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The Cohen Loop Gary and Hunter 4 copyright comidacomida 2014

While a shower was a stall situated above floor level, the Scrubber was much more like a six foot deep hot tub. Hunter dropped down into it easily and, for a moment disappeared beneath the surface of the water. A few seconds later he emerged, "Well? What are you waiting for, Greg? There are steps so you don't even have to tread water."

The Human cleared his throat, maintaining a slight angle to the Phin with am arm strategically placed to hide his nudity. It wasn't that Greg was body shy... well... not normally; it was more a general discomfort of the entire situation... not to mention the fact that the Album seemed to be quite content to stare. The length of red between Hunter's legs, partially hidden beneath the scintillating surface further put Greg ill at ease, but he complied, slowly lowering his legs down into the pool. "That's really warm."

His room mate nodded, "Like a mix between a shower and a bath."

The Human shrugged as he lowered himself further in, much more content when his waist sunk down below the surface, "Well... if there's water jets and bubbles and everything it's more like a Jacuzzi."

Hunter frowned slightly and picked up a data pad from the lip of the Scrubber and punched a few buttons. He took a moment to regard what was presented then nodded before setting it down, "Okay... it's more like a Jacuzzi."

Finally settling into place, Greg realized that there were indeed several different steps on the floor; some were taller or shorter than the rest so it took a moment before he found ones that suited him, allowing him to stand with his shoulders and head above the water... but it put him very close to Hunter. The Phin didn't seem to mind, and the Human wondered if the brush of his room mate's tail against the inside of his thigh was more than just accidental. The Album glanced at him with a smirk, "Comfortable?"

Greg was ready to provide a noncommittal answer because, in truth, he wasn't really all that comfortable... but the Phin apparently took the pause in the Human's response for not having anything to say, "Alright... I know you'll enjoy this."

The young man almost yelped in surprise as powerful water jets turned the surface of the pool into a frothy torrent. Beneath the waves his body was hit from almost all sides by powerful air and water jets; the only part of him safe from the spray was his left hip, where Hunter's body blocked the surging force. Gritting his teeth, Greg had to turn his body more in the Phin's direction to relieve the water pressure creating distinct discomfort in his groin.

The Album did not miss the movement. Grinning, Hunter turned his own body so he and Greg were face-to-face, "Nothing else like it, right?"

Wincing, the Human cupped his groin, "Probably more enjoyable when your nuts are on the inside of your body."

The comment made Hunter laugh, a combination of vocalization, clicking, and whistling; the Phin was obviously enjoying the moment, "It can't be that bad."

Greg simply frowned at the Album's chiding, "You coulda warned me."

Hunter lowered his head slightly so he could look the Human in his downcast gaze. The Phin's next words caused the Human's brain to sieze up, "I'm sorry, Greg."

It took several seconds for the young man to actually register the apology; it was honestly the last thing he'd expected... until the Phin reached down and gently took hold of his testicles-- THAT was even less expected than the apology. "Hey!"

If Hunter even realized it was an objection he certainly didn't register it. The Album gently caressed the Human's endowments comfortingly, "Sharing a Scrubber isn't something most Phins do with just anyone, Greg... I'm letting you Scrub with me because I think you should know that I want you to join my Pod."

The term 'Pod' was used for Human benefit, as the Phins had their own racial term for the collection of close friends-- social cliques that formed in groups usually between four and a dozen. Since Humans were used to hearing about Pods of dolphins and whales, it only seemed suitable to have that be the English equivalent of the Phin term. "You do? I thought Albums only had other Albums in their Pods." He lowered a hand to try and protect his groin, but the Phin didn't bother moving his grip.

Hunter let out a clicking chuckle, gently caressing the Human's penis. "Usually... unless we find someone worth inviting."

The young man took a step back or, rather, tried to, but the Scrubber didn't exactly allow much room for maneuvering and all he really accomplished was provide Hunter with an opportunity to step forward. Greg let out a half-hiccup gasp as another spray from one of the jets hit him squarely in the small of his back, forcing his hips forward, and right into the Album's hand. Hunter's palm and fingers were as smooth as the other parts of his body, and the warm water was certainly having an embarrassing effect on him..,. especially when coupled with the Phin's touch. "Uh... Hunter... what are you doing?"

