"That's good to hear," Stein said. "I'll probably have a conversation with him about it, too. Just out of friendship. Best to keep these things in the open."

He definitely enjoyed the touch of her hands on his body, luxuriating in it. "No, I'm pretty sure you're real now. I'm feeling a lot more clear-headed than before, and you have yet to turn into something terrifying and try to eat my face, so that's a good sign."

He opened his eyes and smiled at her, though he wished he were joking.