[Even as his own irritation began to steadily build up, Barnaby did not attempt another revolt against Kotetsu's actions and kept his formerly grabby body parts right where they had been placed, but his feelings of displeasure were easily conveyed in the pointed look in his eyes. "Rookie". Had Kotetsu really used that as an excuse? He could recall in crystal clear details the lessons he'd taken in ballroom dancing, the almost endless number of charities and private events he'd participated in which granted him nothing but upstanding compliments on his technique, words about his absolute grace and sophistication and high regard that he had always been suspected to uphold when it came to his public image. Perhaps it was exactly why he was being more stubborn about the whole thing than usual. Barnaby was still very much used to giving off a certain aura in the public eye, a certain air of prestige that was meant to hold the attention of everyone around him. This was his moment, he would run it... but apparently not when Kotetsu was intent on making him feel like a "rookie", like some child. As if he didn't know what he was doing. He could almost scoff.]
I assure you that in this situation I happen to have more experience than you do. [And just to emphasize his point, the steady flow of critique began even as he made no other continued efforts to fight Kotetsu's position.]
Straighten your posture more. You're dragging your feet a bit as well. Also you're not leading, you're slightly pulling. And don't look down. It's unsightly and you lose track of the steps faster that way. [Of course everything had been genuine complaints that he'd noticed since they had started but nothing that actually bothered him. Not much. No, this was his own subtle (if you could even call it such a thing, and Barnaby's critiques and complaints were never really subtle when it came to his partner, or at least before they hadn't been) way of being as manipulative as possible. Because if he continued to push at the other's buttons then something was bound to snap and he'd give up, then Barnaby could smoothly take the reigns and this whole thing would be finished his way like it was meant to be, and not only would this save them face from their onlookers but both of their egos would remain completely intact (of course this was not actually true but it was a good enough thought to have). Really, there was no problem with him leading, rookie or not.]
no subject
I assure you that in this situation I happen to have more experience than you do. [And just to emphasize his point, the steady flow of critique began even as he made no other continued efforts to fight Kotetsu's position.]
Straighten your posture more. You're dragging your feet a bit as well. Also you're not leading, you're slightly pulling. And don't look down. It's unsightly and you lose track of the steps faster that way. [Of course everything had been genuine complaints that he'd noticed since they had started but nothing that actually bothered him. Not much. No, this was his own subtle (if you could even call it such a thing, and Barnaby's critiques and complaints were never really subtle when it came to his partner, or at least before they hadn't been) way of being as manipulative as possible. Because if he continued to push at the other's buttons then something was bound to snap and he'd give up, then Barnaby could smoothly take the reigns and this whole thing would be finished his way like it was meant to be, and not only would this save them face from their onlookers but both of their egos would remain completely intact (of course this was not actually true but it was a good enough thought to have). Really, there was no problem with him leading, rookie or not.]