The chuckle turned into a whistling, chirp-laugh, "I'm masturbating you... obviously. Isn't this how Humans do it?"

Greg cleared his throat, feeling his entire face blush. He couldn't see through the turbulent, chest-high water, but he didn't need to considering he felt every move the Phin made, "We... uh... it's... usually more of a private thing."

Hunter lowered his head until his mouth disappeared into the water, then brought it back up, and expelled a long jet out, hitting the Human in the side of his head, "That's why there's such things as Pods, Greg... geez-- if Humans had them then they wouldn't have to worry about masturbating themselves."

The young man was more than ready to object, about to cite that Hunter completely missed the point, but all he got out was a "Yea, well Humans--"

Greg ended up completely silent when Hunter took a step forward; the Human went immediately stiff as he felt the smooth curvature of the Album's penis slide up against his own. He went to open his mouth again, but nothing came out except a surprised gasp as Hunter's length curved around the human's suddenly rigid shaft. The Album's chuckle was much more subdued, bordering on sultry as he added, "Since yours doesn't do much I'll have to carry the slack."

Once more, Greg was about to speak up, but he couldn't even find the ability to breathe as Hunter's length gripped him in a spiral grip. The Phin smiled, staring straight at him, and began to gently flex and wave his tail, the Album's fluke causing his hips to alternate between surging forward and being propelled backward; the effect on Greg's encircled flesh was beyond anything he had ever recalled having felt before. Sure-- he'd had a fling or two at the start of high school, but most of that was experimenting... and never involved a prehensile penis wrapped around his own, let any penis OTHER than his own.

The Human grit his teeth, gripping the arm rails of the Scrubber as the next cycle started... but those sensations were completely lost to the feel of the muscled member squirming around his, teasing it and pulling it, stimulating him in a way that he could only describe as alien. Sure, he'd heard of frottage before, but he never really expected having another guy rub a dick against his own... let alone a Phin masturbating him with a prehensile one!

During the sexuality class Greg had taken during the first part of the previous year he was able to recall something about the way Phins were able to have intimate encounters without insemination-- something important considering each was capable of becoming pregnant, but most of that discussed their birth control methods. A single, small sub-chapter glossed over oral sex and joint masturbation, with only a few sentences of something about mutual-rubbing. At the time, Greg had no idea what the book meant, but it suddenly came much clearer... right around the time that Greg came too.

All the young man was able to announce was a very hectic, frantic "I--" before he lost himself to the sensations. Hunter let out a long, very gratified sighing whistle as Greg felt his pulsing member restrained by the Phin's phallic grip. As the Human was emptying himself into the warm water, the Album continued the gentle movements of his tail, coaxing even more out of Greg, both in volume, and in lengthening the duration of his orgasm.

It wasn't until several seconds after Hunter's penis finally relaxed its grip on his shaft that the Human realized that the Phin had stopped before adding his own seed to the mix. Hunter leaned forward and pressed his Melon to young man's forehead. Smiling, the Album gave him a light pat on the side of his face with a webbed hand, "You're a good Human, Greg... and I'm glad you're in my Pod."

The confused, embarrassed, awkwardly stimulated and suddenly highly self-conscious young man remained pressed up against the wall, "I am? I mean... aren't I supposed to say 'yes' or something first?"

The Album click-chuckled, "I'm pretty sure you already did, Greg."

The Human paused at that, speaking up only as Hunter launched himself up and out of the pool of water with a joint jump and flick of his tail. "Aren't you going to Scrub?"

The Phin sat on the lip of the pool for a moment. The Human noticed that the Phin's tapered, alien-looking member was still very evident and the reddish hue on his groin had only become that much more present, "I already did."

Greg didn't really know how to respond, and was ready to say something several times but, each time the thought never made it from his brain to his mouth. Hunter sat, waiting expectantly for-- the Human really didn't know what the Album was waiting for. After several false starts, however, the Phin slid back into the water beyond the Scrub room and swam his way back into the main portion of their apartment, "Finish up... you should get some studying in before the next set of classes... when our first set of tests comes up we'll want the highest scores."

