maybe that makes me a fool

She gives him a moment to gather himself, knowing better than to coddle or push too far - someone like Sunjata is more like to break than to bend, and so baby steps it is. She prepares more of the sleeping powder, putting it in a small paper bag to hand to him once he’s gotten his jacket back on. ”Not therapist, exactly. Just someone who cares about you.” Vai winks at him, reaching up to absently fix his collar, smooth down his lapel. ”Rest assured I won’t use anything you tell me against you. I promise.” Tilting her head as he produces the silver bracelet from his pocket, Vai is clearly charmed by it, blue eyes warm with delight. ”That’s very sweet. It’s beautiful,” she murmurs, accepting the trinket to slip it onto her wrist, thumb running over the runes (she’ll undoubtedly peruse their meaning later). ”It was my pleasure. Someone has to keep it in ship shape for you to gift to Nate and Hotaru, hm?” Leading them back out into the waiting area, Vai gives him a final once over and nods, happy for now. ”You look after yourself, okay? Or try, at least.” vervain I am always on your side