[he receives compliments here and there, and his work has a few devoted fans... but flattery from his new, clever, like-minded acquaintance means a little bit more than all of that. it's not entirely coincidence that he takes an extra moment to pick through his own hanging inventory, gathering his answer in the process.]

That's the hope, sweetheart... Assuming I don't somehow lose another limb before then.

[ah, a joke at his own expense. that'll do. he can turn back to Tek with half a sly smile, holding out several black shirts in his direction.]

Here, humor me and try these on while you're still half-dressed.