27. Falsely Accused

Turnbull/Vecchio; G; 140 words; 27. Falsely accused. A gift for sl_walker; may it make you smile.

"I did no such thing."

"You did!"

"My answer is emphatically negative and will not change."

"You were claiming your territory!"

"Now, Ray, simply because that woman complimented your choice of attire--"

"Complimented? That's what we're calling it?"

"--complimented-- does not mean I feel the need to 'claim' my 'territory'--"

"Oh? So a thirty-second ruthlessly polite lecture about the stitching of my collar where it just so happens there's a big red mark on my neck right under where you're pointing ain't claiming, huh?"

"No, Ray."

...

"It is a very fine suit with a very fine collar."

...

"Ray."

"Admit it."

"I was only making polite conversation."

"Rrgh, you dog!"

"I still fail to see how comparisons to canines help the matter, Ray."

...

"I may perhaps have felt a certain possessiveness in that moment."

"Uh-huh."

"She might've at least made an effort to appear less obvious."

"Pot. Kettle. Mountie."

"I'm your cookware, in any case."