[ Despite himself, he crinkles his nose a little at the contact, but to his credit, he doesn't pull away.

He stays quiet throughout, and when she's finished talking, he may even be almost wearing an expression that sort of approaches an ironic(?) smile. His reply doesn't have the sardonic tone of a retort, but the idle tone of pleasant conversation. Maybe Eskimo kisses soothe the savage Strider? ]

Let's just hope he grows into those teeth. Not that I doubt you think they're adorable, or something equally stupid.