11:45 AM - Jane and Bunny
The smile Bunny gave in return was wide and true. Not because of the joke, though it was kind of funny, but because Jane -- APD sergeant who hated most everything Hellhound -- had just mentioned having conversation with Bode. And mentioned it without wearing one of those scowls that could make paint peel off the wall, leading Bunny to think that the conversation might even have been civil. It was all done as part of the brunch, of course, so Bunny didn't expect Jane would be dropping by for Thanksgiving or anything like that. But it was something, and she would take what she could get.
“If he takes anything about your face the wrong way, I'll set him straight,” she said, though the reply felt silly even as it was coming out of her mouth. Her eyes flickered to the untouched doughnut sitting on the plate she still clutched in both hands. The sticky sweetness of the no doubt delicious treat wouldn't mix with her churning emotions, Bunny knew, and so she carefully set the plate down on the table.
“I won't pretend to think that you talking with Bode has anything to do with me, but thank you anyway. I hope it wasn't --” Uncertain how to finished that thought, Bunny ducked her head, tucking back a lock of hair that fell forward as she did so. That Bode and Jane might've found some common ground was too much to hope for, but she hoped for it anyway. “Anyway, my face is always a friendly one when it comes to you, and you ought to know that.”
Jane appraised Bunny with undisguised fondness tinged with incredulity. How could one person be so lovely and kind and still somehow underestimate her effect on people?
“I do,” Jane replied solemnly. Somehow, despite how stupid and mulish she had been, she knew Bunny would be there - had been there - for her, no matter what. “I do know that.” She steeled herself, knowing what she had to say but unsure, despite how sweet and good and amazing Bunny was, how it would be received.
“But you’re wrong about it not being about you. It is...I mean, not entirely, of course, but in part. Does that make sense?” Jane asked, wringing her hands. She pressed on, eager to explain. She stepped forward, moving from what she considered a respectful, wary distance to something more intimate; something reserved for friends.
“I...God, I fucked up, Bunny. I wasn’t fair to you. I was hurt you went away and how I felt...how I feel...about the club, along with other... things,” Jane made a vague gesture with her hands, as if that would make her words clearer. It did not. It was probably for best. The old, misguided crush she had harbored for her estranged, straight friend was probably ones of those things best left unsaid.
“...made things murky and weird. I was so used to seeing things in black and white that I couldn’t see the forest for the trees. I know I’m mixing up all my goddamn metaphors but, what I’m trying to say, is that I know nothing is easy. Especially friendship. And politics. And morality. And...whatever the hell is happening at this brunch.”