily. My eyes narrowed on him as he hovered above me, his face barely an inch away from mine.

"Still with the kitten thing?" I was blushing and pouting because of it, but deep down… I liked it.

"Always, love." He smirked, not the least bit sorry.

I just rolled my eyes as I got up and we got ready for the day. I dressed in a coral pink dress that was open and laced up the back. It was sleeveless, with an apron tied top and short, hanging just to my thighs. The princess flared bottom was really cute. I wore a pair of tan sandals with it and couldn't wait to see what Sasuke thought about it.

I brushed my hair and fixed it into a cute braid and pinned it up. It was supposed to be hot today, so I wanted to be comfortable… and cute. I had just finished getting it in place when Sasuke returned from taking Luna out for a short walk. He found me in the room, stilling on the spot at the sight of me.

"Dangerous." He smirked as his obsidian eyes shamelessly moved up and down my body. "You are definitely dangerous."

Though my cheeks heated at his words, I turned my back to him to show off the entire dress and his jaw dropped. "You really think so?" I teased and just as the words left my mouth he was next to me, his arms around me, his lips at my neck. My breath hitched but I knew I had to stop him before I melted and lost myself to him, which was all too easy to do. "Don't start something you can't finish… we have to get to the shop."

He wasn't happy, but he released me after pressing a hot kiss to my neck. We were both packed up and ready to go. Sasuke carried our bags to his car while I followed with my purse and Luna by my side. Sasuke hadn't planned to bring her along, but I asked him if we could. I would enjoy her company while he and Naruto were racing and I'd miss her too bad if I couldn't see her for a whole week.

Naruto was at the shop ready to go when we arrived. Sasuke parked in the garage and quickly loaded our luggage into his race car. It was pretty. Red with black stripes. It looked fast and fun and I could tell the car was special to him. He'd spent so much time working on it and it was so clean, as if it was new. I couldn't believe it was the same car that he'd been in during the accident.

As soon as we were all ready to go we got in the car. I couldn't conceal my grin as I sat inside the Mustang for the first time. Even Sasuke's signature smirk was in place. We were both excited, and so was Luna, though she was riding with Naruto.

On the inside the car wasn't like any ordinary every day car. There were special seats, the seatbelts more like harnesses to hold you in, for the protection of the racer. I couldn't believe I was actually sitting inside such a car, it was so thrilling I could hardly stand it. Even as we finally got on the road, I still couldn't stop grinning.

During the ride Sasuke talked a lot about his old racing days. He'd never lost a race, though many of them were close. Even the race that ended in the tragic accident he'd won, only losing control after crossing the finish line when the back tires skidded across from gravel that was on the track.

They did team races too which he told me were fun. Though he and Naruto seemed to love competing against each other, it was more than obvious how much they loved working together too. The ride was long, but I loved hearing everything Sasuke had to tell me about his past, and even the present. He told me a lot more about the car now that we were riding in it.

I was so happy to be doing this, and it only made me happier knowing how much it meant to Sasuke.

…

We stopped for an early lunch and bathroom break before getting right back on the road. It took us the entire four hours to make it to the hotel but the ride was fun. I was definitely in need of stretching my legs for a bit when we finally made it though.

Sasuke and Naruto got our rooms while I walked Luna. She was happy to stretch her legs too. When the guys returned to get our bags, Luna and I joined them before following them up to our rooms. Naruto's was right next to ours. He went inside to drop off his bags as we did the same.

"The course we're racing today is pretty short." Sasuke explained after he set his bag next to the living room couch. "It's best if I start off small with easier runs."

"Are you excited?" I asked as I looked him over curiously. He was breathing evenly enough, appearing stoic and unfazed, but I knew he was as ready as I was.

He cleared his throat and tried to fight the faint blush covering the tips of his ears. "Perhaps a bit."

More like a lot a bit.

"I can't wait." I admitted as I walked a little closer to him. I wanted to hold him . . . to kiss him, but it was all too easy to get carried away.

Sasuke closed the remaining distance and pulled me into a hug. His hands roamed over the back of my dress before they rested at my hips, holding me in place against his chest.

"Have I told you how wonderful you are today?" He asked and kissed my temple.

I laid my head against his chest to hide my blush and my smile. "Have I mentioned how sweet you are today?"

"Alright, let's get this show on th-whoops, am I interrupting?" Naruto asked as he came in and I felt Sasuke sigh.

"What do you think, dope?" Sasuke asked, black eyes narrowed.

"Hey, ease up. It's not like I did on purpose, bastard." Naruto huffed.

"Okay you two… let's just get going. We have some racing to do!" I grinned at both of them.

Before I knew it, we'd made it to the abandoned city where Naruto and Sasuke would have their first practice race. I was so ecstatic, but also nervous as they parked next to each other and we all got out. Luna ran up to Sasuke and I, her tail wagging as she barked. Sasuke showed me where to wait on the side. I wouldn't be able to see the entire race from here, but they'd be racing back to this spot so I'd get to see who won.

"Well, well, well… looks like it's the moment of truth. Ready to get your ass kicked?" Naruto taunted, grinning all the while.

"Moment of truth? Then why are you spouting lies? If anyone's ass is getting kicked, it's yours." Sasuke shot back, that cocky smirk on his face.

