Tobias looks a little lost as we take a seat at the table. He sits there as if expecting something big to happen. I glance around for a few minutes, taking in the other couples sitting at the tables. They look so comfortable and yet I feel anything but. I see some hand holding and other gestures that make me shudder and I lean back further in my chair before looking back at Tobias. He doesn't seem to be making a move so that's good. Is he just wanting to eat then? I guess I am a little hungry, though I'm still shaken up about the fire incident. I guess I'll never be able to go through the obstacle course for him.

He frowns at me as if about to say something not very nice when the waitress arrives. I read off what I want and I note the look Tobias gives me, almost like he wants something but just as quick as it's there, it's gone and he points to his own upside down angle. The waitress takes it all in stride, bless her, and writes it down and wanders off. He watches the waitress go before turning his attention back to me. When I tell him about my fear of fire, he stares at me for the longest time and I start to wonder if he understands what I'm saying. But finally he nods his head and I can sense that he does understand, at least mostly. He continues to stare at me as I ask about his own fears and for a moment, I start to feel awkward and unsure again. Is he not going to answer?

But then he whispers one word and I have to lean forward a little to hear it. Water. He doesn't like water. Since he's a leopard shifter, it's almost amusing but since I'm still shaken up over my own fear, instead I just scowl in concern and nod in understanding. He seems scared that others might hear his fear, perhaps to use it against him? I'm about to try to think of something else to talk about but then he continues and I'm left with my head tilted slightly, listening as he starts listing off things he dislikes. Some I understand like bright colors and loud noises. Others...I don't get. Grass for eating? I'm not sure I understand that one at all. I don't know what risky is either.

Only when the waitress comes back does he quiet down. She places my chicken tenders before me and I thank her in a low shy voice before she sets a large crawfish looking thing in front of Tobias with shell creatures. He stares at the food and I can tell he didn't know what he was ordering. He looks at my chicken before back to his own plate. I scowl at his question, contemplating before I reach out, grabbing for the crawfish tail so I can sniff it. I put it back on his plate and stare at the shells for a moment before I shake my head.

"No...not a bug. Not rocks either..."

I can smell the meat in them, even if I can't see it. I don't really know how to get to it either. He looks back at me and I'm about to offer more information when suddenly he picks up one of the shells and slams it against the table. I jump at the sudden movement, glancing around to see lots of eyes staring in bewilderment. I can guess this is not how you eat them. I manage to sneak a peek at a couple who seem to be having the same thing. The man has a fork and knife in the tail, prying it apart to get the meat while the woman is using her fork to pry open the shell and slurp out the center. I lean forward, grabbing for Tobias' wrist before he can slam the shell against the table again.

"Tobias, use your tools."

I slide his fork and knife closer to him and then point at the couple.

"See? There's meat inside. Just have to use the tools."

I wait to see how he does before I grab at a chicken tender. I go to take a bite before pausing and then I hold one piece out to him.

"Would you like some of this instead?"

alexis wilde