Naruto felt a natural calm despite the noisy chaos of the kitchen. It was two weeks since the opening of the restaurant and it'd been fully booked since then. Naruto had been working flat out in his new role and it was hard work, with meeting new staff members and a new menu to learn, but he'd so far enjoyed it and had taken to it naturally. The kitchen was usually staffed with about eight staff members, everything from kitchen pouter to Jiraiya as head chef and kitchen manager.

He worked alongside Temari, She was a few years older than him with messy punk-styled blond hair and green eyes. Although officially Naruto and Temari were both sous chef's, Temari worked directly below Jiraiya and was in charge when he wasn't working, just like tonight. Naruto was having a hard time relating to her, from what Naruto could gather Jiraiya and Temari had worked together for several years but, unlike Jiraiya who was kind and playful, Temari was blunt and cold. She also had little to no patience for messing about, not that Naruto or any of the other staff members have had much chance, with the restaurant being so popular.

It was a friday night and the last of Naruto's shifts until monday. Naruto stood at a stainless-steel worktop, skilfully slicing up a piece of succulent pink duck, the stainless steel knife gliding through the flesh with ease. As he was arranging it on a plate, Konohamaru; a younger member of the waiting staff, bust into the kitchen throwing his arms up into the air with obvious annoyance. Naruto grinned at this over the top gesture. He liked the kid and they had a lot in common. They'd also gotten far too drunk on tequila sunrises after opening night in the bar across from the restaurant. Konohamaru normally had a witty, happy-go-lucky nature. However, this time, Konohamaru was obviously quite frustrated.

"She wants steak!" he announced to the kitchen with obvious contempt.

"Steak is not on the menu" Temari replied sharply without looking up.

"I know that" Konohamaru continued with exasperation, "I tried to explain, but she insisted I come in here and ask!"

Temari, now looking up at the young waiter, frowned. She paused only for a moment before walking out from behind the serving counter, then she peered through the rectangular window of the exit door.

"Over there" Konohamaru pointed helpfully.

"Ah shit" Temari said, turning back to face the kitchen, frown fully in place. "its Tsunade."

"Who?" Naruto asked still working.

"Tsunade senju, Jiraiya's business partner."

"Jiraiya has a business partner?" This was news to Naruto.

"Yes." Temari replied with obvious irritation and impatience.

Temari hesitated for a moment in thought. "Right, Naruto have you got any cash on you?"

"Err, yeah."

"Good, there is an independent food shop, called 'Fresh foods' 'bout half a mile away, do you know it?"

"Yeah! I walk past it on my way here." Naruto replied, already untying his apron, he could see where this was going. This woman, 'Tsunade' as Jiraiya's business partner was obviously someone of some importance and if Temari wanted to keep her happy then Naruto was on board with that.

"They get all their meat from the same butcher we do, so it should be good quality" Temari added.

"Did she say what sort of steak?" Temari asked, swinging her hard gaze back to Konohamaru.

Putting on an older woman's voice, Konohamaru replied "Ribeye, if you've got it but anything will do darling, I don't want to put you out"

He finished by smiling sweetly before rolling his eyes and shaking his head in disbelief.

Temari narrowed her eyes at him for a moment before turning back to Naruto, who quickly wiped the look of amusement off his face.

"Got it?" she asked.

"Yep" Naruto replied as he hastened out of the fire exit and on to the alleyway adjacent to the restaurant.

It was already dark and Naruto could feel the cold night coming in, his chef whites offered little protection from the elements. Thankfully it was a clear night with no chance of rain. Taking off at a light run, Naruto headed straight for Fresh Foods. Despite the cold evening, the streets were reasonably busy, with several bars and restaurants in the area, it was often active and popular into the wee hours. Naruto weaved in and out amongst the patrons of other bars and restaurants as they stood outside smoking and drinking. He arrived at the brightly lit shop entrance within a few minutes. Strolling through the automatic doorway, out of breath and sweating, he gracefully ignored the smirk and the raised eyebrow from the clerk and headed straight to the back of the shop to the chiller section. He quickly located the meat section and was pleasantly surprised to find that they had a good selection of steaks, he rummaged through them, making a mess of the display but was able to choose two steaks that he was happy with. Heading back to the counter, he paid with cash with the clerk still looking at him quizzingly, he said nothing. Naruto was about to leave the shop in a rush, when he nearly ran straight into a man coming in.

