Beka's POV

I returned to the Cooper's home; Rosto was there waiting for me. Eleni was nowhere in sight. I poured myself a cup of water looked at Rosto dully. This was one Puppy that needed a catnap.

Rosto had a dark look in his eyes. I glared right back at him; I was still reeling from my 'talk' with Songwind.

"Blasé." Rosto spat out the name like a curse. "What do you know about him? More importantly, what does HE know about you?"

I shrugged loosely. "He knows I'm a mot." It didn't seem important, but it was the only thing that came to mind.

"Yes. He knows you're a mot. That was definitely mentioned." Rosto said sourly. "Puppy, sit."

Normally, I would've responded with a biting comment or a mild kick, but he seemed deadly serious. I sat.

"That…puttock…has been talking. Saying some…unkind things. Well, mayhap they're not unkind, but they're certainly not…" He trailed off awkwardly. I blinked. Rosto was at a loss for words. I never thought—not in a hundred years—

"He's been telling stories. Bragging about…

I caught on. "Oh." Blood ran to my face. I think Rosto interpreted it as a blush.

"You haven't…" The disbelief was plain on his face.

I scowled. "You're an idiot, Piper. No, I didn't, not with him! But you're a cuddy to even ask something so…personal!" I stood angrily, ready to march off. He grabbed my arm.

"Have you ever…I mean…ever?"

"Yes, not that it's any of your business!" My heart thundered loudly in my throat. His grip slackened. He seemed unusually surprised. My temper rose, cold and deadly.

"You're the same pox-ridden rusher who strolled into Corus six months ago." I hissed. "You haven't changed, for all you won the Rogue Court. You still think shy is stupid and careful is prude. Well, Piper, I've had my share of canoodling; just because I don't pick a new cove every week doesn't make me a priest!" I started to stomp away.

"Coop—Beka." Halfway through my surname, his tone changed. He said "Beka" with a sort of sincerity I'd never heard from him before. I turned back, surprised.

He took a deep breath. "Beka, for a gixie who doesn't talk much, you certainly put a lot of words in my mouth."

There was no way I could've anticipated his next move. His arm snaked out and pulled me close, his lips pressed warmly against mine. I struggled; as pleasant as the kiss was, I didn't want it. "Talk about putting things in other people's mouths." I muttered.

Rosto threw back his head and laughed. After a moment, he sobered. "Beka, don't get the wrong impression. I wasn't surprised—well, I was but…it was more that I was disappointed."

My brow furrowed. "Disappointed?" I repeated.

His grin was lopsided. "I hoped I'd be able to teach you something one day."

My temper reached subzero temperatures. I hit him across the jaw and fled. How dare he!?

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Rosto's POV

Rosto rotated his neck and rubbed his jaw gingerly. Well, that didn't go as planned. He should have kept his gob shut, in more ways than one. But…this was the one chance they had to be together. In a time when she didn't belong to the guards and he didn't belong to the Rogue. Why'd he have to fall for such a stubborn pup?

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Beka's POV

Pounce found me fuming in front of the city well. He let out a series of murts, all of which sounded like pure cat. I hugged him, and for once, he didn't struggle. When I relaxed my hold, he climbed up onto my shoulder and purred reassuringly. Somehow he knew I wasn't in the mood for conversation.

After minutes of sulking, I grew tired of it. I hefted my baton and stretched my limbs. If the guards around here wouldn't do their job, I'd do it for them. I needed to do something. I bought a small roll of bread and went to find some birdies.

a/n: yes, this chapter is short and crappy. Don't bother to flame, I already noticed. Sorry, I felt compelled to update, but I don't think this was the opportune moment...life's a little crazy right now, I'll probably edit this later.