(the closeness doesn't throw her. for a woman used to dealing in the absurd, this whole exchange was simply par for the course. it's the way he's watching her that unsettles her, just slightly. ordinarily it isn't difficult for her to figure out a given person is thinking, but he's still a bit of a mystery. it's unnerving)

Is this the part where you compliment me, then?

(it's nothing new certainly, the things people will say to get what they want)

Tell me my eyes rival the most precious gems as I swoon into your arms?

(she's teasing, but only slightly. it's almost a dare. like she's waiting for him to give her an excuse to disappear here and now. a kind of privilege considering her limited patience and how very few people could have gotten her to stick around this long)