Chapter Text
Every drag of their feet through the bush was a reminder of the oncoming winter, frost clung to the leaves, dripping with every brush of a feather. Parrot’s wings were coated in a sheet of winter dew that soaked into his feathers. He fluttered them, a firm beat of his wings to dislodge the uncomfortable sensation of the water seeping past the repellent oil that coated his wings.
Theo didn’t seem to mind it though. He lifted a wing to shield himself from the spray of water, glancing at Parrot over the bone of it with a small furrow in his brow. Parrot ignored it, hugging his shawl closer.
They were now hundreds of blocks from the potions shop, the forest basked in the red hues of the setting sun, shadows covering the floor as they went. It seemed quieter than usual, even the constant chirping of the birds died down in the shadows that flickered across the moss carpeted floor.
Zoning out seemed easier with Theo beside him, and the distinct knowledge he wasn’t going to speak up soon. He let his mind wander, keeping Theo in his peripheral.
He knocked into Theo’s side without even noticing, wings pushing against his. Theo reached out to stabilize Parrot, hand resting on his elbow for no more than a second before he let go, eyes still following the patterns of the trees beside him, like reaching out for Parrot was second nature. Parrot would be lying if he said it didn’t twist warmly in his chest. He blamed it on trust, letting more of his weight lean into Theo as they walked.
Eyes drooped with fatigue, exhaustion curling around his body like a weighted blanket, making every blink come with straining effort just to re-open them. Theo noticed the way his wings drooped behind his back, trying not to react to the way Parrot levitated closer to his side. Theo walked with one wing slightly extended behind Parrot, protective and acting like a wall for Parrot to lean on.
Theo looked around swiftly before halting to a stop, Parrot didn’t even seem to notice, shouldering past Theo before coming to a stop a few blocks away when he stepped sideways, finding Theo no longer beside him. He spun around slowly, brows furrowed characteristically, giving Theo an irritated frown of his lips.
He opened his mouth to say something but Theo was quicker.
“You're exhausted, let’s camp out” Theo said calmly, his usually loud demeanor washed away from him. He was acting weird, the entire day left Parrot feeling like he was travelling with someone other than his best friend. It was awkward, unusually quiet leaving only Parrot talking about anything to fill the silence and Theo would only nod in agreement, eyes scanning around constantly. His paranoia was starting to rub off on Parrot, he hadn’t felt so aware of his surroundings since- since the Director. Parrot ran a hand over his forehead, trying to soothe out the oncoming headache.
He’d had spent all day studying Theo, glancing toward the cockatiel throughout their entire walk. At some point he’d even forgotten about the mission entirely, completely clueless as to why they were so far out from Capital City, only remembering the map when the pounding in his skull grew too loud to ignore.
Parrot had to force himself from thinking too much about every interaction, trying to dissect what was different.
He had found himself walking closer to Theo.
Their feathers brushed as they walked. Theo always pulled his wings tighter to his back afterward.
Even testing more than that. Parrot had tried locking his hands with Theo; he'd done it before on different trips, to keep Theo close so it wasn’t too out of the ordinary. But it was a stretch since they weren’t in any immediate danger so there was no need for it but regardless Parrot tried. Theo had wrenched his hand away, head turned at just the right angle for Parrot to not see, he tried playing it off by checking his bundles around his waist but Parrot saw right through it.
Something was wrong with Theo.
Parrot just didn’t know what.
Theo was keeping his distance, not enough to be anything significant but enough for Parrot to notice, avoiding physical contact but when it led to Parrot stumbling on something, hands were all over him. Theo had been so disconnected and out of it but it was like an ‘ow’ was a switch for him. Theo had grabbed him, pulling Parrot to his feet before he even touched the ground, eyes scanning the floor like a small assassin had tried murdering Parrot.
Theo’s hands lingered longer than necessary, that was the only constant with him. His lingering presence, wrapped like barbs that felt similar to that of possession, Parrot was still scarred with past barbs, reminiscent of obsession.
Parrot tried not making that connection.
Feathers ruffling like it needed a reminder that he wasn’t constricted anymore.
Parrot shook himself out of his thoughts, focusing on Theo and not the consistent ache in his temple.
He let out a sigh. ‘Let’s camp out’ Theo’s words echoed, reminding him that he had to respond.
