Dom just stared at Tory a few moments, the tirade had certainly not been anticipated. But that was part of what got his blood up, really. Tory was far more attractive when he was actually passionate about something, even if he was being moved by his anger. Dom knew he shouldn't be thinking this way.

Just another sin to add to my growing list. He sighed mentally. At this point it probably doesn't make a difference.

"I didn't know you cared so much," he said by way of deflection. But he couldn't quite bring himself to be mean about it. He could tell by the way Tory eyes flashed that his stepbrother wasn't going to let it go.

"Like I said, I have nothing better to do right now," he shrugged, "Why not leave school and better jobs open for those who want them." He stood up from the table, pushing his half-eaten plate away.

He hoped he didn't sound as bitter as he suddenly felt. He was tired. Of this argument and of simply being himself. His work was how he defined himself now, how he marked off the day to day, and he defied Tory to try to take that way. So what if it was shit? At least it was something.

He could have said any sort of mean things, any sort of things to tear down Tory's delusions. To show the kid just how selfish his words really were. But he couldn't bring himself to do it.

Anger was attractive, but the type of pain that words could bring was not.

"I'm feeling tired," he said instead. "I'm gonna go to bed now. I have to work the morning shift, anyway."