Sounds filtered from the television, filling the room with a constant chatter that Damen found oddly comforting. It wasn't so different from conversations held around a campfire, Damen picking up on the conversation here and there as he drifted in and out of consciousness and sunk deeper into the cushions of the chaise.

He tried to remain aware of the door, of the sound of Laurent's return and, though he wasn't aware of the knob turning, he did hear footsteps soon enough.

'How was your walk?' he asked, tipping his head to the side, though he kept his eyes closed. The chaise really was alarmingly comfortable.