If there had been an inexplicable closeness between them then it disappeared as quickly as it had surfaced. Hunter left Greg alone in the Scrubber with many questions floating around in his head. The experience had been odd to say the least and, despite the fact that the Human had somehow had his first orgasm in a week coaxed out of him by the skilled ministrations of a Phin's prehensile penis, he couldn't force himself to think of it as an entirely bad thing. It was, after all, a really REALLY good orgasm.

* * * * * *

Despite all of the little inconveniences of Water Earth, the largest issue Greg had to come to grips with was undoubtedly the five day week. After only a single day of relaxation (if he were to consider Dive Ball relaxing), they were right back to classes. As usual, Hunter was up early and doing everything he had to do to be ready for the day; one ABNORMAL aspect of the day was that Hunter already had breakfast ready... for both of them.

Their meal consisted of everything Greg had expected of Water Earth food including a variety of small sea worms, thin stalk seaweed, and three different kinds of fish, yet none of it was prepared like he'd come to expect from the Phins; they were all made with Human preparations. He was so surprised in fact that he made the mistake of saying, "I don't think I've ever seen you cook... I didn't know you could."

The Album shot a glance his way with no small amount of vinegar in it, "Well... you've never seen your heart either... you're just lucky I chose to prove my cooking skill rather than that little four chambered chest muscle of yours."

For a split second Greg wasn't really sure whether Hunter had threatened him in earnest, but the clicking-chuckle that followed the statement after a few moments revealed that the Phin was messing with him. The Human slowly moved up to the bar, looking down at his meal, "So... uh... why breakfast this morning?"

Hunter came over to join him at the food bar, "Because it is a new week and we are going right back to class... I know Humans are used to having extra rest time at the end of the week and food is an energy substitute for lack of rest."

Greg shifted his weight from one foot to the next; it had taken him a few days to get used to eating standing up rather than at a traditional table but, considering the fact that the room was flooded a bar did make a lot more sense than a dining table with chairs. He pushed some of the seaweed around his plate, admiring the way that it was wrapped around some kind of grainy substance to resemble sushi. In the end, rather than eating it, he looked up at the Album standing across from him, "Energy substitute, huh?"

The Phin clicked playfully, stealing one of the seaweed rolls off the Human's plate, "Mammals all work the same way... sleep more and eat less or eat more and sleep less."

The young man finally popped one of the faux-sushi into his mouth and chewed; it honestly tasted a lot better than some of the other things he'd eaten on Water Earth, "Yea... well... if given any choice I'd be happy with sleep more and eat more."

Hunter stepped away from the bar, but not before giving Greg a light poke in the belly, "Well that doesn't happen much on Water-Earth, and that's a good thing since we've already spent so much effort on helping you get more hydrodynamic."

The Human didn't miss the way that the Phin referenced hydrodynamic rather than aerodynamic... just another one of those turns of phrase. He ignored further banter, quickly demolishing his surprisingly tasty breakfast while Hunter gathered up their class supplies, again surprising the Human at how helpful he was.

There were any number of possibilities as to why the Album had made a distinct shift toward accommodating... the most prominent being the fact that they were apparently now a Pod. Of course, in reality that was the only one that Greg could think of aside from the obvious events of the previous night but he preferred to consider it the former. Hunter took the plate the moment the Human had finished the last bit of food, "Alright... good enough. Come on-- I want to get a good seat in class."

Greg sighed; at least some things were still the same, "Right behind you."

Class continued much the same as any of the prior days; the professor continued to teach class with the same rapid-fire droning click-whistles as before. Unlike the Unity Centre on Land-Earth the one on Water-Earth had 1 professor per class rather than one per subject. While Greg originally thought that it would be highly inefficient for a professor to lack a specialty, he was blown away at how much their be-goggled Album instructor knew.

Despite the fact that Hunter was able to dispel the illusion by stating that most professors instructed by rote rather than by imparting their own knowledge, Greg continued to admire it. In the end, however, his partner was right: Phin professors apparently spent a lot of their time memorizing lesson plans and spent surprisingly little time answering any real in depth questions. In fact, to most of the questions from Human students, it seemed the Professor's favorite response was, "An excellent question-- look it up and present it to the class tomorrow." Unfortunately, on the first day that week, Greg was given three such tasks.

