| “God, what is with her?” | |
| Rae is still frustrated with Manaria, even after we have walked a bit back towards our dorms. | |
| “You didn’t have to come, I do appreciate it but I could have managed.” | |
| “But she was… Claire, she's suspicious.” | |
| “What? No, she is just trying to rile you up.” | |
| “What? Okay, maybe yes, but she was asking you questions. Like, I really don't think that was… the main goal? Claire, she was asking you about your mom’s company. She noticed when you didn’t have an answer. What would have happened if I wasn’t there?” | |
| “Oh… I don’t think it... I could have managed. And honestly I do think she was trying to rile you.” | |
| Rae pouts, “Maybe… what a pest.” | |
| “She’s… she’s made poor choices. The Manaria I knew hated herself for it, and she seems no different this time.” | |
| “ Poor choice ? She said she sexually assaulted a girl.” | |
| “Because she is trying to get a rise out of you Rae, and she hates what she did. She got involved with her maid and it was messy, there was no communication. She thought Eve acquiesced to her authority, her station. And Eve thought she made a mistake and ran. I don’t condone what happened, Manaria hurt Eve. And I don’t know what happened here either. What really happened. Manaria seems convinced to sell herself as some sort of monster, but even with my ignorance I can see what a farce her story is. But of course she is playing this stupid game again. Wallowing in her loathing and content to play the role.” | |
| “If you say so… I just…” | |
| “You don’t have to like her.” | |
| “I… sorry, she really does seem like… I know she’s family.” Rae is being too apologetic. | |
| “Yes, and goodness gracious is she infuriating. If she would just be honest… Gah. I can’t force it.” infuriating! | |
| “I mean it’s not your responsibility to fix her stupid problem.” | |
| I sigh, “I know, but I do want to help. And I doubt there are few people who understand her in the way I do.” | |
| “Well. Her problem. She should sort her shit out first and then maybe you help her.” Rae pouts. | |
| “You never did like her.” | |
| “I can see why.” Her disdain is quite cute. | |
| I let out a breath and sigh… “You're right, I suspect. This won't be something we can remedy soon. I hope it didn’t sour the day too much.” | |
| “Oh… I mean it’s done now… did you want…?” | |
| “Could we? It’s been a long weekend, but I would not say no to getting cozy and playing more Persona.” | |
| Rae grins, and red dusts her cheeks. “Yeah, totally. I would… be happy too…. If you want to…” | |
| I close the small gap between us, and slip my hand into hers. It stiffens at first from the surprise, but quickly relaxes and we lock our fingers into each other. | |
| “Perfect.” |