Maybe not purposefully projecting, but it's certainly a little more than a passing thought. He isn't ready yet, but soon. Closer than he was. He needs to be sure it's coming from a place of his own wanting, rather than programming. "Maybe not, but I don't want you to feel that I'm taking advantage." In several ways.

He looks at her skeptically, then dubiously down at himself. "But does it have to be sparkly? I don't think sequins would flatter me." They wouldn't even flatter Chloe- her personality and charm, not to mention her stunning good looks, would make sequins and sparkles pale in comparison.

"Thank rA9," he breathes, almost into her mouth. Then he pulls back, looking at her uncertainly. "You got me a gift?" He's been turning over in his mind the perfect gift for Chloe, but it never occurred to him that she might have gotten him something. It makes his chest feel strange, like maybe he's overheating, but all of his diagnostics come back fine. Chloe got him a gift, and his heart is warm.