[Oh, the eye contact startles him a little, and his eyes widen for a moment.]

[To his credit, he does give a thoughtful silence before he answers. He gently shakes his head.]

I’m sure… I have been lead to believe all my life that a vampire would never regard me as anything more than dirt under one’s shoe, but your kindness has shattered that entirely. I don’t believe anyone would have batted an eye if I had simply suffocated in that ballroom earlier, and yet…

[He has a smile, something apologetic almost.]

It is I, who should be asking if you’re sure, as I am surely clinging to you in selfishness, like a cursed shadow. I feel unworthy to have gotten your attention at all.