[The corners of her mouth turn up a little at that.]

I appreciate it, but I think I can handle them on my own. Besides, I don't think they're completely bad. I dunno if I can call 'em my friends, but...they're not my enemies either. Besides, if it had been my brother trapped in that incinerator...or if had been me...

[She falls silent. Would she really? Would she stoop to their level just to save her brother? Clover wanted to tell herself that she would never do such a thing, but she had never been thrust into Santa's place. Being helpless while his sister died...turning to the last resort that would reunite them and help them exact their vengeance...

Clover covers her mouth with both her hands. Why was she even thinking about this?]

No...I don't want to...I can't...