Arthur grabbed Phoenix a towel and helped him out onto the mat in order to dry off, pulling the plug to drain the tub. He'd refill it with fresh water and a new batch of salt for tonight. The quiet was strange, and Arthur didn't like it...

"You can talk if you want to, I just..." he sighed, patting his fish tail down, careful of the larger sores still on the mend, though the color was coming back in blooms which was encouraging. Arthur met his eyes. "I ain't used to...well, being liked. Especially like that."