[ He stays on the couch like it's a lifeboat, and leaping off would be forfeiting the game. But he does look nearly ready to spring up, if the tension in his body and the glare at Marduk are anything to go by. ]

Are you so sure it's me? I've been here, doing nothing in particular save missing my vanished friend, right up until he comes back and — [ He gestures sharply toward him. ] Ruins it.