[Regifortis]

Steve had to suppress the urge to laugh. What even mattered? Apparently his dignity wasn't worth jack shit to these people. They didn't step back and realize how sincere Steve was about this, and how the jokes they were making were in severe distaste. They just marveled at how far Steve would actually go to secure his apartment. Even though he had already made himself clear.

He stood back up and allowed the disgust on his tongue to contort his face as much as he wanted to. "I said I would do anything. I meant it. Hit me with your best shot, now. Come on! I'm sure it's a dream come true to do whatever you want to the 'too proud, thinks he's better than everyone' cop who you have to debase yourselves to live next to. I'm sure you'd love to rip me a new one for trying as hard as I could to be friendly, when you both know damned well that some people just aren't meant to get along. Hell, bring in the landlord so he can watch! I don't care anymore! You can insult my profession, mock me for being desperate, guilt me into doing things you know I don't want to do, and say things like 'lick my feet' without even flinching, and I'm the asshole?! Fine. Have it your way. Like you've had the whole fucking week."

He got back down on the floor and put his face next to John's feet. "None of this is normal. I shouldn't have to go through any of this to get an apartment, yet you two and Alderman are just fine with it. But I'll put up with it. You say it, I'll do it. What are you waiting for?"