[ It's not awkward at all! Not to Maruki. For as easily flustered as he is by so many things, bathing together is not one of them. It's so commonplace, such an easy bonding activity. He's grateful to be able to share it with friends here.

Including Adam, who immediately looks... well, like a guy who's not used to boiling himself for fun every night.

Maruki stifles a laugh behind a hand and then pushes his glasses up into his hair. Adam is blurry without them, but at least he's visible. ]

It's not a competition, seriously! Please let me know if you start to feel faint. I'll have to keep an eye on you... How troublesome.

[ It's a tease that's entirely good-natured, even fond.

Maruki moves through the water to sit along the back ledge, head and shoulders leaned back against the stone-and-tile wall. ]

We'll wait until you've acclimated before we even attempt oranges or beer. I can't decide if those will help you or not...