They have an unusual relationship. And when things are good, it's magic.

And then they kiss. Slowly, gently. Because with the right person, sometimes kissing feels like healing.

It's the intent, not the word, that makes something harsh.

They linger near the back door, forehead to forehead and curved like statues as their lips whisper and brush together.

Are you okay?" she whispers, giggling. Me? Oh sure. You might have to carry me out of here, though." What happened?" I created a distraction." I gathered that." Step stool, encyclopedias, floor." I see. Well, I can't thank you enough." Sure you can. Help me flunk enough tests, so I drop out of the 'torian range." Can't you just tell Abernethy that you have a reputation as a dumbshit to keep up, and you don't want the attention?" Flunking is more fun.

I lurve you, circus freak," Cabel says. It almost hurts to hear him say that. I lurve you, too, you big lumpy monster man," Janie says. That hurts even more to say.

Get me outa here. F*ckin' creepy cheerleaders.