"Sorry" Naruto replied automatically, before glancing up. making eye contact, he saw a face that was familiar to him, yet different, with deep and dark eyes like a brewing storm, pale skin framed in dark hair. Naruto felt his heart skip a beat as he realised he was standing face to face with Sasuke for the first time in seven years.

Both men took an involuntary step back and for them, in that moment everything froze. Both men stood in limbo staring in shock, large blue eyes meeting dark ones equally large in surprise. They were in direct contrast; Naruto, fit, tanned in his spotless fitted chef whites with a mane of Blond hair. Sasuke pale and gaunt with limp black hair and oversized dark clothing.

Naruto was the first to break eye contact and instead his eyes roamed intently over Sasuke's body taking in everything they could. Despite the large hoody Sasuke wore, it was obvious to Naruto that he'd lost weight. His face was bleak and his eyes tired and weary, hollow even. When Naruto usually thought of Sasuke, it was with a mix of hurt and shame. But now, stood here on this cold night he felt awash with pity and compassion. The hurt that had once been there was smothered by the emotional image of Sasuke, a broken and cold husk of the man he had once been.

"Sasuke?" Naruto breathed the word at barely a whisper. He took a step towards him extending his hand, wanting to reach out and bring some warmth to his withering soul.

Sasuke didn't react. He stood rooted to the spot, large eyes still taking in Naruto.

"Excuse me" came the singsong voice of a smiling elderly woman as she squeezed between the two men into the shop they had unknowingly blocked, shattering the moment between them like frail glass on a hard floor.

Naruto checked his watch in a panic. He felt like they had been there a lifetime but he was relieved to discover it had only been a minute.

"I- i... have to go" he said, torn between actually leaving or not, trying once more to catch Sasuke's eye, but sasuke now stared at his feet, his dark hair shielding his face. Naruto hesitated again, but left anyway, taking off at a hard run back to the Snake and Fox. The moment he left, he regretted it but resisted the urge to turn around.
His mind was in overdrive all the way back, he was so distracted that he didn't realise he had run past the restaurant and had to double back past a couple of buildings. Naruto burst into the kitchen and was momentarily blinded by the bright lights, it was somewhat like stepping into another world despite only being gone a few minutes,the kitchen with spotless white walls and floors was such a vast contrast to the blur of running through a cool dark night.

"You made good time" Temari said taking the steaks from him. "These look great, good choice Naruto."

Naruto was so distracted by what had happened, that he missed the very first compliment Temari had given him since arriving here. Temari wasted no time preparing the steaks before placing them on the grill.

"Are you ok, Naruto?" Temari asked with out of character earnest

Dragged out of his thoughts, Naruto nodded before throwing his wallet back in his bag and splashing cold water on his face and neck.

In an effort to distract himself, he threw himself into his work, trying to keep the image of Sasuke standing alone surrounded by darkness, from his mind.

As the night came to a close, Konohamaru stuck his head into the staff room as Naruto was just getting changed. The steak had been a great success and rest of the evening had been pretty uneventful despite still being busy.

"Coming out for a drink tonight, Naruto?" Konohamaru asked.

"Errrrr" Naruto replied scratching behind his head, part of him really wanted to go, grabbing a couple of beers after work was his usual pastime and Konohamaru and a couple of girls from the bar staff would be a great laugh, but he also wanted to go out for a drink with Sakura, he'd only seen her once since he'd been back and it hadn't been for long enough. Not to mention he now, more than ever wanted to broach the subject of Sasuke with her.

"Ahhh not tonight, Man, gotta get my beauty sleep."

Konohamaru laughed "Not enough hours in the night are there for you?"

