[ Claude grins to himself as he picks up one boot and then reaches for the polishing kit after finding a scuff in the leather. Better to get rid of it so as to not invite those comments even if Hilda's reminding him she wouldn't have an issue pointing them out, playful as it might be. It's a familiar enough routine while he waits for her to return from getting ready.

Though - he does pause mid pass of the cloth at the mention of a surprise date because that's too good of an opportunity to pass up teasing about. He's already in the process of opening his mouth but stops again when Hilda corrects herself before he can even get a word out in response. Claude doesn't hear it as anything other than their usual back and forth and that feels reassuring. Yet another constant in his mind after everything, which makes the overly dramatic sigh he heaves in response to make sure it carries across the apartment too fitting. ]

Ouch, not even a chance to let me say if it is? I might've had a good suitor's speech ready and everything. That's just cruel, you know.

[ It's no such thing, but he mostly sounds believably put out by this even if he's back to smiling while resuming work on his boot, deeming this one looking respectable enough to put on so he can get started on the other. Gotta make sure they match now just to keep up appearances, especially if he's committing to spinning this out into a potential date going to browse the market. Which, truthfully, would actually be a good one since he can think of any number of things available there which would appeal to Hilda. ]

Well, I guess I'll just have to do my best to convince you to ditch your other plans, since my only plan was taking up all of your free time. What better way to get more of that than by taking you somewhere you like?

[ Claude might be making this up as he goes, but: there is still a little truth in there. ]