[Hermann stares, shocked into sudden silence. It takes several moments to translate his incredulity into verbal terms, and all that comes out is an indignant squawk.]
What?
[It's just so difficult to believe. Sure the man had been his friend and flirted with him at the start, but he'd never actually thought he could honestly be interested. Hadn't they established that after their conversation at the dance? Or did he really grow to cherish him in such a way? Granted his outdated sensibilities were very much out of alignment with his own. He wouldn't even consider marrying Newton within the year if not for their substantial history.]
no subject
What?
[It's just so difficult to believe. Sure the man had been his friend and flirted with him at the start, but he'd never actually thought he could honestly be interested. Hadn't they established that after their conversation at the dance? Or did he really grow to cherish him in such a way? Granted his outdated sensibilities were very much out of alignment with his own. He wouldn't even consider marrying Newton within the year if not for their substantial history.]
You're certain Joaquin said that?