Oh, and her avoiding them just makes him more curious. The boy doesn't know whether to be annoyed or interested. He decides on both, with annoyance having the stronger presence.

He meets her grin with a tight-lipped smile of his own which clearly communicates, "No." The kid is not quite sure what he's saying no to, of course, but the no is pretty emphatic.

He gestures, politely, and inclines his head. "Lead the way."