I haven't. But—Clarisse, I don't think anybody cares about how much you talk about Ellie. (Like not to be too harsh about it but,) You're together, of course you're gonna talk about each other. That's normal.
And you're not 'the center of attention' more than anybody else is.
[ To be fair to Abby, this is a restriction Clarisse has applied to herself, but she still feels like it was her only choice in order to keep everyone civil. ]
Okay. [ Clarisse isn't actually going to say she doesn't believe her, but her tone is definitely saying that. She at least seems to have picked up on how awkward she's just made things, though, and tries to steer back to her original reason for calling. ]
Anyway, it doesn't matter. Just promise you'll tell me if you hear anyone talking about me, okay?
(Abby bites back on the impulse to say something else about it; arguing for Clarisse to talk more about Ellie around her will sound insane and that isn't what she wants anyway, what she actually wants is for Clarisse to say whatever she wants and not have to tailor herself because she thinks Abby won't like it.
no subject
[ But maybe they wouldn't say anything in front of Abby because they know she's Clarisse's roommate. HMM. ]
no subject
And you're not 'the center of attention' more than anybody else is.
no subject
[ She sounds a little more chill now, though. ]
It was really weird, the whole conversation.
no subject
I'm the only one who has the right to find you and Ellie annoying. And I don't, so what's their excuse.
no subject
[ But, like, she has a better excuse than anyone else. ]
no subject
Less than I used to. (Wait, should she be saying this? Hmm too late)
no subject
[ It's hard not to, though. They're all very... enmeshed. ]
no subject
(That feels... a bit bad. Abby sits with it for a moment, making sure of her feelings before she adds,) You don't have to do that.
no subject
[ To be fair to Abby, this is a restriction Clarisse has applied to herself, but she still feels like it was her only choice in order to keep everyone civil. ]
no subject
(She feels awkward suddenly, defensive of this sudden decision.)
I don't care.
no subject
Anyway, it doesn't matter. Just promise you'll tell me if you hear anyone talking about me, okay?
no subject
But she doesn't know how to say that.)
I will. You'd do the same for me, so.
no subject
no subject
You're so cool, Clarisse. (Sincere.)
no subject