[ It's a realization on Mark's part too; not cause how he feels about Rex is anything like that, but how Rex feels about him. Now all the rudeness makes a lot more sense. Rex was jealous of him? He shouldn't just say it, but it just kind of tumbles out: ]
You're jealous of me? All along?
[ Now Mark is getting comfortable on the cot again, turning to face Rex entirely but sitting criss-cross style. He back pedals. ]
No, no.. sorry.. I didn't mean to say that. That's may not be what you mean. Sorry. Um. Phew.
[ Mark blows a small raspberry and tucks his lips inward, trying to think of something better to say. All along Rex had him in a different category and Mark had no idea. Mark saw him as a colleague and a person; Rex saw him as a threat and a competition. No wonder the older teen is so prickly towards him. ]
It's okay. I mean, I never saw you like that.. but.. that's because I never really got to know you.
[ and probably cause Mark is OP and is seeing the world through a different perspective than Rex. It's probably an insensitive thing to say, but he realizes this and quickly adds on: ]
I can.. still be your competition..? If you want? Stuff like that can be healthy, and..
[ Mark thinks about it a little more, his eyes falling along a patch of animal pelt that is near Rex, but not directly looking at him. ]
Mm. There's things you are good with that I'm not good with either, so you can be my competition in that way too. Just.. maybe we can be friendly competition instead? You know— I mean.
[ A beat. ]
I can be whatever you want me to be, but I know now that I.. Well, I consider you a friend more than just a colleague now.
no subject
You're jealous of me? All along?
[ Now Mark is getting comfortable on the cot again, turning to face Rex entirely but sitting criss-cross style. He back pedals. ]
No, no.. sorry.. I didn't mean to say that. That's may not be what you mean. Sorry. Um. Phew.
[ Mark blows a small raspberry and tucks his lips inward, trying to think of something better to say. All along Rex had him in a different category and Mark had no idea. Mark saw him as a colleague and a person; Rex saw him as a threat and a competition. No wonder the older teen is so prickly towards him. ]
It's okay. I mean, I never saw you like that.. but.. that's because I never really got to know you.
[ and probably cause Mark is OP and is seeing the world through a different perspective than Rex. It's probably an insensitive thing to say, but he realizes this and quickly adds on: ]
I can.. still be your competition..? If you want? Stuff like that can be healthy, and..
[ Mark thinks about it a little more, his eyes falling along a patch of animal pelt that is near Rex, but not directly looking at him. ]
Mm. There's things you are good with that I'm not good with either, so you can be my competition in that way too. Just.. maybe we can be friendly competition instead? You know— I mean.
[ A beat. ]
I can be whatever you want me to be, but I know now that I..
Well, I consider you a friend more than just a colleague now.