Hey everyone! So I decided to write a fanfic of my favorite pairing from Free! which is SouMako. The reason I did this is because I think I pretty much gobbled up all the English SouMako fanfic and I still wanted more! So I hope you like this and thank you for reading it!

Wiping the glasses until the water stains disappear, a smile passed Sousuke's lips. He then placed the glass back to the cabinet and placed the rag he was using on the towel bar. He always wanted to make sure that everything in his small restaurant was spick and span before he retires for the night. He looked around and sighed with content. Everything looks to be in good order. It was a small restaurant that can accommodate 16 customers. From the entrance, you would see kitchen to the right, and there are also counter seats facing the kitchen. The other seats are on the counters on the wall. It was a traditional Japanese restaurant. Business was doing great, he was thinking of adding new items on the menu. It took him a couple of years to build this business from scratch, and he was happy that his restaurant has a few patrons now. He was thinking of hiring another person since he feels that 2 people can no longer handle the increasing demands on the restaurant.

This is how his life has been for the past few years. After graduating from high school, he made sure to disappear from all of his friend's lives. The city was the best place to hide with all its crowd. He was able to avoid meeting his old friends, especially Rin. He completely cut-off his connection with him. From time to time, he would receive texts or emails from him, but Sousuke never answered any of it. He was done with his old life. He just wants to forget his past and move on to a different path. He focused all his time and energy in this small restaurant. For someone so young, he was able to start and eventually manage a successful business. At least with that, he didn't feel like a reckless loser.

The jingle on the door snapped Sousuke back to reality. Surprised, he look at the direction of the door to check who went in. He was already getting ready to close, so he doesn't understand who would come in at this hour.

"Sorry, we've already closed for the ni.." His words froze in his mouth. There standing by the door, was a familiar face. He knew this man. Rarely had he met anyone who's even close to his height, so how could he forget? Those green eyes and tousled olive brown hair had always mystified him. He was wearing a black and gray jacket over a red, plaid shirt. He has a backpack slung on his shoulders. It seems he's grown taller from the last time he saw him. His expression showed that he was just as surprised as Sousuke was.

"Yamazaki-kun!"

"Tachibana?"

Makoto warmly smiled and tilted his head. "Hi! I haven't seen you since high school! How are you? I'm sorry, did you say you were already closed? The sign outside said it was open." He said as he gripped the strap of his backpack.

"Dammit, I must have forgotten to change it." Sousuke scratched the back of his neck and frowned.

"I'll go ahead and take my leave then. It was nice seeing you, Yamazaki-kun. I'll make sure to come back when the restaurant's open." Makoto nodded slightly and was about to turn back towards the door.

"No wait!" Sousuke stopped him, his hand extended. What am I doing? I'm supposed to just close for the night. And yet...He combed his hair with the same outstretched hand and looked away, avoiding Makoto's eyes. "Ah, what the hell, I'll make an exception for tonight. C'mon, have a seat." He sighed, he doesn't understand what got to him.

"A-are you sure? I wouldn't want to be a bother." Makoto said as he wring his hands together.

"It's fine, anyways it's my fault for not changing the sign. Also, you're Rin's friend. If you'd refuse, I'll be pissed." Sousuke grabbed his apron from the hook and wore it, tying it behind his back. He went to the entrance and changed his sign. He's not going to make anymore exceptions. He then went back to the kitchen and checked the refrigerator to check on the ingredients he still has available.

"Hehe ok! Thank you for having me." Makoto nervously laughed, still rooted from where he was standing.

"What will you have?" Sousuke asked him while measuring then washing the rice.

"Ah...anything that's simple to cook. Looks like you already cleaned up. I really hope this is fine with you. I'll help you clean up afterwards if you want?"

"Nah, it's fine. Would tonkatsu be ok? I already have it prepared so it's easy to fry, and I just need to cook the vegetables a bit." He set the timer of the rice cooker and took out the ingredients from the fridge. Before he started preparing, he filled a glass with ice and water and set it front of one of the counter seats facing the kitchen. "Go on, take a seat"

"Thank you! I'd love that!" Makoto settled down on the counter seat, placing his backpack on the counter.

