Ray apologises, and though Rip expected it, he dismisses it with a quick wave of his hand and a single shake of the head. "I've seen stranger. Being a Time Master, you know-- gives you a bit of perspective on things." And strangeness, he feels, could never outweigh compassion, of which he's not lacking enough to want to do nothing for Ray's well-being.

"Is it..." The image of Ray's arms wrapped around his pillow is stark, somehow, in Rip's mind, and he reaches over to pick the discarded pillow up and look it over. As he hands it back, his gaze turns away, but only because he doubts he could bear whatever expression comes across Ray's face when he says what he says.

"Would you prefer to stay here, Raymond?"