Ace, Jack, and Peyton were seated at a table in Burger King, enjoying their lunch. Peyton inquired, "May I ask what our plan is and why we have gathered here?"
Jack and Ace exchanged glances. "I will inform you after we finish our meal and return to the headquarters," Ace responded, taking a sip of his soda.
Jack leaned back in his chair, observing the two of them. "Furthermore, we must wait until Soifon is fully healed before proceeding with the plan. We cannot afford to rush."
Peyton looked at the two men, contemplating. "Wouldn't it be wiser to exploit their vulnerability while one of them is injured, or at least intimidate them for a period of time?"
Ace considered her suggestion. "That is a possibility, but I desire a semblance of challenge before acquiring both Soifon and Erin," he stated, his eyes scanning the doors as customers entered and exited the establishment, oblivious to the presence of the three individuals.
"I believe Peyton raises a valid point, although I do not believe it will be as straightforward as we anticipate," Jack continued, only to be interrupted by Ace, who put a hand in his face and gestured towards the open door.
Jack turned his attention to the doors to see what Ace was referring to, and a smile emerged on his face as two individuals entered the restaurant.
Ace observed the doors opening and grinned upon seeing Soifon and Erin walking into Burger King, where they were currently located. "Well, I did not anticipate crossing paths with them here, especially considering Soifon's ongoing hospitalization," Peyton whispered, ensuring that the two women could not hear her.
"I concur. However, let us maintain composure, as they are under the impression that we are currently imprisoned," Ace remarked, closely observing their every move.
Jack nodded in agreement. "Nevertheless, we can still discreetly monitor their activities from a distance," he suggested, leaning in to catch a glimpse of Soifon and Erin. His blue eyes then noticed a slight bump in Erin's abdomen.
Jack couldn't help but display a smile as he observed the brunette. "What is the source of your amusement, Jack?" Peyton inquired, leaning closer towards the blond-haired individual. Jack turned to face her and shrugged.
"I'm not entirely sure. It could be that I am glad to witness Erin's physical fitness," Jack responded as Peyton leaned in for a closer look at the brunette. "She is quite attractive," the blond remarked with a grin, then shifting his attention to Erin's baby bump.
"Oh... is that why you are showing interest in her?" Peyton asked, a grin adorning her face. "I gather that she is now carrying your child," she said, recalling the information she had been told by Ace and Jack during their initial encounter with Soifon and Erin, and how Jack attended to Erin.
Jack shrugged, not having complete certainty, but considering the size of Erin's stomach, it was plausible. "I am familiar with the signs of pregnancy, Jack. I have a friend who recently gave birth," Peyton chimed in with a chuckle.
Jack inquired of Ace, who simply observed the two women at the counter, "What course of action should we pursue now that Erin finds herself with child?" Ace replied nonchalantly, "This development will have no significant impact on our plans."
Jack nodded in agreement and expressed his desire to avoid causing any harm to Erin, especially to their unborn child. Despite his questionable background, he made it clear that he would never harm a child or a pregnant woman.
Ace suggested, "In that case, let us focus on dealing with Soifon at this moment, and then we can perhaps devise a plan for Erin." He proceeded to take a bite of his sandwich while keeping an eye on Soifon and Erin.
Soifon and Erin's P.O.V
Soifon and Erin entered Burger King after Erin parked her vehicle in an available spot, having just finished dropping off Soifon's prescriptions at Rite Aid. "Do you have any preferences for your meal?" asked Erin politely as she held the door open for Soifon.
Soifon nodded, expressing her uncertainty about what to order. "I'm not entirely sure, anything would suffice," she replied as they made their way towards the front counter to place their order.
"May I assist you?" a young man inquired as he approached the two women to take their orders. "How about two number one meals with a coke and a Dr. Pepper?" Erin inquired, glancing at the menu displayed on the counter.
"Will there be anything else?" the man asked as he entered their order into the system. "No, thank you," replied Erin, while Soifon, still ordering, observed the surroundings and noticed a few individuals sitting in booths.
As Soifon scanned the area, her blue eyes met the gaze of a man who was staring back at her. She turned away when she witnessed him offering her a smile.
Soifon restrained herself from biting her lip as she averted her gaze from the individual she had been staring at. She was displeased by the familiarity that he seemed to exude, particularly the eyes and smile which evoked a sense of familiarity within her.
Upon looking back, she discovered that the person had already disappeared, leaving her perplexed. However, she quickly dismissed this train of thought when Erin addressed her, saying, 'Hey, Soi, would you prefer to dine here or take it to go?' Erin's question prompted Soifon to direct her attention towards her.
In an attempt to clear her mind and rid herself of thoughts about the enigmatic man, Soifon blinked and suggested, 'Ah, let's take it to go so we can collect the medicine and return home.' She decided to disregard her partner's inquisitive gaze regarding her unusual behavior, but vowed to divulge what she had witnessed once they reached the sanctuary of their home.
Erin nodded in agreement upon hearing Soifon's decision to take the food to go. She pondered over what might have distracted Soifon so suddenly, yet she concluded that the woman with raven locks would disclose the truth when they were finally home. 'Sounds good to me,' Erin responded.
Once Erin informed the worker of their preference to take their food to go, they promptly stepped out of the line after making the payment for their meals. Now, they had to patiently wait for their order to be prepared. As they waited, the man serving them handed them two cups, allowing them to fill their drinks whilst they awaited their food.
Following Erin, Soifon accompanied them to the fountain. Once they were at a distance where their conversation couldn't be overheard, Erin leaned in to inquire gently, 'What was that about? Is something troubling you?' Erin's concern stemmed from a worry that Soifon might have strained her stitches.
With a smile initially on her face, Soifon responded, 'No, I'm fine.' However, her expression turned into a frown as she poured Dr. Pepper into her cup, while Erin opted for Coke. 'Are you certain? You seemed lost in thought,' Erin expressed.
Letting out a sigh, Soifon looked at her beloved and suggested, 'How about I explain everything once we are home, where we can have our conversation without the fear of prying ears? I believe it is unnecessary for anyone else to be privy to our discussion.' Soifon felt a sense of relief when Erin nodded in agreement.
Erin nodded in understanding, acknowledging Soifon's concern. She replied, "Okay, I understand. I just wanted to make sure you don't push yourself too hard or get stressed out." They walked back together to collect their food when it was ready.
Soifon smiled and nodded in agreement, saying, "I prefer sitting on a soft couch rather than a hard chair." The brunette chuckled in response and added, "I agree." She picked up their food bag and they left Burger King, with Soifon following behind.
Unaware of their surroundings, the couple failed to notice three sets of eyes observing their every move. Erin helped Soifon into the car, then got into the driver's seat. Once they were both seated and buckled up, Erin pulled out of the parking lot and began driving towards Ride Aid.
Peyton, leaning in the backseat, asked Ace and Jack, "Should we follow them?" Ace responded, "No, not this time." He then got out of the car himself and headed back to the hideout.