Defiant (Skyward, #4)

by Brandon Sanderson

“So…this mustache. How—” “It’s awful,” Kimmalyn said. He blinked in surprise, and I’ll admit I did a double take myself. Had…had Kimmalyn just said that? “Did you say—” Nedd began. “It’s awful.” Kimmalyn put both hands in front of her mouth, as if trying to hide how much she was smiling. “It’s terrible, Nedd. It’s like someone glued a rat to your face, then ripped it off really quickly, leaving a few hairs behind! It’s like you shaved off a real mustache, but missed a few spots. It’s truly terrible.” She let out a little squeal of delight. “I’ve been waiting to tell you! I can’t believe I did.” “I…can’t believe it either,” he said. “You’re usually, uh, more…subtle.” “The mustache doesn’t deserve subtlety, Nedd,” she said. “It deserves a mercy killing.” “Oh. Uh, well then.” He looked to me, as if for support. “I’ve got a knife,” I said, reaching for the one I wore strapped to my leg. “Hold still and—”