[ His staring into the fire tactic isn't going to last long anyway, because as she talks more about her brother and their competitive nature he looks up again, head tilted, listening intently. It's a world he's never known, being an only child. It's hard to imagine that kind of relationship, but it's not just that that has him puzzled. ]

What do you mean? [ His brow is furrowed, and he leans forward, elbows on his knees. ] You're the one who's so incredibly smart and talented, and funny, and cool, and pret... [ He catches himself too late, but he can't not finish now. ] ...ty.

[ NEVER MIND, TIME TO STARE AT THE FIRE AGAIN. Maybe that will hide how red his face has gone. Maybe. ]

A-anyway, I'm just saying - I bet he feels like he has a hard time keeping up with you!

[ He says this all very much in a rush. ]