Chapter 2 is here!! Not that anyone was really expecting it, seeing as I still have no reviews… dry sobs So…yahhhh, those of you who liked Chapter 1 sorry if the changes in the writing style throws you off a bit.

Don't own nuthin', don't make anything. Got it?

Clay's POV:

5A.M. I bet Matt's still complaining about it. I laugh at the thought of him walking around like a zombie in a cheesy zombie movie. That new guy sure is… interesting. I bet he's from the city just like Kim and Rai. I could feel it on his hands; he hasn't worked a hard day in his life. That's going to change if he stays around here much longer. Master Fung'll whip him into shape. He had him clean dang near the whole temple with his own toothbrush. I just shudder at the thought of century-old dust stuck in my teeth. You don't have to know a guy that long to feel bad for him about that. Now that I think about it, he's been here nearly a week.

Come to think of it, when I first met him I knew I would like him. He seemed pretty shy, and cute as a button on top of that. He was about as tall as Raimundo but a little thicker. Not in a fat way, just a little sturdier. Besides, who am I to call someone fat? His hair was a dark red, just like the dirt back home. His cheeks were a little chubby and he had big, brown, puppy-dog eyes that probably snagged him a girl or two. Or maybe a guy… Nah, better not get any ideas with this one.

I wanted to play around with him during the introduction so I gave him a little wink, and he turned redder than a tomato. That blush was cuter than one of old Bessie's calves and I swear I would've scooped him up if Master Fung and Rai weren't there. No telling when that chance'll come again if it does. Sadly, the moment slipped away as Kimiko pounced on him.

That's when Rai leaned over and whispered, "I think the new guy has a crush on Kimiko, 'eh?" Darn it. Typical. Just typical. It's like only I can never get a guy.

It's a shame Kimiko got to him first, but I guess that's how it goes. Kim's wrapped 'round him tighter than a boa constrictor on a glue-covered rat. There ain't separating those two. Frankly, I get tired of her waving him around in my face all the time. Give me a break. It's gone so far that I'd rather steer clear of them all together than go through one of Kim's lovey-dovey flirting sessions. The worst part about it is that when I get a moment alone with Matt, I can't help liking the kid. He seems pretty down to earth and he's really easy to talk to. When we were alone for the first time I felt a little silly talking to him.

"So uh… how d'you like the temple?" I managed with a little difficulty. Boy, I was more nervous than a cat in a dog-pound. Easy Clay, he hasn't said anything yet.

"I love it," he answered, beaming, "my favorite part's the garden though." I saw him gaze dreamily over to one of the temple windows overlooking the gardens. I couldn't help but smile seeing him like that. I wonder if he knew how cute he was. He looked up at me and his grin widened. "What?" he asked with an attempt at a serious face.

Failing miserably, he only made me grin wider. "Nothing," I answered, with the grin still playing on m y lips. "S'just that I thought I was the only one here who actually appreciated the gardens- except for the monks of course." I was rewarded a kind smile for that remark. I felt a blush coming on and I lowered my hat a bit. I turned slightly and grunted, "Sure isn't like back home in Texas."

"Yep" was his reply. "I was born in San Antonio. I guess that makes me a city boy, but still a Texan." I was shocked. Admittedly never would've guessed him to be a Texan. He had no accent and hardly looked the part. Well like he said, he's a city boy. I chuckled at the thought of Matt dressed like a cowboy. When I looked over at him again, he was pouting with his lip jutting out slightly. "Yeah, yeah. Go ahead and laugh at the city boy," he groaned sarcastically before flashing me a toothless smile.

He really is something. Ah well. No use lingering on it anymore. I should get a move on and shower before anyone else is up.

I got up slowly and I stretched a bit before leaving for the showers. I didn't think I needed anything more than boxers and an undershirt to stay decent. Nobody would even be up now I figured.

Unfortunately, I was wrong. Right when I reached the door, I bumped into something soft and damp. It was Matt in nothing but a towel. His clothes were scattered and his pants were lying on his head a little awkwardly.

After the moment of initial shock I spluttered, "Sorry there, little buddy. I didn't see you." Another moment passed and he made no effort to get up, so I offered him a hand. After he took it, he heaved awkwardly while still clutching to the towel and made it up with my support.

Once he was steady, I offered, "Lemme help you with those", while bending over to pick up what I thought was his shirt. Instead, I got a handful of his boxers. Blushing a bit, I forked them over and rubbed my neck in an attempt to fight of the rouge settling there.

When I looked back at Matt, he was fiddling with his clothes and towel with yet another blush, but this time it went all the way down to his chest. My eyes acted before my brain did and traveled a little lower than was proper.

Without a word, he spun around and picked up his shirt. While he was bent over, I saw his towel drop slightly, showing a paler region of his lower back. My blush deepened in sympathetic embarrassment and my pants grew uncomfortably tight. He quickly spun around and made an awkward whimpering sound.

With that, I decided to make my exit and managed a "'Scuse me" before hurrying away. "Jesus, that was awkward," was the only thought I had while I hurried away from the scene.

Aww, such embarrassment, it does the heart good . Hope you enjoyed and review so I know you're out there; flame if you must.