"That is very true."

And, also luckily, many who feel the same fondness for them.

Emcee still thinks it a wonder that so much effort was put into saving his life.

He sighs, yawns, and closes his eyes.

"I know you like the mornings, darling," he then murmurs, his voice heavy and drowsy but still with tint of wryness. "Forgive me if I sleep right through sunrise."