[He watched her. More then he cared to admit. Or maybe it was the ADHD and he just picked up on things. That was one thing that people seemed to be surprised about that, even when he didn't look like he was paying attention, he'd remember details.

Maybe it was an Athena thing. But at least he didn't pile up as much as he did for himself. He really had been giving Percy a run for his money.]

Maybe I should challenge him to an eating competition, eh? I think I could win.

[It was a joke, mostly, to keep the mood light, but then she made that face and he wasn't sure what was happening. Wrong thing to say? It was always the wrong thing with her--]

[He laughs slightly.]

Good. No idea what you thought with it back then. [ Actually, maybe that was the first time he realized he was attracted to her and didn't know how to handle it, his mind thought. He shoved that to the side and spoke before he realized what he was doing.] You look brilliant. Loads better than the Aphrodite girls.

[And then he realizes and turns slightly pink. Well, it was true. They had their mother's looks and charm and they were nice to look at. He'd be mad not to think that, but Hermione was well-- He couldn't even explain that. So he clears his throat.] I mean it. You look brilliant.