[ This noise isn't a chuckle. It's sort of like a laugh, but also sort of like the exhale of someone who's been unexpectedly doused in cold water. ]

Damn it, Byerly.

[ He'd just steadied his footing.

But he only needs a couple of seconds to think back and amend to, ]

No, all right. This one is my fault. It sounded like I was asking you if you thought you would—not fuck up.