That was a bit more information than he had expected to get, but Stein took it in stride, remembering fondly the games he had played with Spirit at times. Most of those had been doctor and patient, but still. "I see," he said.

He couldn't help but smile a little wider at her next words. "Friends with benefits. I think I like that phrase, too."

Cocking his head he returned to Birkin. "If you're not his slave, why do you let him leave you hanging?" There was no censure in his tone, just curiosity. At least, not much censure. He couldn't quite expunge it from his tone, though he tried. He liked Birkin, but he suspected the guy could be a bit of an ass.