[Finally the coughing dies down, though he's still shaking. He manages to lift his head, sways a little, and then keeps himself straight. His eyes clear, tears still at the corners, and he wipes his mouth with the hand that isn't holding onto Jezebel. Unlike the other tortures, this is something he's familiar with.

And he's grinning at Jezebel, his heart still pounding. The excitement has come flooding back--has always been there, in fact.]