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Jane knows it's wrong to invite an intern to his house but it just made more sense for Nong Ryan to come back to his place since Jane's place was much closer to set and they could work out the last minute production details for tomorrow's shoot together without Ryan going home at an unreasonable hour and risk him waking up late again. They've finished up work and Jane can feel the edge of an awkward silence slowly creeping into the air. Memories of the last time they were alone together flashes through Jane's mind.

Ryan was pressed up against him, startled by one of the noises in the office backroom, sweet perfume rolling off the boy in waves, enticing Jane to just tilt his head down and give in to what he's wanted since he overheard that Ryan likes him. Jane knows Ryan can see the desire in his eyes, the way his eyes traces the outline of Ryan's red lips. Ryan leans in closer and his eyes are alight with anticipation.

Someone calls for him through the walkie talkie, and Jane jerks back, swallowing when he realises that he was only a breath away from kissing the boy in front of him.

It would have been a HR nightmare, with a report of disorderly conduct sent his way and Ryan would have been made to leave and delaying his graduation.

Here, in Jane's condo, there are no interruptions and he can't help the way his traitorous heart jumps at the thought. A relationship with an intern is not an idea he should be entertaining, but there's just something about Ryan makes all reason jump out of his body.

They should not be here alone, but Judy and Bamee had also chosen to stay at a hotel nearby along with the other interns and crew. Besides, Jane has a guest room that remained untouched since the day he got the condo.

"P'Jane, how did you know that you wanted to become a director?" Ryan asks, tracing his hand over the book on Jane's coffee table. The Director's Eye. It was a book that his mentor had given to him when Jane completed his first internship.

"I always liked watching movies and one day, i was walking in a market when i saw a crew shooting a Lakorn. I knew right there and then that i wanted to be a part of creating films.”

"That's admirable, having a dream." Ryan smiles, dimples in full view. "I'm in my last year of school and i still don't know what i want to do in life. It would have been nice if i had a dream to chase or perhaps i should have studied harder and been a doctor or something.”

Jane thinks back to his peers who have left the industry for something more stable. "Not everyone can have a job they love, but there's always more to life than a 9-7. It's up to you how you want to live your life.”

"Do you ever think you'll love anything as much as you love film?" Ryan whispers and Jane's heart thudders at the soft look on Ryan's face.

"Well, Nong. When you reach my age, it's a little difficult to do a career switch." Jane jokes, watching as Ryan jumps to assure him that he's not that old.

In the middle of their silly banter, a small voice whispers to Jane's heart. "Yes. There is something I could love more than film.”

What they have is not love yet, but Jane can feel it creeping into his heart, carving a spot for the dimpled boy in front of him. It's not love yet, but Jane is sure it will be a love which he will treasure, thanking the heavens and the earth that he was given this precious gift.

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Ryan works best with positive reinforcement which is why he was hit so hard when he got Jane as his mentor, who was nothing but harsh words with the occasional indirect praise. It’s no doubt that Ryan is a lot better at his job now which makes wringing out a nod of approval alot easier from Jane. Not to mention the fact that they’re dating now and Ryan gets to see Jane’s softer side.

There’s no added perks for being Jane’s boyfriend but that’s because they’ve both agreed that they can’t let their private lives affect their work.

Besides, work is work and Ryan knows Jane will never be less than serious about work, which is what makes what happens later that afternoon a little out of character.

This upcoming shoot has always been particularly difficult from the start, especially with the budget cuts and multiple script changes. The cherry on top of the cake was when the client decided they wanted to change the whole set design for something more modern. The aura in the office has been particularly tense lately, with the art and account team pressuring Jane to figure out how to make it work without putting more stress on their already dwindling budget.

This tension was also putting some stress on the interns which came to a boil last evening when they had met for dinner. But under the influence of alcohol and 5 bright minds, they quickly found a solution to which Ryan presented to Jane.

“This proposal works really well.” Jane smiles, running his hand over the file. “I can see you’ve taken what you’ve learned and applied it.”

“I couldn’t have figured it out without running through ideas with the other interns.” Ryan points at the budget proposal. “And this came from Bamee.”

“I’ll make sure to tell Judy to give Bamee a good rating for her internship.”

