It hopped towards her curiously. *** He nodded, sitting down at her side and pulling out his notes. *** "My house. Where should we meet?" *** She looked over at him with a grin. "Laying."
She gave it a small smile. "Wait right there," she said, standing up. "I have a bird house I've been meaning to put up." * * * She looked over at him, her brows furrowed appreciatively. "Thank you for doing this." * * * "Park?" * * * "I can see that, but this is my spot."
It fluttered its wings, waiting for her. *** "Of course," he told her. "I don't mind." *** "Sounds good. See you there." *** She turned to face him. "I can leave."
She returned to her house and came out a few minutes later, hanging a birdhouse on the branch of the willow tree. * * * "The scholar Cassian is taking time away from his studies to help a competing student?" she teased. "I'm flattered." * * * (Zoop?) * * * He gave her his dazzling smile, turning on his side as well. "Nah. You can stay."
It fluttered over to the birdhouse, settling on the perch. *** He rolled his eyes. "Do you want this or not?" *** (Yoop!) *** She reached out, brushing his hair back slightly.
She grinned before sprinkling some oats and sunflower seeds on the ground for him. "There you go." * * * "I'm just surprised, I guess." * * * Monty was sitting on a bench, swinging his legs slightly. * * * He watched her thoughtfully, leaning into her touch. "You okay?"
He pecked at them, hopping closer. *** He looked up at her. "Surprised? Why?" *** Theo approached, squinting in the darkness. "Monty?" *** "Yeah, I'm okay. Are you?"
She knelt back down in the garden bed, pulling out weeds from the earth. * * * "I just figured you would have better things to do." * * * He looked up, his wings fluttering in response to her presence. "Sparky!" * * * He paused before giving her that smile once again. "I'm great."
He ate seeds nearby before returning to the birdhouse, watching her work. *** He raised an eyebrow at her. "You're my best friend. Therefore priority." *** She grinned. "Sorry for bringing you out so late." *** She flushed slightly, looking back up at the sky with a bit of an embarrassed face. "I thought I told you I don't like when you try to charm me.."
She sang under her breath as she worked, a sweet, celtic tune. "Over hillways up and down, myrtle green and bracken brown Past the sheiling through the town, all for sake of Mairi" * * * She flushed again, looking down at her hands in embarrassment. * * * "Not a problem," he said, standing up. "Are you okay?" * * * He frowned, raising one eyebrow. "I'm not... didn't we determine that my powers don't work on you?"
He settled down, listening quietly. *** He went quiet, pulling out the notes. "Sorry." *** "Yeah, I'm okay. Just wanted to hang out. Is that okay?" *** She paused, her flush deepening as she frowned slightly. "Right.."
After about thirty minutes, she stood up and turned to go. "Do you want some lemonade?" she asked, looking over at the bird. "Can you drink lemonade?" * * * "No, it's... it's sweet. I'm just not used to it yet," she said uncomfortably. * * * "That's great," he said enthusiastically, draping an arm over her shoulder. * * * He watched her curiously. "Are you okay?"
He tilted his head at her again. *** He frowned. "Not used to what?" *** She gave him a small smile. "It's nice out." *** She looked over at him again. "I think so.."
She rolled her eyes before extending a finger to him. * * * "You being friendly to me. Caring. Not that you weren't always, but... I don't know." * * * He looked around. "It is. It's a nice evening." * * * "You think so? What's wrong?"
He flew to her, landing on her finger. *** He seemed uncertain. "Would you rather me not?" *** She nodded, observing him thoughtfully. "Yeah." *** "Nothing, really."
She patted his head gently before placing him on her shoulder, heading inside. The house was clean and cozy. She entered the kitchen, opening the fridge and pulling out a pitcher of lemonade. "So, what's your deal? You enchanted or what?" * * * "No!" she said immediately. "No, it's lovely. I just... I don't expect it from you." * * * He looked down at her. "You okay?" * * * His brow furrowed and he considered her. "Are you sure?"
He chirped playfully, staying on her shoulder. *** He didn't know what to say, looking uncertain. *** "Yeah, I'm okay. Are you?" *** She looked over at him with a smile. "I'm conflicted."
She laughed lightly. "Am I drugged? That's also a possibility." * * * She frowned before reaching over and hesitantly ruffling his hair. "Stop thinking." * * * "Sparky, I'm excellent. What do you want to do?" * * * He propped his head up with his arm. "About what?"
He flew off her shoulder and to the counter playfully. *** He glared at her affectionately. "I can't help that." *** "I dunno. We could do whatever we want, really." *** She looked hesitant. "I.. I really like you."
She raised an eyebrow. “Fine, then. Can you drink lemonade? Chirp once for yes, twice for no.” *** “Think of it as my dying wish.” *** “We could,” he mused before his whole face lit up. “Oh! I have an idea.” *** He gave her a small smile. “I really like you too, Lil. You’re my best friend.”
