Adam was briefly surprised by the arm around his shoulders, because Alec had so far seemed so careful and guarded in response to Adam's flirtations, meeting them but never really upping the ante. They both had been making only the most tentative of gestures as they circled each other, slowly moving closer.

For him to put his arm around Adam's shoulders was an unmistakable gesture, and Adam glanced up at him for a moment in surprise before nestling into it, settling into Alec's embrace and resting his head on Alec's shoulder as he continued to read.