This really was it… this was happening… Sasuke's first race since his accident. Even if it was for practice, I just couldn't stand still. Adrenaline was coursing through my body and I was more than ready to get this race started. I closed the distance between Sasuke and I, wrapping my arms around his waist and getting on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

"Good luck." I told him with a smile before adding in a whisper, "I know you'll win."

A light blush painted his cheeks before he gave me that classic response of his. "Hn."

"You two be safe!" I told them as I led Luna back to the side with me. I took a deep breath to calm myself as they got in their cars while exchanging grins.

They were so in sync that they didn't even need a signal to go, they had it timed perfectly and all of a sudden, they were both off simultaneously, leaving so quickly it took my breath away. I was on my feet, hand over my chest as I watched them disappear in a matter of seconds. Though I couldn't see them, I listened carefully to the sound of the cars roaring with speed and power.

I was literally jumping up and down as I anxiously waited for them to come back into view. Even Luna couldn't remain still, though that was probably because my anxiousness was spreading to her. Less than a minute passed before their cars were speeding back my way. I squealed as I noticed them right next to each other and seeming to pick up speed with each second that passed.

My heart was pounding, I couldn't breathe. All I could do was hold tight to Luna's red leash as Sasuke's car gained an advantage, crossing the designated finish line only one second before Naruto. I screamed in delight as I ran with Luna to the street. The cars were slowing steadily, but not quickly. They were a fair distance away before they were able to turn around and come back to me.

Sasuke had explained to me that how the cars were handled after the race was very important. They had to have room to slow. Tapping the breaks while going too fast could prove to be deadly, but they both knew what they were doing. They got back to me in one piece, both of them getting out of their cars quickly.

"No... no freaking way . . ." Naruto whined, shaking his head in disbelief. "How the hell did you win? It's not fair, why must Uchiha's be so damn good at everything."

"We're genetically superior." Sasuke explained as he smiled smugly at Naruto.

Naruto just glared and pouted at him. "One day. One day, Uchiha, I will defeat you."

"Bring it on, Uzumaki." Sasuke said and Naruto, for once, fought back a grin.

"I always bring it."

Just then I made it up to Sasuke, flinging my arms around his neck. His arms wrapped around my waist to catch and hold me against him. "Sasuke! You were amazing! I knew it." I tried to keep quiet, so as not to disappoint Naruto, but my excitement was next to impossible to tone down.

I leaned my head back to beam up at Sasuke, who had the most perfect smile on his face. His teeth were as perfect as the rest of him. I was certain that at that moment, with the way his dark eyes shined with joy, his smile lighting up his entire face as he spun me around victoriously, that he'd never been more gorgeous.

"Great… there goes my only fan!" Naruto grumbled loudly and the both of us couldn't help but laugh.

…

Back at the hotel, we fed and watered Luna before ordering room service for dinner. We had a king-sized bed and by the time our food arrived, we were kicked back, Luna sleeping soundly on the floor at the end of the bed while we ate.

I was pretty sure I hadn't stopped grinning yet. I was so happy. Even now as I ate, just remembering the look on Sasuke's face, the way his heart was pounding afterwards when he held me tightly against him. I had never seen him happier, and it just made me so happy that I could have cried, but I refrained from doing so.

Even long after we'd laid down to rest, I was so worked up I couldn't sleep. I leaned up to grin at Sasuke, since he seemed to be having the same problem. "You know… I thought it was great watching Naruto… but, there was nothing like seeing you go today. You really are something behind the wheel. Like, my heart is still pounding and I'm just so… elated!"

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. I admit I was showing off a little." Sasuke confessed while smiling at me, his hand running through my hair.

"Not that you needed to." I mused before shimmying on top of him. He chuckled as he looked up at me, his hands gliding softly up my legs to my hips. His left brow cocked suggestively and I giggled.

I was definitely in need of losing some of my energy before I'd be able to fall asleep, and I knew Sasuke would never deny me. Our minds were usually right on track with each other anyway. I laughed as he sat up, his hands snaking around my waist. Our lips met in a heated and passionate kiss as my hands fisted into his thick ebony hair.

The next day would contain more races, more excitement… but for now, we didn't need anything else but us.

A/N:

Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Sorry for long wait but the next update will be sooner and much longer!

Questions:

When are Sakura's parents going to meet Itachi?:

Kana: Soon. Very soon and it will be awesome.

Tyy: Yes. Sooner than you may think. Haha.

How long was Sasuke kicking Sasori's ass?:

Kana: Until he learned his lesson, lol. I haven't decided yet . . . that, among other reasons, is why I decided to time skip a bit.

Tyy: It was a while. Possibly even longer than necessary but… nah… he deserved it.

Did Sakura call Itachi?:

Kana: Yep. Big bro had to step in.

Tyy: She had to! She was scared to death! Lol.

Is Sasuke inspired from a youtuber Dr Mike?:

Kana: Eh, I have no idea who that is. This Sasuke is just my version of him, no other sources of inspiration (except from the real Sasuke of course).

Tyy: I don't know who that is either, tried looking him up but there were too many! This Sasuke is just Sasuke and Kana and nothing more.

Til next time...

-Kanatyy