He laughs at that, unbidden, and doesn't regret the impulse after he does. If he must be told that by anyone--and he must; it happens all too often--he'll take it with that warm, rich affection, half in jest, but tolerable even if it weren't. "I'll make you believe me someday," he vows, because it can't go without a challenge, even one tempered with a grin.

"You've got a house now? Your own, actual house?" It could be a literal tent in an alley for all Vandelin knows or particularly cares; that's impressive. And--well. That does open up a whole new realm of possibilities, doesn't it.

"Show me."