“And me?” Ryan asks, fiddling with his fingers as he glances up at Jane. “Did i do a good job?”

“Yes. You did a good job.” Jane answers and Ryan smiles back, heart bursting with happiness.

Giddy with the affirmation, Ryan starts to walk off, ready to hide himself away in the bathroom to calm his racing heart and red ears.

Cheeks ablaze, Ryan raises his hand to stop the blush when he is pulled back by Jane. A sound of protest makes a way to his throat but it’s silenced by the press of Jane’s lips against his.

“Here’s a reward.” Jane smiles, lightly pinching Ryan’s cheek before he walks off with the file.

Ryan’s heart is beating wildly in his chest and he’s sure that he must be red as a tomato because the kiss still lingers on his lips. Before he can make an even bigger fool of himself, he quickly makes his way down the hall, hands still covering his cheeks.

Oh god, this moment is going to be on repeat for the whole week, how is Ryan going to get any work done at this rate?

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Honestly, the universe must hate Ryan because just when he was getting good at his job, he had to have a crush on his very handsome mentor.

For the umpteenth time that week since Ryan came to the mortifying realisation that he liked Jane, he's been unable to focus, torn between looking at Jane's handsome face and the boring production reports.

P'Jane was a tough cookie on the outside, but the little small smile that graced his lips from time to time was enough to turn Ryan's knees to jelly.

The way his eyebrows furrowed when he was concentrating was also so mesmerising he couldn't tear his eyes away him. Not to mention the way Jane spoke in that commanding and strict tone, it made Ryan want to just– FOCUS ON THE REPORT RYAN.

"Nong Ryan." Jane's voice boomed from across the table, causing Ryan to jerk up in his seat.

"Krap."

"Stop daydreaming and get to work, I expect to see the report on my table by the end of the day."

Ryan bows his head in apology, standing up in search of another corner to work in because sitting right across from Jane was highly distracting. He eyes Pie standing up as well, packing up her things to join him.

"I still can't see what would inspire you to develop a crush on P'Jane." Pie says, sitting beside Ryan as they worked in the breakroom together. "I get that he's handsome but he's so strict most of the time, are you sure it isn't just Stockholm syndrome?”

"He has his serious moments but there are moments where he lets his guard down. Besides, i admire his dedication to the job. Can't you relate to that Pie?"

Pie has had the same love for film as Jane, the both of them will stop at nothing to achieve their dreams

Ryan still feels guilty that he was assigned to intern under the role of Director's assistant when it should have been Pie, but she's assured him that working with the production team gives her more on ground experience.

It's an hour past 6 when Ryan emails the report to Jane, walking by his desk to check if there's any other work to be done, only to shrink a little when he realises that Jane is sat with his arms folded, eyes sharp.

"I'm sorry the report is late P'Jane."

Jane reaches for the monitor, turning to face it towards Ryan. "Tell me what you've done in this part."

"I double checked the numbers against the ones from the lighting team and I realised that our previous light supplier was more cost efficient so I decided to prepare a cost analysis so we could reduce the budget.”

"You don't have to be sorry for turning in the report late if you've gone above and beyond what was assigned to you."

Ryan feels his cheeks warm up at Jane's words. "Thank you but I'll make sure to do it faster next time."

"You've been distracted lately. Is there something wrong?"

No. Nothing is wrong, it's just that I have a huge fat crush on you which makes it hard for me to focus when you are around- "I'm sorry. I'll do better." Ryan replies, shrinking his shoulders a little in defeat.

"If there's something bothering you, you can come to me. I might be strict, but it's just me and you. And I always take care of my team."

Jane stands to leave, packing up his things. "It's late now, do you want to have dinner with me? My treat for taking some of the load off my plate with the cost analysis.”

Ryan stifles the shriek threatening to bubble up his throat. Dinner? Dinner with P'Jane? Dinner with his CRUSH? He stands there panicking until Jane cuts through his spiralling.

"If you have other plans, it's fine. Goodby-"

"No!" Ryan exclaims, before he clears his throat. "I mean, yes, let's have dinner. Sorry, it's just that we've never spent time together out of the office together before.”

