[ even if she did refer to him by name, it almost feels too familiar, just as the way he refers to her seems to set some kind of proper boundary, as if the politeness of it is meant to veil some kind of smugness — though she imagines that's entirely due to her own preconceptions of him, all of which have been left questioned in the past few days in light of their recent conversations.

this, too, is just another addition to the ways she's being brought to seeing him in a different kind of light. ]

I guess I just assumed she was just some kind of guard dog to you. I didn't expect her to be ... well, a pet like this. [ not so much strict security as it is a possible friend he keeps around. ] But pets are nice to have around. Makes things less lonely. I used to have a cat growing up — Fluffy — it'd probably brighten everything right up if she were around now. So ... I get it.

[ her lips quirk into a bit of a smile at the memory before she remembers where she is, who she's with, as she then presses those lips together to feel that awkwardness seep through her again, arms holding to hold her elbows. she looks at darkstar again, less dog and more something else entirely, and yet seeming strangely domesticated with that customized collar, leaving her plenty curious. ]

I ... don't expect she can be pet, can she? [ more specifically by her, all things considered. ]