Philotes thought it was sweet that he knew who she was. And that he was probably quite sweet himself. When he wasn't hyperventilating, which he sort of was. Or maybe he was trying to calm himself down with the deep breaths. She should pat his back or something.
But then he was looking at her and saying something in the beautiful voice. Something incredible. Lottie's mouth formed an o-shape, and she breathed out a soft sound that was a little more than a sigh, but not quite an "oooh," amazement plainly apparent on her face.
"That," she said, with staccato emphasis on the word, "was brilliant. I mean, I don't even know if it's true, because that's such a nebulous concept, and yet somehow you made it sound like I'm some sort of gift or something, like being near me makes you happy, and you made me feel just... beautiful. Thank you!"
She swiftly pressed her lips against his smooth cheek to show her appreciation, then leaned back to beam at him. Except he wasn't looking at her. Gently, she put her hand on his other cheek to urge him to turn his head her way. His very pink cheek.
"Hey," she said softly, ducking her head slightly to force her way into his line of sight. "Hey, it's alright. I loved that. Loved it. And I have a feeling that is what's really in here," she put her hand on his chest, over his heart. "Isn't it? It just has a hard time coming out here," her fingers brushed against his lips. "Because of what's going on up here." This time, her fingertips settled at his temple. "Am I right?"