"How did you find out about this restaurant? I mean it's not really a popular one. " Sousuke asked without turning. He was quite thankful that the stove was on the opposite wall and he wouldn't have to face Makoto while cooking. He was also thankful that there vegetables were already chopped. If he had to cut any vegetable, he would be forced to face him. For some reason, he feels a bit nervous.

"One of my classmate mentioned that the food here is amazing. I quite miss eating tasty food." Makoto said as gently tapped his finger on the side on the glass.

Minutes passed in complete silence, each one thinking of what to say to the other.

Makoto cleared his throat and broke the silence "I'm really surprised to find out that you're also here in Tokyo. Are you the head cook here?"

"Yeah, I also own this place. I mean, I'm renting the place itself, but I run the restaurant. Got enough from my parents so I could start my own business after high school. Everyone said I was crazy, but at least I proved them wrong." Sousuke said. The vegetables were done, he just needs to put it in a bowl. He turned his gaze to the deep fryer, checking the color of the tonkatsu being fried.

"Wow that's really amazing! I remember Rin mentioned that your determination is admirable, and this proves it. By the way, have you talked to Rin lately? How is he doing?" Makoto said before drinking more water.

It took a painfully long time before Sousuke answered, "No, I have no idea what's going on with him. I haven't talked to him since after graduation." He glanced at Makoto's direction and was able to see the sudden change in his reaction.

Makoto lowered his eyes to the counter and answered quietly. "I see...".

Sousuke was a bit surprised. He thought Makoto would encourage him to contact Rin or something. It felt like he was going through something similar from the way he acted. Curious, he asked "How about you, where's the guy you were always with? Nanase, right? I've never seen the two of you apart back in high school." He started getting the stoneware from the cabinet, casting short glances in Makoto's way.

Makoto smiled sadly and lowered his head. "I haven't spoken to him in a year now. He's been busy training as a professional swimmer. On our first year in Tokyo, everything was still fine. We were always either his or my place, we'd share meals since I'm not really good in cooking. Then, he stopped contacting me. I wouldn't know anything about him unless I call or text him. One day, he just stopped responding altogether. I even went to the pool where he trains one day, just so I can see how is he doing. He saw me, but acted as if he didn't know me. I don't know what happened." He lifted his head and Sousuke noticed that Makoto's eyes are moist, as if tears were threatening to fall. "Ah, sorry" He took of his glasses. "I'm sorry for making you listen to my problems." He quickly wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.

Sousuke's heart felt like his heart was pinched. From the few times that he was with Makoto, he gathered that he was a nice guy. He had also observed how he cared so much about that stone-faced water freak. Unexpectedly, his old feelings of resentment for Haru was rekindled. How could Nanase ignore such a kind man? They've been together for years. But then again, who was he to speak? He's doing the same to Rin. But Makoto is different, he's been nothing but gentle and kind. He's not supposed to be treated that way.

"No, it's fine." He said without looking at Makoto. He was afraid of how his reaction would betray him and show how upset he it. He started arranging the food on the plates, and scooped some miso soup on a bowl. "How about the other members of Iwatobi?"

"I haven't spoken with them for months now. Yamazaki-kun, I hope that I'm not annoying you with my life story. I'm really sorry for being a bother." Makoto said. He bit his lower lip and wore his glasses back. The sight made Sousuke heartbeat flutter a bit. What the hell?! For a moment I thought he was...

He cleared his throat "I told you, it's nothing. Didn't I tell you to just call me Sousuke before? Stop being so formal. I'm calling you Makoto, ok?" He scooped rice into a bowl and placed it in front of Makoto.

"Yes, that's fine, ...Sousuke." He blushed a bit, looking as if it took all his courage to say his name.

"Here you go. Hope you like it." He placed the rest of the food in front of Makoto. It was miso soup, tonkatsu with buttered vegetables, and rice.