Jane gives him a look, dark eyes brimming with light. "Well then, we can treat it as your welcome meal. And an apology for the rough start that we had at the beginning.”

Flashes of the words "Ryan! Ryan! Ryan!" play in his ears. Ryan shudders. The amount of body aches and anxiety he had at the time still haunts him.

"Hmph. Based on that logic, you would owe me at least 3 meals. You can't just skimp out on them by combining them into one meal."

Ryan regrets the moment the words leave his mouth. Damn it. This is not the time to be holding grudges and acting smart.

Jane laughs. A small chuckle that would be easily missed but time freezes for Ryan because Jane looks so handsome in the moment, his eyes crinkling and pearly white teeth on display. Is that bunny teeth?? How is this man so handsome and cute at the same time?

A hand lands on his shoulder, lightly steering him into the direction of the exit.

Well, Nong Ryan, I can't have you thinking i'm stingy. You'll just have to claim two free dinners in the future. I heard you're quite a fan of Somtum. Maybe you can introduce me to your favourite place next time.”

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It might be too soon for Ryan to be staying over at Jane’s condo but it was much closer to the office than Ryan’s condo which made the commute easier.

The other added benefit was that Ryan got to see Jane’s fluffy side outside of work. Jane at home was like a big cuddly teddy bear, especially when Ryan gets to be the big spoon. Ryan also loves the way Jane’s hair looks un-styled, the loose strands falling into his eyes making him look so soft.

“What are you staring at hmm?” Jane questions, leaning in to sniff kiss Ryan’s cheeks in a tease.

They’re sat next to each other on the living room couch, Jane tracing circles on Ryan’s thigh. A movie is playing in the background but Ryan has lost interest in favour of staring at the way Jane’s gaze dissects and appreciates the movie at the same time.

Something about this moment makes honesty easier for Ryan. “I was just thinking that i’ve never fallen in love so quickly before.”

Ryan’s cheeks burn but he’s always been the type of person who’s never been able to keep his affections to himself. “I love you P’Jane. I know it’s really early and you don’t have to say it back but I-“

Lips are pressed against Ryan’s and he squeaks when Jane’s strong arms lifts him up so that Ryan is now seated on Jane’s lap. “I love you too.”

From this angle, Ryan can see the trust and adoration in Jane’s eyes. Can feel the deep affection in his gaze.

“I’ve never felt like this with anyone. Ever.” Jane starts, gently cupping Ryan’s face as he caresses his cheeks. “My greatest love has always been film. And now, it’s you. And i think it’ll only ever be you. This might also be too early to say but I think you’re the one for me.”

Ryan can feel tears prickling in his eyes to which Jane tucks Ryan’s head into the crook of his neck. Jane thinks that Ryan can hear the words more clearly this way, gently whispering it into his ear as he caresses the top of Ryan’s head.

“I love you. I love you so much.”

Chapter Text

Jane is someone who hates wasting time. It may have been a trait hounded into him by being an assistant director, but he has always prided himself on being effective with his time.

The previous interns who have trained under him have pointed out that Jane walks really fast to which Jane always replies with “You can’t be slow on a production set and waste everyone’s time.”

This note had been drilled into Ryan his first day at work, given that he got told off within the hour for struggling to match Jane’s pace. Ryan has learned to keep up with Jane’s long strides with time, something that shows how the younger boy has adapted to his new job. Jane has never thought of this as a problem until their second date where they decided to get ice cream for dessert and take a walk around the park.

“Why aren’t you eating your ice cream? I thought it was your favourite flavour.” Jane points out, noting how the soft flurry is beginning to melt.

Ryan pouts lightly, averting Jane’s gaze. “Well, you walk so fast, I can’t keep up with you and eat at the same time.”

Jane startles lightly at this, remembering how much Ryan has struggled in the first few weeks to match Jane’s pace. He chides himself for not noticing earlier.

Jane tugs gently at their joined hands. “Sorry, it’s a habit. How about you lead the pace from now on and if I happen to walk too fast again, you can always just tug me right back to your side.”

Ryan lets out a smile at this, swinging their hands as he takes a bite out of his ice cream. “Deal.”

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Ryan is highly aware of Jane's reputation around the office, has always known since he encountered it firsthand for himself. But he also knows that the rumours are not as bad as people make it out to be.

