"If you're cold, there's a seat warmer on your left side."
"I'll keep that in mind." Kazimir says as the young man pulls from out of the parking lot.
"You must spoil my little sister a lot, she loves talking about you."
"I try my best to keep her happy."
Alexei nods and chuckles.
"My friend used to spoil her a lot too before he was put on house arrest. I'll never forgive those law officials for falsely accusing him."
Kazimir turns to him.
"You have problems with them as well, huh?"
The young law student nods, braking at a stop light.
"If you don't mind my curiosity, why did you ask?"
Kazimir looks down at the car floor before replying.
"My sister was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. The detectives assigned to the case didn't even do there job properly and even went as far as saying that when she was found she had on a dress that made her look like a no-name prostitute as if that justified her death."
He looks out the car window, continuing.
"Eventually, the boy's parents paid the department a huge lump sum to "forget" about the case and tell my family there was a lack of evidence so an arrest couldn't be made."
Alexei frowns, shaking his head.
"I'm sorry to hear all of that, that's extremely disgusting."
The light turns green and the orange-eyed man presses on the gas.
"It's ridiculous how people with money can get away with lots of things but normal civilians have to suffer the consequences."
"Money and status."
"Hmm?" the young detective asks, raising a brow.
"As you know, my father was co-CEO of an airline company. When my friend was arrested for the faulty arson crime, his family had money but not enough status to get him out of the case hence why he's on house arrest in place of a prison cell."
"It sounds as if the police just needed someone to put the blame on." Kazimir replies.
Alexei sighs.
"Correct. It wasn't until about a year ago that I found out I too was supposed to be arrested, but since my father persuaded the department with private jet rides and first class tickets from his company, they let me off."
"That's a lot to take in."
The young law student nods, turning into the restaurant's parking lot.
The two men step out of the car, quickly walking into the restaurant.
"Over here, ding dongs!" Pierre shouts from halfway across the restaurant.
Taking a seat, a menu is each handed to Alexei and Kazimir.
After about fifteen minutes, a waiter comes back to take their orders.
"A rare ribeye steak, one baked potato, broccoli, and a large fruit punch please!" Khristina says happily.
"Shit, lemme get both the chicken and shrimp tempura, a medium grilled lobster tail extra butter, brown rice, a wedge salad, and a lemon tea." Dréy replies.
"I want two well done filét mignon, chicken yakisoba, the boiled shrimp side, some spinach with red peppers, and a red wine bottle." Pierre exclaims
"I'll have the steak and shrimp entree, au gratin potatoes, the grilled asparagus, a medium créme brûlée, and a water, thank you." Alexei requests.
"I'd just like a regular Caesar salad and water." Kazimir replies.
"Are you sure? You don't have to go for the lowest priced item, you know."
Kazimir turns to Alexei and nods.
"I'm sure. I am just a little hungry."
"I mean, you could use a couple burgers as well." The professional detective says with a chuckle.
"I'm well aware of-
"Add a cheeseburger with that salad, waiter." Pierre interrupts.
"And may I have the chocolate mouse with my order?" the young girl asks.
The waiter smiles and nods at the small girl's mispronunciation of "mousse."
"Anything else?" He asks.
"The bourbon salted caramel ice cream." Pierre answers.
"A large slice of cherry cheesecake." Dréy adds.
"I'd like to takeout a medium grilled t-bone steak with steamed rice, creamed brussel sprouts, and a large slice of chocolate cake, thank you." Alexei says.
"I'm fine." Kazimir replies.
"Alright, your orders will be here shortly." the waiter states before walking off.
Waiting for about ten minutes, the food arrives and the group talks amongst each other about different things going on in their lives.
After finishing, the waiter comes back with the bill, calculating everything up.
"So your total today is $7,930. Would you like for me to split the bill?"
"No sir, I'll be paying for it all."
The waiter hands the billing device to Alexei, who swipes his card, adding a tip as well.
He hands the device back to the waiter, who smiles.
"Thank you, sir. I hope you all have a wonderful evening and we hope to see you again soon."
He walks off and the five stand up, exiting the restaurant.
"Man, I can't wait to come back, that yakisoba was delicious!" Pierre says, throwing his keys in the air.
"You gotta try the wedge salad. I didn't expect much but it's good." Dréy replies, picking up Khristina who was falling asleep.
"What about you, Kazimir?" the professional detective asks.
"The salad was alright."
Pierre turns to the young law student.
"And you, Alexei?"
"I can't choose between the steak and shrimp entree or the grilled asparagus."
Heading back to the cars, Pierre, Dréy, and Khristina leave first.
