The next few days, Rhys weaves in and out of consciousness. The lack of pain is deceptive enough that he makes the mistake of heading out to try and grab food for himself too quickly, and catches himself waking up in one of the stairwells an indeterminate amount of time after.

After that he doesn't try again. Just lets himself stay down and be doted on by Elijah.

He waits until the first day that he finds he can stay awake for more than eight hours. That's why he leaves it until the evening before he suggests to Elijah:

"Uh, hey I was thinking-- the sooner I get used to having the weight back on my shoulder the better. You think you could help me fit that new prototype I've been working on? "