A Taste For Chicken

Spring Prelude - Part 2

The sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the city streets as Hawks and Halcyon made their way through the bustling crowds, expertly weaving between people as they kept their eyes on Kiwi, Rawiri, and Heron up ahead. The trio seemed to be caught up in their own world, laughing and talking as they wandered from one shop to another, completely oblivious to the two heroes trailing them.

“Would you quit bumping into me?” Hawks whispered, a hint of irritation in his voice as Halcyon’s shoulder brushed against his wing for the third time in as many minutes.

Halcyon rolled her eyes but kept her voice low, “I wouldn’t have to bump into you if you weren’t so close.”

“You’re the one who wanted to tail them,” Hawks shot back, keeping his eyes trained on the three friends ahead, “This was your idea, remember?”

“It was a good idea,” she insisted, her gaze flicking between Heron and Kiwi, who were currently chatting with Rawiri, “They’re both too stupid to make a move on their own. They need a push.”

“And you think us stalking them is the right kind of push?” Hawks asked, trying to keep his voice steady as Halcyon’s hand accidentally grazed his back. He was acutely aware of how his senses were becoming more heightened, the looming rut already making his body more sensitive to touch.

“Yes,” Halcyon replied confidently, not noticing the way Hawks subtly stiffened at her touch, “They’re childhood friends, for crying out loud. They’ve been dancing around each other for years. Someone needs to shove them together. Make them kiss or something.”

Hawks sighed, shaking his head slightly. “It’s not that simple, Hal," he said, "You can’t just force something like this. It’s got to happen naturally, on their terms.”

Halcyon scoffed, but her expression softened slightly as she glanced at Hawks. “You’re too nice, Hawks," she spat, pointing at him, "Sometimes people need a little help, even if they don’t realize it.”

Hawks was about to argue when Halcyon’s arm brushed against his wing again, sending an unexpected shiver down his spine. He bit back a sound, his wings twitching slightly in response. The suppression hormones were working, but they weren’t a cure-all. Her casual touches, the brushes of her fingers, were becoming harder to ignore, especially as his senses heightened with the approach of spring.

“Hal, can you maybe—” Hawks started, but Halcyon cut him off.

“Look, they’re stopping,” she whispered, pointing ahead.

Kiwi, Rawiri, and Heron had paused in front of a small café, the warm glow of its lights spilling out onto the street. They were chatting animatedly, seemingly discussing whether or not to go inside. Heron’s expression was one of faint exasperation, while Rawiri looked particularly cheerful, his eyes sparkling as he spoke to Kiwi.

Halcyon narrowed her eyes, clearly annoyed at the sight of Rawiri’s apparent charm. “He’s too smooth. I don’t trust him," she mumbled.

Hawks smirked at her words, noting the protective edge in her voice. “You’re really invested in this, huh?” he said with a chuckle.

“Of course I am!” she hissed, turning to glare at Hawks, “Heron deserves to be happy, and Kiwi deserves someone who actually cares about her, not some... some smooth-talking pretty boy.”

“Smooth-talking pretty boy, huh?” Hawks chuckled again, but he quickly sobered as Halcyon’s hand brushed him again, this time against his arm. He inhaled sharply, trying to focus on the task at hand rather than the way her touch was making it difficult to concentrate. “You’re making this harder than it needs to be," he muttered under his breath.