The Bird Tamer

21

You spent all evening on your plan, however each one wouldn't work. The odds of numbers were against you, there was a chance but it was risky. Not to mention you yourself weren't to sure about how well you could handle it. Making up your mind you came to a conclusion.

"Guys come here",you called to the boys as they approached you,"I've got a plan."

"It better be good",dark shadow grumbled as if peered over your shoulder towards the map you had layed out

"I do hope my plan is to your fine taste",you grinned as you turned back to the map,"As we know not only have the taken the forest as base but they also have the townsfolk in some sort of lockdown. My best guess is there's a secret dealer here meaning-".

"When they force the town's people indoors they use the time to transport the goods across town",hawks finished the thought for you

"Exactly, we can use this time for our advantage. They've been here a few days meaning this has become a norm. If we convince the people to riot, they won't expect it as It hasn't been an issue",you explained.

"Sounds good but let's not forget they're well armed, the town has probably been revoked of anything they could use to fight back",Tokoyami jumped in

"That's true and that's where you guys come in",you spoke,"We can't just focus on one area, first we must attack the ones in the forest disarming them-".

"We'll use their own weapons against them",hawks spoke up,"I see now, you'll send Tokoyami towards the camp-".

"No, Me and Tokoyami are heading to the town, you'll deal with the men",you spoke up

Hawks stared in disbelief,"No."

"What do you mean no?",you frowned as you crossed your arms

"I did the mistake once of leaving your side and that didnt end well, I can't do it. I can't leave your side",he growled out as he stood firmly

You both stared at each other waiting for the other to waver. You knew he would oppose but right now there wasn't time, if that mass group of men reached the final town before your assigned date. Not were only you screwed but everyone that gave their all for the rebellion.

"Fine how about a deal",you spoke up softly, giving in wasn't an option

"I'm not leaving your side",he snapped his feathers getting ruffled up

You turned towards Tokoyami with a soft smile,"Mind giving us a moment?"

Wordlessly he turned and walked away into the trees. You trusted the kid and new he wouldn't eavesdrop. With that you turned back to Keigo.

"We can't keep thinking-",you began

"I am not thinking, I am saying I am NOT leaving you",he snapped at you making you step back

Your hands gripped the sides of your riding pants as you began growing impatient. You'd been careful around him, with words and actions. You didn't want him to relive his torture and you understood he didn't want you to experience what had happened in the train. Yet there many things at stake many lifes.

"Keigo, what did you want to do that time outside the Yaoyorozu inn and the other times?",you asked

He raised a questioning eyebrow,"(y/n) what doed that have to do with this?"

"Anything I asked for you'd do it",you spoke softly as realization hit him

"Anything that isn't leaving-".

"Keigo give yourself to me",you stated firmly bringing your challenging gaze to meet his surprised expression,"You asked to give yourself to me and I refused but now I want you, I need you."

"(Y/n)...",he gasped out in surprise

"I don't need you just as a fighting tool, you're much more. I need you, I want you by my side."

That's right the time spent with him, you'd grown a deep sense of affection for him. Something you weren't sure was love But strong enough that the fear of losing him consumed you. Your own fear that everything he said was nothing but lies were your own invisible chains.

"Be my partner",you extended you hand as he stared at it

"(Y/n) there's no going back once I take your hand",he spoke softly

"I'm aware."

"I'll feel everything you feel",he kept going as his hand slowly inched forward towards you

"We'll be partners",you replied

A soft smile spread on his face as his hand met yours. Your was racing and you could barely believe what you were about to do. Now as he said no going back as you began speaking the the old tongue, a language that'd been forgotten by many. For mages it was sacred, as you spoke each word small orbs began gliding above your hands.

This feeling a warm wave of reassurance filled you getting rid of any doubt that'd been lingering. You almost stopped enchanting when the realization that the warm reassurance that was filling was coming from hawks. A symbol of your new found bond.

"usque in saeculum",you spoke the final words allowing the lights to dim down

You both stood in silence letting everything that had happened finally settle. You brought your hand back as your face grew hotter, another reason for rejecting his offer the first time was due to the fact. The bond won't work unless both sides have a strong connection.

"Songbird",hawks spoke up his voice cracking as tears streamed down, a broken expression on his face

"Keigo?",you stared in shock

He pressed his palms to his chest,"Is this how much you've been hating yourself?"

Just how you felt his emotions he was feeling the raw hatred and doubt you always carried in yourself. You hadn't expected this reaction, may be a hug but for him to cry.

His thoughts began to flood your mind, an endless river of comforting thoughts. Not just thoughts but memories, you were not connected by a bond stronger than what anyone else could only dream of having. He brought you into his arms as you both stood there in a momentary comfortable silence.