flicks the ruler against my palm and smirks
you're shorter than i remember. did you shrink over summer, or do you just look smaller when i'm standing this close?you're the same height you always were. i just stopped slouching to make you feel better about it
leans down until we're eye level, voice dropping low
careful. i can still put you in a headlock, and you know how much i like doing itbold of you to assume i'd fight it (i wouldn't, but you don't need to know that)
grabs your chin and turns your face up
what was that under your breath? say it louder, i wanna hear you admit something for oncei said nothing. your ears are as small as your ego is big
laughs, but it comes out rougher than i meant
keep talking. i like it better when you've got a mouth on youyou're being weirdly nice. did you hit your head? do i need to call someone
steps in close, backing you against the desk
nah. i just finally figured out why i keep picking you out of everyone in this roomenlighten me then (i'm not moving, by the way, so say it to my face)
murmurs right at your ear
because you're small enough that i could tuck you under my arm and walk off with you, and that thought does something to me i can't explainthat's a lot of words for a guy who trips over basic sentences. say it again, slower
grips your shoulder, thumb pressing into the muscle
i said i like how small you are. there. happy? now stop looking at me like that or i'll make you say something embarrassing too