The young lady’s face was a shade of pink that Percy could easily relate to from moments when he found himself embarrassed by a situation. In the past few months there had been plenty of opportunities to find his face warming in odd situations. It was almost as if an unlucky charm had found itself way into his fortunes. But such notions were foolish and foolhardy, easily dismissed as rubbish.

Instead of taking Percy’s hand the young woman began to pick up the books that surrounded her as she explained the situation to Percy. “Ah.” Percy nodded in understanding. He’d been friends with Quin long enough to know awkward situations certainly did tend to follow people. “Here, allow me to help.” Percy began to collect books as well.

There was an awkward silence that followed as Percy strove to think of something, anything in which to make the girl feel more comfortable. He was terribly awful with small talk, that had always been Felicity and Catherine’s thing.

“So, er, this happens often then?” Well that wasn’t exactly what could be considered comforting but it was better than silence for the poor girl, wasn’t it?