"Why... Why are you worrying about me? About my family?" He frowns a little, scanning her face and trying to figure out what's going on in her head. Shaking it off, he smooths out his features again and focuses his thoughts.

"You're my friend, Amelia. One of my closest friends. I don't want you to be my bodyguard, or my shield, or to be worrying about being 'normal'. I don't even know what 'normal' means. You're clever, and pretty, and kind. And hard working. Determined, that's another one. Oh! And enthusiastic." With some of the many possible compliments out in the air, he looks at her earnestly. "No one can complain about that. My family won't."

In a half-motion he almost takes her hand, but doesn't quite work up the courage to. "I'm glad that you're my friend, Amelia."