[Just as planned. As she eases up, he just follows her beat for beat, keeping a light grin on his face even though he's not sure he believes her at all.]

I know I'll be fine. I'm not the one wandering around in the woods looking for some giant scorpion. Still wish she would have said something though instead of just sending me a message.

[That's neither here nor there though.] I guess all I can do is try to find company in the mermaids until then. It's not as easy as I thought it'd be. [A pause.] I'm not really great with girls when I'm actually trying to flatter them. [Accidental compliments? Sure. Telling the truth? Awesome. Trying to suck up to girls specifically? Ehhh it's hit and miss, depending. And he has a feeling the mermaids will be able to see right through him if he's not careful.]