He hadn't expected that Vaan would say anything off-color, but the reassurance was still comforting, however odd that seemed. It was nice to have someone to trust- and Thomas trusted Vaan's word rather implicitly.
"Gabrielle?" Thomas repeated the name, considering for a moment, then offering Vaan another smile. "I know her." Of course, this was unsurprising- Thomas made it his business to know people. "She's a lovely girl, Vaan- certainly one worthy of attention. I do know that she has spoken kindly of you, before, and asked after you when she's stopped by for meals." It might have seemed that Thomas was giving Vaan false hope, but whatever their worth, his words were true.