“I peeked at your licence. Cute photo. But seriously, how are you feeling?”

“Like I’ve been asleep for a hundred years.”

I take a seat next to him on the bed. “Well, you certainly look well-rested.”

“Hmmm,” he says, closing his eyes again. Geez, even his lashes are beautiful. I wait a moment for him to say something else. His chest rises and falls. He’s asleep again. I nudge him gently in his thigh. “Huh? Who’s there?” He stretches like he’s waking up from a late-afternoon nap. “Cybelle?”

“That’s my name.” I laugh a little. “Listen, my medical Japanese isn’t great, so this is for you.” I plop the clipboard of forms and the plastic bag with his belongings right on his chest. “This is all yours, too. You’re lucky I have two co-workers here to help me with translation. Er, I didn’t call them here, they just … um, showed up. Don’t worry, I skipped the part where I found you in the basement of an abandoned restaurant.”

“I appreciate that.” He gives the clipboard and the bag half a glance before moving them next to his leg. “Not that your school is going to hire me anytime soon.” He chuckles grimly. “Guess I shouldn’t’ve gone through with that ploy. Could’ve saved myself all this excitement.”

“Hey, you know me. I’m all about excitement. Or maybe you don’t know me. I don’t know. How did you end up down there, anyway?”

He’s still grinning. “Long story. Too long for now. Let’s save it for our next date.”

“Yeah … We did go on a date … didn’t we?” I thought that old place looked familiar. The main room did, at least.

“Technically, two dates. There was food and handholding, and long philosophical conversations. Sounds like a date to me. I can’t believe you forgot all about me.”

“Hey! I didn’t! Well, okay, maybe I did … but I’m here now, aren’t I?” I shake my head. “My memories are still pretty fuzzy. Consider that my excuse for not calling you?”

The curtains suddenly jerk sideways. A young doctor steps in and reels back when he sees me. “Uwaa! Oh! Sorry! So sorry!” He bows. “Hontou ni sumimasen. Anou, tomodachi … uh, friend? You bring … in taxi?”

“That’s me.”

“Anou … Japanese, okay? Anou … friend … needs rest. So, please, excuse us. Home, okay?”

I turn to Zaniel. “You gonna be okay?”

“Yes, dear. I don’t think any demons are coming to kidnap me anytime soon. And I have you to thank for that.” He takes my hand and presses it against his lips.

I shrug, grateful I’m not blushing. Whatever drug they have running through his IV drip, it’s working wonders. There’s nothing more I can do by staying. Zaniel is still holding me as I get up to leave. “Phone, please.”

“It’s in the bag.”