Ashton allowed Dias a knowing smile. He knew he'd caught a little bit of a nerve mentioning Dias' tendency to 'adopt' younger girls. Rena had never fully explained why Dias did it, but Ashton had a good idea nonetheless. After all, Ashton was interested in learning about all of his new friends whilst on his travels with them, and had never been above gossip.

He prolonged the stare for a moment, then, feeling awkwardness coming on and deciding to nip it in the bud before he got more nervous and - Tria forbid! - blush, he let his eyes finally wander to River, smiling at her as he scarfed down a bit more of his burger tower. "I'm glad.. he has someone taking care of him, then." Rena'd be glad, too, he thought comfortingly. This girl was strange, but if Dias was happy with her, then Ashton would be too.

Another bite. Another burger. He looked at Valyn, chewing and swallowing, and spoke to him for the first time. "...and what? You don't look quite right, something wrong? Besides this place being wrong in general?" Ah, small talk.