Snippet #1364974

For a moment, Daen froze in his tracks, letting Zmey run right into him. His face had turned a deep red, and his body had gone stiff for a moment, a big smile glinting at the edge of his profile.

"Um, Rice? You sure?" he asked, his voice a bit shakey. "Yeah. I'm sure they have some, though you aught to eat up more than that... you'll need the energy if you're going to put up with this cute stray cat."

He turned to her, his grin almost blinding before leading her more gently towards the lunch line. As expected, Daen got his meatloaf, ketchup and all. And the lady gave Zmey a small bowl of rice and her choice of fork, spoon, or chopsticks. When their food had been gathered, Daen led Zmey over to a well-shaded and all but forgotten table in the far corner of the large cafeteria. Like a gentleman, Daen carried the trays and even helped Zmey into her seat, all the while hamming up the chivalric man routine.