The evening had started peacefully enough. The group was gathered in Sterling’s cabin, enjoying the warmth and comfort of the fire. Tixo was his usual playful self, teasing and joking with everyone. Wei, sitting quietly by his side, enjoyed the evening's ambiance, smiling softly at Tixo's antics.
As the night wore on, the conversation turned to past adventures. Tixo began to recount a particularly daring escapade, embellishing his role with exaggerated bravado. "And then, with a single swipe of my claws, I saved the day!" he exclaimed, striking a dramatic pose.
The group chuckled, but Wei's smile faltered. Tixo's story had downplayed Wei's significant contribution, making it seem like Tixo had done everything himself. Wei felt a twinge of frustration, but he kept silent, not wanting to cause a scene.
As Tixo continued, he noticed Wei's expression and misinterpreted it. "Oh, come on, Wei, you know it’s all in good fun," he said, lightly poking Wei's side. "Don't be so serious."
Wei's feathers ruffled in irritation. He gestured emphatically, trying to convey that it wasn't about being serious—it was about feeling unappreciated. Tixo, not fully understanding the depth of Wei's feelings, shrugged. "I’m just trying to lighten the mood. You don’t have to get so worked up."
The tension in the room grew palpable. Ren and Onyx exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the brewing conflict. Xul and Rex watched quietly, unsure of how to intervene. Greyson sighed, shaking his head. "Sometimes, it’s best to let people have a bit of space."
Finally, Wei couldn't take it anymore. With a look of exasperation, he stood up abruptly, his wings twitching with frustration. He gestured sharply towards the door, indicating that he needed to step outside. Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked out of the cabin, leaving a stunned silence in his wake.
Thorne nodded in agreement, watching as Wei disappeared into the night. “He just needs some time.”
After a few minutes, Tixo couldn’t stand it anymore. His guilt and worry over the argument gnawed at him, and he knew he had to try to make things right. He stood up, determination in his eyes. “I’m going to talk to him.”
Sterling looked up from his seat by the fire. “Be careful, Tixo. Give him some room if he needs it.”
Tixo nodded and headed outside, the cool night air hitting his face as he stepped into the yard. He spotted Wei a short distance away, standing with his back to the cabin, his wings slightly extended as he stared up at the moonlit sky.
Tixo approached cautiously, his footsteps crunching softly on the grass. “Wei?” he called out, his voice gentle. “Can we talk?”
Wei turned to face him, his expression unreadable. Tixo took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I just wanted to make everyone laugh.”
But before he could say more, Wei’s wings suddenly flapped powerfully, creating a gust of wind that caught Tixo off guard. The force of the wind knocked Tixo off his feet, sending him flying across the yard. He landed with a thud, the breath knocked out of him.
The group, having followed Tixo outside, watched in shock. Onyx and Riggs couldn’t help but let out small chuckles at the sight, while Ren and Rex looked concerned. Greyson and Sterling exchanged knowing glances, understanding the depth of Wei’s emotions.
Tixo, dazed but unhurt, sat up slowly, rubbing his head. “Okay, I deserved that,” he muttered, a wry smile on his face.
Wei walked over to Tixo, his expression softening. He extended a hand, helping Tixo to his feet. There was a moment of silence between them, the air still crackling with unresolved tension.
Tixo looked into Wei’s eyes, seeing the hurt and frustration there. “I really am sorry, Wei. I didn’t mean to make you upset. Can we start over?”
Wei’s eyes softened, and he nodded. He reached out, taking Tixo’s hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. Though he couldn’t speak, his actions conveyed his forgiveness.
As they walked back toward the cabin, the group gave them space, understanding that sometimes words weren’t needed to mend a rift. Thorne and Ryuji shared a knowing smile, while Sterling and Greyson watched with approval.
Inside the cabin, the warmth of the fire welcomed them back. Tixo and Wei settled down, their argument forgotten as they rejoined their friends. The evening continued with laughter and camaraderie, the bond between Tixo and Wei stronger for having weathered the storm.
