"Yuh-huh," Topher confirmed. "I blame Billy."

Sure, Topher. Suuuure.

"Hey," Topher said, "I was perfectly happy to name the penguins after him and leave it at that." Because that was normal.

"It's 'cause I'm in touch with my feelings," Topher declared.

TOPHER. NOT TRUE.

"It's a gift," Topher said. "You should work on it."

Oh, Topher. Silly, delusional Topher.

Topher was having the vague -- and probably untrue, he thought -- sensation that he was being laughed at.

"What?" he demanded.

Topher paused. That was a fair point.

"Yeah, well," he grumbled. "Still."

'Still' nothing, Topher.

Willpower was right up there with empathy in Ben's store of talents, it was true.

"Good," Topher said, definitely not blushing or shifting in any way. Nope. "The food was good, and we, like, talked and stuff, and we got to fly a little, and yeah. Good."

Topher thought back and winced. "Would that be bad?" He wasn't sure that he'd done it, mind. He just didn't know that that would be bad.

Topher made a face. "Pass. Ask Ender for one," he suggested.

Topher was sadly immune to Ben's adoraleness, and instead just flailed right back. "Why!?"

Because, Topher. That was what people did.

Topher looked wary. "You don't... think he, like... wants to do that, do you?"

"Oh," Topher said. "I... don't think either of those apply?"

That was awkward.

"So some people in relationships don't kiss?" Topher tried hopefully.