The Café

CLARIFICATION: This is a shared UKE/SEME fic. As in, both Sasuke and Naruto will be dominant at different times as the story moves on.

AN: Hi!! I haven't quite finished writing Chapter 6 yet, and I seemed to have lost my beta again... I found her for a day then I lost her again, but here's Chapter 5 anyway because I wanted to make you all happy! I hope you all had a wonderful V-day. Enjoy!

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Ch. 5
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10 years later…
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It was performance time. Naruto was standing in the practice room behind stage, his flute in his hands, the music flowing through his brain, and sweating like mad in his tux.

He was now Dr. Uzumaki, music therapist. He still performed often, gathering requests left and right. Tonight, he was in New York. His home and practice were in San Francisco, but he went where the music was wanted, or where his manager sent him.

Tonight, he would be performing a few standard repertoire pieces for some charity or another; he honestly lost track. There were several other musicians tonight as well, he being the last performer of the evening. He hated being last because that meant that everybody left the building thinking about his performance. So, if he fucked up, they remembered it longer than if the third performer fucked up.

He paced back and forth, the tails of his tux swishing. After more than seven years of performing, he still got extremely nervous. He tried everything, but to no avail. So he paced. He let his music fill his mind and his body, hoping it would distract him. It never did.

Most of his repertoire was sad, or melancholy, pieces. Heartbreaking. Surprisingly, the public liked such depressing music. It was beautiful in its own way. He had two CD’s out and a third in the making. They sold extremely well, but Naruto had to wonder why anybody would want to listen to his heart aching through his flute.

Thinking about his music filled him with the now-familiar ache in his heart. Eight years ago, Sasuke left him. After two years of promising themselves to each other, dedicating their lives to one another, showing endless love, Sasuke packed his bags and left. Naruto had been out that night with a friend whose parents died in an accident, and returned to their shared apartment to find most of Sasuke’s belongings missing. At first he thought somebody robbed the place, but then he found the note.

“Naruto-
I’ve come to realize that our relationship won’t work for the both of us. I love you very much, but I can’t continue this façade any longer. Don’t bother following me, I’ll be very hard to find. You’ve shown me how to love, and you also broke my heart. I will always love you, Naruto, and I wish nothing but the best for you.
Always, Sasuke”

The note had genuinely confused Naruto. He had thought their relationship was strong. Of course they had their rocks and rolls every once in a while, but they loved each other and always worked it out. What really confused Naruto the most was “you also broke my heart.” He didn’t understand how he could break Sasuke’s heart if he didn’t do anything. And why didn’t Sasuke talk to him about this matter before just running away?

Those thoughts plagued him for the last eight years. They faded over time, but they came back full force when Naruto saw a familiar face.

“Naruto!” Hinata laughed and swung into his arms. “Oh, it’s been years! How have you been?”

Naruto couldn’t stop the smile. He had kept in touch with Hinata, but it really had been years since they saw each other. She was there before, during, and after Sasuke, through everything, and she was still here. It truly meant a lot to Naruto. She had ended up in New York, a performer as well, and it was Hinata that originally got Naruto to agree to do this performance tonight.

“Hinata, my love, when are you going to leave your silly husband and follow me into the sunset?” Naruto picked her up and swung her around, much to Hinata’s delight. “Oh, babe, I’ve missed you. You look absolutely beautiful tonight!”

Hinata blushed. She really was stunning. Her hair was just brushing her shoulders, smooth and sleek. She wore a skinny black dress, which didn’t reveal much, but left it all to the imagination. She kept her makeup and jewelry simple, as well as her shoes. Simplicity is a musician’s best friend. Never should the musician distract the audience from the music itself.

“You look quite devilishly handsome yourself, Doctor.” Hinata smiled while Naruto rolled his eyes.

“Oh, come on. Don’t call me that.” Naruto sighed. “How’s the hubby anyway? I need to take dog boy out for a drink to catch up.”

Hinata laughed lightly. “Yes, he’s been rather cooped up lately. With two kids now, he’s bound to want to have some man time. Of course, all his friends are daddies too. So it’s almost worse when all they do is watch football, play poker, and talk about the wife and kids. He was very excited to find out you were coming to town.”

