She thought his sour face was kind of cute. It was part of his charm.
The playfulness was something that few people saw; just like the softer, more caring aspects to Jefferson. He was layered, facets coming out as you got deeper in and Emma rather enjoyed the mystery that presented. She knew that Jefferson had his issues, just as many as her maybe, and sometimes she was sure that was why they worked, instead of contradicting each other.
Abandoning her snacking to stroke his cheeks, not even a little bit bothered about the sticky smear he left over her own face, catching her own pecks at him while he nuzzled batter into her face. She at least didn't freeze up at his comment though, so throw away that maybe someone wouldn't notice it, or maybe it was just a figure of speech. Maybe, to most people.
But it wasn't as if it was a surprise, at this point in things, and Emma had long since figured out that Jefferson, prickly as he may be, was not one to be overly reserved with his involvement. Dedication and passion seemed to be something he just had, putting everything into whatever he did, even if it was just the eternal sass he held. So really, was she surprised at deep feelings.
"Well," shifting to keep him in place with her knees, scooting a little to the edge of the counter to lean closer in, Emma continued to pet at his cheeks, "I think it's something that's easily tolerated, probably far too easy to put up with. I'm thinking you'll need to do it for a really long time." Absolutely not something she'd be putting an end to herself.