It was a curious thing, but Ryden had never really been aware of the fact that smiles were infectious before. Really. When other people smiled, it usually made her want to punch them. Heck, sometimes even when ORLANDO smiled she wanted to punch him. But not now. Now, she couldn't even control her lips as they beamed back. Yes, beamed. How inappropriate when she was all abysmally confused in her head.

. . .

He wanted to kiss her? "That's IT?!" Ryden couldn't help spluttering out, having hoped that the explanation would be a little more... explained. This wasn't easing her confusion. It was possibly even making it WORSE.

"Why?" she added, eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at him. And as she looked, she became aware of the fact that they were still very close. Close enough for her to be able to count his eyelashes, discern the exact shade his brown eyes really were. So close that, if she wanted, she could tiptoe up and kiss him again.

o_O This was a strange, strange day. Really.