Naruto smiled. His roommate, Kiba, married Hinata seven years ago and already had two children, a boy and a girl.

“How are the kids?” Naruto had been named godfather, but with him about 3,000 miles away, he couldn’t really do much.

“Oh, they’re wonderful little brats. I’m almost afraid to tell Kiba we’re expecting another one.” Hinata blushed.

Naruto’s jaw dropped. “What? Another one?! Hinata! When did you find this out?”

“Just this afternoon! I had a check up with the doctor. And we did the test because I was suspicious.” Hinata beamed. “I can’t believe it, Naruto. I’m just so happy.” And just like that, Hinata was crying.

Naruto nearly laughed. Pregnant women, he thought. Their moods can switch on a dime.

After a good little cry, Hinata was back together. It was almost their turn. Hinata ran off to the bathroom to go fix her makeup and Naruto resumed his pacing.

‘Another baby,’ he mused. He really couldn’t believe it. He was happy for his best friend, but on another level, extremely jealous. Sasuke and he had been planning a life together, with a possibility of adopting children. His heart thudded with pain again at the memory.

Soon, Hinata was back and was ready to perform. They moved out of the warm-up room toward backstage. Her pieces were beautifully played, from what Naruto could hear. He was anxious to play his pieces and to get the damned concert over with.

He loved playing his instrument, loved the music, but tonight dealt too many cards for him to handle. He would play his pieces, meet his fans, and then retire to his lavish hotel suite where his two favorite men were waiting for him: Ben and Jerry.

And with that thought, Naruto strode out onto the stage.

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Sasuke did not want to be there. His old friend and colleague invited him to go to this performance, saying some bullshit about some charity getting money and how it was their chance to contribute to society by listening to music. And also, his cousin, Hinata, was performing and he was obligated to be there.

Neji and Sasuke had kept in touch after college. Both had eventually ended up at their family companies, now stationed in New York. They had been talking about merging the two companies and thought it would be an extremely wise and successful business move. They were still pussyfooting around the idea, but a plan was beginning to take shape.

Sasuke and Neji took their seats in one of the boxes above. It was a private area, reserved only for them and whatever guests they chose to invite. Hinata’s husband, Kiba, and their kids were there. The kids were extremely well behaved in such a setting. They were old enough to understand what was happening and to respect the musicians.

Thinking of Hinata’s children brought back the painful memory of Naruto. He had loved Naruto and had honestly believed that they would spend the rest of their lives together. They had planned their careers around each other, and had such a bright future ahead of them. They had even discussed the possibility of adopting later on in their relationship.

That was before Gaara.

Just thinking of the handsome red haired man made Sasuke seethe.

He quickly blocked any other thoughts that had to do with Gaara or Naruto. He hadn’t seen Naruto for eight years, and he didn’t plan on seeing him anytime soon.

“Daddy! I can’t wait to hear our godfather play!” Kiba’s son pointed at something on the program. “He’s playing right after Mom!” He added excitedly to his sister.

Kiba quickly glanced at Sasuke. That was all he needed to see Sasuke tense up at the mention of the kids godfather. Then he subtly took his program and flipped it over.

‘Dr. Naruto Uzumaki, Flute.’

Sasuke felt his heart stop. He didn’t notice that his knuckles had turned white, crumpling the program. Waves of pure anger radiated off of him. When Neji touched his forearm to inquire, Sasuke nearly bit his fingers off.

“What?” Sasuke said menacingly. The cold dripped off that one word, letting Neji know just how much of a mistake it was to bring Sasuke to this concert.

Sasuke wanted more than anything to just get up and leave. He was beyond pissed. He had been tricked. He could tell that Neji had known all along that Naruto would be performing. He glared daggers at his ‘friend’ and quickly stood up to grab his coat. At that moment, however, the lights dimmed and everything was locked up as to not disturb the musicians and the audience during movements.

Angered beyond repair, Sasuke threw his coat into his chair and cracked his fingers. After taking a deep breath, which didn’t help in relaxing him one bit, he sat back down. Just in time for the first performer to come out.

