Char hummed sleepily, too tired to form an actual worded answer. There wasn't any real need to question why Bulba was on the bed, or what he was still doing in the Center when Char's condition was plenty stable. He'd give a rat's ass about being cool and independent once he wasn't feeling so damn lifeless. The wing drooped down again, draping over Bulba like the world's leatheriest blanket.

He let his eyes drift closed again. "Hey, kid?" The question wasn't much more than a sigh, but as close as they were, it was audible enough.