He knew Theo was right, it’d do neither of them good if they were both exhausted so Parrot conceded, walking up to Theo again.
Theo took a step back, watching Parrot closely. It was setting Parrot’s nerves off, every glance, every step, Theo had been weird; closed off even. If Parrot could; he’d open telepathically connect his thoughts with Theo, so he could finally understand the bird without the strenuous effort to break through the high emotional walls.
Theo stared for a moment longer. He could feel Parrot’s scrutinising gaze boring into his skull. He swallowed harshly, palms sweaty. He knew his act of trying to seem normal and completely unaffected by Parrot’s attempts of physical touch wasn’t forming a tornado in his sternum. He could barely keep his mind from wandering, it was agonizing.
Even more so, trying to believe Parrot hadn’t caught on. He was too smart for his own good.
Theo clamped his wings tight, opening his inventory for something Parrot could rest on. After a moment he pulled out a thin mat; it wasn’t the best thing, but it’d have to do. They’ve used it before, Theo never once ever willing to change it out for something thicker. Back when Theo was still blissfully unaware of what looking at Parrot in that way would do to him, his more ‘youthful’ version of himself would shamelessly imagine Parrot sleeping against his chest, finding it more comfortable than the insultingly thin mat in his hands now.
Parrot never complained. unfortunately.
He looked down, now, at it with disdain, nails digging into the material.
Thinking about it now made something dangerous twist in his chest, he looked up catching Parrot’s tired expression. All that deciphering had finally caught up to him, so much for being the biggest bird.
Theo chuckled, laying the mat down next to a tree for cover.
“Rest.” Theo gestured to the mat waiting for Parrot’s usual stubborn stretch and then compliance, landing softly onto the material.
Theo made haste in gathering materials set for a fire, letting Parrot rest against the tree lazily, watching Theo as he bunched sticks and dry leaves together, piling them together in a high heap.
He glanced over at Parrot; back against the tree, with his head tilted, watching Theo with a hazed expression. Parrot was probably just tired but that look set his face ablaze, hot enough to start the fire below him, he looked away quickly.
“I’m gonna grab some wood” Theo stood abruptly, axe already in his hand.
Parrot gave a curt nod and it was all the permission Theo needed to disappear into the forest.
Theo's legs carried him further than necessary, already panting despite not going far past the tree Parrot rested against. He stopped sharply glancing backwards, being able to make out the sight of Parrot’s colourful feathers clinging to the stump of the tree, golden light flowing over the soft plumes. Theo covered his mouth, his vision going hazy, he struggled to contain himself. Ribbons of heat crawled down his chest, settling low in his abdomen.
He couldn’t rip his eyes from Parrot’s wing.
Bark dug into his back before he noticed he was stumbling into it, he grunted, feathers catching onto the rough surface of the stump. Sweat started to bead on his forehead.
dragging a hand down his neck as he exhaled sharply.
Thought after thought of every interaction, every brush on their fingers when Parrot leaned too close, the sight of his delicate eyes scanning over Theo like there wasn’t anything else to focus on; it was all too much.
Theo ran his hand back, fingers connecting with a soft plume. He didn’t notice it until he was pulling it forward. There, tucked underneath his hair was a bright feather, braided messily into blonde hair. He tugged it out, eyes settling over the soft barbs. He tied it to the back of his head in the moment he got it, protecting the bright colours from the ash and dust of his fighting style.
It was one of Parrots secondaries, soft and delicate barbs clung to his sweat covered hands. Theo brought it to nose, breathing in the scent. It clung desperately to the familiar musk of vanilla and the coconut oil Parrot lathered over his wings and he breathed in the last of it.
Before Theo could think anymore about it, he could feel it pressed against his lips. Settling it between his lips, the smooth feather fanning over his tongue.
He let his head drop. He’d imagine similar things like this, His mind filtered through hundreds of scenarios like this, subconsciously settling on one he liked most. Shamefully letting it carry his eyes close
Theo hadn’t even realised he’d moved until his teeth closed around the green feather, like it might disappear if he let go. His mind wandered, sensing Parrot against him.
Close. Warm. Real enough to make his breath catch.
