Tsunis ground their teeth together. Glacia save them, humanity was much easier to handle from a distance, with the kindness and the questions, so many questions.
“This,” Tsunis grunted, motioning to the neckline. Then they pinched the loose skirt. “I find this not too restrictive.”
Sophie clapped once, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Tsunis watched her in the mirror as she sorted through the heap of clothes on the bed then grabbed something from the wardrobe.
“So.” Sophie held a velvet and gossamer blouse to Tsunis’ torso. “Loose neckline. Long sleeves to cover your arms, flared at the elbow to fit your fins underneath. Not to mention, the semi-sheer fabric will highlight your tone nicely.”
She handed it over, and they held it in place while Sophie tucked the next item of clothing behind her back. She raised a palm and hedged, “Hear me out on this.”
Tsunis narrowed their eyes but gave a dip of their chin.
Sophie revealed a small, black, leather loincloth, pleated all around. It looked much like the battle leathers they wore back home while not on transport duty, though without the long leather loincloth hanging down the middle for added protection.
“It’s flowy, like your dress, but even less restrictive since it’s so short! You know, so you can dance.” Sophie extended it, and Tsunis didn’t hesitate to accept, trading her the blouse. Sophie smirked as she slipped it from the hanger. “So, you like it? I did good?”
Tsunis rubbed the warrior’s gear between their thumb and forefinger. It was a mockery of lunar whale leather, but it reminded them of home and would show off their strong thighs.
“It is fit for a Glacisian warrior.” They glanced up at Sophie, who looked confused. “You chose well.”
“Fuck yes!” Sophie clapped. “One final touch. You change. I’ll be right back.”
Tsunis stripped. The flowery dress pooled around their ankles. While the loincloth bore a resemblance to the style in Glacis, it was glossy and smooth to the touch. Tsunis ran their hand down the pleats and had to admit the fabric paired nicely with the plush blouse.
“Shit fucking tits!” Sophie exclaimed as she rounded the corner holding a pile of netting.
Tsunis frowned, taking the bundle from her and peeling it apart. “A net?”
“Oooh,” Sophie whispered. “Is that—I mean, it’s a style of tights people wear to concerts. What the fuck, I’m so sorry! I wasn’t thinking.”
Sophie reached for the tights, but Tsunis stepped back. They considered a moment, then broke into a wicked grin. They’d never be caught in someone’s net. They were a Glacisian warrior. It was just enough poetic irony to be perfect.
Sophie helped roll them up Tsunis’ thighs. They ripped a little around their leg fins, but the final product was worth it. They looked so tempting, they might decide to mate themselves.
“Fuck. Casey’s gonna flip when he sees you.”
“I believe you are correct.” Tsunis met her gaze in the mirror. “Thank you, Sophie.”
“No need. I’m so glad you’re coming. And that you’re safe. You scared Casey pretty bad. Are you alright?”
“I am.” There was no need to share details with the stranger, but the thought of Casimir worrying chipped their frigid soul. “Thanks to your help.”
“What are friends for?”
A strange question. Tsunis knew what comrades-in-arms were for. It wasn’t like they’d never known friendship within their pod, but there was a cost. This felt far more intimate.
Sophie peered out the bedroom door and whistled.
Tsunis was a warrior. They shouldn’t be nervous to have eyes on them.
They followed her into the lounge area, where a human with distinct genetic similarities to Sophie was using a stencil and sponge to cover Noah in scales of blue and green hues. Casimir had matching body paint decorating random spots along bared skin under a loose black top with tiny sleeves and cropped black trousers.
“Oh shit! You’re the, ah, Casey’s, ah, water. . .um,” Sophie’s relative stuttered. Her round cheeks reddened, and she bared her teeth in a grimace. “Casey’s friend.”
Tsunis chuckled. Casimir’s friends were doing an impeccable job at attempting hospitality, pretending not tobe startled by Tsunis’ differences and the proof that their malevolent spirit stories were true. Tsunis was beyond grateful, but it was nice to see someone struggle for normalcy at a time like this when they themselves were well below the depths.
“Tsunis. Casimir’s mate,” Tsunis clarified. The human’s mouth slackened before she plastered on a wide smile.
Behind them, Sophie stage-whispered, “That, Noah! That’s how you refer to me from now on.”
