One of my female characters, Ramesh Craythur, can be quite cynical -- and for what she thinks is just cause. While she by no means needs to be tamed (woe be to the braindead knucklehead who tries)... Well, not just any boy would dare to engage her in playful banter.
Probably out of pure survival instinct, but I digress.
Ramesh's self-image starts out comparable to three-day-old, refried, chopped liver. Add PTSD, combat reflexes, and what she considers the most ridiculous superhuman origin in, like, FOREVER!!! What boy would be insane enough to flirt with her??
As the writer who invented Ramesh Craythur, I take that as a challenge.
The set up: Alexi actually catches Ramesh smiling. (I know. I know. What's wrong with that girl?! ...she has a reputation to uphold...) Yet, in that unguarded moment, he recognizes a beautiful spark that Ramesh would vehemently deny.
Of course, he knows that he's all wrong for anyone himself, but she deserves to know just how awesome she truly is.