For the Love of Gav

Tuesday

 In the morning, Gav was on his usual spot on the couch, but Nina didn't see Ed anywhere. Maybe he left? Despite having stayed up even later than her, Gav woke pretty soon after she came out.

"Morning." He told her quietly.

"Morning. Where's Ed? Did he go home?" Gav put a finger to his lips, and then pointed to Nina's desk. That's when she saw it. Tucked back against the wall was her yellow fleece beanie. It was lined with finely shredded tissue and in the center was a sleeping blackbird, head tucked under wing.

Ed? Nina mouthed. Gav nodded back.

Guess he's not the early bird. Gav rubbed his face and got up, walking over quietly. He slowly and carefully picked up the beanie and took it into her bedroom, where he left it.

"Now we can talk. I'll make breakfast this morning. You don't always have to be the one organizing things."

"Okay." Nina wasn't going to argue with that. Gav filled the kettle and started taking stock of the fridge.

"So, Nashteth comes today." He ventured, catching her eye as he took out some yogurt and fruit.

"I'm picking her up at nine. How do you feel about seeing her?"

Gav considered, placing the cups of yogurt on the counter. "I really hope she doesn't know what's going on. I told you she arranged me being put in the rock. That's because she doesn't have the ability to do that herself. She got her boyfriend to do it. He has that power. Maybe he made a mistake, maybe she asked him to or he did it himself. But I really, really hope she isn't behind this part of it."

They were startled by Ed walking out of the bedroom. He pointed back through the door. "I did not go to sleep in there."

"I moved you." Gav told him. "Thought you'd want the extra sleep."

Ed snapped his fingers and pointed at Gav with a smile. "I knew I liked you."

"Want anything, Ed? Gav's making breakfast. There's tea, coffee?"

He waved the question away. "No need, I'm good." Nina had forgotten that most gods didn't eat like Gav had been.

"I should tell you guys," Nina began, "I told Leo about what's going on. He's up to date on who you are, and what the situation is."

"That's good." Gav nodded. "I'm glad you told him."

"And if he's good enough for you to trust," Ed threw a hand toward Gav, "I'll take it too."

It wasn't long before it was time to leave for the airport. They decided Nina would pick up Nashteth, and then bring her back to the apartment. This was in part because it would be hard to fit three in the truck, but also in deference to Gav's newfound anxiety with the outside world. Nina had offered if he wanted to come, but did not push him in front of Ed when he said he would hang back.

Nina was headed out to her truck when she saw Leo headed over.

"Morning. I was just going to go check in on you guys."

"I'm headed to the airport to get Nashteth." She paused. "Wanna come?"

"Yeah, sounds good. Want to take my car? I can drive if you want." Nina nodded. She hadn't thought to ask him to come until just that moment, but it felt right. A sign of trust and inclusion. Plus... She didn't mind having someone else around to buffer between her and Nashteth. Nina didn't know where she stood after telling her boss / a genuine god to get her ass to New Mexico. She didn't really look forward to finding out, either.