Xaviers!

"Thanks," she says, "It's just... I stuck my neck out before and got burned and then you and you're interested in me and I... I'm not sure what to do with that."

"You mean the thing with Will?"

Natalie nods timidly, walking on eggshells here. "Yes."

"Man, that's cause he's a million year-old grumpy-pants!" she says, trying to make light of it to help Natalie, although it could come across as dismissive just as easily. "I know you like him and all, but he's kind of got his head up his butt sometimes."

Natalie gives a half-hearted shrug, "He made it clear he wasn't interested in me like that, so it is what it is, head up his butt or not. I just... wasn't prepared for you to *like* like me. I mean, I knew we were friends, but I didn't know you liked me like that. And then you kissed me, and well, it's been confusing."

"Would you rather just be friends?"

"I don't want to not be friends," Natalie says, "And I'm afraid of that happening. But I also don't want to pass up this opportunity either."

"I mean, I'm not gonna stop being your friend, but I'm getting kind of confused now..."

"Well, what happens if this doesn't work out? What happens if we get mad at each other and break up? Would we still be friends? I'd hate not to be." It was classic Natalie-based-overthinking. "I... I'm sorry. I'm just talking in circles now." She starts fidgeting.

"I dunno. But I rarely know what's gonna happen and that's never stopped me before."

“I guess my brain just chases potential pathways. And then I worry.”

"Well, as long as you don't mind me dragging you along sometimes..."

"I think it's a thing I'll just have to get used to," she says with a half-smile.

"You just need some kinda signal so I know when I took it too far." Shari nods.

“Do you have a suggestion? It needs to be something that can’t be taken another way.”

"Oh, I know. How about Atu'rar! That's Skrull for 'stop'."

Natalie mulls that over for a bit, "That will probably work. We can certainly try it."

"Great! Cause I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

*** Later during break ***

Natalie had really been trying and mostly succeeding at opening up. She still had her moments where she descended into the electronic world of her room and didn't come up for air for an hour or two. She had even told Shari about a few of the devices in the room, including "Mr. Vroom", a small RC car with a red light inside that blinked. Mr. Vroom was the first device that Natalie had put together herself that she'd been able to communicate with. He occupied a special shelf all his own.

If Miss Denisov noticed any oddities from Shari, she didn't say anything. One night, she made huge bowls of popcorn and fished out a projector and screen so they could watch Natalie's favorite science fiction movie. They all changed into pajamas and pillows got thrown around on the couches as everyone got comfortable to watch the movie. Without being asked, Natalie sits down hip-to-hip with Shari.

"Okay, so what is this one about?" Shari asks excitedly while munching on a mouthful of popcorn.

"Well..." Natalie gets that look in her eye like she's about to launch into a long-winded description. She stops herself and says, "Space wizards with laser swords and princesses who save themselves."

Shari nods as she watches the opening crawl and something seems to click. "Ooh, a different galaxy! No wonder I've never heard of this."

Miss Denisov looks at her a little strangely and Natalie pokes her lightly in the ribs. "Yeah, I didn't think you would have had the chance to see it," Natalie says, covering.

"Oh!" Shari squeaks out at the poke. "Yeah. I've been trying to catch up on things, but I've been focusing on music."

"Ah," Miss Denisov says, not sounding convinced and eyeing the two young women.

Shari doesn't really seem to notice. She's too focused on the movie and the popcorn and how close Natalie is sitting to her, which is even more exciting than the documentary on ancient history she put on. At some point she carefully tries to put an arm around Natalie's waist.

It takes Natalie a moment to realize what Shari is trying to do. After a moment's contemplation, she scoots a little to make it easier for Shari to get her arm around her.

Shari smiles a little and stuffs another handful of popcorn into her mouth.

"So... are these guys humans? Or just, like, human-ish?"

"The implication is that they're human, but I'm not sure another galaxy has a concept of 'human'. Most..."

"She'll go on all day if you let her."

Shari nods and smiles at Natalie's mom. "That's why I ask. Too much information's better than too little, yeah?"

"That's debatable."

Natalie rolls her eyes and just leans her head on Shari's shoulder.

Shari snickers a little at Natalie rolling her eyes but doesn't say anything else, simply settling in to watch the movie. She manages to keep most of her questions to herself throughout the film.

At some point, close to a climactic scene, Natalie's hand snaked into Shari's somewhat timidly.

Shari grins and gives Natalie's hand an encouraging squeeze. She's not really sure what she's doing right, but it must be something!

After a moment of contemplation she leans over a little and plants a kiss on Natalie's cheek.

That seems to overload Natalie's brain gears, which is probably noticeable more in her facial expression. If they were paying attention to their phones, they might notice a loss of connection, but no one is at the moment.