Michael snorted. "Don't apologise for him. He's a jerkass. Apparently decency is lost on some people. You don't antagonise someone you want to have a bout with. You antagonise someone you want to fight hardcore style." He sighed. "Oh well. If not fighting him pisses him off, call me a pacifist as far as he's concerned."

He grinned at Gabriel. "And you so do nag. You nag a lot. 'Miiiiichael, watch your language!' 'Miiiiichael, don't call anyone a nickname!' 'Michael, don't eat all the food!' 'Miiiiichael, quit trying to make my cat dance!'"