Brainfreeze (Phennie)

[Deleted]

Phen's butt really was having a hard time. Despite the weight he'd put on, he was still pretty scrawny, which meant hard chairs = discomfort all the time. He stood and stretched a little, careful to avoid bumping his wings or leg.

Gryph messaged him while he was standing, and Phen bent over to check the reply, smiling faintly. It was only one message, so the subject seemed like it would be dropped, which he was glad for - but he wouldn't forget the generosity.

Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): Friends are the best

And that was all he thought needed to be said. Gryphon was a great friend, especially considering all the time that had gone on between now and back then.

He snickered at the vain, playful response about work, settling back down into his chair as his rear end protested.

Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): You ARE pretty awesome
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): And omg, that'd be perfect xD I'm sure the manager would see that on your resume and hire you immediately. All I can do is flutter around and spray dust on things -.-

.... Had he told Gryphon about the hallucinogenic dust yet? Phoenix couldn't remember. He bit his lip; he didn't think he had, now that he thought about it. Oops. Well, if Gryph was confused enough, he'd ask.

Phoenix really didn't mean anything by this friendly banter. About butts. As far as he was concerned, it was a normal conversation between friends! Because what was wrong with that... Right?

Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): Sorry, Dimples
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): It's really not all that nice anyway, you wouldn't wanna touch it
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): A cat!? Nooooo, even my scrawny ass would squish a cute little kitty :c Maybe I'll just sit on you next time
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): Yeah, they are. Nyehh. They're just a pain.

He was about to start back on his essay when another message popped up. Phoenix scanned it, smiling at first before letting out a loud laugh at the latter bit. It was definitely something he was interested in... To some extent.

Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): I've thought about it, but... Y'know, money and stuff. And I dunno what I'd get
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): Unicorn on my forehead is definitely tempting, though XD You know me so well
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): And I kinda have tattoos already... At least, my wings look like tattoos when they're put away

Silly Gryphy. Phoenix wondered what Oriel would think of another tattoo - his wings were pretty big as it was.

[Gryphon Matsuoka]

"Friends are the best"?

How cheesy could you get? That didn't mean it stopped Gryph from grinning at the words that had been zapped onto his screen for his pleasurable viewing, thank you to the internet. He quirked an eyebrow at his own thoughts, he needed some more sleep, or a drink, or something. He was beginning to sound very strange.

Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): Don't go all Disney princess on me

He went back to his work for a moment, writing another couple of sentences. He was not going to get a good grade on this essay, that was probably all that could be said about that. He clicked back and chuckled and then- wait, what? Dust? He shook his head and rubbed his eyes, maybe he was seeing things now because of his slight sleep deprivation, but no, there it was bright as day, 'All I can do is flutter around and spray dust on things -.-. He didn't know whether to be concerned or take it as a joke, so he took it upon himself to double check,

Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): what do you mean by dust, lol? xD

Well, if that wasn't casual, what was?

Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): tut tut
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): I'd happily let you sit on me. if you let me not suffocate under your bony arse ;P
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): a cute pain <3

He really had to hold back on the flirtiness that he was showing, but it was in his nature! He couldn't stop a natural process! Probably. And this conversation was funny, he would just be ruining everything.

Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): well I have money and stuff, remember?

He really didn't want to make that the center of the conversation.

Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): I can help you on the 'not knowing' front
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): and a unicorn would be undeniably fabulous!
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): once your wings stop having a fit and fix themselves already, I wanna seeeeeeeee
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): we should totally look at each other's backs sometime, so I can see your wingy goodness, and you can see the writings under my wingy goodness, hhmm?

He definitely wouldn't mind that. At all.

[Deleted]

Phoenix hadn't known what else to say! Urgh! As soon as Gryph's teasing response popped on screen, he flailed his hands around a little, cheeks red; he was glad the guy couldn't actually see him.

Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): Don't judge! I just watched Disney for the first time like, three weeks ago. The songs are forever stuck in my heaaaad

There. Nyeh. Phen even stuck his tongue out at the screen, which was dumb, but whatever! Since Skype went quiet for a little bit, he, too, took advantage of the small bit of free time, writing another slow couple of sentences as he flipped through his text. Once Skype beeped again, though, he was on it, biting his lip with a groan. So he hadn't told Gryph yet. Whoops.

Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): Um, so, the wings came with this stupid hallucinogenic dust. Ironic, right?

He sighed, wondering if he should elaborate, but he figured Gryph was smart enough that he would realize Phoenix was referring to the fact that he'd been addicted to drugs even before his abilities manifested. And there was no need to tell his friend that he'd been addicted to his own dust for over two years... That'd come up some other time, when Phoenix was more prepared to face his past.

But now Gryph was sending him other messages, and Phen's smile returned, though the last one made him falter just a little. Oriel would be pissed if he read this, but... Phoenix knew it didn't mean anything. Gryphon was just being friendly!

Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): I don't think I could suffocate anything under my 'arse'
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): So you should be safe
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): You're a cute pain. Featherbutt.

He chuckled as he sent that last one, then sighed and sat back in his chair. How long had it been now? Phoenix was never gonna get this done on time, but.... Dammit, Gryph was just so distracting!

Tattoos, tattoos... Phen kept mulling them over. He was gonna have to ask Oriel if he was going to get serious about this.

Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): I dunno, I feel bad asking you to pay for something so... Not-crucial to my life, I guess? x:
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): I really appreciate it though... And I'll think about it. Maybe a phoenix tattoo?
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): (Because I'm so original)

Really, a phoenix was actually rather symbolic of his life - rising from the ashes of his past life, and all that. He hadn't really realized it until now. It was.... Sort of amazing to think about.

Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): Okay, okaaay. They're kinda pretty, I guess. Oriel likes them, at least ><
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): Hah! I'd like that. I mean, I can still pull them in now, it just... Hurts. I do it when I sleep sometimes though, 'cause I get tired of sleeping on my stomach ><
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): It's weird, too. The tattoo-y things look all broken now that my wings are... So I dunno if you'd wanna see them until they're pretty again

He shifted his wings, which were doing better, but were still pretty shattered-looking. Phen had been told he had at least two more months before they were back to normal.

[Gryphon Matsuoka]

Gryph could only imagine Phen's childlike reactions to his messages, which was a shame for him. He really wanted to see the boy's reaction to being compared to a Disney girl. But... he'd hardly watched Disney? That was... ridiculous, almost to the point of being unbelievable. No matter how manly or grown up you try to act, you've probably watched at least one Disney movie in your lifetime.

Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): when you wish upon a star~

Irony wasn't what crossed Gryph's mind at Phen's next comment, after the short working break. He was concerned. Was that why he... no, he left too early for that to be the cause. But having a source like that at such close reach would be tempting... hazardous. He... Gryphon wasn't going to think about that. But he didn't reply to it either. He just hoped Phen wouldn't notice.

And Gryph would be more worried about his wings getting damaged than the possibility of suffocating under any weight. The name 'Featherbutt' still made him chuckle, and he meant 'a cute pain' in the most un-flirtatious way possible.

If he was lying to himself. Oh, come on! He couldn't help but tease.

Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): We can be cute pains together glasses

He smirked as he replied once more, not giving his work a second thought. Although it was screaming at him to get on with it... this was more fun.

Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): tattoos are as important as degrees in science in my book
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): you won't have to tell anyone your name
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): they'll ask you and you'll pull up your sleeve (or whatever) and be like 'what's this?' and they'll know
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): its so ingenious nyeheh xD

Oh, Gryph was so humorous! He chuckled to himself and read the next messages, before nodding and replying.

Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): as long as the crazy man likes them <3

OK, that was slightly uncalled for. Hopefully, Phen would take it as a joke. He began shaking his head now and moving on.

Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): and that is why I protect my feathers with my life ;P
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): that sounds interesting, but I can wait I wanna see them in their full glory of awesome

A pen fell off of his side table and he picked it up, before seeing the books opposite him and sighing. As much as he loved this conversation, he knew he wasn't going to concentrate if he was constantly distracted by Phoenix.

Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): as sad as I am to say this...
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): you're too much of a distraction
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): and I should really be working
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): damn it phen

He sent the last messaged and sighed again. He didn't want to do it, but it was for his own good.

[Deleted]

Phoenix knew he had been way overdue to watch a Disney movie. His mom had just never had him watch them, and he hadn't cared to as he got older and more messed up. Now, though, he loved them, and was probably driving Oriel crazy with his singing by now.

Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): STOOOP now you're gonna get stuff stuck in my head argh

He hadn't actually watched that movie yet, but he'd been looked up as much of the music as he could. Now it was definitely stuck in his head. Sigh. This wasn't helping with studying. Phoenix waited for Gryph to say something else about the dust, but apparently he'd either missed it or didn't know what to say, so Phen dropped it. Maybe he wouldn't bring it up later after all.

Cute pains together. Hah.

Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): Sounds good to me

Oriel was never going to see this conversation. Nope. He'd probably think Phen was cheating on him or something... Urgh. Phoenix really needed to stop.

Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): Well... If you say so
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): Ahah, that's true
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): I swear I never get a regular reaction for my name. People either laugh or think it's really cool, nothing in between -.- I bet you get that too

Both of them having mythological names (something they bonded over when they were young), he wondered if Gryph could relate. He snickered at the next set of messages, not taking them as anything more than a joke. It even made him laugh; Oriel left impressions on nearly everyone.

Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): Crazy man likes them indeed

He didn't mention when Oriel looked at them the most, when he had Phen under him and was... Anyway.

Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): It wasn't my fault! I fell and they popped out when I was wearing a thick jacket. They just kinda crumpled, they're not as strong as yours ><
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): Okaaay. You'll have to wait like 2 months though

He went back to work for a moment, until the beep brought him back. He sighed as he read the messages, but... He knew it was for the best. He was sorta glad Gryph had brought it up too, otherwise he probably never would have.

Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): Yeah... You're too distracting too, I'm getting nothing done
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): Don't blame meee, you messaged me first!
Phoenix Tang (Squishylover): But yeah... Imma sign off now. Sigh. Maybe I'll pop by later.

When their goodbyes were wrapped up, Phen closed Skype and sighed again, before grudgingly going back to work on his stupid paper.

[Gryphon Matsuoka]

Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): ~I can show you a world~
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): ~Something something WONDEERRR~ xD (im stopping, im stopping)

Gryph laughed at Phen's reaction. As much as the Disney songs could be annoying or whatever, they were too damn catchy. He had caught himself humming "When Will My Life Begin" from Tangled once. Those who knew the song gave him some... interesting looks.

He smiled at the fact that Phen didn't bring up the dust thing again (he didn't expect him to) and his response to the cute pains thing. He wasn't a pain at all, according to Gryph, but he knew he was skating on thin ice already. To turn up -well, he had been at Hammel for longer than Phen had... to suddenly pop back into someone's life, when they had a lover, and to start flirting with them?

He really needed to work on getting that under control.

Ah, the name issues. Gryph definitely had name issues. He loved his name, honestly, it was so cool, he hadn't met anyone else called Gryphon, ever! But... one of the main things that people asked was if he re-named himself after him power set in. Seeing as gryphons are hybrids of lions and eagles, with large wings, and he was now part bird, with large eagle wings... people generally put two and two together. It was annoying, definitely. But a lot of people like his name too. One person said it sounds really sexy, which made him puff out his chest! And... accidently tweet at them, but that's not important!

Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): some people think I call myself gryphon, and that I have some awkward real name that im hiding
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): its annoying at times

He sighed and continued to scan the messages. He hadn't introduced himself to many people recently, so he hadn't heard any more new and imaginative comments. Because they were always great to know.

Ah, crazy, crazy Oriel. Gryph was not looking forward to their next meeting. Unless the dude was willing to be a bit more friendly and not so... techty.

Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): Silly Phennie!
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): and I can be patient
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): sometimes

That was a complete and utter lie. Gryph was probably the most impatient person you could ever meet. Unless it was for an extremely good cause, he didn't like waiting around for too long.

But he wished Phen would wait around a little longer for him! Sure, he had literally just said that he was distracted and needed to work, but... but Phen! He sighed as he typed back.

Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): We're both painfully cute distractions
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): but... but I was being sociable! ;P
Gryph Matsuoka (freedomphotography): Alright, Phen, cya later!

And with that, he clicked away from Skype (but stayed logged on) and went back to his Word document. Hopefully, his thoughts would calm down and ending that conversation would've been worth it.