He was making headway, clearing out. His lungs felt full, eyes blinking against the light, but he could still stand where he was and be with Cole rather than separated by their interfaces. They were still in each others' minds, closer than ever before. They didn't need to speak aloud right now even if it wasn't as completely accurate as direct verbal communication.

"Not like you knew," he said indifferently. "I try not to think about it normally. That rush was just... similar, you know?"