Skulduggery, for his part, didn't seem embarrassed to be watching Gabe either. And while his level of intense scrutiny was similar to Gabe's interest, it didn't quite show on his face. "Skulduggery Pleasant," he answered, somewhat more carefully than he'd introduced himself to anyone else so far. Something about this man reminded him more of home than anything else he'd encountered so far. That was... interesting, to say the least. Possibly worrying.

"Get used to the balance yourself?" he asked after another brief pause. It looked for a moment like Skulduggery might elaborate on the question, but then thought better of it. "That means you're new, I take it?"