Permafrost watched as Phoenix and Starseeker exchanged glances, then ran after Copperhead.

Phoenix made it look like she was being practically dragged and that she didn't actually care, but by the was she seemed to be rushing a bit Permafrost knew she cared.

He hesitated, then ran after them, the spikes on his back clanging painfully together at his sudden burst of speed. Permafrost slid as he saw their red and black scales ahead. They were looking as if confused.

He glanced around, before he spotted Copperhead's sandy-golden scales rushing away.

"There!" He said, pointing one of his ice-blue rigid claws at Copperhead's form. "Shes over there!"

Starseeker gave him a grateful nod while Phoenix was staring at him in surprise. When she realized he was looking at her she immediately rolled her eyes and looked away. But he thought he saw her scales turn a bit pink...

What-? Skywings cant turn pink...

He shook his head, deciding that it must have been a trick of the light.

Permafrost followed them quickly as they rushed off behind her.

He skidded to a halt as he saw the Sandwing sitting down, staring at her talons, while Phoenix and Starseeker quietly comforted her.

Or, rather, Starseeker comforted her.

Copper wasn't speaking. She was obviously troubled by something and didn't want to talk about it.

Phoenix frowned at her before getting up and walking away.

She passed Permafrost,  only glancing at him slightly.

"Phoenix," he said, walking after her until he walked beside her. "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine." She muttered, looking to the side.

"Are you sure? Does it make you...upset that Copper is sad?" He asked, trying to look into her eyes.

"Shut up." She muttered, stopping and clenching her talons.

"But I'm not. You don't need to act like you don't care for someone when you do. It may hurt their feelings." He said, stopping with her.

"Hmph. Well, I'll tell you my feelings for you right now." She hissed, glaring at him. "I want you to shut up and stop pressing me to say something I don't want to. I hate you and I don't understand why you suddenly think we're friends or something when I just met you!"

He frowned at her, hurt. "So you hate me, huh? I see, then." He stared at his talons, curling his claws inwards. "Fine. I'll leave you alone. Sorry for trying to help."

He turned and began to walk off. He glanced back at her. He thought he saw a glimpse of...regret in her eyes.

She huffed and sat down, muttering something under her breath as he left.

He turned his head away from her and turned the corner until he reached his sleeping cave.

He immediately flopped onto his rock ledge and buried his face into his pillow.

Idiot, idiot, idiot. Your an idiot, Permafrost.

He clenched his talons. Did she really hate him?

You have to stop thinking about that. So what if she does? It doesn't matter anyway.

But that was the thing.

It did matter.

At least to him it did...

"Permafrost?" Said voice from the other end of the cave. Permafrost turned towards the entrance and saw Jackfruit standing there, tilting his head. "You okay?"

"I'm fine." He grumbled.

"I don't think so." Jackfruit said, walking up to him.

Jackfruit was definitely a dizzy idiot, but this proved that he was at least a little smart and very caring.

He sighed. "It's a stupid reason anyway."

"Is it about Phoenix?"

"Why would it-"

"Eeeeveryone thinks you like her."

"Well duh. She's- never mind."

"So you do like her."

"I guess."

Jackfruit laughed.

Permafrost tilting his head at the Rainwing, confused. "Why are you laughing at me-"

"I think it's cute."

He sat up, shooting him a glare. "It shouldn't be cute. She hates me."

"She hates everyone." Jackfruit pointed out.

"Well- no. She cares about a lot of dragons, just doesn't want anyone to know."

"So your stalking her?"

"No! I'm not stalking her, I can just tell from the way she acts."

Jackfruit nodded, as if not convinced.

"I promise you I'm not. That would be creepy."

"Whateverrr. Anyway, it's getting late. Gotta get to sleep!"

"It's the middle of the day-"

"EXACTLY! Sun time, duhh."

"Right. While your at it, I'm going to go walking around the school-"

"Looking for Phoenix." Jackfruit finished for him.

Permafrost opened her mouth to say something, then closed it.

Whatever.

He huffed and walked out of the cave.

IM SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG I PROMISE ILL TRY TO POST AT LEAST EVERY WEEK ACKK-