Yes, he got under my skin.
It's not like I'm infallible and I've certainly never claimed to be. Everyone has weaknesses and I have mine. Perhaps mine are more carefully hidden than most, but that doesn't mean they stop existing. And as separate from things as I like to stay maybe...
Well, maybe I enjoy talking to people a little too much.
"Talking at"? Fine. If you think that's more accurate you can believe it if you want. It's not my place to argue. The point is maybe he was right about my hubris. Maybe I underestimated him. Maybe I spent so much time anticipating a twisted up game of words that he blindsided me with simple straightforward questions.
I know I didn't have to answer.
I couldn't tell you why I did.
I wouldn't tell you either, that's really nobody's business but mine. Certainly not yours. If I suddenly make a poor decision or two because of Orihara, well...
My poor decisions. My mess to clean up.
Yes I'm also perfectly aware that the smug little bastard is likely laughing at me right now. That's not important. This is a long, long game we're playing. Not one that is won or lost in a single moment. A step forward, a step back. It's a complicated dance. Maybe neither of us will ever win. Maybe it will never end.
Will I be disappointed when it does?
I couldn't tell you.
And I still wouldn't tell you either.
You can stop finding this amusing any time now.