Ruby looks just a little taken aback. Not in a bad way, mind you. But the fact that Whale seeks her out and is genuinely nice without even a hint of lech is... unexpected for her, obviously.

Talking in person... did they ever do that unless he was hitting on her? Not in Ruby's experience, apparently.

Pleasant surprises, they don't seem to end.

"That's sweet of you, thanks. You holding up okay, too?"

She's surprised by his much warmer attitude, but that's a good thing as far as Ruby's concerned. Her smile turns a bit less wide, but a lot more genuine for it.