By the time Levi's bowl was empty and Noah's plate was clean, the restaurant had filled up around them.
The host returned. "Will there be anything else this evening?"
Levi realized what was happening: the restaurant was now at peak capacity, and the host was politely clearing the table for a reserved priority patron. He looked at Noah.
Noah looked at Levi.
"No," Noah said.
"Alright, sir, here is the bill." The host handed Noah the bill.
Levi's phone buzzed as Noah was signing the receipt.
He pulled it out as they walked toward the exit.
They walked out into the cool evening air, ignoring the polite goodbyes. The ride back to the Sky Fortress was silent, filled only with the hum of the car engine and the low, tense energy between them. As soon as the apartment door clicked shut behind them, Levi felt the day's exhaustion crash over him.
