Love In A Mug

Chapter 4

Itachi was more than ready for lunchtime. He had a slight headache and needed a caffeine boost.  He walked into the Cafe smiling at his little brother when they made eye contact.  Sasuke only rolled his eyes in response yet gave a warm greeting in return not surprised to see his brother.  Ever since he accepted to work here wanting to try something different before working for their father Itachi made it a point to come over during his lunch breaks. He knew it was to look after him even though he was 23 years old but he didn't want to make a big deal about it if it made Itachi feel better.  He has already been through enough so he just accepted his brother's protective persona as being the oldest.

"I would ask what can I get you but I already know your answer." Sasuke sighs having already met the older raven at his favorite table by the window. It was the quieter corner of the cafe with a view of the river.

Itachi smiled looking around specifically for a flash of yellow. "Where's Naruto?" He asked looking back to his brother.

"On his break."

"Hn." Itachi said as he glanced again over to the serving counter. "Doesn't he usually take it earlier in the day?"

Sasuke huffs in annoyance. "He had to leave for an appointment shortly after he opened this morning. Why won't you just let someone else take your order for once?" His frustration growing when he saw the frown appear on the latter's face.

"Cause he knows how to make my coffee, "perfectly".

"Well, he showed us how to do it to your liking in case he wasn't here."  Sasuke countered sternly. 

Itachi sighed. His headache hadn't gone away so he decided not to argue. "Okay. Just make sure it's strong. I have a wicked headache." 

Sasuke nodded and went back to the counter.  "He's willing to let someone else make his drink." 

Anais saw this as the perfect opportunity to see how well their new employee Annie can put her training into practice. She motioned her over explaining that she would be serving their long standing, critically acclaimed customer.

Annie nodded, excited to take on the challenge.

"Hi, sir. My name is Annie and I'll be attending to you today." Itachi smiled politely at the enthusiastic young woman. 'Must be her first day or something.' He thought to himself.

"That won't be necessary." Annie blinked somewhat confused. She turned to her co-workers only to see them encouraging her.

"Umm..., would you like a menu or do you have an idea of what you would like?" She asked now with a little nervousness. It didn't help that the man sitting in front of her was dead handsome and poised as ever.

Itachi could see how nervous she was becoming so he thought he'd let her do her job.  "I'll have a large cappuccino with an extra shot of espresso made with soy and almond milk along with two warm strawberry cream cheese filled croissants."

He'd test to see if she could get that right before giving her his sandwich order.

She smiled happily, feeling accomplished as she took down his order. "Got it. Is there anything else you would like me to get you?"

He shook his head. "Let's just start with that for now, thank you." 

She saw her co-workers give her thumbs up. She felt lucky at finding a job that had such supportive people. They were making her first time working a joyful experience.

Sasuke stood next to Anais having done serving his customers. "You guys are horrible.  Always sending the newbies on a suicide mission." He scoffed as said woman snorted both watching Annie go prepare Itachi's order.