Underneath that icy exterior, Ryan knows that Jane has a good heart, one that had to be hardened to meet the demands of the job. Sure, he could be nicer about it but there's no time to sugarcoat words when the whole project rests on his shoulders.

Whilst he's strict and direct, Jane always has his team's interest at heart, always choosing to put himself in the line of fire. There are many times where he had to be the bad guy to one department just to be the saviour to another.

It's one of the reasons why Ryan always chooses to defend Jane, despite how people might think he's sucking up to his boss. Well, Ryan would gladly suck other things when it came to Jane but they've agreed to go slow in this new relationship of theirs.

Ryan remembers when the interns had first found out about his crush on Jane and they had all been appalled, wondering if this was some kind of Stockholm syndrome. But, Ryan had made them see Jane's good side so much so that Pah and Tae are now Jane's fanboys.

"---so hard to please. I think Jane just gets a kick out of bossing us around," someone says from around the corner and Ryan sees Jane in an empty meeting room, eyebrows furrowed as he types away at his laptop.

Ryan lets out a sigh, wondering when Jane was ever going to catch a break. He works so hard to make sure everything runs smoothly and this is how he gets treated by his own team?

Well, as long as Ryan is here, he's going to make sure that Jane knows he's appreciated.

Closing the door behind him, Ryan settles in beside Jane, careful to leave him some space to focus but still offering his silent support. Weeks of working together and they've developed a good working relationship, one that moved fluidly like water.

Jane would have Pie and him listen in on each production meeting and take notes so that they could each delegate the simpler tasks amongst themselves so that the mentors could focus on the more complex work. Pie was also beginning to look a more livelier at work, happy that they were given less menial tasks. Ryan thinks she'll make a good director in the future, but right now, he hopes that the two of them are helping to take the load off Jane's plate.

"I'm sorry." Jane lets out a sigh, cracking his knuckles as he leans back in his chair. "I had to share some documents with Judy. Is there anything you need from me?”

Observing Jane in his work mode, Ryan can't help the flurry of joy that bubbles in his chest knowing that his boyfriend is so capable. "I just wanted to check if you were doing okay," Ryan says, "plus I heard back from the costume department that we are all set for tomorrow's shoot."

"I hope they didn't give you too many snarky remarks whilst you were there. I know they aren't too fond of me."

"I'm fine. Besides, bad mouthing you to a random intern says a lot more about them than it does you."

Jane lets out a small smile at this, eyes crinkling at the sides. "Thank you," he whispers, sneaking in a quick cheek kiss. "It's been awhile since someone stood up for me like you have.”

Ryan offers a smile in return, intertwining his hands with Jane's in support as they work on the new brief together.

As the days pass, a silly scenario constantly runs through Ryan's head, one where Jane is a director, and Ryan is his assistant.

It could be his future, but for now, he'll focus on fixing the printer for the 5th time.

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It's getting late in the office and Jane is highly aware of Ryan's body pressed up against his as they look for old props in the storage room.

Ever since their kiss, Jane's feelings for his cute nong have doubled and now he's finding it difficult to keep his hands to himself especially with how Ryan's outfits are getting increasingly cute as the days pass.

Jane has never been one to flex his relationship status but he wants so badly to let the world know that this cute boy in front of him is his boyfriend. Unfortunately for the two of them, a workplace relationship might not be the most appropriate given that Jane is Ryan's mentor. Sighing, Jane continues to look through boxes when he hears a giggle from his left.

"Oh hoh, P'Jane look at you." Ryan points at a photo in an old folder where Jane is dressed in a dinosaur outfit, a costume test from an old job. "I didn't know they made you do things like this too.”

"This picture was from when i was an intern," Jane smiles, flipping through the folder and pointing out a picture of Judy. "It was one of our first jobs and we just wanted to be of help. See, Judy is in a silly outfit too.”

Ryan smiles fondly at the photo, Jane and Judy standing side by side in ridiculous dinosaurs costumes. "You must have been such a good intern, I can't imagine you ever being bad at your job.”

"There were learning curves for sure but that's what an internship is for. Look at you," Jane pinches Ryan's cheek, "you were so adamant that you were useless but now you're my best partner.”

