week three, sunday

[moraled]

[It's after everything... that he steps into the hotel lobby and sees her there. Even if they don't know the outcomes of the votes... she was under suspicion. For a long moment, he's quiet, expression tight--

And then he steps forward towards her, sighing.]

Madam Walken.

I do not intend to interrupt if you do not wish me here.

[He'll step right off if that's the case. But... if not...]

Comments

[moraled]

[... Honestly, what a nice smile. It may not be well-deserved, but... he appreciates seeing it.]

I fear I must have caused you a great deal of grief over the past few weeks, Madam Walken. I do apologize for that.

[tightly]

[ Look, her husband is a whimsical manchild acrobat, and her father a calculating mad scientist with immortality. You're underestimating her ability to cope with the trials of others.

Still, because she senses it's what he wants to hear (for a given definition of the word) -- ]

I accept your apology.

[moraled]

[Chane please.... he wouldn't have been fussed if she didn't accept it!

But he does accept that with a nod, simply, and changes the subject.]

How are you holding up?

[after...all of that disaster.]

[tightly]

[ Some things are just good manners, okay. Even if she's not always exercised it, she was brought up with proper rules of etiquette!

His subject change is accepted without fuss, ]

I am fine, for now.

[ Well aware that something could happen - to her, to Claire - that could change that in a split second. ]

[moraled]

[He knows as well .At some point... All he can do is pray for the best.]

... My hopes shall be with you as well.

[Please stay safe, Chane :'(]