Otter Creek Speak softly

He was graced with a warm smile, and he returned it, thinking maybe he had finally broken through her shyness. He had never been good with females, and even worse with the ones who weren't outgoing. The confident ones at least lead the conversation a little, but Claire was making him work for it. The reward was like sunshine, though. His tail wagged, and then he asked about her mother.

Which was obviously such a huge mistake. His tail halted and his smile faltered when her expression change. He knew immediately he should have not questioned where her companion was. Oh, Claire, he verbally stumbled. I-I'm so sorry. I'm such a doofus, I shouldn't have said anything. He shook his head, mentally berating himself for being so stupid. He had to lift her spirits; it was the least he could do.

He lifted one leg and shielded his eyes with his paw, trying to look cute. He sneaked a look to see if it was working.