"Get your own plate," he told the cat. Letting go of Alec's hand, Adam gathered up a plate of his own and warily took a few things. He remembered how badly his last meal with Alec had ended and was nervous about another fight, so he limited the things that he picked up, preferring to go back for seconds rather than leave his plate unfinished.

Settling into a chair, Adam picked at his food, giving the cats warning looks when they came close but not bothering to shove either of them off the table as long as they left his plate alone.

He kept one eye constantly on Alec, wary and admiring. Unsure how to offer any kind of conversation, Adam kept quiet, hoping that Alec could ask his questions without Adam needing to provide an opening for him.