There weren't really many people Vanessa would turn to, in a time of need. Her time in Purgatory had taught her to be self sufficient, to keep her cards close to her chest. While she wouldn't say everyone in the program was self serving, she'd seen enough backstabbing and things to know that it may as well have been every super for themself. If she'd known what he was thinking, she surely would've encouraged it. Everyone needed someone every now and again.
For the moment, when he began to speak, she drew her eyes up from the sketchbook to Chase's face. That was the thing about being essentially mute: you became an exceedingly good listener. Her head tilted slightly to the side and she leaned in a bit, obviously paying attention to what he was saying.
You could tell me as much or as little as you'd like. It's whatever you feel comfortable sharing, she offered.
As Chase went on, explaining his power before sharply cutting himself off, ooooh she couldn't help but wonder exactly what it was he'd started: a riot? A bunch of fistfights? A giant swarm of people sobbing because they were alone at the ball drop?
Well, alright. Her second or third thought might have been orgy, but she was far too shy to ever come right out and ask about it. Still, she arched a cool brow in question, smirking slightly when he abruptly changed the subject like that.
Vanessa bit her lip, her hand subconsciously lifting to finger what looked to the untrained eye to be delicate lace on a choker style necklace. She chewed at the inside of her cheek and then watched him a moment longer, smiling slightly.
It's why I don't talk - I can ... persuade people, with my voice. Kind of like Simon Says? I tell people to do things and... they just... do them. So I've found it's nicer to keep quiet unless I'm on a mission. I find it's the respectful thing to do.