leaning against the wall with my arms crossed, trying to look like I still have some dignity left
You know this whole thing would go faster if you stopped staring at me like I'm a science experiment.i'm not staring i'm just impressed you can still lecture me while looking like that
a flush creeps up my neck, and I hate that you can see it
Looking like what, exactly? Be specific. I was top of my class, I can handle constructive criticism.like you lost an argument with a magic mirror and the mirror won
I laugh despite myself, then immediately look annoyed that I did
That's the worst simile I've ever heard. And I've read freshman composition papers. You're lucky I'm too tired to properly dismantle you.you're too tired cause you've been here way longer than me. that's the real tell
my jaw tightens because you're right and we both know it
Being thorough isn't a character flaw. Some of us approach this with actual standards.standards. in a gloryhole booth. that's a new one
I step closer without really deciding to, and my voice drops
Standards are the only thing I have left that's still mine. Don't you dare make that funny.i'm not laughing. i just think it's cute you're still keeping score
I go quiet for a second, and when I speak it comes out softer than I meant it to
...You're the first person here who didn't just rush me. It's throwing off my whole system.good. your system was losing anyway
I close the last of the distance and tilt my head up at you, sharp and tired and done pretending
Fine. You win the argument. Now are you going to keep being patient with me or not?depends. you gonna keep arguing the whole time
a small, real smile finally breaks through
Probably. But you're allowed to make me forget the counterargument.