"Hey!" Naruto shouted in mock outrage. "You should never mock the man who prepares your food. And, I'm pretty as fuck." Naruto finished with a grin.

"Ah good point, I'll see you next week." Konohamaru replied matching Naruto's smile.

"Yeah - See ya."

Naruto left a few minutes later, sliding his grey well used backpack onto his back and sticking his earphones in and pressing shuffle on his phone, 'Bohemian like you' filling his ears, he wrote a quick text to Sakura.

Hey u free wanna
go 4 a drink

maybe grab a bite

to eat :)

It was less than a minute before he got a reply.

Yes please! :D

I've already eaten

but could do with

a drink. Meet at

yours in an hour?

xxx

Naruto sent a quick affirmative reply before picking up the pace to get home and have enough time to shower and eat.

It wasn't long before Naruto and Sakura were sat in a bar sipping brightly coloured liquid from sugar rimmed cocktail glasses. Naruto took a long sip savoring the sweet taste followed by the harsh alcoholic kick. He could already feel the alcohol making him more relaxed.

They sat in a bar not far from Naruto's place. They sat on high leather stalls at the bar, it was dimly lit in a stylish way without seeming dank. The bar was long and made of a dark wood with small leafy plants dotting the bar artistically.

A young waitress placed a bowl of onion rings between them, Naruto had only had time to grab some toast and was still hungry. Naruto excitedly filled Sakura in on everything that has been happening in the last couple weeks at the restaurant but omitted the details about bumping into Sasuke. He felt somewhat guilty for running off and abandoning him.

Sakura also filled Naruto in on their old school friends and what they were doing now, also avoiding talking about Sasuke.

Its was only after a few drinks and another bowl of onion rings that Naruto asked about Sasuke.

Sakura sighed and gave a sad shrug.

"There really isn't anything else to tell you, that I haven't already, Naruto, do you still want to talk to him?

"of course!" Naruto replied instantly.

Naruto didn't hesitate, not only because he had promised Sakura but he had seen Sasuke now and despite their past, part of him still cared and he wanted to try and help Sasuke.

Sakura looked relieved. "im glad you do, perhaps if all you can do is get to see a doctor or something, it might be enough."

Naruto nodded "but I'll need his address."

"Oh! Of course." Sakura said, hunting though her little blue bag pulling out her phone. "Ah, here let me text it too you."

They fell into silence as Sakura typed out Sasuke address. Naruto watched his phone light up and buzz on the bar surface.

"Naruto?" Sakura asked turning her body on the stall to face him.

"hmmm?" he was still staring at his phone on the bar.

"what happened, you know, between you and Sasuke?"

Naruto's head whipped up to stare at her, causing her to blush slightly and break eye contact.

Naruto sighed in a defeated way. "I forget sometimes that I've never told you, it was a long time ago and kinda stupid"

Sakura said nothing just stared at him, her eyes alight with curiosity.

"Ok, well you know i said that being out in the states away from everyone allowed me to explore my sexuality and I told you I was gay."

Sakura said nothing and simply nodded

"well I sort of lied, I've known I was gay since I was 'bout 10 years old, well at least that I liked guys more than I liked girls."

"But what about the girls you dated in school?" Sakura interrupted

Naruto shrugged " I guess I wanted to try it, but it just made me more sure"

Sakura looked away tapping her index finger on her mouth, clearly thinking.

"well I guess thats why you kept breaking up with those girls without a reason when we were at school"

Naruto looked pained "Well yeah I guess. Anyway, so despite my flings with the fairer sex, I had this serious thing for a guy at school... well… for Sasuke." Naruto ignored the look of complete shock on Sakura's face and continued. "Like a serious thing, couldn't get him out of my head some days" Naruto half smiled to himself at the memory.

Sakura remained silent, her eyebrows still raised in surprise, she waited patiently for Naruto to continue.