He glanced up, watching Parrot shift, wings flapping outwards before settling again. Theo closed his eyes again, and suddenly Parrot was in front of him; head rested against his shoulder, spreading his legs open to get closer; fingers curling into his thighs. Theo’s jaw tensed.
Frustration curled deep in his abdomen, his thighs tensing.
He groaned softly as he felt a hand roamed over his stomach, pushing up his shirt, fingers hooking over belt loops. He whimpered as it slipped leather loose.
Theo’s jaw tightened, a quiet sound slipping from his throat.
He knew it wasn’t real. That didn’t stop him.
Frustration coiled low in his abdomen, sharp and insistent. His hips jerked upward, chasing something that wasn’t there.
He knew it was wrong to commit to something like this, metres from him, feelings of chagrin roping tightly around his neck.
The winter wind made his legs shake in rhythm to the waves of pleasure that pulsed around his hips. Parrot’s voice was soft, too close. It buzzed through him like a current.
He bit down harshly, rachis bending against his teeth. He pulled the feather out his mouth, a line of saliva connecting them , breath shuddering as sensation blurred with memory, with want, with something dangerously close to need.
The pleasure coiled at the base, sucking in his stomach to clamp down on the sensation like it was something he could contain. Parrot’s hand pressed hard against his abdomen, “Parrot” he gasped.
He didn’t get an audible reply but he could feel Parrot’s thumb rub down the length of his shaft, earning a moan, far too loud for the open air.
Theo forced his eyes open with a sharp inhale, not sure when he closed them.
It wasn’t Parrot’s hand on him, but yet his own. Theo bit hard into his forearm to keep himself quiet, not daring to look up. With one final jerk, he came; thighs closing hard around his hand, stifling a moan into his elbow.
Theo panted through hazy thoughts, eyes settling on the mess he made of his hand. Guilt striking through him, he winced. He focused his gaze where he left Parrot; he hadn’t seemed to move, probably already nodded off knowing Parrot.
Pleasure dulled quickly into ache, eyes glistening, wishing the world would swallow him whole.
Shame flooded his system. Usually it was just some little fantasy he could get a fix out of, like some teenage boy, but after the fight they had. It made everything seem too real. Too conscious-stricken, disappointed even.
Theo huffed, flicking the cum off his hand, attempting to wipe it clean on the grass below him.
The feather was still in his grip.
He stilled.
Carefully, he brushed his thumb along the barbs, trying to smooth them back into place, drying them against the cold air like he could undo what he’d just done.
Theo tried not thinking about how pathetic he was, eyes catching sight of the axe he must’ve dropped at some point.
He reached for it, hand gripping around the handle as he tried avoiding the truth of what he’d just done.
Parrot scribbled into his book; mindless drawings, and repeating the instructions until they conformed to memory only looking up when he heard the swoosh of leaves behind him. Theo appeared in front of him, logs in hand. His hair was messy, clothes wet like he’d rolled around on the ground. Parrot quirked an eye brow, noticing the way Theo wouldn’t meet his eye.
Theo crouched down, setting a log over the heap he made beforehand and in a blink it was set ablaze, replacing the light of the sun that had fallen minutes ago. Warmth coated both of them, Parrots eyes stinging with dryness and possibly fatigue.
Parrot closed his eyes, feeling Theo settle beside him. He glanced over, closing the book in his hand and tucking it away safely in his inventory.
“Why’d you take so long?”
For Parrot it was a simple question but for what it looked like was an extremely sensitive topic for Theo. Parrot watched him swallow harshly, face full of contrition, digging his nails into his palm. It was concerning for the most part but Parrot knew better than to pry. Whatever happened could stay with Theo until he was ready to talk about it.
Or that was just Parrot’s exhaustion talking. Either way he leaned into Theo, their shoulders touching. Theo tensed against him, muscles flexing under his shirt. He sat with his hands in his lap, holding his breath.
“You okay?" Parrot asked softly, voice spilling out like honey. Theo looked away with a weary expression.
“You know you can tell me anything right..?”
Parrot pushed, reaching a hand up to settle on Theo’s bicep, he could feel the ridged twitch of his arm before he let out a defeated sigh.
“I’m fine, Parrot. Please just rest..” Theo slumped into the tree, the bags under his eyes appeared to grow darker by the second.
