Cashew had been feeling... weird. Weird in a way he couldn't put a paw on, couldn't speak about because it made him anxious. He looked in his reflection and didn't recognise himself, and couldn't pinpoint why. He had grown quiet, grumpy, even, withdrawn. He felt like an alien living in his skin, and hated it.

But, what else could a pubescent teenager do but mope? Opening up about his feelings was the last thing he wanted to do. The dark clouds, rain and lightning felt like the perfect weather to him for a walk and maybe cry a little with no one watching. Everything felt so hopeless at the moment... and he didn't know how to stop it.

The one thing he did know was that he was different, and he didn't like it.

Eventually, soaked through to the bone, Cashew looked up at something other than his paws, and overlooked the water, watching the sky light up every now and again. Something that was not water caught his eye suddenly, and when he turned his head, he blinked at the sight that greeted him. Was that... Persi?

Confused out of his self reflection, Cashew stood, shook out his fur, and stepped towards his brother. He knew he shouldn't be swimming, but he looked calm, at peace. Cashew wanted that, too.

Instead of doing what he'd normally do, he paddled out to the pale boy, though he didn't bother to turn bellyside up. That felt a little too vulnerable. Hey. He said, quiet. He wasn't really sure why he said it, but it felt like he should. Did he ruin the moment? Maybe.

Ugh.