"Sasuke!"

Sasuke blinked, turning so that his onyx eyes fell on Naruto. He was smiling at him, bright as ever. It was impossible not to smile back, even for Sasuke, but it was more than just his infectious sunshine. Months had passed since the great revelation of his past, and with the months passed Naruto's sadness. The shadows had left his eyes, and as the sky slowly grew lighter as the snow gave way to the sun, so did he. As well as someone like him could.

Tossing the cloth down onto the table, he raised two fingers, beckoning the blonde over, and without further ado, Naruto had hurtled himself into Sasuke's arms, planting an enthusiastic kiss against his lips.

"Stop smiling," said Sasuke lightly, "You'll pull your face muscles doing that."

This had the opposite effect. "I don't want to," he said, his smile turning mischievous, "I have a surprise."

Sasuke arched his brow, eyes flashing in alarm. Naruto knew full well he hated surprises, so why would he-

"We're going camping!" announced Naruto excitedly, "I decided this morning! We're going tomorrow!"

"I've never been camping," confessed Sasuke, blinking in confusion.

Naruto furrowed his brow. "Never?"

"I'm an Uchiha," he answered instantly.

Rolling his eyes, Naruto pulled him out the café, draping one arm around Sasuke's waist as they walked. They were going to the park, to feed the ducks. Always the ducks with this one… "But weren't you in a travelling dance company or something? Like a circus?"

"It wasn't a circus," bristled Sasuke, "And we stayed in caravans. Trailers. That's different to a tent. Besides, I wouldn't usually do that kind of thing."

There was a silence, filled with that which had been left unspoken, and Sasuke knew neither were currently willing to say any of it. In situations where it came up, Sasuke usually evaded, and after a couple of months, Naruto had learned that there was no sense trying to push anything. It wasn't that Sasuke was unwilling to talk to Naruto, Naruto was the sun to his moon, but he didn't think there was anything more to say. Some things… some things were better left in the dark where they belonged.

"Well I put Bear Grylls to shame," said Naruto finally, "So you'll be just fine, Prince Sasuke."

"Of course I will," snapped Sasuke, moving his arm to wrap around his neck in warning, though his arm remained there after.

Naruto's eyes sparkled playfully. "Maybe we'll find something else you're bad at for once."

"Yeah, good luc-wait a minute," he began, "Another thing?"

"Mhmm."

Sasuke dropped his lips to Naruto's ear, uncaring of the fact they were out in public. "And what am I supposed to be bad at?" he asked, his voice low.

An instant flush spread across Naruto's tanned skin, and he laughed, the sound catching in his throat. "Nothing."

"Thought so."

"Leave the bottle."

"Jesus H. Christ."

Kakashi rolled his eyes, pouring himself another scotch as Asuma clicked his tongue. He brought the glass to his lips, savouring the feeling of fire as it slid down his throat, at the taste of Asuma's cigarettes on his tongue. His friend hadn't said much upon arriving after Kakashi had invited him out; they simply drank together. It was one of those annoying moments where Kakashi wanted him to pry, ask him. He could already tell by the look on Asuma's face that he wouldn't – he was waiting for Kakashi to just talk.

"You're a terrible friend," muttered Kakashi.

"Charming," remarked Asuma, "… Is this about her?"

"Mm," said Kakashi softly, "Isn't it always?"

"It's been months," he said, "She's probably moved on. Isn't the student usually the one with the attachment problems?"

"I loved her, Asuma," said Kakashi lightly.

"… Yes I know," sighed Asuma, "Stupid question, but have you considered transferring uni-"

"She dropped my class months ago," laughed Kakashi lightly, "Sent one of her friends to hand in her form…"

She flicked her blonde hair, dropping the form on his desk. He avoided her pretty but furious gaze, feigning nonchalance.

"Thank you, Miss Yamanaka," he said smoothly.

Ino turned to leave, before whipping back around again. "You're a heartless dick, Professor Hatake," she said, with all her usual sass.

He raised his eyes to stare at her, arching one brow. She held his gaze for longer than most could, before huffing, and storming out, blonde hair swishing behind her.

He sighed.

"I know."

"So you're telling me you don't even see her anymore?" asked Asuma, "God your life is dramatic."

"Mm…" agreed Kakashi, "I don't see her around campus either. She does a rather good job of avoiding me."

"Which annoys you, clearly," said Asuma, "Ever thought she might have just left altogether?"

He laughed. "I wouldn't put it past me to have ruined her grand life plan."

"I told you," he said, "She had more to lose. You did the right thing."

"I know." And he did. He knew he'd done what was best for her. Mature and worldly as she was, she was still young. She had been mature enough to have realised this herself, but he was lying if her instant acceptance hadn't hurt him, thankful as he was for it.

He ran a hand over his silver hair, pouring yet another glass, when Asuma dropped a hand on his wrist. "Let's detox then."

"Hm?"