Ryan sputters at this, cheeks red. "P'Jane! You can't just say things like that!"

"Why not?" Jane taunts, leaning closer to the blushing boy. "You're my best partner, my faen, my-"

Soft lips meet Jane's and Ryan is now peppering Jane's face with kisses. "I've been wanting to do that all day." Ryan pouts, "it's so hard sitting across from you and being able to touch you.”

Jane smiles, warmth blooming in his chest from knowing that Ryan was equally affected by him. Jane takes Ryan's hand and decides to brave this time. "Do you want to go on a date with me tonight?”

Ryan's eyes widen at this and Jane brushes a thumb over his cheek. "I know we've had countless dinners together but I realised I've never officially invited you out on a date as my boyfriend before.”

Jane can see the way Ryan visibly melts at the word boyfriend and Jane thinks his heart is going to explode from all the feelings he has for Ryan.

"Of course I'll go on a date with you P'Jane." Ryan answers before tucking his head into Jane's neck as he gives the taller man a hug. "I'll go anywhere you go.”

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Ryan is up to something. Jane knows it. Can see the playful glint in Ryan's eye when he leans over his desk, denim shorts riding up every so slightly to reveal more soft milky skin.

The outfit isn't even remotely scandalous but Jane feels like a 16th century man who's foaming at the mouth from just a little peek. He thinks back to two weeks ago when he had Ryan pinned to his floor and those very same thighs were wrapped around his waist.

Oh, how the times have changed. This little dance of theirs has gotten more intense, given how Jane has imposed a break in fear that Ryan was "jumping into this relationship too quickly.”

Jane would like to go back in time and smack his past self in the head because why did he ever think that was a good idea?

Ryan might have been shy at the start of his three months here, but the boy has grown in confidence both inside and outside of work – especially in matters concerning Jane.

Late nights at the office are now accompanied by teasing meaningful touches, the smell of Ryan's cologne in the air when he hands over documents and most devastatingly of all, it's the soft "P'Jane" that Ryan mutters countless times accompanied by the flutter of his eyelashes.

It's just his name and Jane has never thought a word could sound so heavenly but when Ryan says it, Jane knows this is his person, the one whom he'll spend the rest of his life with.

These feelings are new for Jane and he knows it's crazy to fall in love at first sight but everyday he wakes up and thinks of a way to make Ryan smile because that's his favourite sight in the world. Ryan makes him so so happy but at the same time, Jane wishes he was a little less in love with him because the boy is testing Jane's self control with the way he's pressed up against him in the office storage room.

"Nong." Ryan turns around, blinking as he tilts his head. There's a hint of a smile on his face, eyes twinkling with mirth. "Krub, P'Jane. Is there anything i can do for you?"

*Kiss me. Kiss me. Kiss me.* Jane's heart screams against better judgment.

This boy is going to be the death of him. There's gloss on Ryan's lips and their faces are close enough that Jane can just lean in and-"I think you should head home and rest up. It's a Friday night after all, you should have an early weekend.”

Ryan pouts at this, signature puppy eyes making an appearance. He mutters under his breath and Jane opens his mouth in question when he's interrupted.

"Does P'Jane know that there's a blind spot in the security cameras?" Jane furrows his eyebrows and peeks at the red light on the ceiling. Hands reach out to curl around Jane's shirt. "If P'Jane stands right here and leans in close enough, it'll look like we're talking.”

From this angle, Ryan looks like a little devil. Gone are the days when he was blushing over a simple "good job" from Jane. "Who are you and what have you done with my precious Nong Ryan, hmmm?”

Ryan huffs and puffs his cheeks, blush making its way up his neck but he doesn't break their gaze. Cute.

"Ryan just wants P'Jane to kiss him. Please? Ryan will be so good for P'Jane."

With that, Jane's self control breaks because Ryan is already so so good for him, and Jane wants to be the same for him. He leans down and presses his lips to Ryan's, soaking in the soft noise of surprise.

Jane sneaks his hands to Ryan's cheek and neck, angling the boy's face for an even deeper kiss. Jane has been starving and right now, he'll consume every inch of the boy in front of him. Ryan fits perfectly against him, arms winding around Jane's back as he takes this chance to touch every inch of Jane. This is where they belong, in each other's arms.

