FicWad

"He is a rather intriguing boy, isn't he?" Handless gloves steepled themselves in front of the Count's mask. "I can see why you're interested. Still, I will never understand why you try so hard to keep people alive now. You certainly weren't so...concerned...before, especially where your partner was concerned."

Candle light caught in a quick, glass scowl. "I am...was a doctor. Don't forget that. My partner was something else all together." He looked down at the photograph on the table between them. "This boy is a medical anomaly. Nothing more." Pale lips smirked around a cigarette, then dispelled the smoke in a smooth purr. "One would think that you didn't like having me in your debt."

"Oh no, I quite like knowing that I own you."

"And you'll collect when?" Ash flicked from the cigarette's tip, sifting through the air to the carpet.

"When I feel like it." One gloved finger reached out and stirred a soft fall of pale hair. "When I feel like it."