I used to work for a woman who bred bulldogs--they are not delicate little scented flowers. When Pete talks about being a dirty little dude, I just imagine three days on a bus and 21 consecutive hours cuddling a bulldog, and I think ah yes. *G*

I'm glad you liked the story--I was trying to get a moody thing going without painting myself into a dark corner, so hurray. Thank you very much! :)