On the other end of the line, Dia listens in quiet unease. She had expected Mari to get mad, at least a little -- this self-deprecation doesn't suit her one bit. And even though she's come clean, the guilty knots in Dia's stomach only pull tighter.

Any other time, Dia would have justified herself: well, Mari's always telling those insufferable jokes, isn't she, so how about a taste of her own medicine for once? But this doesn't feel right. Mari's laughter doesn't sound right, either.

"... I apologize," Dia tries, awkward. "It was in poor taste. So if you're angry with me, go ahead and let me hear it."