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“Fix this.” Gion slid the phone over to him.

Tharsis had taught Human Culture at the Elemental University before the Fall. He knew how to use their technology. Recently, Gion had noticed Thar navigating text messages on his own phone, although Gaia only knew who the Water Phase was talking to. It wasn’t like Tharsis put a lot of effort into building new relationships.

In fact, he didn’t put a lot of effort into anything.

Tharsis was quite possibly the smartest man in the realm. He just hid it well. These days, his colossal brainpower was wasted building million-piece Lego sets and listening to podcasts on anime. He didn’t seem inclined to even leave the palace.

The Water Kingdom was a seaside land, filled with sunny weather and artistic expression. The pastel castle overlooked a magnificent waterfall that poured into a clear blue sea. Breezy verandas and Minoan-style art abounded. Considering the Water Phases were free-spirited intellectuals who didn’t conform to schedules, Thar’s laid-back attitude wouldn’t have normally raised much of an eyebrow.

…Except it didn’t seem to be a choice, so much as it was an abdication of trying.

Since the Fall, Thar had put exactly zero effort into anything. Hell, he barely bothered to put shoes on, most days. He existed like he was on a perpetual, not-very-interesting vacation.

Tharsis caught Gion’s phone in one hand, as it skidded down the tabletop. “What am I fixing?”

“Some woman is texting me.” Gion flicked his palm towards the device, which was now contaminated by an unwelcomed presence. “I don’t like it.”

Tharsis snorted. “A girl is sliding into your DMs? Impossible.” He scanned the message, his eyebrows climbing. “Happy Applewhite?”

“You know her?”

“Not… personally…” Tharsis allowed in a slow voice. “But I’m pretty sure it’s not a ‘she.’ It’s a robot.”

“You’ve got robots hitting on you, now?” Cross made a face at Gion. “Fucking weirdo.”

“I don’t even know any robots!”

Tharsis sat up straighter in his chair and set down his paperback. “Never mind, I can take care of it.” He began typing on the screen’s tiny keypad, and Gion resented how easy he made it look. “What’s your favorite animal?”

“I don’t have one.”

“Vultures.” Cross supplied, talking right over Gion’s denial.

Tharsis guffawed and kept typing. “How do you feel about music?”

“I’m against it.”

Tharsis’ eyes flicked up to meet Gion’s brooding gaze. “Bear in mind, I live in this house, too. I know you play the violin, when you think nobody is listening. I’m going to tell Happy Applewhite you love classic country songs.”

“I detest classic country songs.”

“You play classical music. Kind of the same thing. It’s right there in the name.”

“No, it’s not the same thing and you know it.” Thar lived to make things more difficult. “Just erase the robot’s number. Or maybe I should just erase you.”

“Almost done. Do you have a favorite color?”

“Red.”

“Not black?” Tharsis made a huh sound. “I would’ve guessed black.”

Gion’s attention swung towards the door, as his beautiful Match came into the dining room. Sunset-colored curls bounced around her shoulders. “Red.” He repeated with utter certainty. “Angel, come save me.” He snagged her around the waist with one arm, tugging her down into his lap. He loved that he could touch her and be welcomed.

“You’re going to spill my tea.” She laughed, but did nothing to evade his hold. Instead, she leaned up to kiss him. “What’s wrong? You look even more frowny than usual.”

“Happy Applewhite is pestering me.”

“Who’s that?”