"Because I'm too weird for the usual thing?" 

"I think the story thing is, like, you make a bad first impression and I'm not interested in even being your friend for a while but then you rescue me from a bear and I fall in love with you, or something."

"I guess. And that story does sound...I don't know, more simplified than reality." 

"Plus it requires a convenient attacking bear."

"I guess we had a conveniently attacking steam boiler explosion? But it made me notice feelings I had already, rather than changing your feelings, it sounds like." 

"This is about the steam boiler explosion? You didn't even need rescuing from it!"

"But we saved other people's lives. Right? You saved people's lives, when I asked for your help." 

"Of course I did."

Ma'ar turns. Looks into her eyes. "I'd have to be really stupid to need rescuing, being a mage and all, but - other people aren't as lucky. So...it matters more to me, right. That you'll help when strangers need it." 

"I think it speaks well to my moral fiber and all but it's not conventionally the sort of thing that gets boys' attention."

"Is, uh, moral fibre not what most boys are looking for?" 

"Not as far as I know!"

"It really seems like the most important part to me!" 

"Oh good, it's nice to be liked for the right reasons."

"Hmm, I guess it's that plus your being - smart and good at a lot of things? I wouldn't like you nearly as much if you were brave and had moral fibre but weren't as competent. ....Uh, sorry if that's offensive." 

"If I were brave and incompetent it sounds like I'd make a mess of things!"

"Sounds right, and that'd be way less impressive." Squeeze. "But you are competent, and brave too." 

"You have excellent taste."

"Awww." Snuggle. Ma'ar lifts a hand and starts to pet her hair, then stops. "- Uh, is that all right?" 

"- what, petting my hair? Yes, you can pet my hair. - do you want me to ask like that whenever I think of anything -"

"Uhh, it seems kind of high friction to ask every time, and I was fine - er, happy - about all the things you did before? I just...don't trust my own guesses about it as much." 

"Why not?"

"I, uh, I feel like I don't understand people who aren't me that well? But I might just be overthinking it because I'm nervous." 

"That sounds probably normal."

"Mmm." He leans on her shoulder, seeming a little more relaxed. 

A while later: "Er, I do have some studying I meant to do this afternoon. You're, uh, welcome to stay if you want though, we could study together before we go look at the stars."