“I noticed,” Zechs quipped, his tone dry and hoarse even if he was soaked through to the bone. He coughed again, and then smirked, “I almost didn’t let it go, but I need air to breathe.”

More wry humor at himself. He didn’t take Link’s arm right away - stubborn - but he nearly slipped in the riverbed, and went for the smaller man’s shoulder to steady himself.

“… Pardon me,” Zechs said. Apologizing for relying on the stranger for help.