"You're awake," Marcus says, still rubbing Dan's shoulder, even though he's pulled away. The wind howls outside and Marcus is quiet for a time, not saying anything at all, keeping his hand where it is, rubbing in a warm, comforting manner. The power is still on, he can see the clock glowing across the room, and the fire is still burning, so it's warm in the room and when he thinks he's given it enough time, he puts a bit of gentle pressure on Dan's shoulder.

"Lie down. It's okay if you don't fall asleep again right away, just lie back, it'll help calm your breathing if you're stretched out rather than hunched over," he guides. He keeps hearing what Dan had said about not being sent back, and he's not sure what to make of that, why Dan would want to stay here over returning to the people he must have back home. Marcus wants to be here. But Marcus doesn't have anything waiting for him.

Trying to encourage Dan to lie back again, he slides down a little on his own pillow, slouching back under the covers, gently bringing Dan with him.