“It’s called a near-death experience. You should try it sometime,” I said sweetly. “Maybe without the ‘near’.”

“What are you doing, meditating?""No, I'm trying to calm down so I don't kick your ass," she said through clenched teeth.”

“I couldn't figure out how the system worked. And maybe that was the point. If you aren't sure how it works, it's a lot harder to game it.”

“I know who you are, no matter what you look like,” he said quietly, surprising me.”

“I think, uh, I might be in love with you," I said, my voice sounding gruff and awkward even to my own ears.”

“You better smile, or we're toast," I said. "Everything about you screams social malcontent with a grudge and a trunk full of weapons.”

“I couldn't loose somebody else like that, without even the chance to say good-bye. Not again. Not her.”