This is a rare opportunity. I suppose you have not had much chance to appreciate my kind so close before... I appreciate your compliment.

[ Because in Jade's mind that's what it is, despite his own--confused, questioning--come to think of it, is this technically interspecies? Would his parents find that attraction shameful? Surely, it was nothing more than a passing silly human 'crush'--feelings on the matter. Rook is obsessed with beasts of all sorts who surely would admire any other merfolk with the same slack-jawed awe.

Though being admired so unabashedly... it stirs something in him. It's different when those foolish first-years stared he and Floyd down earlier in the year. ]

This form suits you, Rook-san. I will have to be careful not to admire you too closely.