He hadn't noticed her. On a scale of one to total disaster, that knocks this experiment up a few more pegs. He hadn't noticed her, but he does now, brown eyes peeking over the top edge of the towel he's brought to his face, gaze drawn to the line of red as his vision steadies.

Ragged breathing evens. Metal fingers curl into terrycloth.

"Water down the wrong tube," he manages eventually, by way of explanation. Despite not even coughing a little bit. Water rolls off his calves as he brings a foot out from under him, shifting upright. "It was Natasi, right?"

She looks different with fewer teeth.