Adam took his free hand immediately, winding their fingers together and pulling him in a little closer. “Let’s go get lunch.” Adam forced himself not to think about the finances of it with great effort. The compromise mattered more. “If you’re hungry,” he said, because he needed to get something from Alec, to confirm that they were both in this compromise together.

“I’ll skip my next class. I’d rather spend the time with you.” Getting up, Adam stepped close to him, keeping hold of Alec’s hands. “I’m pretty sure we’re both difficult, and I don’t know if this is going to work, but I think you’re worth the effort. If you want me, if you’ll try for me, I’ll try.”