[ At this point, she's lost count of the number of times that Claude has made grandiose, sweeping claims in order to impress her or capture her attention. It's flattering really. It was part of the reason she had taken a shine to him, especially early on. But that had changed the more she got to know him; after a while, it became more than just having his attention and more about simply being by his side.

It's selfish, yes, but she had grown past the point of caring. Watching him think on his feet, putting in all of this effort just for her means the world to her even if she knows that that time is probably coming to some kind of an end. Her heart sinks at the thought but she forcefully buoys herself, slipping easily into the banter. ]

You just caught me in a hungry mood. If I give in this easily all the time, what are people going to say about me? I'm really putting my reputation on the line here, you know! [ She scoffs, turning her head defiantly even though her lips curve and he's probably able to see that even from this side view. ] But I guess dinner and a show does sound better than what I had planned so your ego is safe for now.

[ She remains close by his side, fingers still intertwined with his. ]

But first, where are these amazing paints? And please don't say it's the one beside that grouchy gem merchant. He refused to bargain with me for some really nice opals even though I was giving a super fair price!