This whole dinner date was unsettling to the new were. There was something about it that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Nervousness could definitely play a part in it, but there was something else just lingering there. He was meeting people that he should hate. He was told to steer clear of Nadya and Frost and yet here he was, having dinner with them both. He knew a little about the cease fire...but what if he did something to piss the male off? He definitely didn't want to be the reason the Nightshade Pack went into all-out war. He was still getting used to this idea of pack and loyalty to it. For those raised in this life style, it was just so matter-of-fact. But for Henry, he had to learn that this was simply how things were done. It was a lesson he was trying hard to learn, but struggling.

And then there was Malia. She was a friend â€" a good friend, perhaps even a best friend. But the two of them had history. It had been with Malia that defined Henry as a cheater. He had given himself to Malia when he was supposed to be in a committed relationship with Sterling. It was complicated and confusing and already a topic that pissed off Raven. He wasn't sure how to navigate through it. He wanted to keep Malia as a friend â€" but how could he forget what had happened between them, especially when his panther seemed to latch onto her and call her mate? Why was this whole situation so damn confusing?

But even by the time he had reached the group, none of his unspoken questions were answered. He was forced to make his introductions and at least try to make it seem as though he had himself together. Really, he was a hot fucking mess but he couldn't let any of them see his weaknesses. Tetradore would never forgive him if he was so stupid.

First he had addressed Malia, wanting to at least acknowledge her first since she was the one who set this up. He had tried to be friendly, but not overly friendly. He didn't want to give away the fact that they knew each other far more intimately than they probably should. He settled on a kiss to the knuckles. Malia, however, did not quite understand the gesture. Her words had him clear his throat nervously. He was not about to let his lips caress her own as she had been wanting. He didn't want to make it obvious that they were on much better terms than simple friends. But she had blown his cover and he was far too nervous to even offer a rebuttal. Any words that came from his mouth would appear only as word vomit and only make his situation far worse.

In an effort to divert the conversation, he gave his welcome to Nadya and finally to Frost. He had ended the encounter with a friendly handshake, one to not only be an effort to show peace, but also because it was polite. When he answered, stating that he had heard a lot about him, he looked at him curiously. "Is that so? I hope only good things." He didn't need all his dirty laundry aired out for Frost to see. That should be his place to share. But what had him far more curious was who was talking about him. Nadya didn't know him well enough to share much of anything. Malia perhaps...but who else?

Thankfully, Nadya diverted the situation and ushered them all inside. Henry held the door open for them both, ushering first Nadya, then Malia, followed by Frost then himself. He followed close behind the trio, welcoming the restaurant owner and offering him a silent nod in thanks before being led to their table.

Once seated, Henry grabbed his napkin, folding it and placing it on his lap. His eyes scanned the layers of silverware, hoping that he could remember how to eat with so many forks, spoons, and knives. This place was far more upscale that what he was used to. It reminded him of one of the restaurants that Sterling worked in.

Frost wasted no time in trying to usher information from him. Just as soon as the question left his lips, Henry desperately wished that his wine was already on the table. In fact, he should have done a couple of shots of whiskey before he came...something to help loosen him up. "I'm adjusting as well as can be expected." He was not about to unload on a complete stranger. He wasn't about to tell him that he hated his life as a were and many times, wished the accident had never happened. Also on the do-not-talk-about-list was how his animal was ruining his relationship with Sterling and pushing him towards Malia. They were still so confusing to him, let alone to others. It wasn't a topic he liked to talk about and more often than not, liked to ignore. And yet, he was having dinner with three other weres. He should have known the topic would come up eventually.

Finally, the wine seemed to come, and Henry took a modest sip. It wasn't enough to cause alarm, but hopefully enough to give him a little courage. "I'm afraid you know more about me than I know of you." No one had ever talked about Frost â€" never wanting to give him any sort of information other than "do not talk to him under any circumstances". So much for listening to them. "You must have better sources than I do." He chuckled, nervously but not obviously showing that he was quite nervous.