1 ; video/action

[eyeforaneye]

(video: @s.uchiha)

[ The video opens to a view of a simple sign in the quarantine’s common language, a dark green background causing the white lettering of “The Coffee Shop” to really pop alongside a graphic of what appears to be some kind of mermaid or siren. Why does this feel like copyright infringement. ]

It’s my understanding that there aren’t many places like this here. [ So comes the voice from behind the camera, view panning to the right and left to showcase the street he’s on and make it clear just where this particular shop is. Only then does he move forward, the small store’s bell jangling as he steps into what can only be described as an immaculate café, the specials written neatly on a chalkboard in Japanese characters on the counter, booths and tables lining the walls, and plants placed stalwartly in the windows like leafy guardians. ]

So it should receive more business. Now that you’re aware, consider spending your extra money here. [ As he finally turns that camera around, revealing a dour young dark-haired man in all his glory. ]

If you need more information, I suppose it can’t be helped. I’ll address concerns.

(action)

[ Feel free to stop in! Expect a quiet one-armed man behind the counter cleaning an already spotless work station in his down time. ]

Comments

[eyeforaneye]

[ Sasuke happens to be the only employee on duty, which is how he likes it, and so far there haven't been any issues. His customers have been staggered enough to subvert any potential line build-up, which is why one just so happens to be on their way out when he slides that coffee over.

Unsurprisingly, that patron doesn't stop to apologize or assess the damage they've -- almost -- caused after unintentionally jostling the man in front of him, and Sasuke's reaction is as instantaneous as John's. He moves back forward from his instinctive side-step, interest admittedly piqued by his reflexes, but... ]

... [ Dark eyes lower to the new mess on the floor, the droplets dirtying his pristine counter, before cutting to the door. Right. Going after the first customer to lambast them in the street would be a Bad Idea. ]

It isn't your job to clean up the mess. Take only what you need for your own belongings. [ As he passes over a modest stack of eco-friendly brown paper towels, clicking his tongue once. ]

I'll make a replacement.

[adiuvio]

Don't worry about it. Another coffee is fine.

[ John grabs a handful of paper towels and kneels down to start mopping up the mess. It's a good thing he takes his coffee black, without cream and sugar it's not too sticky.

He's not overly concerned about his jacket. It's seen worse. Coffee is less stubborn than blood. He'll take it to the dry cleaner's on his way to work. ]

I think I got it all.

[eyeforaneye]

[ Sasuke's already begun preparing the next cup while watching this stranger out of the corner of his eye, restraining himself from getting a more in-depth analysis with the aid of the sharingan. ]

Like I said, that was unnecessary. I'm not concerned about the quality of your cleaning job. [ Which perhaps comes across as unnecessarily rude but he states it as neutral fact. ]

... the person that hit you has been in before. The next time I see them I'll receive the money to cover your other costs. [ With a matter-of-fact nod to his jacket. Who knows what "receive" could honestly entail. ]

[adiuvio]

[ John isn't offended. It takes more than a brusque word to hurt his feelings.

Still, John appreciates the sentiment. He even shoots Sasuke a smile. ]

Don't get yourself into trouble on my account. An accident is an accident.

[eyeforaneye]

It's hardly trouble for me. [ This right here is an understatement. ]

I prefer not to allow people to get away with things. That's just in my nature.

[adiuvio]

I'd believe it.

[ Sasuke might be the most dedicated barista John's ever met. The boy's commitment doesn't go unnoticed. He'd have done well in John's profession. ]

Thanks for the help.