Wren glances over Echo’s shoulder, and something shifts in her expression. “Baron’s here.”
Rafael’s spine goes rigid. But he turns to look anyway.His gaze drifts across the bustling stalls before settling on a familiar shape.
Under a flickering red “Nosh & Nibble” sits Kane alone at a stall. His auburn hair catches the light above, padded shoulders hunched over his meal.
“Let’s go say hi, huh?” Echo whispers in his ear. Before Rafael can answer, she’s already steering him toward the stall. Wren scurries after them, shouting something he can’t hear.
“Boss man!”
Kane doesn’t even flinch at the shout. He only turns, fixing them with a flat stare. “What do you want?”
“We’re so sorry, Baron,” Wren starts, stepping forward. “We’ll just—”
“What do you think we’re doing?” Echo cuts in, removing her hold on Rafael. Kane tracks the movement. “Grabbing a bite and showing the nurse around.”
The leader stares at them, his expression unreadable, then gestures to a nearby empty stool. “Rafael can stay. You two, I need a break from you.”
“Me?” Rafael’s stomach twists, unsure how he feels about being alone with the man right now.
“But, sir, we—”
Echo silences Wren’s protest with a gentle tug on her arm. “Come on, let’s give them some space.”
As soon as they’re out of earshot, panic surges in Rafael as he takes a seat. “I’m sorry,” he blurts, hands fidgeting at his sides. “We didn’t mean to barge in—”
Kane raises a hand, cutting Rafael off. “I know.” His tone is firm but not unkind. “But you want to eat here, right?” Rafael hesitates, then nods. “Then stay. I don’t care. I just wanted some time away from my crew.”
He frowns. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. Here. Take a look at the menu.”
A translucent tablet materializes in Rafael’s hands, projecting a spread of dishes and prices. He scrolls through them, still surprised by the lack of a Terra Inc. logo. Two items draw his attention, but hesitation creeps in. Who knows when he’ll get the chance to eatrealfood again?
“I can’t decide,” Rafael admits. His thumb hovers over the display. “Both sound good!”
The silence stretches, long enough that he dares a glance up. To his shock, there’s the faintest curve at the corner of Kane’s mouth. “Order both. My treat,” he declares.
Rafael gasps. “What? No, I couldn’t.”
“Just take whatever’s left to go,” Kane explains, swiping the menu from Rafael’s hands and tapping the items. “There, all done.”
He shouldn’t be comfortable accepting anything from the gang leader, least of all kindness. Yet the words leave before Rafael before he can think better. “Thank you, Kane.”
Kane clears his throat. “It’ll be here shortly. They’re not Hyper Food fast, but it’s better than the garbage they serve at any Terra’s.”
His nerves ease as a chuckle slips out. “I believe you. Not that I’ve ever eaten anywhere fancier than a Terra’s Bar and Grille.” Rafael pauses, then adds more quietly, “Always wanted to visit Tastebud Alley downtown, though. Heard it’s one of the best places to eat in the country.”
Admitting this feels strangely vulnerable, as if revealing more than a dining preference. But realizing how this might’ve sounded, Rafael cringes and blurts, “Best place for synth food, I mean! Sorry, I’m sure this place”—hegestures vaguely around them—“or anywhere here is better.”
Kane’s hand settles on his arm. The touch is brief, but Rafael startles at the unexpected contact, cool from the chrome but almost warm. In an instant, Kane withdraws, stiffening in his seat. “It’s fine. I know what you mean. I’ve heard the restaurants there are pretty good too, even if they’re all Terra’s.”
Relief washes over Rafael. “Okay, good. I just—I just can’t believe this is allreal.”
“Shreveport deserves more than it’s given,” Kane declares, turning to meet his eyes.
Rafael wasn’t expecting that. The certainty in Kane’s voice, the way he says it like it’s a fact. Against his better judgment, a strange admiration stirs.
A drone whirs to their table, breaking the moment. The machine drops off two steaming dishes, and Rafael leans in, taking a deep inhale.