Surfs Up / SasuSaku

Quite the Birthday Present *lemon*

"So, your father knows about us?" Sakura looked at Sasuke, completely shocked. She never expected things to escalate this quickly, especially with Sasuke spilling the beans to his father. Sakura thought he would take some time before making any big decisions.

Sasuke adjusted his dress shirt collar. "I didn't really have a choice. Itachi was basically the one who spilled the beans to him."

The last thing Sasuke wanted was for Sakura to worry. Sure, his father gave him the green light to pursue their relationship, but he knew it was just a test. Something else was going on, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Sakura walked up to him and straightened his tie. "Since you seem caught off guard, I won't ask for details about how it went."

"Sorry," Sasuke sighed.

Sakura shook her head. "No worries. Anyway, your birthday is coming up soon, so let's lighten the mood, okay?"

Sasuke smirked and kissed her forehead. "Of course. Are you heading to the beach? I wish I could join you, but this last-minute work conference popped up. I would have loved to go surfing with you. I feel like my skills are getting rusty."

Sakura chuckled. "Yeah, I was planning to practice for a bit. I'm actually thinking of entering a small surfing contest that Konoha is hosting."

As Sasuke put on his watch and walked over to the dresser, he raised an eyebrow. "Konoha hosts surfing contests? Who knew?"

"Oh, definitely! I know a couple of surfers who've done those things before... I just never had the guts to try it myself. But I guess I should add it to my list of new things to try, right? I don't think I'll win or anything, but at least I can say I did it," Sakura shrugged. "Why don't you sign up with me? Or, I could sign up for you."

That was not what Sasuke expected to hear.

"Me? In a surfing competition? Are you forgetting that I only started a couple of months ago, while others have been doing it for years?" Sasuke asked, shocked.

"Oh, come on, Sasuke! You're not even bad, and you know it. Please? Summer is almost over, and we won't get another chance until next year," Sakura pouted.

Sasuke couldn't say no to her.

"Fine... but if I change my mind later, I'm out," Sasuke sighed.

Talk about being dramatic.

But the truth was, Sasuke wasn't being dramatic at all. He couldn't resist saying no to Sakura, even if he wanted to. Over the past few months, he had learned to surf from Sakura, and he wasn't as bad as he thought. Being able to ride the waves and stay on the board meant something, at least.

Sakura excitedly ran up to him and kissed him. "It'll be fun, trust me."

Sasuke placed a hand on her cheek and returned the kiss. "I'll see you later, okay? I have to go now."

...

Sakura hopped out of her jeep and adjusted her shorts. She couldn't believe it was already July and how much her life had changed since May.

She was working part-time at the convenience store and taking on a few night shifts to shadow Tsunade. The internship was her ticket to getting into a good medical school, and she tried not to think too much about Sasuke's father.

Part of her was thrilled that their relationship was out in the open, but it was clear that Sasuke wasn't saying much. She knew he was just protecting her from the real reason, but she couldn't shake off the thought.

"Forget about his father. Let's make it a good day," Sakura thought to herself.

The heat in Konoha was subsiding, and it wasn't as bad as the heat waves in June. The beach was still crowded, but most of the university kids were back on campus. Having the waves to herself was always refreshing and helped take her mind off things. If she wasn't with Ino or Temari, she was at the beach.