A/N: So, I was in a rush tonight to get this up, and I'm kind of hitting a writer's block with this! Suggestions are welcomed.

Next chapter will be longer, and Ch. 9 of ACiD will be out on Dec. 26! Wonder if Talon is dead or alive? ;)

Anyways, enjoy!

I let out a heavy sigh as soon as I disappeared from the room that held Talon captive. I felt like my soul had left my body in that sigh, and the only thing keeping me standing was the wall I was leaning against.

Being truthful, I had no idea WHAT I was doing. I had Talon and Inspector Claw captured, and I didn't even tell Dr. Gadget yet. Brain suggested that I tell my uncle, but my heart...said otherwise.

I truly do try hard to conceal the feelings that I have for that HQ agent. I really do. But simply handing him over to my uncle where he'll be tortured and most likely murdered, wasn't the easiest thing in the world.

I didn't want to hand over his uncle either because then I'd probably never see Talon again...and he'd never forgive me!

The one thing that my Uncle Gadget and Brain have ever wanted to was to eliminate Inspector Claw. The missions my Uncle sent me on was all bait to capture Inspector Claw, or lure him into a dangerous situation where catastrophes could finish the job for MAD.

But, this whole time, I was against it all..

And the whole time, I've only been trying to get closer to Talon!

I never gave Inspector Claw to Dr. Gadget; he's actually in the room next to Talon's cage, sleeping.

I sighed as I grabbed some sort of hard, piece of corn from the food bowl in this cage. I bite into it only to be shot back with immense pain. The damn thing was as hard as ice!

I chucked it away, nearly hitting Brain, who growled in return. I didn't bother to say sorry.

"Hey,"

I turned and saw Penny, and glared at seeing her figure leaning next to her pup.

"What."

"You okay?"

I started laughing hysterically, "I'm locked in a rat cage with freeze-dried food and prickly sawdust bedding. I'm the best!" Sarcasm leaked through my voice.

"Alrighty then, guess you can stay there then!" I heard her begin to walk off, and I felt as if my imaginary rat ears perked up instantly.

"Wait! This cage is, totes, the worst!"

She turned around to me and flashed a quick smile.

A smile that melted my heart like ice cream.