Noah got up too, turning red again at Al's words to Mik and realizing that Al probably thought that that was why he was being quiet. Should he talk about the food thing? He maybe didn't have to, but maybe he should. Maybe he shouldn't. He wanted to and didn't want to. It was on his mind again.

Laz huffed scornfully and Noah got the impression that the zombie dog had turned away and was curling up to go to sleep, bored with the internal dilemma. Shut the hell up, he said to his weapon, suddenly angry.

Oh -- he realized that Al was looking to him to lead. He hastily started walking, giving Al a small, strained smile, and looking back to the table to say quickly, "See you later."