Pretend this is real for a while

vervain Remi made a good point, and Vai found herself grinning to him and shrugging her shoulders. "While you aren't wrong, I do find it difficult to imagine 'back home' these days. I'd not been in Northaven for very long when we arrived here. And besides... this is starting to feel more like home every day, for all of the hardships we suffer." Speaking of which, Remi's hardships on top of simple survival likely outnumbered her own by miles. Vai's smile softened as she heard him out, brushing her thumb over the back of his hand before she sat back and teased her lower lip between her teeth. "From what you told me I'd have expected you to be more, too. I... I understand that some people don't know what to do if they find another person... but a little respect isn't too much to ask for, is it?" It was clear that her feelings on the matter ran deeper than what she portrayed, but it wasn't about her at all. "I know what Frey did to you means that this is muddied even further, but if you ever need to talk, or vent about it, or if you want me to accidentally set the Atheneum on fire with my new powers... I mean..." She smirked at him, nudging him warmly. A change of subject was welcome, almost, Vai nodding in confirmation about LongNight. "A week or more, the notice said," she told him. "And I appreciate it, Remi. You never interrupt me, don't be silly. Besides, you ought to really collect some fuel for yourself as well. Unless you'd like to stay with us for LongNight. I'd love to have you."