Things had changed, it was true. Layla had four ready-made quips and a few barbs resting on the tip of her tongue, but instead of letting them fly, she reached out a hand to slide it along his jaw until her fingertips were curled by the hair behind his ear.

"I know you are. But he needs me just as much as I need- what I need- from him. This is a cordial visit. As long as you don't get, you know." All you-like.

"...Mouthy, it'll go without incident. But in case you hadn't noticed, what with the third person and all, the guy's got his pride."