"That's what I thought! But, well, I wouldn't object if you felt like tucking me into your jacket," Alice teases back, and her smile is fond when she thinks about Jasper, and how difficult it is for him to be around humans sometimes, and how well he's done already, being around Natasha. It's probably going to be difficult to explain just how significant that is, especially to someone who shies away from genuine connections when they're first offered.

That fond smile is still in place when she looks back at Natasha and shakes her head. "I know how it sounds to someone who doesn't know me, and I know it's difficult to just accept without any proof, but I know who I saw, Natasha." Alice's eyes drop to watch the movement of Natasha's thumb against her hand. It's been years since she's held hands with any human, and that had been Bella, it hadn't been like this. She hadn't been so interested in paying attention to the subtle shift of muscle and tendon, the easy flow of blood beneath skin. It's enticing, and not in a way that feels dangerous at all.

"I was nervous to come here," she admits, glancing up again, her smile faltering a bit. "I didn't know if I should interrupt. But I thought...well, I couldn't see anything past last night, and I thought if I didn't come now, and if you'd decided to leave, I might never have met you. I didn't want to lose you before I'd even met you. That wouldn't be fair to either of us."