AN: Okay! I'm sorry for the REALLY late update! I have time but I'm always looking for anime. Yeah, I'm SOOO behind when it comes to downloading Prince of Tennis that I'm too lazy to write. Sorry. I love you guys for reviewing. I hope you all look at this chapter and enjoy. Thanks!

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Your Sad Smile (Second)

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Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale.

I had to remember this when I stood outside of the bakery that I had been so used to visiting. This was also where my first job would be. The owner, a young man who worked alone, would now be my new boss. This was not helping the fact that I was one-sidedly attracted to him. I knew he didn't feel the same. He was, after all, player material. He probably had a girlfriend, but for some reason that didn't disturb me in the slightest.

Because, in my gut, I had this strange feeling that I was wrong.

As I walked to the inside of the quaint cafe, I saw the handsome man that had caught my attention. He was currently working with a woman and her son. I could see the little boy hopping, trying to see all of the sweets, despite his small size. His mother and Trunks laughed lightly, obviously amused by his enthusiasm. I was too, and allowed myself a small chuckle.

Looking as the pair finished, the child beaming with glee as he walked out, I made myself known to my employer. He looked at me, his eyes wide in surprise, before narrowing with a smile. His seagreen eyes, which could catch anyone's attention, were still somewhat sad. His smile was also a bit depressed, but he allowed himself a small sparkle of recognition of me, making my heart flutter in the process. The lavender hair that fell over his eyes made me grin wider and I cast my eyes down, fighting the blush that had sneaked past my defenses.

"Son-san. How are you? I'm sorry I didn't notice you. I was helping someone," he said, his voice making my knees weak. A tremor that was deep and sensuous, but I didn't like 'Son'. I didn't want him to know me by my family, but by me.

"Just Pan, please, Trunks-san," I replied, not knowing his last name. He had avoided his surname like a plague, but I didn't pry. It was not my place, nor my business, to ask of something so personal. Still, it had made me wonder why he hated his family so.

"Okay, 'Just Pan,'" he said with a smile, although I guessed he was smirking more now, as he lead me to the back of the store. I walked behind him, noticing the beautiful kitchen he kept. I also noticed that the kitchen was quite up-to-date, despite the fact that I doubted he made a great profit. However, I held my tongue as we got to the back room.

It was small, almost cramped, but it was big enough for a few people. Cubbies and shelves were placed among the walls, never cluttering the room. A small, single bulb hung from the ceiling with a gentle glow, illuminating the small space. It was tiny but I liked it, even though it was empty. I felt more secure and reassured, despite the fact that it was nearly vacant of anything.

Or maybe that was Trunks' presence...

Quickly shaking myself mentally, I watched as Trunks walked toward the cubbies. he took something out and ufolded it, showing it to me. Just one look made my eyes sparkle and my jaw unhinge slightly. It was my uniform, but it didn't seem fit for someone as rough and calloused like me.

It was something similar to a maid's clothing, but very different at the same time. The white shirt was covered by a black apron, that fell over the skirt as well, but slightly. The shirt was sleeveless, and the skirt was short. It reached a few inches above my knees, which allowed good movement, I presumed. The skirt was white as well, and seemed to flare out the lower it went. There was also a black and white hat that reminded me of a sailor's, and I couldn't help smiling at the pin and button suck to the side of it.

This was far from something I'd usually be caught in. I was happy in a pair of jeans and a shirt, but I had to say I couldn't hate this outfit either. It was something Bra could pull off because she was the gentle and sweet-looking type. Most people would dropdead if they saw me in a skirt. I just never found them complimenting me. I felt weak in something like this outfit, but I couldn't say no to this one.

So I took it as my own.

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In the next few days, I learned everything about the bakery. Trunks explained the register, how to help the customers and the cleaning duties I had. Of course, I knew how to bake, so he was planning on teaching me more once I became more acquainted with the atmosphere. Not once did I complain, though, because I found having him by my side was never boring.

After school I would assist and learn anything I could about Trunks. I learned the regular customers' names and grew attached to the ringing of the little bell that chimed when people arrived. Trunks was either baking or manning the register while I helped out any stray customers. However, there were times when the place was empty, such as Saturday nights, and he and I would talk until closing. We knew we could have just left for home, knowing no others would arrive, but we stayed in each other's company until ten o'clock.

Slowly, very slowly, I learned of Trunks' preferences and his hobbies. He was, surprisingly, a fighter and had been one since he was a child. He had even been a Children's World Champion, but he didn't really care. He was so nonchalant about it, while I was left in awe. I also learned that, by a chance slip-up, he was once engaged.

And when I heard this, my heart sank.

