“I picked up the mop and started washing again as Rob struggled to his feet, red faced. John laughed, and Much covered a smile."You lot think this is funny?" I asked. "I'll unman you too if you wish it."They jumped back, and Rob grunted. "You haven't unmanned me, and I resent the implication of it.""It were a warning blow," I told him, shoving the mop 'cross the floor. "Next time I'll try harder.”

“Much were bent over in laughter. I pushed him, and he rolled to the floor without my intended insult. “Come off it!” I stamped my foot.“What’s so funny?” John asked, coming over in the middle of eating an apple. He tossed me an apple and I threw it at Much. He only laughed harder. “K-k-kissed Scar!” he hooted.“Someone kissed you?” John asked, turning to me. He didn’t look like it were too funny. “Who is he?”This made Much laugh more.“None of your business, John Little,” I told him.He stepped closer to me with a flat face that, if I could ape it, I’d never be kissed by a stupid girl when I didn’t want to be. “Who, Scar?”“Jenny Percy!” Much roared.John’s face broke open, like a smile could split a blackmood. “Wait till Rob hears this.”

“John laughed. “You know, I’ve heard all the sayings about the wrath of women, but whew, Scar, you have a temper.”The others chuckled.“Keep it in mind, John Little,” I warned him. I didn’t feel much like chuckling.He laughed. “I’ll be sure to inform Jenny Percy,” he said.I rolled my eyes, but this time I heard a small laugh come from Rob’s distant corner. “So she really kissedScar?”“Should have seen it, Rob! Scar’s right in the middle of giving her a talking-to, and Jenny lays one on her,” Muchcrowed.“So that’s how we shut her up,” John said.I knew he were fair close to me so I tried to kick him. It took a few attempts, but one finally hit something and I heard him whine, “Ow, Scar!”“And none of you jumped in to defend—her—her honor?” Rob asked, but it got broken up with laughs.“The lot of you are stupid blighters,” I snapped. “It ain’t for laughing.”This made them crack apart with howls.”

“I'll see you later Roza.""At our next practice?" I asked. "We are starting those up again, right? I mean you still have things to teach me." Standing in the doorway, he looked over at me and smiled. "Yes. Lots of things.”

“Where you're concerned, I'll try my best, Ava. I already told you, I've waited too long for you. You're my little piece of heaven. Nothing will rob you from me. Nothing.”

“Without a word or hesitation, Pain took the mop from Nick. Suffering moved to pick up glass."Wow. Where have you two been all my life?"Pain quirked and eyebrow as he mopped the floor."Walking hand in hand with you. Haven't you noticed?”