"Oh, totally," said Benny agreeably, and wore the expression of consternation that meant both of my hands are busy, how do I get my cellphone? He solved the problem by downing the rest of his coffee with a slight choke that meant Benson Beldon didn't actually have an asbestos mouth, and put the mug down so that he could pull his cellphone out of his pocket. "Damn! Waist-length! No kidding! Ha, ha, I bet your kiddie pictures are so cute."

They exchanged numbers; from far-off there was the bell that meant it was five minutes to afternoon classes -- Benny grimaced, and slid his own cell back in his pocket. With a squeeze of Gray's hand, he said: "Double maths. Time to slay that dragon! See you at prep., right, sweetheart?"

And with a wink and a -- sigh -- finger-gun that apparently Benny thought looked suave, he ambled off in search of his bag. He hollered as a parting, "Remember not to eat Cheetos in the shower!"