"You think my dedication to this is so shallow?" He says with a hollow laugh. He's tired, so tired, of all of this. He doubts she's underestimating him. She's too clever for that by far. But all can be swayed by silly, romantic hopes.

He almost was, once.

"What is your argument? That it is wrong?" He tilts his head to the side, staring at her with an attempt at a detached expression. It's imperfect, but for now, it will do.