[ laughing still, he very nearly tips over onto the sand — he does slap his hand over his eyes for a bit, though, and just for a moment, it seems as if the sunlight dances over them in tune to his laughter... but surely that's just a coincidence.

anyway!

once he finally gets himself under control, it's to aim a grin at her, something fierce and unyielding. ] Cause I'm strong!! I spent two years being trained by old man Rayleigh. I'm gonna be the pirate king... and for that I need to be able to beat whoever tries to stop me!