"Aw come on," Vlad cajoled, "it doesn't look that bad. I think it makes you look tough."

He was sitting next to the bed, where Teige was bundled under the comforter. Teige turned his horned head over on the pillows, giving him a thoroughly unconvinced look.

"...You don't have ta lie," he said. His speech was still a little slurred. "I look like a clipped cat."

"I don't know what that means," Vlad said gently. He patted the covers, and started to get to his feet. "I'd better get back to Luu. I'll stop by tomorrow and see how you are, okay?"

Teige was silent as Vlad pattered across the room to the door. As he opened it, however, Teige said, "Vlad?"

Vlad paused in the doorway. Teige peered at him over the edge of the comforter, his glowing white eyes betraying little.

"Is this...working?" he asked. "You and me, t'at is."