As an assassin, Halo had lived alongside comrades of every gender without the usual social barriers. They respected each other's sexuality and personal space, but the mixed housing never struck anyone as inappropriate or extreme.
Back at fifteen, he'd shared baths with his female superior without a second thought. Her leadership ended violently when his best friend murdered her for the position.
Despite not repeating the experience with other women since, he still saw nothing wrong or predatory about it.
Now though, he was questioning his entire frame of reference. He headed to Iris's room to talk. The moment he entered, he found her in only a towel wrapped around her torso. Her face turned bright red as she kicked him straight back out.
He backed out to the living room and dropped into a seat, genuinely confused. He couldn't understand what had provoked that reaction.
While he sat, lost in thought, Iris appeared from behind and spoke:
