"I know you do," Krem said, and smiled despite the ache in his jaw. He nuzzled at Thomas's throat gently, humming. "And I wouldn't even stop you if you abandoned me to go on one. Would just lie here and enjoy your bed until you came back."

He turned his head a little, pillowed against Thomas's shoulder and sought out his hand to hold gently. Maybe Thomas was right. Maybe he'd been knocked a little too hard in the head a couple too many times last night. But that seemed alright right now.

"Better than the alternative, I suppose. I could be picking more fights."