"That was me," Rex replied casually, leaning back in his seat. Thought since we'd eaten half the menu already, why not take some for later? Dinner time's coming anyway. Besides—" his tone shifted lighter, almost teasing, "the food's too good to leave behind. Would be a shame not to."
Sophie perked up instantly. "Wait, so this means… midnight snack? Rex, you're officially my soulmate."
"Or breakfast, depending on how long you hoard it," Rex deadpanned.
The table erupted in laughter again,
Of course, the extra food was just the surface excuse. The real reason was Elara. Rex caught the way her eyes lingered on the feast earlier, the faint hesitation in her hands when she finally allowed herself a bite. He knew that look. The guilt of eating something good while thinking of family back home who couldn't.
It wasn't pity… he wasn't the type. It was recognition. Because he'd lived that and knew that feeling.