He smirked. "You're Kakashi Hatake. You can get over this girl with a thousand others if you want."

Kakashi cast his eyes across the bar, and as usual, several gazes flickered to his, painted lips falling open slightly.

"Take your pick," suggested Asuma.

His eyes fell on a woman with dark hair, dark eyes, voluptuous. Everything Sakura Haruno was not. Could he do it? Easily. Did he want to? No, not really.

He'd never really had problems like that before. His difficulty in getting over her was irksome at best, but the decision was simple. He didn't want to get over her yet. Time would heal him as it did everyone, he was sure, and he was nothing if not patient. It would come.

He'd be okay. One day, he supposed he might even forget the shine in her jade eyes, or the curve of her lips when she smiled or when she pouted. He'd forget.

He would.

His fingers strummed the guitar idly, as he fought to place the lyrics to a melody of some sort. He could hear Tobi chatting away in the distance, Sasori retorting with likely savage quips, but he stayed where he was in the little room, trying to concentrate.

Their career had taken off faster than a sky rocket, their first album already soaring up the charts. Everything was happening so fast, but Deidara had never been so ready to take it all in his stride. With every show, every interview, every autograph, he jumped right in. The diva, the rockstar, women want him, men want to be him. And vice versa.

He loved it. He loved to give his music, give himself, to the world, and he loved the love the world gave him in return. He would spend hours reading letters from the beginnings of what he hoped would one day become the fandom. A world tour on the horizon. Nominations for the Emmys. How his life had suddenly taken this turn he'd never know, but no one else seemed to be at all surprised. His other band members would laugh at how it was typical. "About time," people would say. Itachi never left his side, would go above and beyond to come to him at a moment's notice when asked because despite being the one with no time, Deidara was fairly sure he had withdrawal symptoms if he went for more than a day without seeing him.

Perfect, would it be, were there not a grey cloud hanging over him. The new year had turned so ominously that Deidara was in a permanent state of worry. Pouring his fear and frustrations into music made for wonderful songs, sure, but he wondered if it was worth it at all. Hidan hadn't made a reappearance, thank god, but he had a feeling it wasn't over yet. When would it ever be over…?

Not to mention Sasuke. Sasuke was strong, but Deidara knew better than most what it was like carrying that kind of shit around. Whatever Orochimaru had done to him… and what had he done? Was it just like with him and Hidan? Or worse…

How could it be worse than that?

His lips quirked as he found the melody he'd spent the last twenty minutes figuring out, and he recorded it on his voice notes. Halfway through, the door opened, and Itachi appeared. Dressed in dark jeans and a long black coat, his hair pulled back into his usual ponytail, and he looked divine. Deidara dropped his guitar unceremoniously, and danced over to him, nuzzling into him.

"Home time?" asked Deidara.

"You sound tired," noted Itachi, his arms tightening around his waist, "Come on, let's go."

He looped an arm through Itachi's as they wandered down the corridors on their way out. "I want pasta," decided Deidara.

"Didn't your agent put you on-"

"Pasta," he repeated, "Sasuke's pasta."

Sasuke, surprisingly, was unparalleled in the kitchen. Granted, he couldn't bake for shit, but he could make ambrosia out of a cabbage if you asked him to.

Itachi took out his phone, dialling the home number and putting it to his ear. He frowned after a moment. "He's not in?"

"So?"

"He should have told me if he was going somewhere," answered Itachi bluntly, dialling his mobile instead. Deidara dropped his eyes to the floor – he couldn't argue with it. He agreed. Itachi's protectiveness in recent months was entirely understandable and justified.

"Sasuke." At least he had his phone on him. "Mm, okay. Deidara has asked for pasta… I know… You can't deny him anymore than I can…" Deidara smirked. "… Yes… Sasuke? … Sasuke… Sasuke… You okay? … Okay. See you at home."

Deidara smiled. "Pasta?"

"Pasta," confirmed Itachi, smiling warmly, "Let's go home."

Deidara jumped into his arms without warning. "Carry me lover!"

He didn't think a single thing compared to Itachi's laugh.

"There we are," announced Sasuke, "Ducks."

Naruto's eyes widened in horror. "Oh my god."

"What?"

"I forgot the oats," he gasped.

"We can just buy some bread…" Sasuke turned to go to one of the food trucks, but Naruto grabbed his hand.

"Absolutely not!" he snapped, "I will have to go back and get them."

Sasuke sighed, his lips turning down. "Can't we just look at the ducks and go?"

"Where's your heart?" asked Naruto, eyes wide.

"You stole it from me."

Naruto could not help but burst out laughing. "Smooth." Though in seriousness, it had made him swoon a little. God how Sasuke Uchiha made him weak.

"I'll be back in 10," promised Naruto. As he turned to go, Sasuke grabbed his arm, yanking him back and kissing him softly. What even was breathing?

"Make it 5," he whispered.

"Done." Bloody hell, they were only feeding some ducks.

