Joe took a long sniff. "That is starting to smell good."

"It's a dish with those skinny Tyran noodles, little chunks of beef, and a thick brown sauce. I forget what they call it. I just press twenty-seven on my list of menus. I eat it a couple times a week. It's quick and it fills you up." The synther dinged and shut off. "And it's hot. Let's eat."

Shohn set out ready-made salads and offered Joe a fork, and they sat on the couch. Sitting with bare feet tucked under herself, she dug into the noodles.

Joe groaned. "Oh my stars. I have to tell Nim about this. It's delicious."

"He's the one who got me started on this stuff."

Joe squinted. "Oh yeah, I forgot you knew him. He's been my rock ever since my parents died." He poked through the noodles, piercing vegetables. "He'd be so disappointed in me tonight, though."

"Why?"

He finished chewing before he spoke. "There's a party at the hotel. He insisted I had to make an appearance. I would so much rather be here." He took another bite.

"I hate when I have to be at some party or function for a new client and I don't know anybody."

"Or you know just one person, so you end up being their shadow the whole night."

She stabbed the salad. "I think the only reason I have friends is because they're all extroverts who adopted me and made me go places with them."

"Same. I wouldn't have met Nim if he hadn't introduced himself and literally invited himself over." He stuck his fork into a small tomato. "Although he always gives me grief about my 'fast food archives.' After I eat something, I tend to set the tray on the table instead of recycling it."

"So we're clear. Leave anything that needs tossing on my table or counters, and you'll find out why I'm so heavily armed."

He swallowed. "Is... Was that a joke?"

Shohn speared a bit of salad. "Do you really want to find out?"

Fork in hand, he snapped her a salute. "No, ma'am."

She gave him a knowing nod. "Wise decision."

A bit later, when they'd finished eating, Joe insisted that Shohn relax while he cleared their trays.

"See?" he called from the kitchen area. "I'm recycling." He raised his hands. "Please don't shoot."

Laying back both ears, she extended the claw on her pinky finger. "You know what this gesture means?"

"Um...no. Should I worry?"

"It means, 'I could beat you with my smallest claw' so watch your step, human boy."

He laughed, but he did so while bowing to her. "I live to please, my Kin lady."

Joe could please her indeed.