"Well he IS called the 'Swordsman of Rage' for a reason…" offered Mel meekly.

"Fuh," snarled Branky, his fur ruffled. "He didn't have to yell so loud. I'm a wolf; we have sensitive ears, y'know."

"I know you've got a crush on Borus, Branky, but… …I really think you just went around telling him that the wrong way."

"How'm I supposed to, then? Write him sappy poetry? Give him flowers!? Geez… it was just a love nip! I was afraid he was going to lop my head off!"

"… well maybe you shouldn't have 'nipped' him on the butt, then."