[Laurent is assured — he obeys that command, relinquishing the desire to free himself from the pool. The water begins to settle, rippling like glass at their elbows, body now adjusted to the frigid cold though it still aches in his toes. Slowly Sasuke wades forward, maintaining a handspan between them as he puts his back to the marble embankment in turn. It seals to his skin. Then with so much defeat, he sinks beside Laurent until water touches his chin.]

Yet another agreement by your terms. [A stupid, childish statement. He is too aware of Laurent at his side. The heat of another body, the promising entangle of limbs before. He keeps his cheek, still bright red, turned away.] You're asking me if I never want to understand you.

[Settled, he's more aware of the throb of his own pulse in his throat, in his head, calming back down to equilibrium. He feels guilt for the way he has behaved, but that is more familiar. It hurts less than this rejection, however anticipated.]

That I shouldn't even try. Is that it? [He swallows tightly.] Did I hurt you? Just now. I didn't ask whether you were still injured.