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The red light of sunset spilled across the Denny's, causing the brick facade to glow in its dying light. The last remnants of day continued to fade and dim, and in the growing shadow of the building the confrontation between two men began.
Arthur's hands curled into fists as they trembled with rage. "We're through John, you hear me? I'm sick and tired of putting up with your constant litany of bullshit. If I never speak to you again it will be too soon."
John stood near the opposite wall, unmoved by the words. His own voice took on a mocking tone as he replied, "Oh, because you're such delightful company? Always nagging and berating every little thing. Believe me when I say I'll be happy to finally be rid of you."
"Fine, no reason delaying the inevitable, let's get this over with."
They both stalked towards each other, closing the distance between them. When only a few feet remained Arthur rushed and closed the remaining distance, feinting an attack towards John's face. John tried to block, obstructing his own view so he completely missed Arthur's knee coming up until he felt it slam into his gut, forcing him double over in pain. Arthur took advantage to follow-up and actually aim for John's head, knocking him to the ground with a grunt.
Looking down with scorn Arthur yelled, "You are an arrogant bastard who refuses to take responsibility for a single one of your actions. How in the world I've tolerated you for so long is nothing short of a miracle."
Arthur tried to step back and retreat, but John had enough presence of mind to grab at his leg and pull, unbalancing Arthur until he fell and cracked his head against the concrete. John tried to follow up with a punch to Arthur's stomach, but with the bad angle it was less a hit, more a solid thump of his arm against Arthur's torso. Neither the subpar attack or his own gasping as he regained his breath prevented John from striking back verbally, sputtering out,"I'm arrogant? You're the one who can't comprehend someone living a life different from your own. That maybe, just maybe my lived experiences aren't the same as yours and that means I'll do things differently than you. Did you ever once consider that?"
"Of course I did-" Arthur shoved John's hand away and halfheartedly kicked at him, moving him across the dirt an inch or so, "-and it was a mistake. I thought you wanted to do better, be better, but you certainly proved me wrong the first chance you had." He gave up pushing at John and laid back against the crumbling pavement, staring up at the sky and the corner of the glowing Denny's sign he could see past the building's walls. "Trusting you was a mistake."
John didn't reply. He laid on the ground absorbing Arthur's words as the sun finally finished setting, casting them fully into shadow and darkness until the parking lot lights turned on. When he'd fully regained his breath he spoke clearly into the air above him, "I'm sorry."
"John-"
"Truly Arthur, I am. You're right. I was thoughtless and it hurt you, and I never even apologized. I should be better than that by now."
Arthur sighed and sat up. "If we're both being honest it's not like I gave you the chance to apologize. I jumped straight to anger and blame, I can hardly fault you for replying in kind." He reached forward and grabbed John's arm to pull him upright. Tightening his grip on John's arm he looked him in the eye and said, "I'm sorry too."
John laughed and stood up pulling Arthur after him and brushing the worst of the dirt of their clothes. "We're both sorry enough sights without more apologies, let's go inside and get something to eat."
They entered the Denny's side by side. The hostess, a young girl no older than eighteen, smiled when she heard the bell ring with their entry. "Hey guys, I got your table set up soon as I saw you pull in. Just the usual today or do you wanna try something different?"
"The usual will suit us just fine Tiffany, thank you. Is it alright if I use your restroom to clean up?"
"Of course, take your time. We'll have your food ready for you by the time you get out." Arthur went towards the restroom as Tiffany led John to their usual table, carrying two menus with her even though she knew neither John or Arthur needed one to order. As soon as John eased himself into the booth she leaned forward, holding up the menus to block the view of her whispering towards John from anyone inclined to spy. "So, what was it this time?"
John grumbled briefly before giving up the truth, "I mixed up the laundry. Put a red shirt in with the whites and ruined all his work shirts."
Tiffany winced. "Ooooohh, yeah, that's a rough one. Hopefully bleach will get it out."
"You can remove stains with bleach? I'll have to try that."
"Maybe just offer help him remove the stains. Love having you guys here, love it even more when you don't make a pit stop behind the building before coming in."
"Oh, yes. Of course." John unsubtlety refused to meet her gaze. She tried to give him a mock glare but abandoned it with a sigh of fond exasperation.
"I'll go get you some coffee, try to get through the night in one piece, okay?"
"Uh, right, will do."
She left, hoping she wouldn't return to witness the start of their next fight when she came back with their food.