By the time he’d opened a ginger ale and found the forks, Qylar returned downstairs.
“I thought I smelled dinner,” Qylar said, eyeing the many containers. “It came fast, too. Another reason I love that place.”
Kenji offered a fork.
“Heathen,” Qylar said, frowning—though there’d been humor in his tone. He walked back towards the drawer where Kenji had found the forks and drew out chopsticks. After he pulled down two large, wide bowls, he returned to the island and opened the food boxes.
Kenji watched as Qylar assembled a bowl with a spoonful of this and that from each box. Once it was full, he slid it and a set of chopsticks in front of Kenji.
“I can’t use chopsticks very well,” Kenji murmured.
“Takes practice,” Qylar said before fixing himself a bowl.
Kenji took the fork, pointedly staring at Qylar, and sat down.
Qylar lifted a brow, shaking his head. Once he’d filled his, Qylar sat down at the island beside Kenji and dug in. They sat silently eating for a few minutes.
“Thisispretty tasty,” Kenji said.
“One of my favorites in the city,” Qylar said without looking Kenji’s way. “Maybe tomorrow we can go have tacos down at the beach.”
“Please tell me you mean Leo’s Taco Truck,” Kenji said.
“Where else? Best tacos in the city,” Qylar said.
“I’ve been craving them for weeks but haven’t had time to go get any.”
“Well, I’ll make sure you have all the tacos you and the babies can eat tomorrow.”
Kenji peeked at Qylar from the corner of his eye.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know why I said that,” Qylar said, his voice low. “I shouldn’t have. I wasn’t trying to pressure you, I swear.”
“I’m not ready to be a father, Qylar.”
“I would never force you to have children you’re not ready for. It’s cruel for all involved.” Qylar sighed. “If I’m able to have kids, I want them to grow up in a house filled with love. Not resentment and hostility.”
“Agreed,” Kenji said.
“So, please… ignore what I said.”
“Consider it ignored.”
“Thank you,” Qylar replied.
They continued to eat for the next few minutes without speaking, the only sound the clink of chopsticks or a fork against their bowls. The next time Kenji looked over at Qylar, a piece of noodle hung in his overgrown beard. Without thinking, he reached over to pluck it out.
Qylar turned, eyeing him as he grasped the bit.
“Sorry. You just have something stuck in your briar patch.”
Qylar ran a hand down it. “I need to shave. I’ve been a bit lazy lately.”
Kenji stared up into Qylar’s face. “I kind of like a beard on you. It would be better cleaned up, of course.”
“Do you think I should keep it? Cleaned up, of course.”
He’s so fucking hot, even when he’s a mess.“If you want to keep it. It doesn’t matter to me. It’s your face.”
