“You're the most important person in my life," I said.He didn't say anything."You're my brother," I said.He didn't say anything."I love you, you little ratbag," I said.He smiled, snuggled down in the bed, and closed his eyes.”

“You're up to something," I said.He turned, eyes wide, long fingers pressed to his heart. "Moi?""Yeah, you,”

“Does he make you happy?""Sure", I said.He told me I didn't know what real happiness was. "You have to shrink yourself to fit into this little life with him.”

“Sorry," I said..."Sorry for what?" He glanced over at me."For whatever I did wrong," I said."Did you do something?"I shrugged, "Why are you not talking to me?""I'm just driving." He moved his hand from the gearshift onto my leg. "Do you like snowmobiling?""I love it," I said.He shot me a look. "Have you ever gone snowmobiling before?""No," I said.He smiled. God, I hate his smile, I love it so much.”

“It means black kitten," I said with my pulse almost even again.Ares studied me. "And you're ok with them calling you their black kitten?""They're wererats, Ares," I said.He frowned at me."They're not calling me their little black rat. Think it through.”

“Tell me why you care," I said.He put his hands on the windowsill. "Because it's you. Despite what you think of me, your pain will always be my pain.”