It seemed like all they were doing recently was fighting so Parrot didn’t demand anything more, only resting his head against the tree.
The fire cracked, louder than the crickets around them. They sat there for a while, listening to the ambience of the forest.
Theo was about to ask Parrot if they should lay down when he felt a weight slump into him, he looked down, finding Parrot snoring softly against his shoulder.
Theo had never felt his heart ache so hard before, he winced, the pain dulling into a pounding against his ribcage, so loud it traveled to his ears. Teeth sank into his lip trying to ignore the internal panic.
‘It’s just Parrot, it's just… Parrot’; that realisation was even worse.
He dragged a hand over his face, not even that was convincing enough to calm him down. He took a deep sigh cursing at himself to ‘be a man’.
He pulled his arm out, wrapping it around Parrot before he fell forward manoeuvring the macaw so he was curled against his chest, every time he’d twitch Theo could feel his heart stop, eyes squeezing shut as he prayed Parrot wouldn’t wake up, too terrified to face that just yet. He laid down slowly, carrying Parrot with him.
The mat under him was uncomfortable, wings laid out over bark and wet grass but he couldn’t care less.
Parrot rested easily against his chest, relaxing into it, hands clutching the front of Theo’s shirt. Theo couldn’t ignore the way the corners of his lips turned upwards, letting out a shaky breath. His heart was palpitating as he took a peek down at Parrot.
He almost forgave himself for earlier, if it wasn’t for the dreadful feeling that curled around his body in waves, he attempted to ignore it. To focus on Parrot's weight on top’ him, to listen to him snore quietly, head tucked in the crook of Theo’s neck.
He dreamed for nights like this, it almost felt too good to be real.
Theo wrapped his arms snugly around Parrot’s shoulders, pulling him closer. Parrot’s breath hitched before settling again. Theo tensed, jaw tightening.
He was adorable.
Sleep came in ripples, Theo fought against them just to prolong the feeling of Parrot against him like this. He knew he’d never experience it again, he wanted to have this, just once before he lost this feeling forever.
But fatigue was stronger, shutting Theo’s brain down quickly.
Without thinking, just before sleep took him.
Theo closed his eyes, tilting his head to press a kiss to Parrots temple. His lips lingered in Parrot's hair, soaking him in.
His mind numbed to the hum of sleep.
Drifting off was easy, Parrot spent most of his time awake, so when he finally had the chance too he’d be out like a light. Although, Parrot started to notice he’d be too restless to even lay down if he knew Theo wasn’t home, like his body couldn’t stop running unless he was near. Even when they were travelling, constantly sleeping on the same annoyingly thin mat he’d remind Theo of changing, noticing how it never did but he sucked it up, being able to fall asleep regardless.
Theo acted as Parrot's melatonin. Usually it was frustrating, his feet always drifting towards Theo’s room to check if he was there, eyes lingering over Theo sprawled out form that sent waves of exhaustion through him. Every muscle going limp.
He felt comfortable now, body finally resting against something less sharp, fingers curling into fabric.
He wondered why Theo never changed the mat, why’d he left the potion the night before. He remembered that clearly, depletion already twisting his limbs with fatigue but Theo wasn’t home. It felt like his body was running on reserves just to keep his eyes open, he had laid in bed, twisting and turning, managing to not notice when he got up.
Eyes lingered over the empty room, like Theo would materialize if he stared long enough.
He didn’t
Parrot huffed, letting his hand fall from the door frame.
He’d stayed up that night, using his insomnia to decipher the words inscribed on the map. His body relaxed as he remembered the way he felt when Theo came up that ladder. Eyes drooping with relief, his bones just about ready to give out. But Theo never kept his eyes on him long enough to notice, hence why they left straight away.
It was strange.
Parrot never really understood why he felt such ease with Theo. There was only ever one other person that created that atmosphere that Parrot could melt into and even that was ripped from him.
His body twitched as images flooded under closed eyelids.
Wifies sat before him, head in his hands as he leaned against the table, eyes soft. Even if Parrot remembered the moment as comforting his body tensed in contrast. Panic flourishing in his chest.
The edges of his vision darkened until he was fully immersed in the scene.
”Tired, Parrot?” Wifies hadn’t spoken but he could understand exactly what he was saying, even without looking at him.