One positive side effect of the professor being so quick going through the material, however, was the fact that class actually let out early. With no specific plans, orders, or directions, that left the students with a slightly longer-than-normal evening. Although a majority of the students retired to their respective apartments, it was quickly made evident that Hunter had other plans. In an attempt to better guide his own future, Greg spoke up before his partner had a chance, "So... think we could maybe spend some extra time at the Dive Ball gym?"

The Album visibly perked at the suggestion, and the offer worked far better than the Human had anticipated, "That is a GREAT idea, Greg."

Without comprehending the Phin's sudden willingness to follow a suggestion, Greg found himself chasing after Hunter. He was getting more familiar with the flooded hallways but, nevertheless, he lagged behind. The Album circled back, swimming around the Human once until his dorsal fin brushed across Greg's fingers. Without further explanation required the young man grabbed hold and was whisked off down the passage to the water tubes.

With a quick trip down to the deck that housed the Dive Ball gym, they were once again off at Hunter's speed, proceeding down the hallway before it opened wide into the enormous room that housed the big game tank. Interestingly enough, they were not alone, and the Album was very quick to point it out, "Coaster and Andy beat us here. Greg, we need to work on your speed."

The Human made his way toward the tank, eager to bypass any possible objection at getting somewhere after someone else, "They probably planned on getting some training in today too... I mean... that makes sense, right?"

He glanced back to look at Hunter, who was not far behind, watching him closely. The Phin's gaze went up to his eyes, "Since there are four of us we can practice team maneuvers. I want to make sure that Andy is always on our team."

Somewhere deep inside of him Greg felt a moment of jealousy, but, when he realized how silly it was he quickly rolled his eyes at his own antics. Despite what appeared to be Hunter's obvious interest in running drills, they did very little actual training and spent more time just messing around in the water-- the Phins swam freely through the enormous tank in what seemed more like an effortless dance than any actual exercise while the Humans spent their time getting a feel for the Dive Ball and experimenting knocking it back and forth, passing it, and trying to kick it through the water; for the last part Andy fared a lot better than Greg.

They played well into the night, and their antics stopped only once a Longos crewmember showed up and shooed them out of the gym; apparently it was closing up for the night. The four companions returned to the halls and made their way jointly back to the water tubes. Since Coaster and Andy were one floor down from Hunter and Greg the four announced their farewells and went off to their prospective tubes so they could return to their halls.

Hunter, for once was in no hurry to return to their room. He casually waded silently through the water beside Greg. The Human didn't mind the silence, but he spoke up half way down the hallway, "Andy's been a good friend through all of this... he's a pretty good guy. I'm glad we're here in water Earth together."

The Album let out a thoughtful whistle, "He is very good at Dive Ball... we are lucky that you are friends with him."

Something about the statement rubbed Greg the wrong way... he couldn't put his finger on it, but that faint tinge of jealousy rose up again, making him wish that he was better at Dive Ball, that he had something he could be good at so Hunter would have a reason to be so positive about HIS skills but, more than anything else, that the Phin would realize that there were reasons for people to be friends OTHER than their skills. In the end he just shrugged, "Yea... I guess. I mean... it's good that we have a few classes together, but it'd be nice if--"

Hunter interrupted him, "We should invite Andy and Coaster into our Pod."

Greg fell silent for several seconds-- more than enough time for Hunter to move past him and open their apartment door. "Uh... I--"

The Album grinned wryly as he looked over his shoulder, giving the Human a light slap on his hip with his tail, "Come on, Greg... it is not polite to loiter in the hallway."

The young man complied, still not quite understanding Hunter's angle in all of it-- the Album ALWAYS seemed to have an angle. "I didn't think you'd want a Longos in your pod... are you sure he--"

Hunter about faced, closing the door behind them with his fluke, "Coaster has a lot of natural talent... he just doesn't apply himself. If they're in our Pod they'll do a lot better than they do now and we'll be better for them. Besides... you like Andy, so it's worth it."

