Page 97 of Refrain

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Allegra: First-hand experience?

Xane (Spook): We had cats on the farm growing up.

Xane (Spook): What do you mean you don’t want a half-chewed baby bird and a frog leg for breakfast? I caught that especially, you miserable oversized ape.

Allegra: Lol. But probably not when it happens.

Allegra: Now I’m frightened Malice can read.

8thJanuary

Allegra: I miss you.

Xane (Spook): …

9thJanuary

Allegra: So, you and Xane?

Xane (Spook): What do you want me to say?

Xane (Spook): Same old, same old.

Allegra: Not sure anyone else thinks so.

Xane (Spook): Meaning Captain Bubblebutt. Like he knows a fucking thing about anything.

Allegra: He knows you’re sweary.

Xane (Spook): True

Allegra: And given to snogging Xane in plain sight.

Xane (Spook): Not really. Okay, sure, once or twice.

Allegra: That’s not easy to hear.

Xane (Spook): Sorry.

Allegra: I suppose you’re going to tell me it’s complicated.

Xane (Spook): No. It’s really fucking simple.

Xane (Spook): It’s either kiss me or kill me. So far, he’s taken option one, but it’s increasingly touch and go.

Allegra: You’re arguing? He said something about being in the doghouse.

Xane (Spook): Did he?

Allegra: Was that not true?

Xane (Spook): True 97% of the time.

Xane (Spook): What can I say, I’m a fuck up, and he’s an arsehole. Or he’s a fuck up and I’m an arsehole. Works both ways.

Xane (Spook): It’s been a rough few days.

Allegra: Oh?

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