Daud had been awake from the first creak of the couch, but living on a ship teaches you valuable lessons about privacy— namely, the importance of feigning the pretense of it even where none exists. There are moments that people should be allowed to keep to themselves, and waking up for the first time after a second death is one of them.

Besides that, he hasn’t yet ruled out the possibility that Billie may not have come back entirely herself. His blade is close enough to hand that he could reach it if he needs to.

As it turns out, he doesn’t need to. When Billie bolts from the house and starts throwing up outside, he’ll finally sit up, nudging the squalling dragonet off him, getting him clear of the sheets.

“Go.” He won’t be quick to follow. He doubts Billie would appreciate him seeing her undone, so he goes for the more practical route of getting up to start heating some water.