[One of Scott's biggest problems, and it's one that the adult self still had, is that flirting is beyond him. On the very, very rare occasions it's aimed at him, he doesn't realize it's happening because he never expects people to actually be interested. In the even rarer occasion when Scott is the one doing it...he actually isn't. Or rather, he does it without realizing that what he is saying might be interpreted that way.

Now he feels as if all her insecurities are written across his face and there's nowhere to hide. But he doesn't exactly regret the offering and Shinjiro doesn't look too mad at him.]

People are always saying things like that. About what others deserve and what not. Maybe we should all focus on what we need and what we want instead.

[He's starting to have a very clear understanding of what he wants and of course, it's something he can never have. Before anything else can be said, there's a cold snout nudging at Scott's leg and he looks down in time to see his dog rest his head on Shinjiro's thigh. Someone was getting bored, apparently.]

Oh, Horatio...I forgot I brought him with me.