[right, yes. has he mentioned that's vaguely horrifying? he'll tolerate it, for the time being, if only because Cole saved his life]

Right.

[he pauses, exhaling a heavy breath]

Well, Aiden probably will come back, before too long, all things considered. [regardless of whether or not Cole actually jinxed it, and if only because this is a dream, a nightmare, his nightmare, now] So, I suppose we should get going. [not that that will stop Aiden, but it'll make him feel better]