At play

– You’re weird.
Blink
— OK.
– Aren’t you offended?
— Do you want me do be offended?
Pause
– I don’t know.
Stare
— OK.
Stare
— I’m offended.
Smile
– Good.
Pause
– So aren’t you going to do anything?
— Aaah… no I’m not.
– Why not?
— No as in, no I’m not weird.
– Yes you are.
Pause
— OK.
Pause
– That was crap.
— It was.
– You didn’t even try.
— … Yes I did. Sort-of.
Stare
Blink
— But I am weird, so really, it’s OK.
– Don’t do that.
— What?
– Don’t do that thing where you won’t fight with me.
Exhale
— Do you know what? You’re weirder than me.
Pause
– That’s going too far.
— No you started this. You’re weirder than me because you start stuff up and then when I get going, you back off and act all frightened.
Sniff
— Even though you’re not.
– Not what?
— Frightened.
Pause
– That’s not true.
Pause
– I am frightened.
Pause
– Sort-of.
— I thought we were going to try not to say ‘sort-of’ so much.
– You had one just before.
— I didn’t.
– Yes you did you said you tried ‘sort-of’.
Pause
— Oh yeah.
– Oh yeah.
Inhale
— OK so that’s one each, no more. We’re even.
– Fine.
Stare
– I’m not really scared.
— I figured that out a while back, thanks.
– Spoilsport.
— Seeing as you do it so often.
– You’re a spoilsport.
— Why do you do that anyway?
Eyes downcast
— Are you getting serious?
Mumbling
— Don’t mumble on purpose, you’re right here, even if you were speaking quietly…
– Alright, stop being such a spoilsport already.
Pause
– Gees.
Pause
Inhale
Hold
— You don’t have to tell me. It’s not a bad thing, and it can be a secret if you wish.
– I do it to disarm you.
Blink
Raised eyebrows
— Do I need disarming?
– Yes.
— Why is that?
Inhale
– Because you’re cleverer than me.
— No I’m not.
Pause
– What do you mean, no you’re not?
— That’s what I mean. I’m not.
Pause
— Not cleverer than you.
Pause
– Aren’t you going to go into one of your detailed explanations?
— Why? It’s very simple. I’m not cleverer than you.
Stare
Grin
– Come here.
— Why?
– Come here.
— Are you going to smack me? Because my arm’s still sore from the thing.
– Just come here.