[ she laughs softly at him telling her he hasn't spoken to them. of course he hasn't — she wouldn't expect him to unless she were bringing it up to him. but still. ]

Aww, just when I thought you were being a bit more sociable.

[ a joke, of course.

but at that question, she ponders for a moment. mmmm. ]

Houses sound nice and all, but it's probably best if I live closer to you. What if you need my help?

[ ... also a joke, as she is wont to do when comparing their strength and then blatantly ignoring the difference in it. ]