a million reasons.

“Speaking of ice cream, i could go for some right now. You down?”

“Absolutely, it’s like you just read my mind.” Nolan said with a nod. “Lead the way.”

“Back in myself? Do I look like an eyeball replacement surgeon to you? Pun intended.”

“I’d have to say yes. I was just gonna ask if you were actually.”

“It’s totally n-no problem. I would h-hate for you to lose money a-all because I refused to get a kiss from you,” she joked, her cheeks heating up a little. “Besides, it’s n-not like you’re asking for my hand in m-m-marriage. If you w-were then I-I’m afraid you’ll have t-to lose that bet.”  

“You’re truly so awesome. I swear I’ll make this as painless as possible, well -- maybe not, I’m not all that smooth with you know,” He gestured between the two of them. “Initiating said kiss.” Nolan said with a laugh. “That I could understand. I’m not so sure I’d take that bet, it’s a scary commitment.”

“Nothing, I guess I’m just surprised. Is there a reason why?”

“Surprised? I guess I’ve just been too nervous to really get that comfortable with anyone yet. It sounds dumb, I realize that.”

“Nothing.”

“Tell me, please?”

“What? No, that’s impossible, you’ve gone out with girls before.”

“Yeah, and? Nothing ever happened.”

“Maybe the purpose was to make you think about something else.”

“Something else like what?”

“Yes, golden, utilizing technology– what a wise one you are Sir Nolan.” Leigh grinned, gesturing at him with a pointed finger as if this was some newfangled concept he’d invented. “I’m glad that you do, because it’d be tragic to waste our platonic real-life-heroes bond. Now? Sure, if i’m not kidnapping you from any far more enticing plans.” 

“I figured it might just make it easier for the both of us. That’s what they swear technology is there for, yeah?” He teased. “Oh most definitely not. It’s way too important to me. Actually you’d be saving me from cleaning. I plan to put that off until afterward.”

“Chocolate chip cookie dough.”

“You’ve got good taste. I’d have to say that’s mine too.”

Maddie gave the guy a knowing look. “Ah well then b-by all means, I wouldn’t want you to s-stand in the way of losing a bet,” she joked. “B-But, um, if you a-are going to pass out, c-could I w-won’t be able to catch you. I-I’m afraid I’m too weak f-for that.”

“Thank you for being so understanding.” Nolan commented before smiling, too nervous to really make eye contact at this point. “Oh no, no. I’ll be sure not to pass out, I think when I start breathing normally again I’ll be okay.” He teased.

“Having a kid at sixteen will do that to you,” Alex snapped before shaking her head; she hated to have to go to that place, but sometimes she couldn’t help herself. “He’s a kid, but he’s not an idiot.”

“I’m sorry -- yet again. I didn’t mean for that to come out as an insult or anything.” Nolan said quietly as he averted his gaze. “Of course, I’m not saying he is. I’m just saying deadpan humor can be taken as seriousness, a lot more often than you think.”

At this very unexpected question, Oliver ducked his head momentarily and pressed his lips into a tight thin line before looking back up with a more serious expression - or at least an attempt at one. “I’m sorry. Unfortunately, I’m not into seafood.”

“I gotta admit I’m not really either. Sounds a lot nicer than pizza or quesadillas, though. I’m a big fan of those two.” Nolan said with a nod, trying not to laugh or crack a smile.

“What do you mean by no experience?”

“Like I mean uh... I’m -- I’ve never done it.”

“Why wouldn’t it be true?”

“Just seems pretty serious is all.”

“Hey, it’s okay… everybody has different levels of experience, right?”

“Yeah but.... I have no experience.” 

“A potato chip.”

“Really or are you lying?”

“Hey, c’mon. You know me. I promise.”

“I’m not really all that experienced in that.... you know, area.”