Greg opened his mouth to say something-- To object? To agree? He wasn't sure, but what came out instead was a faint squeak as the Album's prehensile penis obtained a tentative hold of his wetsuit. His voice broke when he inquired, "He is?"

The Phin nodded, reaching a hand forward to take hold of the zipper on the Human's wetsuit and began pulling it down. "Yes... and so are you."

The young man gasped as the zipper opened far enough for Hunter's wriggling member to slip inside, and it didn't take long for it to find Greg's surprisingly hard penis. Greg didn't bother talking after that, but the Album saw to it that he still made plenty of sounds. The Human wasn't exactly sure what he did different that time, but, whatever it was, Hunter REALLY seemed to enjoy it, enough that the Album's flesh was so red it almost glowed. When the young man finally gave over to the Phin's ministrations, his orgasm was beyond messy.

Hunter ended up laughing it off, and the two shared another session in the Scrubber, only it was much less awkward. There was something almost endearing about the closeness at that point and the Phin was kind enough to help protect Greg's sensitive privates from the worst of the water jets as they took turns rubbing one another down. Unable to resist his curiosity, Greg did take the opportunity to caress the Album's still-firm member. Surprisingly, Hunter didn't say a word, and spread his stance wider to provide the Human more access.

The alien-looking flesh was as smooth as anywhere else on the Phin, and almost seemed to quiver beneath his touch. Hunter let out a soft cooing sound and pushed his hips forward. Surprised, Greg took a step back, but found himself pressed to the side of the Scrubber; Hunter's penis gently wove itself around the Human's wrist. Smiling at the pure absurdity of it, Greg remembered that the Phin had got him off twice using nothing but the flesh that was playing with his hand... and he managed to extricate himself from it before encircling the tapered shaft with his fingers-- Hunter's entire body went immediately rigid.

Firmly gripping the Phin's member, Greg began to stroke it from pointed tip to broad base. Maintaining the activity, the Human took a half-step closer, smiling faintly as he realized that Hunter's tail was flexing and arching in the water in time with his ministrations. The Phin let out a soft whistle, "Oh, Greg... that's nice..."

The comment suddenly made the young man realize what he was doing; was he actually masturbating his room mate? The motion of his hand stopped but, by that point, Hunter was more than happy enough to thrust his hips forward, pulling closer to the Human. With his hand pinned between their bodies, Greg felt the shuddering pulse that rippled down the long, turgid flesh and he managed to close his eyes just in time to avoid the eruption that jetted all the way out of the water and created a small fountain of Phin semen. The Album let out a contented sigh before his body shook faintly, and his flesh slowly slid back into his genital slit.

Their Scrubber session lasted a lot longer than originally anticipated, but Hunter didn't seem to mind in the least. In the end, Greg wasn't really sure what to think... except it was blatantly obvious that Hunter was warming up to him... and that could be taken any number of ways. The Human went to sleep, and his dreams were just as varied as his thoughts.

* * * * * *

On Land-Earth the various rooms in the apartments had doors, but on Water Earth they were separated only by archways, allowing easy flow of water (and individuals) from room to room. The fact that Greg's wet suit for the day was laid out for him was therefore less of a surprise that Hunter had been ABLE to do it than the fact that he did it at all. The Human got dressed and went out into the main living space where the Phin was already at work, whistle-clicking happily to himself as he began putting together breakfast.

After almost a week and a half Greg's stomach had grown much more accustomed to the difference in foods. It was highly unfortunate that he had never been a big fan of seafood but that preference was one of the first things he had to put aside; the second was his dislike of seaweed's texture and, finally, the fact that the Phins didn't have breads... or anything else with any kind of wheat grains since their digestive systems were unable to process it.

The Phins didn't corner the market on confusing dietary needs however, and every Human going to Water Earth knew it; a large portion of the students' year-one studies included foods that were eaten on Water Earth that the students from Land Earth couldn't handle. Fortunately, Greg reflected, all of the supplies at the Unity Centre were Human-Friendly. Not all of them LOOKED edible, however.

Glancing down at the ceviche-like preparation of shellfish Hunter set in front of him, however, the young man did have his doubts; he'd never seen shrimp with tentacles before. Looking up from the cup of seafood, Greg gazed across the bar to his room mate, motioning to his breakfast, "So... what's with all of this?"

