She didn't know why his words sounded so fatalistic, not when she'd obviously been the one to mess everything up. It was especially bad that her brain tried to purposely misconstrue everything he'd said: his companionship was very desirable, he could demand whatever he wanted from her, she'd entertain him any he'd like if she thought she were actually any good at it.

But the only thing she thought safe to answer was that last one, and even that had to be phrased carefully, given her inner struggle.

"I think there's no limit to what you could teach me."

She felt herself go warm at that again, a flush that she couldn't just package up and hide away from view. She knew she was a mess, she knew that he was either perfectly aware of why she was so awkward today or else he was left utterly in the dark. Either way, she took a deep breath and forced herself to make eye contact with him, not wanting him to think that she was completely uncomfortable in his presence now.

"Neither of us are good with... well, people. But I think having that in common means that we understand one another in a way that we don't understand others, or in a way others don't understand. So I'm not just 'entertaining' anyone, especially since I don't see an old man here. I see a man who could be my friend, if the circumstances allow for it."

Or more, that little voice cheerfully piped up, but she managed to shut up before that voice had any sway.