eager to capitalize on his expertise of the best places where his new friends would have fun. Yet as the Nobek’s assurance grew, he consulted with Bacoj less and less and began to direct their activities as a matter of course.
Bacoj chafed at his own inability to lead. However, Vax was obviously having the time of his life with Japohn in command. After having Karil’s knife at his throat, the Imdiko was due a fantastic holiday. How could Bacoj stand in the way of that?
It’s only for a few days, he reminded himself. Though his plans to cement his relationship with Vax on Dantovon weren’t working out as he’d hoped, they’d still be together during the war, and Japohn would be elsewhere.
The thought of the Nobek off on his own, daring his life to infiltrate enemy sites with no friendly faces for miles around, gave Bacoj a twinge of guilt. Why was he taking out his insecurities on the guy who’d saved Vax’s life? He owed Japohn, and all he could think about was how jealous he was of him.
Determined to stop being a jerk, Bacoj smiled and agreed to whatever Japohn had in mind for their stay. He only argued when the dinner hour rolled around and Japohn insisted the meal was on him.
“It would be just my luck that I talk this place up and they screw up our orders and you hate it,” the Nobek argued. “Since I’m pushing for us to eat at this bar, I’ll pay. It’s only fair.”
His argument made too much sense for Bacoj to debate the matter for long. Yet again, Japohn got his way.
Bacoj tried to comfort his growing concerns with the fact that the bar Japohn brought them to was far nicer than he’d anticipated. The décor leaned heavily toward sports, particularly shuttle racing. Vids lined up along the walls, showing races throughout the system, including the most prestigious championships. Odds for those who wished to bet were constantly updated as the latest heats readied to commence. The low piped-in music did little to cover the groans and laughter of those who lost and won wagers.
The menu featured favorite dishes of famous pilots, past and present. The table tops were made of shuttlebody panels, and the long bar in the middle of the space had mementos under clear molding.
Bacoj enjoyed watching shuttle races, had even toyed with the idea of training to pilot in them. The high mortality rate kept him from acting on the notion—in some leagues, it was perfectly legal to cause opponents to crash. His mother would have had a stroke if Bacoj had decided to pursue such a career.
As he took in the surroundings, Bacoj noted how Japohn sat with his back to the corner, where he’d requested they sit. He appeared relaxed, smiling as Vax scanned the upcoming races and stats and quizzed Bacoj on which pilots were liable to win. However, Japohn’s gaze constantly swept the room, and he nursed a glass of kloq in the time Vax downed two orders of bohut. Perhaps Japohn’s interest was chiefly in attracting clanmates, but he was taking his bodyguard duties seriously. Bacoj couldn’t deny the Imdiko was secure under Japohn’s watch.
As if hearing Bacoj’s thoughts, Japohn twitched a nod at him. “Relax. Enjoy yourselves. You have nothing to worry about.”
Vax was certainly indulging in having a battle-ready Nobek at his side. He gave up on bohut by the glass and ordered an entire bottle, telling Japohn, “You’re not paying for the booze. Dinner is fine, but I’m in the mood to indulge myself in a little drunkenness, so that’s on me.”
He started placing small bets on the races. Bacoj was more than willing for Vax to let loose after nearly being murdered that morning. He kept an eye on his lover’s gambling, but even when the Imdiko’s eyes turned glassy and his words began to slur, he kept breaking even. His grin was constant, and it was obvious he was having a great evening.
Their food arrived, and again, Bacoj was impressed with the fare. He and Japohn were laughing more and more as Vax got tipsier. At one point, Vax looked at him worriedly.
“Am I being stupid? Are you irritated with me?”
“Not at all. Have fun.” Bacoj chuckled as Vax planted a bohut-scented kiss on his cheek.
“I’m glad you like this place,” Japohn said as Vax started scrolling through pilot stats again.
“I have to say, it beats being holed up at the inn. Or heading home