"Bye, lightnin' bug," Toad called, only after Zap had finally disappeared. He hopped easily unto the stool across from Eva and stared down at his halved portion, feeling as though he might starve before all was said and done, but completely happy the woman didn't look disgusted at what he'd laid before her. He plucked up his fork and began eating, slowly, savoring the flavor. He tried not to take more than he needed from the Xers. But a man needed a side of meat now and again, and this was clearly the time for it.
He glanced up from his plate, first to Eva, then to the pup who was still rattling his trap. Sigh. "The mouth goes open and closed," he said, as if reminding the lad. Three was company when it was two chicks and Toad, but now it felt like a crowd. So much for a quiet lunch. He'd find the multi-colored bird later, he decided, and went back to work on his steak.