Okay, guys... NaNo has kept me away for some time, but I desperately need to write something else. So, here I am, and I am SO excited for this chapter. Guess why?!

Kidding. You'll find out. X3

"Hm... How about eight of those, ten of those, six of those..."

Crow's jaw dropped as he listened to Tweeds' extensive order. It seemed to go on forever as Aunt Taffy dropped handful after handful of sweets into the large bag.

"...and twelve of those," the boy finished with a decisive nod. Digging deep into his pocket, he produced a wad of cash, handing it over to the old lady.

Crow shook his head. Good to know he's using his pay wisely...

Handing the boy his bag of candy, Aunt Taffy patted him on the head. With a quick "Thank you," the two headed back to the market.

Tweeds shoved a pink ball into his mouth, chomping noisily, then extended the bag to his friend. "Want some?"

Wincing, Crow waved his refusal. "I'm good."

With a shrug, Tweeds continued chewing loudly. Crow shuddered at the sound, turning away.

"Tweeds, don't you ever get sick from all those sweets?"

The boy looked innocently at the bag, as if the thought had never occurred to him, then back at Crow. "I... I don't think so." He shoved another piece in his mouth.

Crow sighed, but couldn't keep a smile from creeping across his lips. Although Tweeds could be rather childish at times, often falling short of his expectations, it was impossible not to like him. The tough leader was no exception to this rule.

Again, Tweeds held the bag out to his friend. "Sure you don't want any?"

Crow looked at him with a chuckle. "Sure," he smiled, reaching into the bag. "I'll take some."

Trash. We sneak behind one of the nicest houses in Misthallery... for trash.

Crow crinkled his nose in disgust as Scraps dove into the rubbish bin, chattering as if he'd discovered a gold mine.

"The Greppes always have good stuff," he told Crow. "They throw out all sorts of things."

The phrase Beauty is in the eye of the beholder danced on the tip of Crow's tongue, but he held it, nodding quietly.

Suddenly, the shorter boy emerged, holding his hand victoriously above his head. "Bingo!" Scraps pulled himself from the bin, scampering over to where Crow stood.

Oh, no. Please don't ask me to admire your trash.

When the boy held out his hand, the leader wasn't at all surprised to see what looked like a dirt-coated piece of junk. He cringed.

"Lovely."

Scraps rolled his eyes. "Don't gimme that." He began vigorously rubbing the item with his sleeve. "You just gotta clean it up a bit... and... voila!" He revealed a small, delicate object, overlaid in a faded, but glistening silver. A pattern of blue gems made its way around the base, shining in the sunlight.

"It's a bell," Crow noted, the disdain gone from his voice, if only for a moment.

"'Course it's a bell," Scraps mumbled. "What'd you think it was, a tea cup?"

After giving his little minion a harsh look, the leader looked back to the tiny object. "Why'd they throw this out?"

In answer, the shorter boy shrugged. "Beats me, but you know what they say; one man's trash is another man's treasure."

"Hello!"

The cheery voice came from under a machine as Crow entered the room. Wrenches, screwdrivers, and tools of all sorts lined one wall, while various sketches and blueprints lined another, the whole of it covered in an odd, oily scent.

Crow couldn't help smiling at the greeting. Tired as he was, it was good to hear the small, innocent voice. "Hey, Sock," he replied, striding over to stand by the machine. "What's goin' on?"

"Well," he replied, "I'm just workin' on this machiney thing. Nothin' big."

"Good that." Crow smiled down at the feet that protruded from under the contraption. While he enjoyed the company of every one of his friends, Socket had a special way of making his day.

"What're you doin'?"

Crow shrugged. "Nothin' really. Been kinda slow 'round here, ya know?"

"Oh," Socket started, "am I goin' too slow?"

"Nah," Crow assured him. "You're doin' just fine, Socket." He crouched down, peering beneath the machine the boy was working on.

Socket turned to face the leader's smile, a grin spreading over his own face. "Thanks." He went back to twisting bolts and working wires, a happy look still about him. "Y'know," he said, "you're a good friend."

Crow's smile disappeared suddenly. He was somewhat shocked at the compliment. He hadn't expected it, to say the least.

A good friend, eh?

Slowly, his smile reappeared, just a bit brighter than before.

"Thanks, Sock," he beamed at the little mechanic. "You too."

Eee! Sorry, guys. I just... I LOVE SOCKET. AND CROW. AND THE BLACK RAVENS. *fangirls to my grave*

Thanks for reading! God bless! (Oh, and expect the next chapter... in a long time. XD)

-LittleBrotherSocket