Parrot’s head perked back up, blinking away the drowsiness. He hummed softly as he met Wifies eyes.
He was smiling, just the way Parrot remembered.
Wifies had gotten up, showing a hand to Parrot.
“Let’s go to bed, Darling” Wifies tilted his head, one of his ears flicking as he held Parrot’s hand fondly.
Parrot hadn’t realised he’d reached out. Flush crept onto his face, hand clammy around Wifies, he didn’t seem to notice though.
The room around him disappeared, he held his breath as a new scene formed around him.
Wifies was still here, just further away.
Parrot hesitated, his jaw slacked. hand still outstretched for a moment till he dropped it.
Wifies was covered in netherite, quartz trims that flowed around his armour like string. Eye contact was intense with those cold, calculated eyes. No longer full of warmth but that of obsession yet fond, it made Parrot’s heart ache.
He hunched his shoulder, ducking his head down into them.
The Director tilted his head.
“Still alive aren’t you” He spoke with condescension, like he’d already gone over every snarky response Parrot had piled up, his hands curling into fists.
“That’s not the point” Parrot’s voice came out like a record, replaying words he’s already spoken before. He backed himself into the obsidian wall.
“The point isn’t to keep you comfortable, gods forbid I tried. But it’s to keep you safe. In my arms” His voice twisted, tone firm yet hinting at a raspier one. The Director took a step forward and Parrot braced his arms up. Hands landed softly around Parrot’s wrist, so gentle he almost felt bad for flinching.
Parrot didn’t respond.
The Director gave Parrot a defeated look, hand coming up to cup Parrot’s cheek.
His jaw tensed, everything in him telling him to run away, to escape, to climb over the walls. But he couldn’t bring himself to actually move.
The Director leaned in closer, ears coming down to rest against his head. Parrot closed his eyes quickly, bracing for something that never came. He forced them open, jumping visibly when he saw him.
It was no longer the Director in front of him but Theo.
Parrot gasped like the air had been stolen from his lungs.
“You know you, I love you, right?” Parrots stomach churned violently, It wasn’t Theo who spoke, but Wifies, voice curling around his throat like a vice. He shoved Theo away harshly before he could get any closer.
Parrot jolted awake, picking himself up off Theo. Panting aggressively, Theo startled with him. Arms unwrapping quickly as he stared at Parrot wide eyed, face already flush. He was about to explain their sleeping arrangement when Parrot met his eye and paled.
Theo furrowed his brow, not registering what was wrong until Parrot was already off him, he clutched his chest, giving Theo one last terrified look before he sprinted deep into the forest.
Silence followed after.
Theo sat up slowly, peering into the woods with his eyes narrowed. Confusion swallowed him whole. That. Look.
Theo thought that maybe he was wrong to take advantage of Parrot falling asleep against him. His chest panged with rejection twisting deep in his abdomen. The thought of earlier coming back to him making his body ache in response.
He curled his knees up to his chest.
What had just happened?
—
Parrot ran until his foot connected with a stump, throwing him over himself suddenly. His elbows grazing against the ground, he slid for a second before coming to a stop.
He clawed at the ground as he curled up into a fetal position, still panting hoarsely.
He hadn’t meant to run away like that, seeing the concern on Theo’s face almost made him crawl back and apologise But he was the last person Parrot wanted to see right now.
The nightmare played in his head, over and over again, until it was practically burned into him, raw and festering. Waking should have dulled it, should have pulled him free, but it hadn’t. The images slipped away too quickly to grasp, leaving only the aftermath behind. Soon enough he didn’t know what he was panicking about.
Parrot pushed himself upright, hands braced against his knees. He looked heavenward, staring up through the canopy as his breathing slowly began to steady.
Getting up was painful.
The grazes on his elbows and knees stinging as the adrenaline faded. He felt embarrassed, finding himself resting his head against a tree, fingers curling into the bark.
The first sob tore out of him, cracking open his throat after minutes of struggling to breath.
That dream. Parrot couldn’t remember it now, but fear stubbornly tensed his body like a constrictor snake, sinking its fangs straight through Parrot's heart.
He pulled himself from the tree, eyes blurry from the tears that cascaded down his cheeks.
He tugged on the collar of his shirt, legs taking Parrot into a pacing circle; steps uneven, restless. The trees swayed around him, a strong soughing of wind crashed into his back, feathers puffing up uncomfortably.
