As a child, he had hardened his heart and learned to take their punches. He had learned to spit back and take down anyone who cast a jaundiced eye or who made a comment about either him, his mother, or his sister. He’d told himself that he didn’t need anyone’s love or caring. And so he had learned to live like a feral animal, always ready to strike out when someone tried to touch him.

You're so afraid of being hurt that you attack first. Only those who really care about you will weather the assault of your verbal attacks and stay. The rest will fall away.

Grace? Are you tipsy? (Selena) Maybe just comfortably toasty. Pop tart toasty. (Grace)

It was a typical day of suckage and blowage.’ (Chris)

Sunny, tell me truthfully, what are your intentions toward Talon? (Selena) What are you? His mom? I promise I’ll respect him in the morning. (Sunshine)

Sway’s an idiot who didn’t order them when we used up the last bunch. (Vik) Isn’t that your job? (Devyn) No. I’m the sub-idiot. Sway’s head idiot because the company refuses to deal with mechas. Since I’m not organic, they think I can’t pay. (Vik) Thanks, Vik. (Devyn) Ever my pleasure to irritate you, sir. (Vik)

Why have I always been forbidden to touch him? (Stryker) Ours it not to question why. Ours is but to live or die. (Apollymi)