"Do you mind if I make a quick stop? I'd like to drop off this extra food for my friend before the night ends."
"I don't mind. I'd like to thank you for paying my part of the meal again."
The young law student nods.
"You're welcome. It's the least I can do to repay you for watching my Khristina."
-- 30 minutes later --
Alexei pulls into a large driveway, stopping the car.
"This might take a while since he likes to talk a lot, so you're welcome to come in. I'm sure he won't mind."
"Oh, sure."
The two step out of the car, walking up some steps and onto the front porch.
Alexei rings the doorbell and the door opens, a tall young man with tanned-skin and a short ponytail greeting him.
"You back in town that quick, huh?"
The law student smiles.
"Yes, I'm only here for a few more days, however. Anyway, I brought you some food."
The young man takes it and smiles.
"I thought I told you to stop spending money on me."
Alexei nods.
"I know. I just want to be helpful, that's all."
The young man chuckles, and pats Alexei's shoulder.
"Thank you, big heart!"
"You're welcome. I also would like for you to meet a recent acquaintance of mine."
Kazimir steps forward.
"I'm Kazimir Cizetto."
The tan-skinned male smiles.
"Amir Kansaye. Pleasure to meet you, Kazimir. Please, come in."
The two men walk in, taking a seat.
"Want anything to eat or drink?" The young man asks, putting the food on his kitchen table.
"No, thank you." Alexei replies.
"A glass of water, thanks." Kazimir adds.
Amir nods and fills a glass of water, complete with a slice of lime on top.
"Here you are. You can remove the lime if you want, but I think it gives the water extra spice."
Kazimir thanks him and takes a sip, putting the glass to the side.
"So how's my little one holding up?"
Alexei chuckles and smiles.
"She's doing okay as far as I know. Kazimir here has been taking care of her while I'm away at school."
The young detective nods.
"She's a sweet little girl. The kindest child any guardian could ask for."
"Alexei must've scolded her beforehand." Amir replies.
The young law student softly laughs.
"Just a bit."
*BRRRINNGG!*
Reaching into his coat pocket, the Alexei looks down at his phone.
"It's one of my professors. Please, pardon me."
Getting up, he quickly walks outside, closing the front door behind him.
"Uh, my fault if this comes off as being nosy, but is he always that busy?" Kazimir asks.
Amir chuckles.
"Yep. He's always been that way since grade school."
Amir's smile quickly turns into a slightly concerning frown.
"However, I do think he's been a lot busier ever since I was placed on house arrest."
"Huh?"
"Yep. We made an agreement that after he'd finish law school, he'd represent me in court. Actually, if I'm being honest, Alexei kinda forced me into it."
He takes a sip of his water, putting it down.
"Recently, I've tried to take some stress off his back by telling him it was okay that if he felt like it was too much, I could just go ahead and hire a lawyer. He told me it was alright and that'd he'd be fine, but I don't know. With that boy, one really can't tell."
Kazimir nods in understandment, turning towards the front door as it opens.
Sitting back down, the law student puts his phone back in his pocket, before looking at both Amir and Kazimir.
"Is everything alright?"
"Yeah. Just wondering when you were going to bring Khristina to come and visit."
Alexei nods.
"I'm a bit busy tomorrow, but I should have some spare time the day after."
Amir turns to Kazimir, giving him an "I told you" look, before smiling.
"That's fine. Just take it easy, bruh."
Alexei sighs.
"I'll try."
Looking down at his watch, the young man sighs.
"I wish I could stay longer but it's getting quite late and who knows what danger my Khristina is in with Dréy and Pierre."
He stands up, followed by Kazimir, the three walking outside on the front steps.
"A'ight, see you in two days."
Alexei smiles, shaking his friend's hand.
"Same to you. Have a goodnight."
Amir nods.
"You too, bro! Oh, Kazimir! A word?"
"I'll be in the car." Alexei says, before walking down the steps.
Kazimir nods and turns to Amir.
"I don't know when or if we'll ever come across each other again, but might I ask for a favor?"
"Uh, yeah, sure thing." the young detective replies.
"Since I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, I ask you to watch over Alexei for me. I know he may seem like he can handle everything and has proven it, but seriously, the kid's gonna work himself to death."
Kazimir nods.
"I'll do my best."
Amir smiles and pats his shoulder.
"Thanks, broski. Have a good night, too."
"No problem and you too." Kazimir replies, walking down the steps.
The young man looks over at the car and sighs, watching the young man filling out some papers in the driver's seat.
"It can't be that hard for him to rest a little. Could it?"