Susan looks down at the ribbon, and then up at the other girl's face, and she bites her tongue hard enough to hurt. Just a moment ago, Eponine had been smiling; had looked content, more so than Susan had thought was possible from her. Now she looks like she might be about to cry, and it isn't fair. It isn't fair that Susan's stuck her foot in it again, when she was trying to help. It isn't fair that she gave up Solvunn for this.

Life's not fair, Sue. But you made your choice.

She shakes her head, and sighs, setting the uneaten pie down on her lap. It will leave a grease-stain on her pants, but she'll worry about that later. (Gods, though, what she'd give for a decent pair of bluejeans, where she didn't need to worry over such things!) Her hands come up to cover Eponine's, to close the other girl's fingers more properly over the ribbon.

"Don't," she says, quietly. "I mean, it ain't... Ye can do my hair if it's summat ye'd like, but I don't want your dress, 'Ponine, and I sure as shit don't want 'ee to give it up. You look pretty in it. Truly, you do." Then, with a crooked smile: "Anyroad, I mean to get work at a stable if I can, and I can't think ye'd want that fate for such a gown."

She squeezes Eponine's hand, clearing her throat. "Just... don't be sorry. Not for a moment. I'm sorry. Ye were happy, and I brought 'ee down."