`` i see the appeal of living with pixies , '' he said softly , `` but do they ever stop talking ? '' distracted from his catch , jake 's attention shifted between them as if he was watching a ping-pong match . she murmured soft , private words meant only for the two of them . tick 's heart almost broke at the sight , but he knew what he had to do . `` i wish you 'd been this agreeable a few months ago , '' she teased , then changed her mind . 