Jane has only begun to draw out soft noises from Ryan when they're interrupted by the sound of Jane's phone, the ringing echoing in the small space where there was only sighs and pants minutes before.

Jane picks up the call, pressing Ryan to catch his breath in the juncture between Jane's neck and his shoulder. Judy lets him know that he can head home now, that she had found the digital copy of the file on an old hard disk at home.

Ryan perks up at this, tilting his head to look at Jane, eyes soft with adoration and pleasure. Jane thumbs the corner of Ryan's mouth, slipping his phone back into his back pocket.

"You heard that, precious?" Jane teases, watching as the plush pink lip bends with every press of Jane's thumb. "Do you want to come home with me?" Ryan lets out a noise, hands grabbing at Jane's shirt as he nods enthusiastically.

Jane chuckles and leans down for another kiss only for Ryan to meet him halfway, the boy going up on his tiptoes. Their small pecks soon turn heated again, Ryan wrapping his arms around Jane's neck as Jane slides his hands to the small of Ryan's back.

He's about to cop a feel of the perky ass in front of him when- Jane groans, pulling apart from Ryan again as he picks up his phone. "Hello? No, i don't want to buy insurance.”

Ryan laughs, dropping a sweet kiss to Jane's cheek as consolation for getting interrupted again. "If you don't want to buy insurance, maybe P'Jane can buy me a dinner. And then P'Jane can take Ryan to his condo where he can eat more than-”

Jane doesn't let Ryan finish that sentence because he's already making his way to the exit, dragging a laughing boy behind him.

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Ryan really can’t hold his liquor which is why Jane is now giving him a piggy back ride back to his condo. The smaller boy is giggling and pressing his cheeks into Jane’s, arms swung tightly over Jane’s neck.

It’s date night and Ryan thought it would be nice for Jane to quote “let loose” and get a drink at the bar near his house. Jane should have stopped his little boyfriend from drinking too much but he was too caught up in enjoying the cute annoyed expression on Ryan’s face every time he lost one of their drinking games.

Ryan mumbles something into the crook of Jane’s neck, lips tickling the skin there. “What was that?” Jane hums, craning his neck to peek at Ryan from the corner of his eye.

“P’Jane smells really good.” His boyfriend repeats, eyelashes slowly fanning over his cheeks. “You’re my favourite smell. Favourite person. Favourite everything.”

Jane is a pretty composed person but he can’t help the big grin from spreading on his face.

Given his position, Jane has had his fair share of compliments but he has never felt this much happiness from a few simple words before. Funny how one person can just come into his life and flip it upside down for the better.

“You’re my favourite person too.” Jane replies, committing the dopey smile Ryan makes in response to memory. “I love you so so much, Nong Ryan.”

Ryan lets out a content sigh in response, tightening his hold on Jane’s neck. A comfortable silence envelops them, accompanied only by the slight chatter of noise coming from the distance.

“P’Jane!” Ryan jerks forward, excitedly pointing a finger at the noodle shop ahead of them. Jane chides him to calm down in fear he’ll drop the boy but Ryan continues to kick his feet and nudge Jane to “look! It’s the noodle shop!”

“Yes, Nong. It’s the noodle shop.”

Arms return to its resting spot against Jane’s neck. “The Kway Teow is delicious but I’m so glad the auntie didn’t open the shop that day. It gave me a chance to visit your apartment.”

“You looked so hangry that day, I was afraid you would eat me alive.” Jane teases and Ryan bites his ear teasingly in retort.

“I really *could* eat you alive right now.”

Their relationship hasn’t gotten that far, Jane refusing to do more than a make-out session in fear that they would be rushing things. After all, he was Ryan’s first relationship and he wanted to do this right. Ryan deserved to be slowly romanced but the boy wanted nothing more than to jump Jane’s bones which was extremely evident given how much pouting he’s been receiving when he denies Ryan’s request.

“We’ll take it slow, hmm precious?” Jane comforts, sliding his keycard into the door slot. “I’ll give everything to you in due time but for now, let’s get you to bed.”