Quote:
Originally Posted by
Edward Penguin 
He shrugged. "Yeah, there's lots going on, but the first time I see you in a while, I need to take more interest in you." He listened as she explained more. "Well, I know you're busy and I know you study hard, so I know that you are doing ok."
He smiled as she blushed. It was the first he'd noticed since they began talking. He prodded her with his elbow. "You're much more than lucky. You are resourceful and smart and so many other things." And when she spoke about not being the only clever one, it was his turn to blush. "Thank you" was his quiet reply.
Nia watched him, almost bemused. "Do you? I mean, do you need to, or want to, or....?" She drifted off, now unsure of where she was actually heading. Probably into a big deep hole. "I guess I mean, as a friend I don't expect it - and I bet you generally know if something is up with me anyway." She smiled. "Yeah, but I love it. Willow might be working us hard on the pitch, but it's one of the best feelings there is, so I never mind. And schoolwork, well, it just has to be done."
She saw him smile just moments after the full colour came through her blush. Were the two events related? Probably. Gah! He wasn't meant to notice. She shrugged, trying to persuade her cheeks from blushing again. "I'm just me, Nia, and anything from there is a bit of nature and a bit of nuture." She smiled as he blushed at his compliment. "It's true. Some things you're far better than me at..."