Don't mind Strat, who was going to make a point of grossly misinterpreting that statement, grinning like a complete psycho somewhere behind his mask, and then slapping his knee.

Jono was going to fix him with another look. He still had some of his old crankiness stowed away for when it really mattered. And then, when Strat took the pains to look properly chagrined, Jono turned back to Raven, considering her words thoughtfully.

//No,// he allowed, //I don't believe you do have to say. And I...//

His thoughts drifted back to last night. He didn't have a singing voice, and so that was what Didi had gotten him as a gift, in the way of Christian.

And he'd wanted so badly to kiss her for the thought, but he didn't have a mouth, either.

//Do you really think you can?//