Kay

Hoping to be able to catch Connor before his evening match, Kay arrives at Mr. Gray's establishment in the early afternoon prepared to wait for him. The boxer is dressed in a full three-piece suit and impeccably groomed, as is his habit when out in public regardless of the occasion, but if there's been a little extra effort put into his appearance here and there, it's something only a keen eye (or nose, in the case of his faint cologne) might notice. And he's counting on it. Perched in his customary place at the bar — strictly ordering water, of course — there's a lovely paper and lace wrapped bouquet of flowers laid across his thighs, strategically positioned so they're mostly hidden from view. A surprise.

The more daring patrons who recognise Kade from the underground occasionally approach him, or at least step toward him and think hard about it before wisely turning away at the last moment, but for the most part he's thankfully left alone. It doesn't escape his notice that Mr. Gray helps in his own way to discourage people from bothering him, and he's grateful for it. He isn't out here to socialise or be fawned over. He's here only for one reason, and it's difficult not looking up hopefully each time he hears someone entering the restaurant. Though he and Connor have been doing this for a while now, the nervous anticipation and excitement of being together again hasn't changed — if anything, it's only grown stronger as his feelings for Connor have.

Unable to forget how Connor of his own volition chose to approach and treat him during their less than ideal first meeting, and his unfortunate assumptions, Kay has nonetheless remained cautiously optimistic. He doesn't trust easily and a pretty face has never affected his judgment, but he's continued to see Connor on a personal basis without speaking of his Madam's business or affairs. To be safe. It wouldn't be the first time another noble family has attempted to use him as a means for gaining insider information on the Joshi family. But as time goes on and Connor continues to prove his trustworthiness, Kay has incrementally relaxed his guard and become more willing to believe the other man's affection is genuine. More than that, to believe Connor is deserving of his time and affection as well; believing that this could be the real deal for both of them, despite their statuses and limitations.

And perhaps one day, if he can somehow give Connor his freedom...