Hunter used a utensil that reminded the human of a warped, mangled bladed honey dipper and skillfully twirled it amidst his cup to gather up several bits of raw shrimp-like meat, "Director is expecting me for dinner tomorrow night and he is expecting you to join us... this is his favorite dish and you need practice eating the Phin way."

There were any number of things the young man could have said in reply to the assessment but, seeing as he knew it was true, he simply shrugged, "Yea."

Classes for the day went as well as any others. Coaster and Andy had moved one row over, which put the Longos directly to Greg's right. Greg didn't know if Hunter had anything to do with the move but, based on the fact that his partner didn't seem the least surprised by the change, the Human was willing to bet on it. The day culminated in a test, which helped move Greg's mind past the change in seating arrangements, but what did that even more was the trip they all took to the Dive Ball gym after class that evening.

As with the prior day, Hunter and Greg were joined by Andy and Coaster. The four of them did some much more casual practice exercises including swimming the length of the tank twice, passing the Dive Ball back and forth each time. The Humans remained at the top of the tank, taking turns passing the ball to one another and then kicking it down to the Phins who swam beneath them. Hunter and Coaster would then knock the ball back and forth to one another and hit the ball back up to the Humans above them. All went well, for the most part, though Greg was horribly ashamed to admit that the other three had to slow down so he could keep pace.

After their two laps of the pool everyone climbed back out onto the starting ledge. Greg sat on the edge catching his breath while Hunter, Andy, and Coaster dissected their performances and discussed ways they could improve as a team. Despite the fact that the young man knew the offer was on the table, it still surprised him how casually Hunter inserted it into the conversation, "...and I think you should both join our Pod."

Andy, who had been essentially an active participant into the conversation up to that point ended up dumbstruck. Coaster, who was only slightly faster on the uptake, let out a slightly off-pitch squeaky click with an affirmative, "Sure!"

There was a moment of indecision in Greg's mind as to how he should react to the news; when Andy nodded his approval as well, the emotions that struck Greg the strongest were contradicting feelings of pride, joy, excitement, relief, embarrassment, hopelessness, and, once again, jealousy. He really wasn't sure how so many feelings could fit into his heart, but he had to admit that there was no small amount of frustration about being happy that others had Hunter's attention... but also displeased at the same time.

Hunter clicked affably, "We should Tiff."

His partner's announcement caught Greg by surprise and he glanced to the Album. He'd heard often enough about a 'Tiff'-- friendly Phin challenges between friends but he hardly ever expected to watch one take place right in front of him-- he was honestly surprised that Hunter would actually want to challenge a Longos... it just seemed out of sorts. The situation set him even more off-balance when Coaster turned to Andy and winked at him, "What do you think? Can you keep up with me, Human?"

Andy laughed, "You bet I can! End of the tank and back?"

The Longos rested a hand on the Human's shoulder and held out his other in front of Andy in a fist, "First back onto to the ledge wins?"

Andy nodded and touched his fist against Coaster's, "Sounds good to me."

Hunter let out a soft whistle, "What's the bet?"

Greg and Andy both inquired at the same time, "Bet?"

Coaster wagged his bottle nose in a yes, "That's the point of the Tiff-- the winner gets something from the loser."

Before they could hash out the specifics of their challenge Hunter rapped Greg lightly on the shoulder, "We should have a Tiff too."

The young man shrugged, "I don't really gamble... I don't do bets and I don't really have anything to give."

The Album smirked, "Then don't lose."

Coaster walked over and gave Greg a pat on the back, "It's not like you have to give up something you own--"

Hunter laughed confidently, "You can always 'give up' something else."

Greg wasn't precisely sure what the Album meant, but the faint flush that mixed in with the white field between the Phin's legs gave him a good idea. He opened his mouth to object, but he was shocked into silence when Andy spoke, "If you get back first I bend over for you... but if I get back first you're lifting your tail for me. First with their feet on the ledge wins."

Coaster clicked vigorously with an eager chuckle, "Going straight for the dominance play, is that it, Andy?"

Hunter shrugged and gave the Longos a light punch in the shoulder, "It's a perfectly acceptable challenge, Coaster... are you going to turn it down?"

