[i]Dude. Offer to walk her home. [u]It's the perfect chance.[/u][/i]

[i]Are you serious? No way! This wasn't even a [u]date[/u], and she scrammed at my first hint of affection. You're an idiot.[/i]

[i][u]I'm[/u] an idiot? You're the one who said that stupid compliment.[/i]

[i][u]We both[/u] said that stupid compliment, you jerk. We're the [b]same person.[/b][/i]

[i]Oh right. Dang it. ...well it was [u]your idea![/u][/i]

[i]Oh, like yours are so great.[/i]

[i]You'd better believe they a-[/i]

[i]The Noodle Incident. Care to explain that one?[/i]

[i]I...I hate you.[/i]

[i]Thought so.[/i]

[b]"Well, ok, if you're sure you're fine,"[/b] he responded to her assurance that she was fine.

Lucas looked at the darkening sky. He wanted to keep talking to this girl, but she had to get up early for work, and he didn't. He wracked his brain for a way to stay in contact with her. Asking for her number, too creepy. Offering to walk her home, too soon. He could...[i]wait.[/i]

[b]"Maybe I'll stop by the coffee shop tomorrow,"[/b] he said. He almost said "Just for you," but bit his tongue. It was too early for that sort of thing.

[b][i]"OW!"[/i][/b] he suddenly exclaimed, and then looked embarrassed at Claire. [b]"Sorry...I bit my tongue."[/b]

He took her hand and shook it firmly. [b]"It was really nice to meet you too, Claire,"[/b] he said, smiling warmly. Her huge, eye-closing smile was the cutest thing he'd seen in a long time. [b]"...y-you know, I could walk with you until I have to turn off to go to my own place,"[/b] he added quickly, basically blabbering.

That smile had killed him. Killed him dead.