He gave himself a minute before answering, breathing in and out deeply, opening his eyes up a little bit more so he could see him better.

"Think I'd rather...deal with the stalker," he joked. Breathing was something he had to be careful with, at least right now. It was interesting, to be so aware of the act of breathing, when it generally just came so naturally and without thought. It was a bad joke, but probably reassuring in how characteristic it was of him.

"You came to check on me. This morning." He meant it as a question, of sorts, but it didn't quite come out that way.