“Nicholas ignored Eugene’s delicate sensibilities in order to focus on Seiji’s plate. Seiji’s breakfast remained disappointing. “Next time you should get some more bacon. I’ll eat it if you don’t want it.”

“I don’t eat more than a single slice of bacon and you shouldn’t, either,” Seiji told him. “Excessive bacon will make your arteries clog and slow your progress on the piste. Your extraordinary speed is the only thing you have going for you.”

Nicholas preened. “Oh, my extraordinary speed, is it?”

“Shut up,” said Seiji.

“Quit gushing over me, ’m getting all bashful,” said Nicholas.”