There was nothing remotely sexual about the nudity of public bathing. She had not even thought to be self-conscious about disrobing in front of Illya, but his hesitation had given her pause. Once she heard the splashing of him stepping into the water, she turned her head back toward him and called out with a playful smirk, "Permission to enter the pool?"
Upon his reply, she unwound the towel from her chest and tossed it beside his. The cold water was almost painful against her hot skin. She slid into the pool as quickly as she could, her breath catching in her throat at the shock of the cold water enveloping her. It was puzzling that people found this refreshing. She settled against the wall on the opposite side of the pool, careful to keep the waterline above her collarbone. It felt silly, but if it made Illya more comfortable with her presence, she would go with it.