“Don’t sweat it,” Kane says as they step onto the quieter streets of Shreveport. “They’ve been busy—tightening security for the fest, cleaning up the mess Natural Order left of District Four.” His shoulders stiffen. “It’squiet without Athena in charge, but I’m not holding my breath. Word is they replaced her.”
Rafael’s brow furrows until a cool thumb brushes along his palm.
“That doesn’t change anything here,” Kane declares. “Echo handles the deals, Pixie keeps the enforcers in line, Wren runs patrol, and Coda’s our lead techie.”
He raises their joined hands, pressing a kiss to his knuckles that sends affection to Rafael’s chest. “Which means I get to keep this extra time—like walking you back. Unless you’ve had enough of me…”
“No way!” Rafael blurts, about to protest—until he catches Kane’s smirk and rolls his eyes.
Kane tugs him closer with a laugh. “Only teasing you.”
They fall into their usual rhythm, side by side. Rafael talks about the latest changes at the marketplace while Kane fills him in on Echo and Wren’s newest antics involving super-charged HOV bikes. When the conversation shifts to what they’ll eat before Kane leaves for patrols, a familiar comfort washes over Rafael.
Their evening walks had become one of his favorite parts of the day. With Rafael running the shop by day and Kane leading the crew by night, these walks were among the few stolen moments—outside of sleep—when they could be together, without any distractions.
As they round the corner, a row of houses stretches before them. Laughter drifts across the street where crew members head out for patrol, weapons tucked beneath their jackets. A few recruits spot them and wave. Rafael lifts a hand in return. Kane answers with a nod.
They pass more houses, porch lights flickering on as a patroldrone hums overhead and slips into the next alley. Rafael scans for familiar faces until his wristlink chimes, pulsing against his skin.
[INCOMING CALL: MARIA.]
“It’s Maria,” He beams, angling his wrist toward Kane. “Mind if I take it? I’ve been waiting to hear from her.”
“Go ahead.” Kane’s arm slips around his waist while Rafael accepts the call.
Maria’s image shimmers above his wristlink, smiling beneath a lone blue light. Behind her, abstract holograms twist against brick. Probably the back of a club.
“Rafael!” she greets. “I got some good news. I had a talk with Mom and Dad. They’re willing to get dinner with Kane this weekend. Some Terra’s in Midtown. Your pick!”
Already grinning, he glances at Kane, who gives a reassuring squeeze.
“That’s amazing,” Rafael says, turning to Maria’s feed. “How’d you convince them? When I broke the news, Mom was…” He trails off as the echo of his mother’s shout rings in his ears. Even without all the details, his parents were far from thrilled about his decision.
She snorts. “I sort of hinted that if they didn’t at least give you two a chance, I’d disappear for good.” Her tone darkens. “Here’s hoping your dinner goes better than mine did with them and Idris…”
Rafael only heard about the fight between Maria and their parents. He couldn’t join them then. The threat from Athena and Natural Order was too high at the time.
“You didn’t have to say all that, but I’m glad they agreed.” His hand slides down to rest on Kane’s arm. “Friday should work for us if Mom and Dad are free.” He peers over at Kane,brows raised. “Right?”
Kane hums. “If not, I’ll make it happen.”
“You better—after I stuck my neck out for you when wehaven’t even met yet,” Maria warns squarely at Kane. But before he can reply, her expression softens. “That said, I trust my brother’s judgment. So I’ll be there to support you both on Friday.”
“Thanks, Maria.” Rafael exhales. “Really. I love you.”
Maria’s gaze softens. “Anything for you, Rafa. Love you too. See you Friday.” Her tone sharpens for a second. “And Kane, keep him safe. You hear me? All that armor and firepower doesn’t scare me.”
He tenses, ready to step in, only to discover the man nodding.
As the call ends and her image fades, he releases a slow breath.
Kane’s calm voice cuts through the quiet. “You all right?”
Rafael shrugs. “I—I’m not sure. I’m excited…for you to meet my family, but I’m worried too. About how they’ll react. Or what they’ll say and how it’ll affect you. They can be…blunt. Especially my mom. And I’m glad Maria will be there, but she has a way of escalating things sometimes. It’s…a lot.”
A soft snort escapes Kane. “Don’t waste energy worrying about me. I’ve taken worse than a few sharp remarks.” His hand on Rafael’s back rubs gently. “Whatever they throw at us, we’ll handle it. I’ll be here. No matter what. All right?”
The knot in Rafael’s stomach loosens. “I know. That means a lot, Kane…You’ve always been there for me—leaving VitaCorp, opening my shop.” He tilts his head to look at Kane. “Now with my family.”