Such a good girl.

(They only get a few new freshmen - though a lot for the first day. A couple of the kids Shinta rounded up, plus Aaron from Manchester and his new ¿friend? who is possibly using him as an excuse to get closer to a major enclaver from New York. And as an excuse to sit somewhere relatively safe. None of the freshmen had as much initiative as Jialin, though.)

Their loss.

They can make sure to pry Aaron's family information out of him at least.

He gives them it, and asks: "Can you bring them letters from me when you graduate?"

"If you write them."

He nods. "Thanks."

"It's common courtesy."

Awkward shrug. "Thanks anyways."

"You're welcome."

The rest of dinner goes more or less as well as it can - everyone inclined to question them about the revelation during Induction (especially who know to question - her and El being sisters hasn't spread through the entire school yet) already know that approaching them over dinner for rumors is a terrible idea. 

Her efforts in the direction of mealtime peace are paying off at last.

Adds on to the pleasure of all the extra food they're getting. 

And ensures they have time to actually eat it as well.

A critically important component! Especially with things that don't transport or store well. 

Which is most of the good stuff.

Lu's getting a bit sick of apples, true. (By which she means she's sworn off ever touching an apple again when they're finally out of here, but she isn't sick enough of them yet to turn down the food.)

No apple pie? Saaaaad.

Daniella might be able to convince her on that one. 

It would be totally worth it.

She'll look forward to Daniella's efforts. 

She'll not be disappointed!

She'll hold Dani to that promise. 

Dani loves being held by Lu.

Convenient, since Lu loves holding her.