Coaster let out a condescending whistle, "Are you kidding? I haven't had a chance to stick it in a Human before... this'll be great!"

The Album shrugged, "Just remember to wear a condom."

Andy smirked, "No need... Human sperm can't get through the permeable wall."

Hunter chuckle-clicked at that, "If Coaster wins."

The Longos raised an eyebrow, "Why would--?"

Hunter didn't bother letting Coaster finish asking the question since his attention went immediately to Greg, "What do YOU think, Greg?"

The young man's head was already spinning by the sudden, very PERSONAL nature of the discussion so he was speechless for many moments until he offered up his best non-committal answer, "I guess if they're REALLY to have a challenge like that then a condom would..."

The Album offered a very audible raspberry in response, "I don't mean THEIR Tiff... I mean ours! Is that a good bet for you too?"

Aside from Greg's straight-forward reluctance to bet in the first place, the first thing that came to mind was the most obvious objection, "I won't win."

Hunter gave a very human-like smirk and gave his shoulder a light shove, "It's not about winning, Greg... it's about the challenge."

"You're only saying that because YOU stand a CHANCE of winning."

Andy shrugged, "What about diving, Greg? You're really good at diving. Maybe you two should race to the bottom of the tank then back up."

Hunter glanced sidelong at Greg, "Are you trying to embarrass me in front of the rest of our Pod? It's a TIFF, Greg... Pods DO Tiffs!"

The term 'Tiff' was another one of the English translation used by Phins to explain a concept that didn't have a Human equivalent. Specifically, a Tiff was a ritualistic-type challenge reserved predominantly for friends and Pod members that allowed them to test themselves in a friendly atmosphere. Some time in the Phin past it started being accompanied by friendly wagers although, in Greg's opinion, something like his anal virginity did NOT seem like an item up for trade in a friendly wager. "What about a... um... a gentleman's bet?"

The Album's face scrunched up slightly, "A what?"

Coaster glanced toward him and click-squeak-chirped out, "A silly Human term... making a bet without betting anything."

Hunter's confused expression was almost enough to make Greg laugh... almost. "Why make a bet and not bet anything? That's not a Tiff."

Andy laughed, "Yea... come on, Greg... don't be a douche."

Coaster got in on it too, "Greg-- if we're going to be a Pod you need to be open to Phin customs. We did Human stuff on Land-Earth so doing Phin stuff on Water-Earth shouldn't be THAT big of a problem, right?"

Against one person Greg knew he could stand his ground; against two he could still probably hold firm; three people pressing him, however, was too much peer pressure. "We can do our Tiff as a dive contest?"

Hunter and Coaster smacked tails-- the Phin equivalent of a high-five. Andy gave Greg a firm slap on the shoulder, "There ya go.... but not just yet-- Coaster and I gonna Tiff first... that okay with you, Coast?"

The Longos nodded, click-chirping in glee, "More than ready... I'm curious about what the insides of a Human feel like."

Andy laughed, "Pfft... you'll just keep on wondering. Before the night's done I'll have you bent over in the Scrubber."

While the friendly trash-talking was as much of the "Tiff" ritual as anything else, it honestly surprised Greg how quickly and easily Andy slid into the role. He continued to watch in a haze as Hunter officiated the match, and remained bleary-eyed as Andy completed the first circuit a few seconds before Coaster. The realization that he was watching an AMAZING match of a Human versus a Phin on pure swimming talent made it even more surreal, especially as Andy approached still just barely ahead of his partner.

Hunter slid an arm around Greg's shoulder and pulled him closer, "Wow... it looks like Andy might actually win... if he can get out of the water fast enough."

Looking aside at his Album partner, Greg turned back just in time to see Andy arrive at the ledge. He went to pull himself up, but Coaster shot up out of the water like a rocket, landing with both feet on the platform a half-second before the Human. Andy laughed, "Nice try-- but I got back first."

Coaster ruffled Andy's damp hair, "Nice try yourself, Human... but the deal was FEET ON THE LEDGE... so you LOST."

Andy opened his mouth to object, but Hunter spoke up first, "He's right, Andy-- you said first with their feet on the ledge."

