Under normal circumstances, Gaja doesn't enjoy being wet. But he enjoys being dirty even less than being wet. After a few minutes of totally-not-playing-and-splashing, he finally gives himself a little shake and starts to waddle away from the water. That's enough, please and thank you. He's ready to be dry now.

The water made his colors a bit darker, more saturated, but he was definitely a bright thing. Unbeknownst to Cian, Gaja definitely considered him a friend. He only had an impression of him, but anyone willing to help him at his weakest was a friend in his mind. Gaja would've smiled and said 'thanks' if he were capable of it. Since he can't in this form, he just clicked his bill and, instead of following with a quiet chittering or deep chirp, the phoenix sang him a few soft notes.