Caring too much could be dangerous; I saw that now. But the alternative was no better.

Most people weren’t aware enough to fear the things that could really hurt them.

He's never going to sit at my feet and write me poems, which is good because I hate poetry, except dirty ones that rhyme.

You could miss someone, but it did no good to fixate on loss. I wished I had the ready words of a Breeder or the ability to comfort with a soft touch. I didn't. Instead I had daggers and determination. That would have to do.

He’s worth fighting for, but I won’t change who I am for any man. No more than he should alter himself to suit me.

Don’t let them see you weak.

Finally, I understood what else was going on. I might be slow, but given time, I put the pieces together. "You have no reason to be jealous, I promise. We talked... and trained. You're the only boy who gets close like this." "Oh." A long, slow breath escaped him. "I feel so stupid." I put my lips to his cheek and whispered, "Don't. I love you, Fade.