Imagine Phainon, Mydei, and Anaxagoras as your pet cats
Mydei, who sits by your side at all times. He follows you silently from room to room, always just a few steps away. You can't even go to the bathroom without him guarding the door, and he won't eat without you there to watch his back in turn. He barely ever reaches out for pets on his own accord, though every time you initiate, he can't stop himself from purring up a storm.
Phainon, who isn't necessarily at your feet every moment, but loves to watch. Especially when something is going on. You're answering the doorbell? Curious eyes are watching from somewhere in the room. You're making food? He'll be up on the counter if you let him (and honestly, also making an attempt to if you don't let him), head following your every movement.
He is also much more vocal about his wants than anyone else, mewling outside of the bathroom door because he's lonely where did you go. Maybe Mydei will decide it's Phainon's time to take the shift and wander away for a while to spare his eardrums. Though Mydei will immediately come padding right back once he hears the click of the door opening.
Phainon is the only one to regularly seek out your pets. He will curl up against your legs, purring. If it doesn't work quickly enough he might bring his paws into the mix, which would be fine if his batting didn't instinctually involve claws.
Unlike Mydei, who usually stays almost completely still during pets, Phainon will lean into your touch and actively guide your hand wherever he wants it.
Also unlike Mydei, petting doesn't immediately equal purring with Phainon. Sometimes it is as if he doesn't care to make the noise. Though if you stop petting and he still wants you to continue, he may start up the engine, rubbing against your retracting hand to get it back on his fur.
And we can't forget about Anaxagoras, who appreciates his personal space. Dignified, elegant, yet also the most prone to being skittish. You could drop a pot on the floor and he either wouldn't bat an eye (anticipated it), or he will jump and hide under the nearest piece of furniture. Mydei and Phainon would only watch in interest, your brave boys. Though, considering how close Mydei is to the danger zone of having the hypothetical next pot dropped on him (being right at your feet), you worry a little about his sense of self-preservation. Maybe you reach down and give him a few pets as apology just in case you're not reading him correctly.
If you try to pick Anaxagoras up he will mewl indignantly, thrashing as he tries to wriggle loose. The other two have nothing against it, in fact, it usually makes Mydei purr.
Anaxagoras also hates strangers, and his definition of stranger is "anyone who doesn't live here". You barely ever see him hide, though at the sound of the doorbell it is as if he magically vanishes. You won't be able to find him anywhere for at least an hour, even if the doorbell didn't invite anyone into the house. The only thing that will bring him out early is mealtime. He knows he can't miss it or else the other two may start eating his food.
You certainly wouldn't call him social. If anything, he only sometimes tolerates others. Phainon tries to play with him sometimes, which usually ends in him either being ignored or getting a prick of blood beading from his nose, courtesy of Anaxagoras' claws.
The only times he's actually let you pet him, is when neither of the others have been around. He doesn't purr, but there is a clear lack of pulling away, or swatting at you, or giving you the stink eye. If you're lucky beyond reason, he might even just slightly lean into it.
He is also a little more pliable after being given a treat, something you have to do to even hope to get him into his carrier when it's time to go to the vet. Mydei will happily be lifted into the carrier without issues, in fact, you're fairly certain you could just pick him up and take him there without one and it wouldn't even be an issue. It's not like he would try to run away. Though if you're planning on driving, it would be a safety hazard. Phainon may be a little more difficult, but only because he's making a game out of it. Maybe you should play with him first, tire him out a little.
Anaxagoras isn't much of a sun basker, unlike the other two. He usually stays hidden in some nook, or perched on a high shelf. As he does, Phainon is lazing on the windowsill, stretching with belly up in the air and having the time of his life. Mydei is silently hoping you will sit down close to the window soon so he can join in.
Playtime mainly consists of Phainon running around the place, trying to catch whatever you you're waving around, versus Mydei, also trying to get the toy. If Phainon is successful, he will quickly drop it so he can play more faster. If Mydei is successful, he will bring the toy with him as he lays down next to you, watching Phainon from his elevated spot on the couch. (Is he lording his win over Phainon?) Anaxagoras is nowhere to be found. He might find the racket annoying, or even a little scary. Though just as with petting, Anaxagoras might indulge playtime with you if the others aren't present.
Phainon will also play outside of playtime, pouncing at stray toys littered around the space. (Or at his fellow cats, much to Anaxagoras' dismay.)
Phainon truly is like a playful kitten. Mydei not far behind, though trying to appear a little less so. And Anaxagoras, despite being the same age as the other two, acting grumbly and old, or maybe, like a scared teenager. It makes you wonder what life was like for him before he became a part of your family.
Either way, he was a part of it now. Willing or not, he is at the receiving end of your love and care, as are Mydei and Phainon. Your three, lovable, authentically peculiar cats.
