“Why, Noah, do you know the word for vagina in every language?""Because I’m European, and therefore more cultured than you.”

“I pointed to a low bowl filled with what purported to be stew, but then Noah said, “Are you goingto point, or are you going to eat?”“I just like to know what I’m putting in my mouth before I swallow.”Noah arched an eyebrow, and I wanted to crawl into a hole and die.”

“I’m too selfish to leave you,” I said. Noah pulled back so I could see his smile. “I’m too selfish to let you.”

“You like me,” he finally said. “You like me, like me.” He was trying not to smile.“No. I hate you,” I said, hoping that saying it would make it so.“And yet, you draw me.” Noah was still smug, completely undeterred by my declaration.This was torture; worse somehow than what just happened, even though it was only the two of us. Or because it was only the two of us.“Why?” he asked.“Why what?” What could I say? Noah, despite you being an asshole, or maybe because of it, I’d like to rip off your clothes and have your babies. Don’t tell.”

“Where are you going?”“My God, you’re like the plague.”“A masterfully crafted, powerfully understated, and epic parable of timeless moral resonance? Why, thank you. That’s one of the nicest things anyone’s ever said to me,” he said.“The disease, Noah. Not the book.”“I’m ignoring that qualification.”

“I was warned about you, you know."And with that half-smile that wrecked me, Noah said, "But you're here anyway.”

“So, what are you doing with my little sister today?” Daniel asked. I closed my eyes in defeat.“I’m afraid I can’t ruin the surprise,” Noah said. “But I promise I’ll return her intact.”He did not just say that. Daniel cackled”