After that first performer, the lights lifted slightly, allowing people to leave if they so wished. Sasuke, who had been sitting on the edge of his seat, anxious to get out, shot up out of the chair. He felt somebody tug his arm and glanced down to see Neji.

“Sasuke, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize. But please don’t leave. Hinata has been looking forward to seeing you. At least stay for her performance. You can leave after hers.” Neji looked resigned, knowing that Sasuke would refuse.

“Neji, I…” Sasuke stopped. He couldn’t admit his weakness. When he left Naruto, he steeled himself against all forms of weakness, becoming a cold and heartless bastard, some would say. He didn’t care, just as long as he wasn’t vulnerable again. The one weakness he had never been able to get rid of was Naruto.

“Alright. I’ll stay until Hinata is finished.” Sasuke saw the surprise quickly dart across Neji’s face. “But don’t expect me to stay any longer.” Sasuke glared for good measure.

Neji nodded solemnly. “Thank you.”

Sasuke sat back down, just in time for the next performer. Throughout the rest of the program leading to Hinata’s performance, Sasuke couldn’t stop thinking about Naruto. His curiosity grew in regards to the blond man he had fallen in love with.

How did he look now? What was he like? Did he still like his ramen in the middle of the night? What was he doing with his life? Did he have another boyfriend?

At the last question, Sasuke froze. He didn’t want to think about that.

The rest of the performance flew by, Sasuke barely paying any attention, his mind wrapped around Naruto. At Neji’s touch on his leg, Sasuke looked up to see Hinata taking her place on stage.

Out of duty and respect, Sasuke managed to push Naruto to the far corner of his mind and concentrate on Hinata’s pieces.

The kids were bouncing in their seat, excited to see their mom play an instrument. Kiba was smiling sweetly, love evident on his face. Sasuke couldn’t stand it.

Hinata was always a beautiful performer and she did not disappoint this time. Her pieces were more energetic and technical, but she played them with practiced ease. Sasuke was impressed, but he knew that the only flautist he could ever want to listen to was Naruto, and even then he couldn’t enjoy it anymore.

When Hinata took her final bow and exited the stage, Sasuke moved to stand up and leave. But an unknown force kept him stuck to the chair. Maybe it was a greater being interfering with destiny or maybe it was curiosity. Maybe it was the need to prove that he wasn’t weak anymore or maybe it was the need to see Naruto one more time.

As much as Naruto had hurt him, Sasuke still loved him so much. Throughout the month of being separated from Naruto, he had cried almost every day with the pain that was so unbearable. He had tried suicide once, but was caught in the act by Neji, who he stayed with after the incident. After that, he realized how stupid he was being and tried to ignore the pain. Even then, he cried at least once a week, reminded by little things about his life with Naruto.

Gradually, the tears had dried up and life had moved on. He would never admit to anybody how an Uchiha was reduced to tears. Only Neji knew.

While Sasuke struggled to get up, the doors locked a final time and the lights dimmed. Panicked, Sasuke looked around frantically, his gaze clashing with Neji’s. Sasuke saw confusion there, curiosity as to why he didn’t leave.

Unable to come up with a good explanation, Sasuke closed his eyes and prepared to take in the situation with a grain of salt.

At the audience’s applause, Sasuke’s eyes shot open. There, striding onto the stage confidently was the love of his life.

His heart began to pound, he palms became unbelievably sweaty, and he began to have a little trouble breathing. His mind was racing with memories; good ones, bad ones, sad ones, and happy ones. All he saw was the blond hair, the bright blue eyes as they acknowledged the audience, and those damn sexy markings on his cheeks.

‘Oh God, he became a man. He’s beautiful.’ Sasuke thought. It was the only thought he could manage.

Naruto’s hair had grown to a longer, shaggier state, and was flowing freely around his face and shoulders. His shoulders were slightly broader, his body filling the tux perfectly. He could only imagine what he looked like underneath it all now. Just the slight thought made Sasuke gasp and start to grow hard. Embarrassed, he crossed his legs quickly, hoping to hide the fact from the rest of the group in their box.

