“I would have been disowned if I'd gotten such silly notions in my head,” Jaxon responded in regards to the vegetarian comment. He too didn't understand it much. His family cattle were cared for fairly and they served their purpose for them, supplying them and the public with delicious cuts of meat. “Anytime,” he said in regards to the thanks. He didn't mind spreading his knowledge or gaining such in return. Gabriel shared his own recipe willingly with a woman who was particularly interested before they settled for a game of cornhole. He nodded at their little agreement, though he would have shown Gabriel his medals anyway. It was a good excuse to get him to play a game.<br/><br/>Jaxon stood a few feet farther than the standard twenty-seven food distance since he wasn't plied with wine. He didn't want to be accused of unfair advantage. He as familiar with the game, as well as possessing rather skilled aim. He tried not to take it too seriously and it was a close game as soon as Gabriel got familiar with the weight of the beanbag. In the end, Jaxon still took it.<br/><br/>“Next time,” he assured Gabriel. “You caught on quick enough. I owe you a tour of my medals case regardless.” He picked his drink back up and then took the young man back into the house, heading over to where all of it was visible. He pointed out the ones showing where he'd been first; his Afghanistan and Irag Campaign Medals. Pointed then to the ones that would be less obvious what they were for. One a gold star.<br/><br/>“This one if for gallantry in action.” The one next to it was gold that read 'distinguished service.'<br/><br/>“Self-explanatory, I think. This other one here is for a serving in a combat operation. The blue one with the eagle is a superior defense award serving the United States Army.” He pointed to the one next to that reading 'armed forces expert marksman'.<br/><br/>“Now, I've been told I'm a good shot,” he said with a knowing grin. There was one with a single hand on it, and for this one, Jaxon picked it up.<br/><br/>“This one is my humanitarian service medal. I earned it when the war was over and we were putting our efforts in to help Afghani civilians while working alongside some of their Pashto officers. I think it taught me a lot actually, doing that after fighting and resenting them for so long. I guess it gave me some of my humanity back, though it would take a lot more of these medals to make much difference.” A little frown, signaling he wasn't all proud of everything he'd done in his lifetime. He talked about a few more before finally having to talk about the one he really wanted to ignore.<br/><br/>“My honorable discharge medal. I guess they thought it would make me feel better. Said I more than put in my time. Too much time, maybe, and it started to mess with my mind. Once I get that all sorted I'll get back to it and serve alongside familiar faces once again.” Despite the odds that it was slim they were ever going to see him fit to serve again. “Good men don't quit on one another. I'm still young and no marriage anymore to hold me back.” No family obligations or nagging wife telling him to stay home.<br/><br/>Someone interrupted them by coming in and asking about the desert. It was a good time to break away from the dreary mood that had overcome the usually happy man and a smile returned to his face once more. Pies had been set on the counter, covered with cellophane, and ice cream was in the freezer. They got their slices of what they wanted before sending the rest out to be served, Jaxon taking a slice of pecan and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. He sat down on the couch in the house to finish, Kiv having settled. The drinking outside was getting rowdier and some had come to say their goodbyes, heading out. He didn't like to give explanations as far as why he wasn't drinking. Most people knew by now anyway. Gabriel was an easy distraction. He hadn't asked and he wasn't drinking anything himself beside non-alcoholic lemonade.<br/><br/>“Tell me more about your life and your family. How did you guys come to own a restaurant here in Texas?” He was curious, feeling like he'd been talking a lot about himself, happy to shift the conversation so that it was more balanced. He liked hearing about Gabriel.