The Bird and The Fish

TBTF, Part 20: Leisure Time (pt.1)

(Alouette pov. Check account description for update, please.)

Saying I had paperwork was a lie, and I kinda feel bad for going to check on Zahra and Tangaroa behind their backs. But I feel like I should at least bring them something to eat before we do anything else. I had grabbed a small basket containing a few muffins, two small bags of jerky, a few handfuls of berries, and a couple of fruits.

I land near where they're sitting, being greeted by Zahra laying almost completely on top of Tangaroa while she naps. Tangaroa, on the other hand, looks embarrassed that I caught them cuddling.

"When'd she falls asleep?" I ask softly, being careful not to wake her as I take a seat in the grass. "About half an hour after you guys left," he replies quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I brought some food if you want any," I say, gesturing to the basket in the middle. "I'm sure you're hungry after everything that happened." "Starved," he says, carefully reaching over to grab some berries.

"Do you mind waking her?" I ask after a moment, my gaze lingering on her peaceful expression before returning to his face. "I want her to eat before the others come back."

He nods, turning his attention to the sleeping Zahra. I can't hear what he says into her ear as he gently nudges her awake, but she responds to being disturbed by moving closer to him and hiding away in his arms.

He chuckles, trying to pull her away from him. She simply clings onto him like a cat being moved away from a sunspot, clearly not wanting to let go just yet.

I let out an amused chuckle of my own, which seems to catch her attention. She groans in embarrassment, her wings moving to hide her and Tangaroa behind her amber feathers.

"There's no need to be embarrassed, you know," I tease, enjoying the sight of her hiding away to try and save face. "You looked comfortable cuddling." "Shut up," she grumbles, her voice muffled by her wings.

"I brought food," I reply, changing the subject. She reluctantly comes out of hiding at the mention of food, mumbling her thanks as she grabs a muffin from the basket.

"Can I have one?" Tangaroa pipes up, looking at the muffin in her hand ad if he's never seen one before. "Go for it," she shrugs, her voice slightly distorted by the food in her mouth.

He grabs one, glancing at Zahra for guidance on how to eat it. She patiently shows him what to do, while I watch with a bemused smile on my face from the sidelines.

Once Tangaroa figures it out, he takes a bite of the fluffy treat, his eyes lighting up at the taste. "These are amazing!" he exclaims around a mouthful of muffin, clearly amazed by it.

"I'm glad you like it," I chuckle, munching on a few berries as I watch him happily devour the muffin.

Zahra watches silently, a softness in her eye that's just barely noticeable as she cuts up and eats a peach. I knew I was right about her catching feelings, I think, a small, triumphant smirk forming on my lips.

"Casper told the two of us why you reacted the way you did," I speak up after a few minutes of comfortable silence. "I'm not surprised," she says, her expression hardening.

"He also told us that you vowed to get revenge on those who hurt the people you cared about," I add, my tone more curious then anything. "Do you plan on going through with that vow?"

"I'd have to figure out how to do it first," she replies, cutting up another fruit to eat. "Kriace has connections, so we'll have to be careful. But I want to talk it over with Arvid, since he too has connections."

"But I wanted to explore the city," Tangaroa pipes up, a slight point on his lips at just the thought of not getting the chance to explore. "We will," Zahra sighs, trying to placate him. "If we get the chance, I'll take you into the market later today."

That seems to please Tangaroa, as he smiles and grabs another muffin.

"Why don't we all take the day off?" I suggest, popping another berry in my mouth. "I think we all need it after the chaos these last few days have given us."

"Agreed," they say at the same time, Tangaroa giggling in amusement as he takes another bite of his muffin.

"I'll go tell the boys our plan," I say, standing up from my spot. "I'll see you two later." I take off into the sky, leaving the two behind as I fly towards the camp.