[ He takes a step away from his handiwork, to better allow her to snap pictures of it without running the risk of capturing his image in any of them. It's been frightening enough, seeing himself in the mirror and having to immediately think of scary stories whispered in groups around the fires — the dread atmosphere arising off him in reflections might translate to images, and it's just not something he's willing to inflict on people. Holding his coffee to his mouth, he continues to sip at it dutifully and watches her move — she's graceful.

It makes sense, then, when Mel shows off the feathers covering her arms. It's a sight that actually makes him smile, loose and fond. ]

— my crew's doctor was a phoenix. [ It's an easy way of summarizing the whole story. ] We have this thing called Devil Fruits, back home. You eat one, you get a unique power. His was to take the shape of a phoenix, to various degrees. Birdy legs, wings for arms, or even a full form. I always thought he was cool.

[ It's his way of explaining that he doesn't find her body disturbing. More familiar, comforting. ]

If it's muscle that's hurting, I give a mean massage! Come with my own warming system, too.