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“I'm surprised you found a place that would serve just the beans.”
“It's what you wanted, right? Besides, when I asked you about your favorite foods you couldn't think of anything else.”
Shadow took a seat across from Rouge. She had already ordered herself some red wine and him a bowl of coffee beans. He had been surprised when she invited him to a shared birthday dinner. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate it or even that he didn't want to go, but it was unexpected.
“Another year done.” Rouge smiled as she took a sip of her wine. “How's it feel?”
“Exhausting.” Shadow sighed as picked up the spoon and began eating his coffee beans.
Rouge wasn't satisfied with that answer, but Shadow pretended not to notice.
“I think I'll go with the ribeye.”
“And who is paying for this?” Rouge was the one who invited him, but he had a feeling he was the one who was going to be stuck with the bill.
“Since the birthday guest shouldn't have to pay, but we are both the birthday guest, I was thinking we would pay for each other.”
“Not as conniving as I was expecting.”
“Give me some credit. What do you take me for?”
“A jewel thief and a manipulative spy,” Shadow quickly snapped back.
“You say that like an insult. Give me some credit here. Besides, manipulative is a strong word.”
“Am I incorrect?”
“I guess not, but you make it sound so much more heinous than it is. What do you plan to order?”
“I think I'll get the ribeye as well.”
“They say great minds think alike.” Rouge smiled as she continued sipping her wine.
“Don't flatter yourself.”
“If I don't, will you?”
Shadow scoffed at the suggestion.
“Happy birthday, Shadow.”
“Happy birthday, Rouge.”