"But I haven't met Mallory, not really," Halle pointed out, smiling at his laugh, or perhaps his mention of cousins. Her knowledge of the Romani was vague at best, but she understood the concept of 'extended family' being interpreted in the largest, most generous sense, at least. Granted, she had learned that much from watching one or two incredibly biased documentaries on the American interpretation of the Romani, but... whatever. "What if I don't like her as well as the fiend?"
She had just started to arch a brow at his last statement – did that sound flirtatious? It was intriguing. But his reaction to the moving doll was startling. And also hilarious and adorable. Halle couldn't help laughing, not unkindly at all, just surprise and genuine pleasure filling the sound. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to startle you, but—" She had to drop her head forward into one hand to try and get a handle on the laughter still bubbling up in her chest. "That was brilliant..."