Naruto focused himself, and began to play. Sasuke immediately recognized the piece. It was one Naruto had played for him numerous times before. It was unbelievably heart wrenching, and nearly made Sasuke want to jump from the box and hold his fox once more. Instead, he watched.

He watched as Naruto’s bronzed hands caressed the flute, like he used to caress Sasuke’s body. He watched as Naruto’s wide, pink mouth blew controlled air across the mouthpiece; the same mouth that never stopped talking, kissed him, and gave him extreme pleasure. The last thought sent shivers through Sasuke’s body.

Naruto’s eyes were closed, his face an image of pain personified. In that moment, Sasuke realized why Naruto never played happy and upbeat pieces like Hinata had played. He was also heartbroken.

That thought sent Sasuke’s mind whirling. Wasn’t it all Naruto’s fault in the first place? Him and Gaara. That last night, when Naruto stayed the night at Gaara’s place, was the last straw. He had gone to Gaara’s place to give Naruto his cell phone, only to see through the front window that his blond lover was hugging and kissing the red head. He had left without a sound and immediately started packing.

Now, eight years later, he saw Naruto’s heartbreak. He saw the love still residing in him. He began to doubt his conclusions and decision that fateful night.

Sasuke shook his head. He wasn’t wrong. He saw what he saw, and that was Naruto with another man. Simple as that. Nobody fucked with an Uchiha.

By the time Naruto had finished his pieces, Sasuke was seething again. His heart was pounding, his mind was spinning, and his emotions were haywire. All he wanted to do now was go home and forget all about Naruto. Again.

But Neji wouldn’t have that. As soon as Naruto left the stage and the lights flooded the concert hall again, Neji grabbed Sasuke’s arm and tugged him out of the box.

“Let’s go say congratulations to Hinata.” Neji said. “She’ll be happy to see you.”

Sasuke didn’t argue. He knew that if he were to argue it would take longer for him to leave. He would say hi, goodbye, and get the hell out of there. What he didn’t realize was that they were going backstage to say hello. Once he realized this, it was too late.

Rounding the corner, Sasuke saw Hinata conversing with several of the other performers. Neji promptly dropped Sasuke’s arm and marched over to his cousin, hugging her from behind. Squealing, she flipped herself around and began to scold Neji about how he shouldn’t sneak up on people.

When Neji began to laugh, Hinata threw her hands up in the air, sighing dramatically. Then she gave her cousin a big kiss and a hug, thanking him for coming. She realized that there was more company and turned to see her husband and kids making their way toward them, and Sasuke.

“Sasuke! How’ve you been? I hardly see you anymore.” Hinata smiled. “Is Neji keeping you busy?”

Sasuke forced a polite smile. “With competition as stiff as his, I’m surprised I get any sleep at all. Once we combine companies, I’m taking a much needed vacation.”

Hinata laughed lightly, adding, “You need one.” She was soon cut off by her children running up to her and grabbing at her.

“Mommy! You were the best!” Looking down at her children, her face became softer as she conversed with them. She soaked up the praise, knowing that kids had the most brutally honest opinions.

Kiba soon joined the family, making a picture perfect moment. Sasuke couldn’t help be feel left out of the loop. He was just about to make his excuses and slip out the back when he heard a hauntingly familiar voice.

“Those loud kids! Hinata, I swear, those aren’t my godchildren. I demand that…” Naruto swung out of the practice room down the hall and came face to face with his long lost love.

Blue met black head on. Again, for the second time in their lives, time stood still. Everything, the pain, the love, the confusion, the hate, and the memories flooded the hall. Everybody standing within that hallway could have cut the tension with a knife.

Naruto’s impossibly blue eyes widened slightly. He was unable to completely comprehend Sasuke being there.

“Sasuke…” Naruto whispered. And suddenly, everything clicked back into motion.

Sasuke saw stars before the world spun and went black.
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AN: That's right! Cliffy! You can all hate me now... I'm 3/4 done with Chapter 6 and I'll post it up here when I can finish the damn thing. Hehehehe!! *dodges the pitchforks and torches*

Thank you to all of my lovely reviewers!! *Cookies!!* Wanna cookie? Review!