He sucked a breath, held it until the spots faded, and then let it out again, rolling into his back and waving a tired hand.

"Peachy." The word was a rumbling rasp, his throat aching where the veins had tightened around it. A living noose, the shadow already darkening just under his ears.

Another breath, his nose flaring as he tried to settle his heart, and he looked over, arching an eyebrow, and reaching out the same hand to wipe at the wound on Max's cheek.

"You alright?"