[Damian won't look back up at her as she responds. Too embarrassed. He sort of digs into the wet mud, trying to find the words he's looking for.] Yeah, I think you're pretty and stuff. [At least his heart is honest? It's fine.]

I'm glad we're friends. [He finally lifts just his eyes. He's so darn cute when he's not being a sour gremlin thirteen year old.] I've... never had any friends before. Except for Jon. And... Maya, I guess.

[Behind them, something rumbles. Far out over the water, tucked away against the horizon, is an ominously dark storm cloud. Lightning winks on inside, and, a long time after, thunder purrs distantly. Damian frowns; the tight brows and serious expression are familiar, if funny on such a young face.] It's coming. [Everything is still sunny and nice, but the air feels a bit different. The breeze and quiet before a summer storm. The air smells like humid ozone.]