"Sasuke didn't know that I liked him or that I was gay, but I think he had suspected it for a few years. When we were about 17 he just came right out and asked me if I was, I think he also suspected that I liked him but he never said. Although, I don't think he realised how much I liked him, but he was pretty cool about it either way. He even used to flirt with me, well sort of, I'd wind him up and he make suck my dick, oh wait, you'd like that kind of comments"

"but you never…?" Sakura asked trailing off.

"Err no nothing physical, well not until our graduation party, when we all got really drunk and I was staying at Sasuke's because it was closer. We walked back to his and I was gonna sleep on the couch like normal or whatever, but I don't really know what happened, a combination of the drink, the party atmosphere and the harmless flirting? Anyway, one thing led to another and well, ya know... "

"You and Sasuke had sex?!" Sakura exclaimed loudly.

Causing the bartender to look up from his work and smirk at them.

"Umm not quite" Naruto continued in quieter tones in hopes of encouraging Sakura to lower her voice. "But we did... stuff" he finished awkwardly and gave Sakura a you-know-what-I-mean look.

Sakura's mouth made a perfect 'O' shape

"So then what happened?" She asked, dying to know.

"Errr, well we both passed out on Sasuke's bed, we were pretty drunk. I woke up the next morning first, figured I'd go make some coffee, get some aspirin, the usual. When I came back to the bedroom Sasuke was awake."

Naruto paused gathering his thoughts.

"I knew it would be awkward" he continued "but if Sasuke didn't want anything, then I could live with that. We could have just laughed it off, chalked it up to too much drink, vowed never to drink as much again" Naruto added bitterly.

He paused once more, the hurt he felt so long ago lanced again through his chest. He knew that something that night had broken inside him and never healed. He glanced at Sakura, her green eyes large with concern, she already knew how this story would end.

"Well, as you can imagine Sasuke didn't want to laugh it off. He was angry, furious even... with me. Sasuke blamed me, saying what had happened was my fault, I'd taken advantage of him and broken his trust. He used some cruel terms for being gay, which just pissed me off more, I retaliated and I wasn't very nice either. It escalated, he shoved me, we fought, I pushed him to the floor and…."

Naruto stopped looking at Sakura "Please dont judge me Sakura but after Sasuke hit the floor I stuck the boot in a couple of times before he could get up, I was just so angry with him, and then I left… just walked out"

"You kicked him while he was on the floor?" Sakura asked with surprise

Naruto hung his head, clearly ashamed of what he'd done.

"Oh Naruto..." Sakura said with heartfelt concern she reached across the bar and grabbed his hand. "You were young and angry and I know how much of a troll he can be when he's angry. Dont be too hard on yourself, it sounds like you both have things to apologise for."

"It must of been really hard for you, after liking him for so long." She added.

Naruto nodded, his stomach plummeted. Although he would never admit it aloud, when he stood there all those years ago in Sasukes kitchen, after one the best nights of his life. Making them both coffee, he really believed that their drunken, one night stand, might blossom into something more... something real. It was something he still fantasized about now, on the loneliest of nights, what could of happened when he walked back into Sasuke's bedroom.

Naruto had believed he could talk to Sasuke, acting like the past hadn't happened. Now, however, sat in a dimly lit bar slightly intoxicated, he began to examine his feelings and wondered how far that hurt went. The feeling of pain in his chest that came on from retelling what happened felt more real than it ever had before. Naruto felt like he'd been carrying this ache within him since that morning, and he was fearful that bringing Sasuke back into his life would only lead to more pain.

As if she'd read his mind, Sakura quietly told him "You don't have to do this, not for me. I know Sasuke is troubled but im sure he'll work it out and I can keep trying to help him." She finished with a half smile, which Naruto returned, saying "I'll be alright, I will talk to him. It was years ago, no big deal!" Naruto said quickly before his heart could change his mind and finished with a huge grin that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Sakura frowned at him and opened her mouth to respond.

"SHOTS!" Naruto exclaimed loudly interrupting her and looking round for the bar tender.

Sakura sighed, rolled hers eyes and downed the rest of her drink.

After a few shots the rest of the evening was filled with light conversation, laugher, terrible dancing and too much drink.