In truth the food suited Eric just fine; yet he tended to keep his distance from the supers when possible. Oh he took not issue with them possessing abilities, since he himself did as well, but that fear of being discovered...well that was another matter. Already one super in the base knew what he was, and risking another was a dicey prospect. For too long Hawthorne had been so very careful, that it simply became second nature to him now. "Indeed, it is my loss to miss out on such fine cuisine, but I've figured the supers here would find it far more comforting to eat in peace without having a handler around. So if my physical absence allows them to breathe a little easier, and to just focus on enjoying a well prepared meal...instead of having to worry about saying the wrong thing in my presence...well it's better to simply give them their space and privacy."
It wasn't a lie by any means, but simply only part of the truth. At seeing her frown the man's thought drifted back to the present and his focus returned to her anew. "Sadly I am an only child, so I have no real clue how deep that bond of siblings can be...but instead of worrying over what to say, perhaps it would be simpler just to give him a hug? And perhaps just share a cup of coffee? The little steps forward really do add up in the end, and I think you two will find a way to reconnect once again."