AN: Hello again! Here's the next chapter. I was really excited to write some stuff about this character, because I haven't had the opportunity to do so in my other stories. So, here he is! Please enjoy, and comments about his characterization would be much appreciated!

Thanks to all those who reviewed and added this story/me to their lists!

Disclaimer: Me? Own Naruto? I should be so lucky.

Amongst the Sea of Faces

Chapter Two

He had been surprised when his little brother decided to become a pastry chef.

If he were to be completely honest with himself, Itachi would say that he does not approve of his brother's rather foolish and whimsical career choice. However, Sasuke is his brother, and they have already lost too much. If Sasuke wants to be a chef, then that is what he will be.

And despite his own reservations about it, ever the supportive older brother, Itachi shows up at the café regularly. His initial intent for visiting was simply to show support for Sasuke; he is pleasantly surprised when he tastes the cake his little brother has baked – it is delicious, and he has always had a sweet tooth. He has never known his brother to be talented in the kitchen, which had been part of the reason for his scepticism. Then again, it was not as if his father would have approved, so it is likely that Sasuke had hidden his talent for that reason.

To his quiet surprise, Itachi finds that he genuinely enjoys visiting the café. There is good food, and the teas that the barista brews are impeccable, tasteful, works of art in and of themselves. The atmosphere, too, is much appreciated. Peaceful, quiet, yet filled with the presence of people, Itachi finds that he can relax there. There is an added bonus – the storefront is nondescript, slightly shabby, and it does not at all hint to the extraordinary world that it holds. Consequentially, it is not at all attractive to the young girls that pass it by on the street, particularly those of the fan girl variety. Rather, the patrons tend to keep to themselves, or interact mainly with the staff.

It is a pleasant place to pass the time, and Itachi can often be found there, with the latest newspaper opened to the economics section, or a bunch of papers to look through.

One ordinary day, though, after years of ordinary, uneventful visits to the café, a meeting with a seemingly ordinary girl turns Itachi's world on its side.

He notices her the moment he enters.

She is sitting on one of the high seats at the window, facing outside. Her posture is graceful, her legs tucked elegantly to the side of the stool, elbows resting on the bench table that runs the entire length of the massive window that takes up majority of the storefront. She seems to be engrossed in the world outside, and despite her vibrant pink hair and green eyes, there is something about the look in her eyes and the way her profile is illuminated by the faint daylight streaming through the windows that reminds him of old, black and white portraits and nostalgic memories. She seems detached, as if she were not really there, living life alongside the rest of them.

A statue, Itachi realises, that is what she reminds him of. A beautiful statue carved out of marble, observing the people passing her by.

He has never seen her before – of that he is certain, for who can forget someone such as her? – and he surmises that she must be a new customer. He then gives himself a mental shake. The girl is interesting, but it is of no concern to him. He draws his gaze away from her, sends a nod of acknowledgement to Kakashi and Yamato, and makes his way to the counter to place his order. Naruto gives him a smile, and Itachi is glad that the blonde is able to restrain the cheerfully loud greeting that usually bursts out of his mouth.

He places his order and sits down in his usual seat – an armchair, with a low table in front of him, and an empty armchair opposite him, in which he places his briefcase.

The girl at the window glances at him. Her gaze does not waver; her stare is intense, and even though he is not looking in her direction, the weight of her gaze on his face is enough to tell him that she is staring. He suppresses a sigh. Though his first impression of her had been a good, albeit intriguing and unusual one, it seems that she is just like every other girl her age – a fan girl. His sanctuary has been invaded, and he feels slightly resentful, for it seems that this is going to be his last visit to the café. He will not tolerate being gaped at and drooled over when he is trying to relax, and he is certain that that is what will happen, once she spreads the word of his presence. Then again, he reminds himself, somewhat morosely, it is not as if Sasuke enjoys his visits anyway. Though he can never tell if Sasuke is feeling embarrassed, shy, annoyed or resentful with regard to his visits, the fact of the matter is that Sasuke hides in the kitchen even more determinedly whenever Itachi patronises the café.

He casts a customary glance in the girl's direction, to take another glimpse of her, so he knows to avoid her in the future.

He freezes.

Contrary to his prior assumptions, the girl does not look at him with the besotted gaze of an infatuated girl, which he is unfortunately very familiar with. Rather, she examines him with all the intensity he has seen the Nara heir analyse a game of shogi. Despite him knowing that his façade is impeccable, and that no unwanted emotion, or telling trait is displayed for her viewing, he feels as if she is seeing his deepest, darkest secrets.

The girl blinks.

She looks away.

Itachi does not.

It is the beginning of something indescribable, undefinable, but most definitely not unwelcome.

AN2: I am really happy with the reception this has received so far. Please make my day and review! I love to hear from you all, and I'm having a really shitty time at work recently, so any pick-me-ups will be most welcome.

Thanks for reading!

Not sure when the next update will be, but here's to hoping my muse doesn't decide to spontaneously combust... or something.

XOXO

Ice