Sylvain & Annette B

Annette
Sylvain! Good timing. There's something I want to say to you.

Sylvain
Uh-oh. Did I do something wrong?

Sylvain
Did you spot me sneaking back in this morning? Or is it about that girl who got mad I kissed her sister good-night... I can explain either way.

Annette
No! I'm not here to get after you about those things. Surely other people have that covered.

Annette
What I really want to talk about is your behavior during our training sessions.

Annette
When we're sparring, you're always passing on great opportunities to get the edge on me.

Annette
It's almost as though you're going out of your way to make me think you're incapable!

Sylvain
Nah, I just like giving other people the spotlight.

Annette
Uh-huh. It's not that you took something I said to heart?

Annette
About how you don't have to work hard to be good at stuff and how that isn't fair?

Sylvain
I did take those things to heart. We're friends, right? I'd be sad if you started to hate me.

Sylvain
There's just one thing I want you to remember.

Sylvain
Guys like me who hate hard work and sorta get by on our wits? It all falls apart eventually. I'm smart enough to know that.

Sylvain
So I respect people like you. I mean it.

Annette
Oh. Is that...sincerity? It's kind of creeping me out. It's just so unlike you!

Sylvain
Huh?

Annette
When you say nice things like that, I can't take joy in beating you!

Annette
I want to beat you when you're at your best! That's why it bothers me so much when you don't try your hardest against me.

Sylvain
Let me put this a different way...

Sylvain
I've always been treated like I'm special, and I'm not. At least, I don't think I am.

Sylvain
I'm just tired of people thinking they know what I can and can't do.

Sylvain
When everybody expects something of you or envies you...it's kind of suffocating. I'd rather people think I'm dumb.

Sylvain
Well, I mean, I can still be pretty dumb. Heh...

Annette
I have to admit, I have a hard time understanding where you're coming from.

Annette
Just know that...I want you to keep being great at everything without trying.

Annette
If you stop being that way, I won't have any competition!

Sylvain
Heh, competition, huh? I like the sound of that.

Sylvain
Where the heck were you when I was growing up?

Sylvain
If I had someone like you back then, I think I may have turned out different. Better, I mean.

Sylvain
Anyway, I'd love to chat more with you. Would you like to grab some tea with me or...

Annette
Sure thing! The very next moment I'm free. For now, I need to get to my magic training.

Sylvain
Oh, I see. Some other time then. I look forward to it, Annette.