The big-eyed kid pulled a face. "You can't call Ms. Reina a slut just because she brought Frank baked treats a few times. Maybe she just wanted to thank your dad...
After all, Frank helped her get rid of a few brain-dead suitors!
Just like I'm grateful he helped my stepdad kick drugs and booze..."
As the big-eyed kid spoke, Nick stiffened his neck and took an Iron Sand Palm from Old Cage, letting out a howl that would make anyone who heard it weep.
Then he took a kick, too. Only then did Nick look at his little buddy and say, "Don't do that. We have to make it sound worse, or Old Cage will think he's lost his touch..."
Nick hissed and shook his reddened hand a couple of times. "Forget your deadbeat stepdad. At least your mom won't get beaten anymore, right?
If you feel sorry for him, you can ask Dr. Yinsen to put his legs back together..."
The big-eyed kid hesitated, then shook his head. "No, it's fine like this. He's done more housework with a bad leg than he did in the past ten years combined.
My mom's happy, though I don't know why!
That guy tried to kill himself several times when his drug habit flared up, but they saved him every time...
My mom says he used to be a good person. I've never seen anything good about him..."
As the big-eyed kid spoke, he saw Frank come up the stairs and approach the agitated Old Cage. Frank quietly murmured something to him.
He said uncertainly, "Is there trouble again? I hope we don't have to hide in 'The Basement' this time..."
Nick glared at Frank, who was pretending not to see him, and sneered. "I don't know if we're in trouble,