That's What Friends Are For

— That's What Friends Are For —

"Phantascope. Do you have a moment?"

The tri-colored tom internally winched at the sound of his verified name, but there wasn't much he could do about it. No one knew his true name…except for a handful of people he would rather not think of.

Almost everyone. Studio was an exception. And somehow, Phantascope knew that she was going to be part of whatever discussion that was about to be brought before him. He untucked his paws to stand from underneath the tree shade, and he turned to face the dark tabby who always seemed to smile. He was perhaps second-best at wearing a smile, next to the Studio Star.

"It depends." Phantascope finally gave him his answer. "But if you came to see me personally, I'll assume Studio made the request?"

The tom's smile twitched a bit, almost as if he was amused. "Actually, no. I came here on my own."

His feathery tail rose with slight interest. He didn't pick up his thoughts, which told him that something else was on his mind. He stepped from the shade, curious. "Won't they be looking for you, Graph?"

"I won't be gone for long," Graph said. "The reason why I came here is because, well, everyone is growing concerned. Studio won't say so, since she doesn't want to trouble you."

She speaks to me a lot more than you think. Phantascope sat down and allowed his tail to curl around his legs. "Does this involve who I think—"

"Yes, it does." Graph already knew the question before it could finish. "Last night, they heard your yowls through the hallway. Is…everything okay between you two? I know you don't always see eye to eye, but I'm worried it's growing worse."

"You came here to bring that up?" Phantascope had to bite back a hiss. The last thing he needed was to deepen Graph's concerns. "You know how I feel about this project. He completely ignored my blueprints, and I woke up to the sound of a falling tree this morning—which by the way, was my favorite spot to nap. It wouldn't surprise me if he chose that one specifically to spite me."

"No, no. I'm positive it's nothing like that!" Graph took a step forward, mindful of Phantascope's near-lashing tail. "You can't keep isolating yourself like this. Lady Studio has already planned a whole festival once everything is done, and she wants you, and all of us, to be part of it."

"The construction just…" His voice trailed off. The news somehow didn't surprise him.

"She already had a talk with Server," Graph said. "And I've decided that, why not come to see you? I'm not saying you have to come back right now. We have all afternoon. Instead of sulking around under the shadows, why not have a stroll with me?"

"A stroll?" His ears almost perked up. He hasn't had a stroll with Graph in quite some time. Mainly it was because of scheduling, and the founders almost had no time to relax and have a normal chat that didn't involve city plans or…small petty debates. The golden tabby was always one whisker away from getting clawed across the face, but he always had Studio right next to him. Phantascope was half convinced that he was using her as a shield. 

"You're doing that thing again." Graph's voice tore through Phantascope's thoughts. "Stop thinking about him, and let's think about what you like to do?"

"What?"

Graph smiled. "I've been considering your offer for a while. I'll admit, it's uhh…I'm not afraid to try new things." He lifted a paw and flexed out his claws, observing them. "Although I try to understand how you get a good grip on something so slippery."

It took a few seconds for Phantascope to understand what Graph was referring to. His tail perked up again, and he almost spoke too quickly. "You're serious?"

"I wouldn't lie to you," Graph said. Although I try to understand how does Phantascope not sink under all that fur of his?

The thoughts rang strong in the calico's head, and Phantascope almost failed to hide it. He turned towards the lavender meadows that stretched in the distance, and he smiled. "Have you ever had fish before?"

"You make them sound like a delicacy. I've been curious about how they taste." Graph was already on the move. "It's not too difficult to catch one, is it?"

Phantascope felt a purr surfacing. "A lot of things are difficult to overcome, but I can promise you that it will bring you satisfaction."

"That brings me to an idea then." Graph glanced back with a smile. "If I catch a single fish, you have to eat with us."

"Hm. I don't see how—"

"All of us."

Phantascope froze. "Even him."

"He's part of the all, isn't he?" 

He almost wanted to retreat back underneath the tree. But seeing Graph's smile, and how not once he ever opposed him…he couldn't bring himself to decline. After all, what was the harm? Most Medians were not fans of water soaking in their fur, and he was positive Graph was no exception. The chances of Graph catching a fish were as high as King Capital knocking on anyone's door. With that thought in mind, he trailed after Graph with his tail raised high.

"You know, I believe with time, I could probably be as good at swimming as you are, Phantascope," Graph said. "Actually, I'm setting my standards too high. Maybe half as good. Enough to keep my head above the water."

He has no idea what he's getting himself into. This is going to be too easy!

Somehow, Phantascope was far more interested with Graph yowling over wet fur than sinking his claws into Server's fur. It won't make him forget, but a hunt usually helped ease his bad nerves. It was probably one of the few reasons the poser was still alive.

I just don't like seeing you and Server fight all the time. Graph's ringing thoughts nearly caught the calico by surprise. I just want us all to be happy, despite our differences. I know all of you have a heart like everyone else. And if I ever do have kits, I want them to be able to see this city through its glories and challenges alike, so they can grow to be incredible people like us. And maybe…maybe my kits will be as good as a swimmer as you. Perhaps you could teach them if time allows it. You seem like a wonderful teacher.

We'll see, Graph. Perhaps I will grant that wish. It wasn't a promise, only because he couldn't see Graph settling down with a family anytime soon. He was never the sort to want to stay still for very long. 

The pair walked in silence for the rest of their journey, and they returned to the developing Aureate City with a pair of fish. One caught by Phantascope, and another resting atop a very soaked and miserable Graph.

As promised, Phantascope had dinner with Studio Star and…Server. Eating in silence was a mutual agreement to keep things peaceful, with only Studio making a few comments about the fish that were caught. A perfect addition to their dinner. But in truth…

I'm just happy that Graph lifted your mood today.

Phantascope looked into her eyes, and he replied to her. Studio, isn't that what friends are for?

…

"Uh…are you sure this is safe?" A pair of paws—one black and one white—tested the shallow end of the water. 

"Of course, Pictures. It's positively safe. I wouldn't let anything bad happen to you." Phantascope's purr rang through his voice as he stood next to the kit. "I've met a tom who caught a fish in his first try, and he was an amateur swimmer!"

"Really?"

"Oh, yes. It was so easy for him. He just got a little wet. That's all. He had the fish right on his head, and I believe you can do the same."

"I…I don't know if I really like this. I never swam before. What if I drown?"

"You're completely missing the picture. Swimming is one of the many pleasures in life. Fish also tastes incredibly good." Phantascope rested a paw over the kit's shoulder. "I'll always have your back. That's what friends are for."

"I guess if you—WHAAAAA—" Pictures was shoved into the water, his yowl cut short. 

"Just remember to paddle like I displayed earlier!" Phantascope shouted over his screams. "It's easy!" He turned around and chuckled to himself. "I'm such a wonderful teacher."