In his panic, the hiss almost makes him jump a little - but it's for him, it's for his sake. The grip around him tightens and he leans into it, desperate for the comfort being offered, the security.

He had really never...had anyone in his life like Herbert, before. Anyone to dispute the years and years of degradation, name-calling, gaslighting.

So he just clings back to the hissing, growling vampire, holding tight to him like a frightened child.

"...B-brilliance? You...think I'm...brilliant?"