Left Behind - Angry Birds (Leonard x Red)

Curiosity

"What is that thing?" Red asked, his eyes fixed on the strange metal contraption being pushed into his room.

"That, my little crimson friend, is a wheelchair. You've been cooped up in this room for over a week. Wouldn't you like to go outside and get some fresh air without someone carrying you?" Leonard chuckled, patting the handle of the strange device.

Red almost protested the 'friend' thing, but the possibility of even the smallest taste of freedom was enough to still his normally sharp tongue. Instead, he resorted to a huffed "Fine" as he shoved the covers ungracefully off his lower body.

Rather than wait for one of his servants to assist the little bird out of bed, the king unceremoniously scooped the avian up into his arms, and set him lightly down in the wheelchair. Red leaned back and peered up at him, no doubt waiting for the pig to do something unpleasant.

"Do you need a blanket or a pillow?" the mammal asked, only to receive a raised eyebrow from the skeptical bird. "I guess that's a no. Well then, let's go for a little ride!" Leonard insisted, smiling his wide, and oddly-charming grin.

***

The pigs had installed a new ramp alongside the regular staircase, making it relatively easy to simply roll down to the main lawn - which shouldn't exist after such a huge explosion only a week before.

"How in the...?" Red trailed off, staring at the green grass just beyond the castle steps.

"It's artificial. I thought it might be nice to enjoy a more natural setting, rather than the usual rock and brick." Leonard proceeded to hum cheerfully as he continued to push his adversary along the small cement pathway.

The avian was drawn out of his thoughts by the sound of hatchlings chirping happily. There, playing on the strange fake grass ahead of them, were the blue triplets. Ross was attempting to keep up with their rapid jumping, but he always seemed at least 10 steps behind them.

Red was relieved to see the hatchlings being so well cared for. Honestly, he hadn't expected the pig king to make even the smallest bit of effort. Red would have understood if mammal had chosen to throw his feathered prisoners in a pit, or something equally sinister, given that the bird people had all but destroyed their city, and in the process, humiliated the more technologically-advanced pigs quite thoroughly. The pigs should be furious with them, not playing doctor or hatchling-sitter.

"You have a concerned look on your face. Care to share what's going on in that intriguing brain of yours?" Leonard asked, startling Red out of his thoughts. It took the avian a moment to collect himself, before answering.

"You're planning something."

The bearded-pig snorted in amusement. "I'm always planning something. I'd be a horrible king if I let others do my scheming for me."

"You'd better not involve my... THE hatchlings in any of your schemes," Red growled, twisting slowly in his chair to glare at the taller male behind him.

Leonard stroked his beard as he returned the avian's gaze – his dark eyes filled with unbridled interest. "I could choose to take offense to your continued accusations, but I won't. You used to behave like a social outcast, and certainly had everyone fooled, but I'm starting to see a very different side of you. A protective side. You'd make a good mother," the pig decided.

"What?" Red scoffed, nearly falling out of the chair in shock. "No, I wouldn't."

The king just chuckled, about to argue his point, but Ross chose that exact moment to collapse onto the turf at Red's feet. The little birds on his back were quick to switch their attention to their 'daddy.'

"Daddy, play with us!"

"Yes, daddy, play!"

"I want a piggyback," the youngest hatchling declared.

"Alright, alright. Keep our guest company, Ross," Leonard threw over his shoulder as he knelt down to let the little birds leap onto his sturdy back.

Ross rolled over, gazing up at the clouds before closing his eyes to take a nice looong nap while his king's attention was elsewhere. A sudden snapping noise jolted him out of his doze, turning his attention to the crimson bird leaning over him from his chair.

"Ross, get us two waters."

The small pig sighed and rolled back onto his stomach to push himself onto his stubby, little hooved feet. Stomping into the castle, he was quick to retrieve the requested drinks, and return to the lawn. With a frown, he held the cups out to the distracted bird – who seemed riveted by the sight of the king playing with the hatchlings.

Ross cleared his throat, catching the brightly-colored bird's attention. "You keep one," Red insisted, pushing the second glass back into the pig's startled hooves.

"Oh," was all Ross could think to say. Being assistant to the king was usually a thankless job, but it seemed their feathered prisoner was a bit more polite.

"Ross..." The avian turned his head, his amber gaze settling on the smaller pig's confused face. "Tell me more about your king."