[ kory blinks once, then twice, as dick presses the garish t-shirt to his chest. the seashell bra printed across it gleams in the shop's fluorescent lights, ridiculous and impossible to ignore. her lips part, as though she means to answer seriously, but instead a ripple of laughter escapes, bright and melodic, enough to draw a curious glance from the cashier behind the counter. ] What do I think? [ she echoes, eyes flicking from the shirt to his face. her head tilts, smile widening with amusement and affection alike. ] I think you would make the most radiant mer-prince this planet has ever known.

[ she takes a step closer, her warmth spilling across the small space, and taps the edge of the shells where they curve over his chest. ]

Though if you wear this, beloved, you will have no choice but to let me braid flowers in your hair to match.

It is law. Tamaranean law. Very official.

[ her laughter softens into a grin, lingering on him with a kind of tenderness that slips beneath the teasing. ]

But... yes. I think you would look very handsome. Even in this.