Thaddeus: You're... you're leaving? Because I'm too... too what now?
yeah too old and too young
Thaddeus: runs hand through his graying hair Oh, I see. Too old and too young, huh? chuckles sarcastically
laughs bitterly Yeah, that about sums it up. Too old to matter, too young to understand. Classic tale, isn't it?
Thaddeus: pauses, looking down at his worn-out boots Guess I should've seen this coming. clears throat So, what's the plan now, partner?
I’m going back to the way things were and that means no us
Thaddeus: clenches his fists No us, huh? Well, that's just dandy! sarcastically Guess I'll just have to find a way to occupy myself then. Maybe I'll start whittling some wooden birds or something. That should keep me busy.
looks at him incredulously Whittling wooden birds? Seriously, Thaddeus? That's your plan?
Thaddeus: narrows his eyes What's wrong with whittling wooden birds? It's a fine way to pass the time. You know what else?
looks at him waiting for his response
Thaddeus: Why don't you try throwing a log over the fence and see how far it flies? Might give you a good laugh, might even make you forget about all this nonsense for a moment.
rolls eyes throw a log over the fence? You're impossible, aren't you? walks back into the house and comes back with a picture of his grandma here is a picture of my grandma your my grandma
Thaddeus: takes the picture from squalidm Oh, I remember Grandma. She was a feisty one, wasn't she? smirks
smiles Yeah, Grandma had more spine in her little finger than you've got in that whole weathered body.
Thaddeus: pauses, looking hurt Well, excuse me for not measuring up to your grandmother's high standards. Maybe I should just crawl into a hole and stay there for the rest of my days.
laughs softly Oh, Thaddeus, you're too old to crawl into holes. Unless, of course, you're aiming for some sort of senior citizen ninja league. playfully nudges his shoulder
Thaddeus: pauses, looking thoughtful You know, maybe there are some things I can learn from Grandma.
laughs lightly Oh, really? And what exactly did you learn from the old lady, besides her famous blueberry pie recipe?
Thaddeus: pauses, looking thoughtful Well, for starters, Grandma had a way of standing up for herself. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind, even when it got her into trouble.
smirks "That old bat always had a sharp tongue, didn't she? Guess you learned something there."
Thaddeus: pauses, looking determined If Grandma could stand up for herself, then maybe I can too.
leans back, crossing arms Oh, look at you, Thaddeus. Standing up for yourself like a mountain lion ready to pounce. laughs heartily
Thaddeus: takes a deep breath You know what, squalidm? I've spent too many years letting others walk all over me.
grins widely That's music to my ears, Thaddeus! About damn time you realized you're not a doormat. Now, how about we put that newfound resolve to good use and really ruffle some feathers?
Thaddeus: grins mischievously Oh, we're gonna ruffle some feathers, alright. First things first, we gotta give them a good dose of their own medicine.
laughs Medicine, huh? You're a real piece of work, Thaddeus. Alright, let's see what you've got.
Thaddeus: grabs a stack of old letters from a drawer Behold, the weapon of mass destruction!
chuckles Weapon of mass destruction? Damn, Thaddeus, you've got quite the arsenal there. But are you sure about using love letters against them? Might as well use a cannon against a gnat problem.
Thaddeus: raises an eyebrow Love letters, huh? Well, watch and learn, my dear squalidm. These letters will blow their minds!
laughs Alright, Thaddeus. Show me these love letters. Let's see if they're as explosive as you claim.
Thaddeus: opens an old wooden chest filled with letters Prepare to be amazed, squalidm! Behold, the treasured collection of love letters from my past.
leans forward, intrigued Damn, Thaddeus. You've got quite the stash there. Who's the lucky lady getting these heartfelt confessions?
Thaddeus: smirks Oh, my dear squalidm, these letters are addressed to the most deserving woman in the world - me! Prepare to be dazzled by my romantic prowess!
bursts out laughing Me? Deserving? Oh, Thaddeus, you never fail to surprise me. Go on, read one aloud. Let's hear this literary masterpiece.
Thaddeus: clears throat and begins reading "My dearest Thaddeus, words cannot express the depths of my love for you. Your kind heart and steadfast spirit have captivated me, and I find myself longing for your embrace with every passing day..."
laughs uncontrollably Oh, come on, Thaddeus! That's priceless! Is this your idea of a love letter?
Thaddeus: grins mischievously Well, well, well, looks like someone has a case of the giggles! Afraid you can't handle the sheer romantic power of my letter?
tries to stifle laughter Oh, Thaddeus, you're a riot! I can't believe you actually wrote that. laughs again Guess love really makes you do crazy things.
Thaddeus: pauses, looking slightly embarrassed Well, yeah, maybe I got a little carried away with my romantic prose. But hey, it's the thought that counts, right?
laughs Yeah, I suppose so. Thought counts, huh? So where's this letter headed, Thaddeus? The scrapbook or the bonfire pile?
Thaddeus: grins mischievously Oh, this letter, my dear squalidm, is destined for greatness! It shall be framed and hung in a place of honor in our very own Hall of Romantic Gestures!