He set off at a brisk pace, eager to get back to Sasuke. To the smell of leather and mint and to smirks and sarcasm. This was one of those days where Naruto cared about absolutely nothing and everything all at once. Strangers seemed more beautiful and happy knowing that Sasuke had eyes for only him. Nothing could ruin his-

He was yanked to the side, strong fingers digging into his biceps as he was thrown further into the dark alley. Before him stood a man he'd never seen before. Tall, shoulders like a mountain, a twinkle in his eye.

"Who the hell are you?" demanded Naruto.

"You Naruto Uzumaki?" he asked, voice gruff.

"And what if I am?"

The sound of scuffled shoes echoed all around him. They weren't alone. A sharp flash of fear shot through him. "What do you want?" he asked, his voice even.

"It's not about what we want," said the man, "It's about what you want, no?"

"What?"

He grinned, sticking out his tongue. Naruto scrunched his face up; who the fuck tattooed their tongue?

"You want to live," said the man. Hands grabbed Naruto's shoulders, and he attempted to throw them off with little success.

"What do you want?" repeated Naruto, blue eyes wide.

The man stepped forward. "Orochimaru sends his regards, and asks that you do yourself a favour…" His huge fist shot out, landing right in Naruto's stomach. He saw stars, almost blinded by pain, and his head swam, and amidst this all, he heard the man's voice loud and clear.

"Stay away from Sasuke Uchiha."

The moment the order was given, Naruto was thrown to the floor, fists and feet crushing into him from every which way, and he shouted in pain. For someone to hear him. No one did. Blood filled his mouth as a fist connected with his face, and the attackers were gone before he even realised they'd stopped hitting him, their laughter lingering long after they'd disappeared.

He lay on the ground, too frightened to move for a moment, though eventually he managed to roll onto his front, and crawl out into the street. A woman was at his side in an instant, fussing. Several people began to call the police. The ambulance.

"Sasuke," he whispered, "Where is Sasuke?"

"You'll be okay, sweetheart," cooed the woman, "You're just in a bit of a shock. Help is coming."

"Sasuke…"

"Just calm down for me," she asked softly.

"Sasuke…"

He'd left Sasuke alone.

He huffed, his eyes trained on a duck he was 90% sure was staring him down, and he slipped his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket. How long did it take to get oats?

His phone buzzed, and he took it out immediately, hoping to see Naruto's ID but seeing Itachi's instead. He answered it.

Sasuke.

"Itachi," greeted Sasuke, "I'm just at the park don't worry. Naruto wanted to feed the ducks. Again."

Mm, okay. Overprotective dunce. Deidara has asked for pasta.

"He always asks for that," complained Sasuke, "I can make other stuff you know."

I know-

"And I was going to make-

You can't deny him anymore than I can.

"Ugh, fine," replied Sasuke, "Well, can you ask him not to be late-oh you're picking him up right?

Yes.

Sasuke opened his mouth to reply, idly people watching whilst they talked, and that's when it happened.

There was a little girl giggling by the big oak tree on the other side of the pond. Her noise drew his attention, but that's not what kept it. No, he looked beyond her, to the base of the tree…

Leaning against it was a man, dressed in a long trench coat of gunmetal grey. Long, waist length silky hair blew slightly in the wind, bangs framing a face cut like diamonds. High cheekbones, fine brows, impossibly dangerous hazel eyes, framed with purple eye makeup that made him look positively serpentine. His eyes found Sasuke's, and a slow smirk spread across his face as long fingers raised to wave at him.

Orochimaru.

An explosion of emotions erupted in Sasuke, dissolving his much treasured control and replacing it with confusion, with panic. By the time Sasuke realised what was happening, he was already halfway across the bridge of the pond. He halted, eyes widening as Orochimaru's smile did, and he was filled with horror. What was he doing? Going to him?

Sasuke.

He was still on the phone. To Itachi no less. "Yes," he said, his voice perfectly controlled.

You okay?

He looked back up, and found that Orochimaru was no longer anywhere to be seen. A shiver ran down his spine. "Yeah I'm fine. Pasta. Got it."

Okay. See you at home.

He hung up, crossing the bridge and making a beeline for the tree. Orochimaru was gone. Had he even been there at all?

Onyx eyes fall to the ground, and he spots the velvet box between the roots. Reaching down slowly, he picks it up, and opens it. Tiger cufflinks.

His hands shake for a moment, before stilling, and he walks to the edge of the pond, tossing the box into the water, as his eyes glaze over slightly.

Fuck everything. He felt like he was on a livewire. All he wanted to do was feed some ducks with his boyfriend. And where was Naruto?

His phone buzzed again, and he cursed loudly, startling some people nearby as he answered it.

"What?" he snapped.

"Mr Uchiha?" inquired a female voice.

"Yes."

"You're going to have to come down to the hospital," she said, "Your friend Naruto has been hurt."

His eyes widened.

No…