"To whom?" I asked, although I know he didn't want to talk about it. He looked nervous and never made eye contact with me. But I wasn't one to let things slide. I wanted to know about him, the good and the bad. The things that would break my heart even, if it meant I was a step closer to my goal of knowing him. He backed down when he noticed my eyes flash dangerously, and sighed.

"It was a few years ago," he began, and I didn't dare interrupt. I listened to his voice as he told his story, unconsciously knowing my heart was cracking as well. "I was engaged to a girl whom I had known since we were kids. Although we weren't close then, we were still family friends.

"After a few years, I went to college away from home, as did she a little later. We met up again in the same college and I guess Cupid caught us. We never new attraction until that moment we met and I swore myself to her. When we went to announce it to our parents, so sure they would approve, my father quickly banished the idea. He called her too weak and spineless, that she could never be strong enough to run the family business or take all of the publicity she had somewhat gotten used to.

"I yelled at him, standing up for her with everything I had. However, my mother was behind my father on this. She didn't think my fiance was strong enought to stand up for the company, she was much too fragile. Hearing those words, my fiance quickly left me, telling me I deserved better. But I knew they were wrong, that she could have been good for me and the family. At least, that's what I thought then.

"Looking back, I hate to admit it, but my parents were right. If she had married me, I don't think I could have stopped her from crying when the media got too much or if she was slandered. She probably would have gone into depression because I knew she was so delicate. But, I left my family in the dust because they chased away the one girl I had ever truly cared about. And, since then, I have moved out on my own, looking for a life that was just mine."

He left his story in the air, and my breath caught in my chest. I had nothing to say to him. What could I say to him? He had revealed a part of him so willingly, which had never happened before. Usually, all of our topics were general or about me, since I certainly had nothing to hide, or so he thought. My feelings were my own, just as his past was his. But he shared it with me, on a whim, because I had asked. In turn, I would not ask anymore.

I gave him a small smile, my heart breaking at the sadness I saw, as he stared at the floor in silence. His hands clenched around each other, while his lips remained a grim line. His eyes reflected sorrow that didn't deserve to be there, but I had nothing I could say, nothing I could do, but watch him. However, my body doesn't always do what my mind tells it to. So, it reacted in a very different way.

I hugged him.

Somehow, I had crossed the distance between us and my arms snaked around his shuolders. I held his large frame, keeping my hold on him as he sat in his chair. Although hesitant, I noticed the arms that curved to my lower back and the head that rested on my shoulder. Lost in that embrace, I almost didn't notice both of our soft cries.

As well as the tears we shared.

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From that day on, I never asked anything about his family, unless he said anything about it first. I was never one to pry, butI found myself anxious when Trunks began to speak. Eventually, after that night, out talks became longer, with more depth to them. His smiles became wider and I saw the pain begin to slowly deteriorate. I felt that he was actually healing and I was the only one who could see it.

During those moments, I fell just a little bit more in love.

So, everyday, I performed my duties diligently, waiting for the time of night when few walked in. Then, we'd sit down, sometimes with some kind of treat, and begin our talks. Although we usually only spoke when the place wasn't busy, I found myself and Trunks out later than usual. Even on school nights, the bakery stated open later because we talked more frequently. Somehow, our relationship was slowly developing.

I lost myself in those conversations that we shared. They'd last for an hour, maybe two, and then we'd leave with our goodbyes done. Every time we talked, though, I learned a little bit more about him. How he still loved martial arts but refused to train, due to past regrets. How he loved the rain when it gently hit the glass and no one was there to see him daydreaming. How the cherry blossoms bloom and fall each year made the earth seem almost heavenly. How he secretly loved the shade of lavender, due to his strange hair color.

I grew to love every aspect of him. He made me love him, whether it was intentional or not, he did. From the way he talked to the customers, to the gentle laugh he had done when I was near. I loved him, but I knew that telling him would be my mistake. I can't fall for him. He's my boss, after all, and he had already gone through heartbreak once. How could I compare to his longtime fiance, even if it was years ago? I don't want to fight a battle I can't win.

So, I continued being Trunks' friend and confidant. We grew attached and I knew that Bra had to meet him too. After all, I knew she loved pretty boys much more than me. She had never passed by this place because she lived on the other side of town, but I bet she would like it. The atmosphere was comfortable and the baked goods were always delicious. That, and I knew Bra had a huge sweet tooth that could battle Grandpa Goku's appetite.

So, quickly agreeing, she said she'd meet me there.

When the time came, though, I was in for a rude awakening.

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AN: Sorry! One more chapter. I didn't want to do this too long, but I promise the end is coming very soon. Be patient please. I only have so much time and energy. That, and I have a short attention span. Hehe. Gomen nasai!

Well, till next time!

Much love,

Adobo-chan