[Then he remembers just who he's talking to, remembers his own position, and he just... sort of deflates.
Gary's right. He is acting like a loser. The guy's being honest, and he can't really argue with that. It's not like Gary's being purposefully hurtful or that he's antagonizing Dave. This is just the way he is, and that much had been obvious from the first time they spoke on the net.
And despite that, Gary had positive things to say about him that time.
Dave looks down at the ground. God, he feels like shit. Like he's not living up to expectations. "What happened to you? You're acting like a loser."
Because this isn't who he is. Not who he should be, anyway. Gary expected more from him, and he should get a hold of himself already.]
[Just watching after he delivers the blow, noting his clenched fists and stiff posture. But the thing about this whole situation and his ego is that he didn't for a second think Dave was going to lash out. No, he's too weak for that. Even Petey managed to stand up to him.
Gary almost sneers at the thought, but seeing Dave deflate like that brings a very small smile to his face - one he quickly covers up with a sigh and look of exasperation.]
Yeah, it's fine I guess. But next time? I'm not sure I'll have the patience to deal with a freak out like that again. I don't like weakness.
And embarrassing freak out aside - I know you're not a weak, right?
He's dirt. Lower than garbage. His gem comes to life in his chest, bathing the area in a faint red light as proof of how much of a worthless failure he is. He glances down idly at it and places a hand over it, as if trying to cover up his fuckup.
He can't ever let this happen again. He has to make up for this. Has to show Gary his faith wasn't misplaced and that this was just a one-time fluke.
Gary's giving him a second chance here (and frankly, it's probably more than he deserves; he's not worth anyone's time when he really thinks about it). He can't let it go to waste.]
It... it won't happen again. Brief moment of insanity, but it's passed now. Flung into the void like a fucking piece of garbage.
So you don't have to worry about it.
[Yeah. He's just gotta keep telling himself that.]
I mean, I could've gone for 'oh, Strong, come hither!' But I respect you more than that.
[For that he uses the horrific-sounding high-pitched voice he uses to voice comics about very unfortunate teenaged girls. Sounding less attractive every second.]
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