Discourse
by ainm
"What?"
"Nothing."
"Oh yeah right -- I know that look."
"I said it's nothing."
"I know you, that's the aggravated-but-refusing-to-say-anything look."
"Now you see, that's just it."
"Um, what is?"
"You always seem to think you know everything about me -- haven't you figured out yet that you don't?"
"Well, of course I don't know everything about you, but hey, I have been studying you pretty thoroughly for a while."
"But you only see what you expect to see sometimes, even when it comes to big things."
"Like what?"
"Jeez, Sandburg, you missed the fact that I'm bi, remember?"
"Well, yeah, but --"
"-- And you seem to forget the fact that I haven't lived my entire life in the jungle, you know?"
"Hey, I'm sorry, I'm sorry -- of course you aren't just some Tarzan-guy, I do know that, really!"
"Hmph."
"But honestly, Jim, I don't know what it is specifically that set you off. Tell me, OK?"
"I know what a Yule Log is, Sandburg. I am a well-educated, well-read, intelligent individual -- not just a set of souped-up sensory organs here for your viewing pleasure."
"I'm sorry, Jim. I just wanted to share it with you."
"Look, Chief, I do find your details interesting, OK? I'll admit that you know more of the in-depth Yule symbology and tradition that I do. But... you don't have to talk to me like I'm a 4th-grader whose class you're visiting or something."
"I really am sorry -- I don't mean to talk down to you, seriously. I just get into teacher mode, storyteller mode, you know? And I like to be thorough --"
"-- Really?"
"-- but I promise I'll try to do better, OK?"
"Just pay some attention to your tone, that's all I'm asking."
"Fair enough. So, do you think we can have one?"
"I don't know, Chief... You know what I really like? I've always loved those ice cream ones, I'd go for that."
"Jim!"