Makoto stared at the food with delight and clapped his hands together. "Thank you for the food!" He ate it enthusiastically, his eyes shining with happiness. Sousuke turned around and starting cleaning up his mess. To be completely honest, he was just hiding the smile that was forcing its way on his face.

"Wow! This is the best meal I ever had since I moved to Tokyo! It's really good! You're really good in cooking." He said in between shoving the food into his mouth.

"Really? How has your diet been since you started college. Don't you cook?"

"Well, I pretty much bought my food in the cafeteria. Sometime, I would buy instant ramen if the budgets quite tight. I do have a small kitchen, but I'm not really good in cooking." He slurped the miso soup from the bowl and set it down.

"I see." Sousuke thought deeply. This is definitely not like himself, but he wants to propose something to him. Maybe it's because Makoto's a good guy? Or maybe because just like him, he's also lonely. It's not even profitable for his restaurant. But for just this one person, he wants to make an exception.

"Oi Makoto. If you want, you can always come here for dinner. I'll give you a discount on the meal. You have to eat right and healthy, or you'd lose all those muscles you've built."

"Eh? I can't impose on you like that! I'm really grateful for the offer, but I don't want to be a burden to anyone." Makoto said while waving his hands in front of him.

Sousuke rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Then how about this, work here as a part-timer, and you could have a decent meal and a salary. I mostly do the cooking, what I need is someone to wash the dishes or serve the customer, and I think you can do that. I already have someone helping me with the preparation and in buying the ingredients. Honestly, I've been thinking of getting another hand just a few hours ago. What do you think?"

Makoto's eyes widened with excitement "Really? Are you sure? I was actually thinking of getting a part-time job! This is amazing! Yes, if that's ok with you, I'd be happy to work here. When will I start?"

"Hmm...Next week? I need to talk this over with the other guy, we need to talk about how responsibilities will be divided between the 3 of us. We open at 10AM and close at 9PM, What time are you available?" Sousuke said while wiping the counter tops.

"Well most of my classes are in the morning, which ends at 2PM, and I have Saturday and Sunday free. I can help more on those days"

"That's good. We do have more customers during the weekends, we need more hands on those days." Sousuke hesitated, but he wants to ask for something. Why would I be nervous? This should be normal, right? Anyways, he already has work as an excuse to ask. "Uh, Makoto, can I have your phone number?"

"Hmm...?" Makoto looked at him, chopsticks halfway to his mouth.

"F-for work, I mean.. I need to notify you about your schedule and stuff." Shit, this is embarrassing.

"Oh yeah, of course. Sorry." He grabbed his phone from his jacket and fiddled with it, then handed it to Sousuke. "Here's my number"

Sousuke took the phone and copied the number on display to his own. After saving Makoto's number, he accidentally closed the contacts out of habit, and he suddenly saw the main screen of the phone. The wallpaper on the phone was a collage of cute cats.

Blushing, Sousuke handed Makoto's phone back. He was looking at Sousuke with curiosity, and when he saw that his phone has the wallpaper displayed, he blushed as well.

He noticed that Makoto's ears turns red when he's embarassed. Rose-colored ears, huh? "Is this your midnight snack? It's kinda late for that to be your dinner." Sousuke suddenly asked, desperate to get rid of the awkward atmosphere.

"Actually, this is my dinner. I just ate a bread earlier, but eventually I got hungry again. Then I remembered this restaurant." His dinner was almost finished.

Sousuke shook his head and rubbed his temple. "Seriously, you should take care of your body. You're studying in college, you need energy to study. Do you still work out?"

"I still do. But not as often as I wanted." Makoto smiled and consciously scratched his cheek with his forefinger.

"Well maybe we could go together. I know someone who manages a sports center close by and he keeps it open for me even late at night. He owes me a lot, that's why he can't refuse me."

"Really? That's great! It's hard to find a good gym, and gyms around the city are really expensive." For a moment, Sousuke caught Makoto's eyes roaming on his body.

"Do you still swim?" Sousuke observed Makoto's body. Seems like he has not really been physically active recently.

Makoto's face suddenly darkened "Hardly, I haven't really swam after high school. I don't really feel like it."

