[That does have enough air of authority to draw a slightly strange look from Otto, but so far as strange things go, that is way far down on the scale by now.]

No - no, I don't like to let them meddle any more than absolutely necessary. Besides, the pain exists for a reason. I'd like to know if I'm making it any worse.

[Which he does, frequently, given the sleeping arrangements here. But you know, that's inescapable.]