She knows that her friends had good intentions with this plan, and it's a relief to know that they always have her back -- and, admittedly, that she may be able to salvage part of her family's name after all, assuming the last couple weeks go smoothly -- but a day hasn't passed yet where she doesn't feel like a burden.
Senel has been bearing it surprisingly well; sure, he has a way of stubbornly sticking with something once he sets his mind to it, but this is a little more complicated and drawn out than a fistfight or a debate. Chloe's done her best to take on most of the responsibilities -- seeing to the maintenance of the estate, entertaining any of the other nosy families who come calling with practiced small talk and grace -- but there's no overlooking how Senel is clearly out of his element here, and less than pleased about it.
So Chloe mostly feels guilty, but mortification is a close second on the list.
She's very certain about how she feels -- or how she used to feel, she (constantly) reminds herself, since it seems inevitable at this point that best friends are all they're destined for. Which is great (she also reminds herself), because Senel is a great friend to have, and trustworthy, and everything she could want in a friend, and for a long time she was okay with that. This whole charade has just... really managed to shake up that resolve, and she's not sure how to handle that. Not in this case, even if she's sure nothing will have changed once it's over.
None of those thoughts are betrayed at present, however, as Chloe moves over and observes his tie disaster, long since dressed and presentable herself in a cumbersome but traditional gown.]
Here, allow me.
[Without waiting for consent, she reaches up and starts working out the loose knot. She knows she's said this around a dozen times the last couple weeks, but with nothing else coming to mind despite her desire to break what could soon be an awkward silence, she says it again.]
...I know this must be exhausting for you -- and boring. I'm sorry you've been caught up in this.
LATE IS GREAT. provided you don't mind my tl;dr
She knows that her friends had good intentions with this plan, and it's a relief to know that they always have her back -- and, admittedly, that she may be able to salvage part of her family's name after all, assuming the last couple weeks go smoothly -- but a day hasn't passed yet where she doesn't feel like a burden.
Senel has been bearing it surprisingly well; sure, he has a way of stubbornly sticking with something once he sets his mind to it, but this is a little more complicated and drawn out than a fistfight or a debate. Chloe's done her best to take on most of the responsibilities -- seeing to the maintenance of the estate, entertaining any of the other nosy families who come calling with practiced small talk and grace -- but there's no overlooking how Senel is clearly out of his element here, and less than pleased about it.
So Chloe mostly feels guilty, but mortification is a close second on the list.
She's very certain about how she feels -- or how she used to feel, she (constantly) reminds herself, since it seems inevitable at this point that best friends are all they're destined for. Which is great (she also reminds herself), because Senel is a great friend to have, and trustworthy, and everything she could want in a friend, and for a long time she was okay with that. This whole charade has just... really managed to shake up that resolve, and she's not sure how to handle that. Not in this case, even if she's sure nothing will have changed once it's over.
None of those thoughts are betrayed at present, however, as Chloe moves over and observes his tie disaster, long since dressed and presentable herself in a cumbersome but traditional gown.]
Here, allow me.
[Without waiting for consent, she reaches up and starts working out the loose knot. She knows she's said this around a dozen times the last couple weeks, but with nothing else coming to mind despite her desire to break what could soon be an awkward silence, she says it again.]
...I know this must be exhausting for you -- and boring. I'm sorry you've been caught up in this.