"Sorry, hon," Vlad said, grinning as he adjusted the harness around the horse's neck. "It's just that most of my nights out drinking usually ended in tears."

"That so?" Teige said brightly. "Most of mine have ended with running from the Gardaí."

"Well, try to avoid both tonight, okay?"

Teige rested his huge head on top of Vlad's briefly. "Ah, I'm not after that sort of time ennyway. A gorgeous fall night and two aul ones catching up--just a nice bit of normalcy after all this last year and some, that's all I want."

Vlad withdrew. "Fair enough. Go finish your shift and get to it, then."

"Spare us a peck first?" Teige asked, and then lowered his head so Vlad could plant a kiss on the bridge of his broad nose. "And be careful yerself tonight."

"I will," Vlad agreed, and Teige turned to go. "Enjoy your nice and normal boy's night!"

"Aye." Teige broke into a trot, heading up the stone street towards a little bridge that crossed a canal.

"And call if you get in trouble!"

"Aye," Teige repeated as he went. "Luv ya!"