Victoria and Gavin

"Look at that!" Gavin said excitedly, pointing upwards. A deep crimson bird glided overhead, riding a breeze that, with the occasional flap, carried him to another tree.

"How do you know he's a he?" Victoria asked, grinning. "Maybe it's a girl looking for some fun."

"Nah, see, the males have bright colors like that. See?" The bird, after landing on a branch, raised his tail feathers high and started chirping loudly. Soon, another bird, smaller and no where near as brilliant in hue, flew over and carefully waddled over to him. "That's the female! It's the males who put on the display and sing to attract a mate."

"Oh," Victoria said, fascinated. "I've been mixing it up then. I guess because, you know, us girls are supposed to look pretty for you guys, I thought that was the same with birds." Gavin blushed a bit, and Victoria chuckled. "You're fun to tease, Gavin. I'm sorry."

"No, no," he said, then went quiet.

Victoria eyed him, standing there with a downcast look. "What's wrong?" Gavin's eyes darted to hers, then dropped away. He looked awkward as hell, Victoria thought, and something was clearly nagging him. She smiled sweetly, then said, "Gavin, you can tell me. It's okay, I won't make fun of you. I'm really sorry."

Gavin pursed his lips, then finally began. "I... well, I look at the birds and... I-I'm kind of envious."

Victoria raised an eyebrow. "Go on?"

Gavin found his tongue again and started speaking rapidly. He pointed back at the bird. "Look at him over there! He's got the looks, the color to get a mate, and can do something for her, like sing. He's cool and charming and good-looking, and that's not--"

"--you?" Victoria finished for him. Gavin snapped his head over to her, then solemnly nodded.

She crossed her arms in thought, watching him be dejected. Oh Gavin the geek, she mused, so introverted and shy. Then an idea popped into head, and her grin stretched from ear to ear.