He sighs and leans back in his seat, running one hand through his short hair. "Was it that easy to tell?" he asks dryly. "I forgot until I was about to fall asleep last night. I did buy something to help before I left last time, but I haven't tried it."

Still factory-sterile and packaged. Even with Ivan's placation, he can't help but feel embarrassed by the admission. So simple and yet, he got caught up in reading the materials more than any practical application of anything.