The ground ignited in a brief flash of intense heat that left the sidewalk charred and smoldering.

A resounding “smack!” followed immediately.

“You know I hate that shit James” Stella hissed, her glare almost as searing as the pavement.

“Ow!” James rubbed his arm, offended.

“No what the fuck, that hurt Stella”

“Good! Maybe then you’ll get it through your boulder thick skull-“ She was on a roll now and James had wished he’d listened the first time.

“The entire town hates us because of you and your stupid spit fires”

“Well what am I supposed to do, swallow my charcoal snot?” He protested indignantly, baffled she’d even suggest such an offense.

“When your dammed snots explosive that’s exactly what you do, we’ve talked about this” she trailed off rubbing her temples.