The Human glanced toward his friend, "Greg?"

The young man shrugged helplessly, "You DID say 'feet on the ledge'."

Andy scowled, "Yea? Well you're up next, Mr Literal."

Coaster softly nudged the back of Andy's head as he click-chirped a chuckle, "Don't worry... I'll be gentle."

Hunter joined in the laugh and moved up to the lip of the ledge, "Now that they're done it's our turn."

Greg cleared his throat, feeling a faint tremor to his muscles in anxiety, "Except... OUR contest is first to surface after touching the bottom of the tank, right?"

Hunter's clicking-chuckle turned into an all-out chittering laugh, "I suppose you also want a ten second lead?"

The Human frowned, "I just want to know what I'm getting myself into."

Coaster spoke up from the side, unzipping Andy, "I know what I'M getting into."

The Album rolled his eyes at Greg, glancing over at the Longos long enough to add, "A condom?"

Coaster laughed, "If you keep that up we might have to Tiff next."

Hunter returned his attention to Greg, "Alright... first to touch the bottom and get their entire head above water."

Greg glanced toward Andy and Coaster for just a moment, then looked away when he saw that the Longos was already claiming his reward, "Um... how are we going to decide when to start? I mean... uh... they aren't really watching."

Hunter let out a sigh through his blow-hole as he kicked at a piece of wire that was laying across the ledge, "You can say when to start, Greg... since you're so worried I figure that is a reasonable enough concession on my part."

The young man blushed at the Phin's chiding, then suddenly remembered that part of a Tiff was trash talking, "Oh yea? Well I'm going down then up... but you're just plain going down."

The Album click-whistled out a chuckle at that, kicking at the wire again, "We'll work on your banter."

Feeling his heart continue its rapid beating, Greg glanced to his partner then back to the tank, "Okay, I guess... are you ready?"

Hunter offered a definitive click which translated perfectly into "Ready."

Greg took a deep breath. "GO!"

Leaping forward, the young man felt the water part before him as his dive cleaved into it with pure perfection. He kept his full attention on the bottom of the tank which seemed SO far away. The momentum of his jump carried him down a short distance but it did not take long before he had to fight against the natural buoyancy of his body. Too late he realized that Phins were made for swimming under water much more efficiently than Humans. Despite that epiphany, he refused to give up, and he fought with every ounce of his being to get to the bottom.

Not even bothering to glance aside to see how quickly Hunter was moving Greg gave it everything he had; whether he won or lost there was no way the Album would be able to say he didn't try. After what felt like forever, the young man finally touched the floor to the tank, rotated his body downward, and kicked off of the surface with all of his might. Only once his eyes were facing upward did he see that Hunter was at the top of the tank.

For a half-second he felt mortified that the Phin had beat him so soundly but, once Greg was a good way toward his trip upward he came to the realization that the Album hadn't even started his trip downward; the Phin's leg was caught in a wire. The young man surfaced right next to the flailing Phin, who suddenly ceased his thrashing and grabbed hold of the ledge. Hunter looked none too pleased. "Complete seal shit."

Andy, who was laying with his stomach on a table while Coaster worked into him from behind had a smug grin on his face, "Phins don't get Two and-- OH!"

Coaster click-whistled in a laugh as the Human's words were interrupted by a particularly energetic thrust, "I'm happy enough with one-and-one... go on, Hunter... it's part of the Tiff."

The Album had absolutely no qualms with grumbling, fretting, and angrily clicking as he pulled himself up onto the ledge and sat there for a few moments before he stated quite clearly, "Fine... but we're going to our apartment to do it."

The Longos seemed more interested in the Human beneath him. "Suit yourself."

Despite the grumbling, Greg was surprised at the rather pleased tone Hunter took when addressing him, "Come on, Greg... you won."

If he was caught off guard by the Album's eager-sounding admission of loss, he was even more surprised when the Phin casually kicked the wire off his leg... almost as if it hadn't even been an impediment in the first place. The Human followed along after him, pulled out of the gym by his wrist, "Did I really?"

Hunter didn't answer the question verbally, but the Phin's expression only further reinforced the thought that, as usual, the Album got what HE wanted.