<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="font-family:Open Sans">Jaxon hadn't expected to see the evidence of the assault still plastered so distinctly to Gabriel's face. It stood out as a reminder of the whole incident that had occurred, and Jaxon was glad Gabriel had been taken to the hospital for it. He'd gathered what he could from the situation, what the police were alluding to, and what Slater had shouted before being driven away. He knew there was some sort of relationship there, just not why it had come to what it did. It was obvious to him Gabriel didn't instigate it, nor was he even close to the aggressive type.<br/>
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“Hey, I wanted to see how you were doing. They wouldn't tell me anything when I called the hospital,” Jaxon spoke, smiling when Gabriel walked over to his table outside. “I wasn't sure if you'd even be here either.” He seemed in good spirits, despite everything, and maybe he would rather be at work than sitting at home, recovering.<br/>
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Kiv remained under the table, reaching forward to touch his nose to Gabriel's hand.<br/>
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“You'd be surprised the things we shared while we were overseas. He's not picky.” And neither was Jaxon. "At home, one of his favorite things are watermelon rinds." He smiled when Gabriel offered to eat with him.<br/>
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“Oh, please. If you're not going to get in trouble for me pulling you away from work. Always better to share a meal with a friend than eating alone.” Jaxon thought for a moment, about Slater and the whole incident. “It'll take more than that to spook me. And I certainly wouldn't turn down a fresh cooked meal.” He was a grown man, and he could make his own judgments.<br/>
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“I've made it clear I'm available if a witness needs to testify. You should have a good case,” Jaxon spoke encouragingly. Jaxon picked at the tortilla chips, trying the salsa. With the extra water, he poured the glass into a bowl for Kiv.<br/>
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“It's good. It tastes fresh,” he complimented, nodding as Gabriel offered to help him decide what he wanted to eat. What Gabriel suggested appealed to him, even if he didn't know what half of it was. It was a lot of food, and Jaxon liked to eat.<br/>
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“I'd like to try that, but I'm not comfortable with you paying for my dinner. Thank you, though,” he declined, hoping he would drop it at that. He was a grown man, and to him, it didn't seem right, even if he'd done Gabriel a favor. He wouldn't be swayed on the topic, and he didn't ask about any of it. He wasn't someone who picked apart everything in his meal. He was taught to eat what was set in front of him, and not to fuss.<br/>
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“I'm sure I'll enjoy it. It'll break me out of comfort zone a little bit. A man can only eat steak and potatoes so many times a week.” His standard staple diet, considering it was quick and easy, and he knew how to operate the grill. This all looked much more involved and elaborate. Something he didn't have the patience, or talent to put together. The fewer ingredients he had to handle, the better.<br/>
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Jaxon let Miguel know that he would be trying their sampler, as per Gabriel's suggestion and listened in to what he'd order for himself. Kiv was beneath the table, laying quietly, stretching until he was resting his nose on the top of Gabriel's feet. He was used to going places with Jaxon, and of course, the man expected him to behave while he was out.<br/>
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“I hope he didn't scare you the other day. After something like that, most people are a bit intimidated,” Jaxon commented. “He only goes as far as I ask him to, and besides, he likes you more than most people I know.”</span></span>