It wasn't long before Patton had found himself in a shopping center that was buzzing with energy. There were so many villagers getting ready for the ball that evening. Giggly girls searching for matching corsages for their dresses, elegant women and men walking with purpose between stores, and he was in the middle of the chaos with wide eyes. He wasn't bothered by crowds, but when he was somewhere he wasn't familiar with, it was a bit overwhelming.

He bit down on his bottom lip, looking around the busy marketplace. Where should I try first? I'm looking for a long blue ballgown, so I need to find a store with dresses, he thought to himself.

Something shiny caught his eye as he peered into the shop windows. The object causing the shiny reflection was unfortunately not a ballgown, but a circlet of some kind. It was pretty, but Patton wasn't sure it was a good idea to spend some of his limited currency on an accessory before he had his actual outfit. He moved on after one last glance at the headpiece.

The next store looked more promising than the first. He could see the colorful ballgowns and dresses inside, making him beam as he reached for the door. Suddenly, he paused; a stone seemed to set in his stomach.

What if they don't let me buy a dress? This isn't present day, so I'm not sure it's sociably acceptable for men to wear dresses! What if this gets me arrested? What if it gets me mobbed by the public?! Patton thought worriedly. I'm regretting leaving Logan's side. He might have been able to tell me if men during the medieval era ever wore dresses or skirts, but now I'm alone and I'm not sure what to do-

A force bumped into him and sent him stumbling to the ground. His glasses were askew as he shook his head out in confusion.

"I'm so sorry, how rude of me," a sweet voice said above him. Patton looked up to see a young man with a thin box under his arm. He had just come out of the dress shop and had bumped into him because he was standing outside the door. He leaned down and offer him a hand. "Are you alright?"

"Uh- yes, yes I'm fine," he replied, a smile beginning to reemerge as he recovered. He was pulled back onto his feet. "Thank you."

The young man shook his head. "No thanks required. I was the one to knock you down, it's only fair that I should correct my mistake and pull you back up. I hope you didn't get hurt at all. My name is Milo Dawne, and yours is?"

"Patton, Patton Valentine," he said, shaking hands with the young man. His eyes fell on the box under Milo's arm. "Might I inquire what the box contains?"

He looked down as if he'd forgotten he had it and nodded happily. "Ah yes! It's my garments for the ball this evening," Milo explained.

"So men are allowed to where dresses to these occasions?" Patton asked curiously.

"Oh yes! Of course! Prince Namor encourages diversity and acceptance of all! It's up to the attendees what they choose to wear," he said. "Of course, there's typically a theme that goes along with these celebrations he hosts. Tonight's is love and it's many forms, which is why I've chosen to wear a dress to showcase my love for myself."

The high school student was touched and let out a noise of delight as he clapped his hands excitedly. "That such a wonderful idea! I might try it myself," he admitted. "Thank you!"

"My pleasure! I wish you luck in finding your perfect dress! I hope we meet again at the ball," Milo said, turning to leave.

Patton stopped him, getting an idea. "Wait, I'm new to this kingdom and I'm not familiar with its layout or customs. My friend is more versed in that department, but we separated to keep our outfits for the ball a surprise from each other. It would be incredibly helpful and kind of you if you would walk me into the ball. A friendly face is precisely what I need to feel comfortable with this."

"I would love to. Meet me just before sunset in the square outside the front of the palace. It has a fountain in the middle with several colored tiles surrounding it. I'll be waiting for you there and we can go inside and find your friend," he said, grinning happily at the plan.

"Yes! That would be perfect! Thank you!" the high school student said gratefully.

Milo nodded and went on his way, wishing him luck once more. Feeling more confident, he entered the dress shop with a grin on his face. 

The store was practically bursting at the seams, pun intended. Dresses lined the walls, racks, and different accessories could be found on other displays all around the store. Patton felt a bit overwhelmed by all of it. He wasn't really sure what he was looking for or where to even start looking, however the shop seemed to be divided by dress styles and colors.

I know I want a ball gown, one with a big twirling skirt, he thought excitedly. The dresses over there are definitely too short... what about those?

Patton made his way toward the longer dresses in the shop and looked at the different styles and colors available. He cringed slightly at a bright lime green dress; he wasn't a fan of sticking out in that fashion. 

I'm thinking a nice blue, but a softer, lighter one, he thought. One that's bright enough to catch people's eyes but not so bright that people think I'm a walking highlighter... not that anyone in this time period knows what that is, but the point still stands. I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb!

This was when a light blue and white ball gown caught his eye. It was shimmering while glitter and had a gradient that gradually got darker as it headed to the bottom of the skirt. The dress' straps were off the shoulder, and it came with matching gloves.

"I love it," he whispered excitedly, grabbing it off the rack. "I've got to try this on."