A/N: So I decided to release two chapters back-to-back. Not only because I feel like an asshole for leaving you hanging for so long, but because I really didn't want to lose my somewhat good flow. Flow is hard to find these days. It's about as recluse as finding the perfect pair of jeans, which I'm still searching for by the way. I'm rambling. As always, enjoy. :)


I watched Kenta very closely.

And no, it wasn't because he had an amazingly dark, tantalizing, cheerful face - but because the customers seemed to love him.

They - and not just the women - were completely infatuated with his charm and this exultant aura that seemed to surround him. It engulfed everyone around him. It was next to impossible to not smile around him. His genially magnetic gaze just didn't allow it. One look at his smiling face, and he'd have you smiling too. Satisfaction guaranteed. At one point in the day, I was certain that it was some sort of pleasant Genjutsu that had managed to take the whole shop captive.

But it wasn't.

He was just naturally blessed with the ability to please others. There was something about him that made everyone naturally gravitate to him. His charisma, his enthusiasm, was shockingly present. He was that guy at a gathering that lit up the room with simply being there. Punctuality aside, I was very impressed with his work. He provided great customer service, not to mention he brought in the big tips.

All of this had me wondering. Had Midori known of her nephews social talents? And hired him here so she could exploit him for good business? I wouldn't put it past her. Besides, it was a brilliant idea. I've never seen the customers as satisfied as they were leaving the tea shop today. They grinned so much that I thought their cheeks would implode. Now, that's happy and what I call grade A customer service.

I was cleaning tables. Kenta was humming to himself while he was washing the tea cups at the sink behind the corner. Hours later and he was still in high spirits. I sort of begrudged him for it. The fact that he seemed to be given the luxury of happiness all the time. Meanwhile, I couldn't even dream of touching it. Not now anyway. Not with him gone, and hating me.

I wasn't sure what it was in life that could maintain such a constant flow of happiness. I didn't know the guy for very long, but what I got in that short period of time that I did, I felt was pretty accurate. In this day in age, with danger and economic instability lurking around every corner of not only the village, but the countries, there wasn't very much you could be optimistic about. Even with the most affluent of backgrounds it wasn't easily achieved. I knew first hand. Coming from the First Clan of Iwagakure; wealth didn't always translate into peace of mind.

Maybe it was Genjutsu.

Seemingly sensing my spite, he turned around with a light smile, drying the cup in his hand, "something wrong?"

"Why are you so happy all the time?" The words fell out of my mouth before I even had the chance of processing them, "Oh, I didn't mean it l-"

He laughed; a laugh just as pleasant as his face, "No, it's okay," he walked from behind the counter and leaned against it on the other side.

We were closed now and were just prepping for the next day. I sighed inwardly. His stance signaled the start of a conversation, and all I wanted to do was sleep and put this day behind me. Kenta evidently, had other plans.

"No problem, I get it. But you shouldn't just assume I'm happy because I happen to look it." If it had come from someone else's mouth I would've been a little put off, but coming from him, it just seemed delightful.

I nodded in agreement, "But...what are you then? That cliché idea of a clown? Lives to make everyone happy, but is this angst ridden storm of the inside?" I joked.

"Yes and no," I was listening now, shocked to hear it, "I mean I have plenty to be sad about."

"...Like what?"

"I'm not about to burden you with the weight of my problems."

It wasn't so much a sentence that meant, 'it's none of your damn business', but instead meant, 'I don't want to hinder you with my baggage'. I got that loud and clear. There was no mistaking it. That, or the jovial nature of him just completely blind-sighted me.

I winked, "I'm your cousin right? Your problems are my problems."

He laughed again, and looked at me from beneath his eyelashes. Men and their long lashes, never truly appreciating them the way I would. And oh, I would.

He smiled that childlike smile of his and I couldn't help but follow suit, "You're right. But no, I think I'll save that for another night, you're looking a little tired."

I hated when people said you looked tired, it was just a nicer way of saying you looked like hell.

"It's heavy stuff, huh?"

"Like you wouldn't belie-"

In that instant, was the very first time I saw anything but charm and cheer from Midori's nephew. He was all ears now, serious, with his eyes trained on the threshold to his left. For a split second I thought of how alluring he looked like with his poker face; instead of the potential danger he may have spotted. Where the hell were my priorities these days?

But it wasn't danger, it was just Sasuke (...well).

Looking less angry and irritated than he did in the morning. By a long shot. He had returned from his sulking trip way early than I had expected. His hands were bandaged, so I gathered he had done some training to let off some steam. I was honestly relieved to see him until I realized how much of a drama queen he had been. His reaction had been completely uncalled for. My relief in seeing him quickly turned into a glazed over indifference. I have to say, spite was not something that I expected.

Kenta was still looking as serious as ever, "Who are you?"

"Who am I? Who are you?" The acid dripping from Sasuke's mouth was about as potent as Kenta's smile.

I got up from my seat at the table in a hurry, sensing a potential altercation, "It's okay Kenta, he's with me."

Comprehension washed over Kenta's face like water, "Oh, sorry about that." And just like that he was back to normal. Back to his easy going self. No apparent reaction to my statement. In some capacity, it sort of hurt. What? Was I hoping to see jealousy aroused in his eyes? I wasn't sure. If I was, I sure didn't get it, because he seemed right as rain. Either that, or he was a wiz at masking his emotions. He's already made that clear. That despite his happy demeanor, he wasn't all that jovial on the inside. Or perhaps it's just wishful thinking. I didn't get a chance to find out.

I made the introductions quickly. I figured Sasuke wouldn't care very much for Kenta anyway. Kenta on the other hand, was polite as always.

"We have to talk." Sasuke interrupted my thoughts in a low voice.

I turned around and walked past him, "In the morning, I'm tired."

To my surprise, he didn't argue, and followed me as I walked up the stairs as I shouted goodnight to Kenta.

I went on with my night time routine as always before I climbed into the warm, comfy bed with the promise of leaving this horrendous day behind me.

Sasuke slept on the couch.


I know it's VERY short. But I felt it was necessary to stop here. Hopefully, you'll get the next chapter within a week or so. It depends whether I'm still obsessing over the Spanish National Team and looking for more footage of their party on the plane back to Madrid (!). I miss the days where I uploaded a chapter every Saturday. D: Oh well, enjoy the rest of your week everybody! Review? :)