Sousuke felt that there was something else behind those words, but did not ask any further. Someday, he'll know. "Well, I barely swim because of this fucked up shoulders, anyways."

"Thank you for the meal! How much do I have to pay?" Makoto fumbled around backpack, most probably looking for his wallet.

"It's on the house." Sousuke started to clean up after him. He started to wash the dishes in the sink. Unfortunately, he has to face Makoto.

Makoto stood up, set his hands on the counter and leaned towards Sousuke "Eh?! No way! I have to pay you! You went out of your way to cook for me. Or maybe I could do something as payment?"

What kind of offer was that?! Oi, are you not self-conscious at all? You're too close! Sousuke could feel his face heating up. "How about coming back here on Saturday night? There are some items I want to add to my menu. I think I'll need help on that." He turned walked towards the towel bar grabbed the rag he uses to dry dishes, thankful for the distance between them and being able to hide his face from Makoto.

"Sure! I don't have anything planned this coming weekend. Although I don't know how I can be helpful. I mean I'm not good at cooking. Hehe!" Makoto nervously giggled.

"I'll let you know what you need to do on Saturday." Sousuke smiled

"Ok! Well, I think I have to go home now. It's getting quite late." Makoto closed his backpack and straightened his clothes.

"See you on Saturday, then. Be careful on your way home." Sousuke walk Makoto to the door and opened it for him.

"Oh, thank you. I will. I'll wait for your text so I can save your number, ok?" Makoto stepped outside and faced Sousuke.

"Yup. Bye now." He raised his hand to wave.

Makoto smiled and tilted his head before waving. "Bye!" Seriously, when will he realize what he's doing is dangerous?

Sousuke smiled as he watched Makoto's back as he walked further. Right now, he's actually quite thankful for accidentally forgetting to change the sign. He closed the door and proceeded to lock it up. He started to count how many days does he have to wait for Saturday. Suddenly, he remembered something. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and started typing. Once done, he stared at his message, making sure that all the words were spelled correctly and his choice of words doesn't seem suspicious. Once satisfied, he then took a deep breath, then pressed Send.

Makoto walked towards the direction of the train station. He checked his watch just to make sure he still has time to catch a train. His thoughts went back to the restaurant. It was really surprising to find Sousuke in the city. Makoto smiled, he was happy to find someone he's familiar with. He even got a part-time job! Although he has been in college for a couple of years now and had already made friends, he was still longing for connections from home. Sure, Sousuke was a bit on the grumpy side, but he went out of his way just so that he can have a decent dinner. Only goes to show that he's a nice guy. Meeting him was a tiny drop that filled the current void in his life. He smiled, he has been feeling lonely for quite some time now. That's why he decided to get a part-time job. Not only would he ease the burden of his parents, he would also like tune out all of the thoughts plaguing his mind. He's tired of being the one who feels left behind.

Makoto sighed and looked up the night sky, his pace slowing down. He feels like Sousuke and him are the same. They're both trying to get on by, working hard towards a dream. They both feel ironically lonely on such a crowded city. They're both trying to find warmth in the comfort of someone familiar to them. Of course, this was all just his opinion. He barely knows anything about Sousuke besides the things Rin told him. But what's there to lose in trying to know more about Sousuke? Maybe fate has brought them together for some reason. He just doesn't know what yet.

He looked down and walked faster. He really has to get home before it gets too late. He used to dread the day that comes after the night, knowing that it would nothing but a boring repetition of his current life. He wants something different, something that he can look back to and feel happy. Where could he get that? What could tomorrow bring him? Makoto was awakened from his thoughts when his phone vibrated from his pocket. He whipped up his phone and checked the message.

[Hey, here's my number. If you don't mind, can you text me once you get home? Just want to make sure you're safe - Sousuke]

Suddenly, a warm fuzzy feeling diffused from Makoto's chest. Someone cares for him. He didn't expect it, but someone does. He hugged the phone to his chest and sighed. He read the message a couple of more times before replying. It just felt so nice to feel that someone cares.