Parrot hadn’t come here to think. But his mind dragged him under, not caring.
His fingers clawed at his shirt,, coughing through sobs as air came in feeling too cold on the back of his throat.
Nails dug into the fabric as if he could rip the feeling out of his body. He couldn’t stop the onslaught of emotions smashing into him like a tidal wave.
Air wouldn’t come in properly.
He staggered, colliding with a tree, hissing out in pain as a branch twisted into his side, but looking down there wasn’t anything.
He reached up, closing his hands over his hair, sinking his nails in.
He sobbed loudly, but nothing was there to listen.
The forest blurred around him, and for a moment he was no longer there. A whisper echoed into his ear.
“You know I love you, right?”
Parrot choked on a breath that wouldn’t settle, shaking his head violently like he could dislodge the memory before it rooted itself again.
“Stop- no, don’t do this…” His voice barely came out, sounding like a whimper that died on the tip of his tongue, broken with a hoarse sob.
His knees caved in. He hit the ground again, crumbling to his hands.
He forced himself to focus. Blinking the water out of his eyes.
Not obsidian.
Not him.
Parrot screwed his eyes shut, shoving the thought out of his head.
Focus.
He felt the way the ground hurt to crawl on, the gravel digging into his skin, the sting of grazes. Focused on how air hurt to breathe in, the burn of his lungs.
Real.
This was real.
But his body still trembled violently, breath coming in sharp, broken gasps that refused to even out. His chest spasmed, every inhale shallow, every exhale too fast.
“Breathe…” he pulled himself up, running his hands down his arms. He grounded himself, hands rubbing against his chest and arms, like he could brush away his problems.
Soon he settled, his lungs finally letting in a deeper inhale that gave him temporary relief that he could breathe again.
He took one slowly.
Then another
And another
Until breathing didn’t feel like ripping his airway open.
Feeling the wind around him, the shift of the trees.
The quiet.
No voices.
No hands.
Nothing that could hurt him now.
The tightness in his chest didn’t disappear, but loosened enough for the forest to come back into focus.
He glanced towards the light of the fire, through the trees.
Theo hadn’t come looking for him yet, realising enough to understand that Parrot needed a while alone.
He was grateful for that, at least.
Theo hadn’t moved. Didn’t need to, he knew deep down following Parrot could make things worse. The trees swallowed him whole before Theo could even process he was gone.
The way he looked at him. It was like Theo was the last person he wanted to see. His stomach twisted painfully.
He tried making sense of it.
Was he upset about sleeping on him?
Could he have possibly… no. If that was the case Parrot wouldn’t be shy to address it, much to Theo’s disdain.
Theo sat frozen by the fire, eyes locked on the space between the trees where Parrot had disappeared.
His chest felt wrong.
Too tight.
Too loud.
‘What did I do?’
The thought came uninvited, painful.
He replayed it over and over, up until Parrot ran off.
Waking up, Parrot hovered over him. The pale look on his face.
That fear.
Realisation embedded itself into Theo’s chest, churning it thinly. It wasn’t confusion, or disorientation, it was fear.
At Him.
Theo sighed, running a hand through his hair.
“Fuck…”
He hauled himself to his feet, clasping his fingers together against his nape. It didn’t make sense though. Parrot was calculated, smart. He wouldn’t just run off like that without reason, but that look of pure fear? It sent Theo down spirals.
No.
Parrot had a reason to run.
He glanced at the fire, then towards the dark forest again. He stayed even if every instinct in him told him not too.
Crouching back down to the floor, Theo buried his head in his hands. Waiting for Parrot to return.
The crack of the fire filling in the space between them.
It took Parrot longer to get up than he’d like to admit. His legs still felt unsteady, like they didn’t quite belong to him anymore.
He wandered back towards the camp.
Theo heard him before he saw him.
A crunch of the leaves making his head snap up, heart kicking hard against his ribs as his eyes locked onto the treeline.
Relief came first, seeing Parrot.
Then came concern.
Parrot stepped into the light of the fire, feathers dull and ruffed up, clothes covered in dirt. Theo’s eyes surveyed higher, meeting Parrot’s eyes.
His heart stopped.
Red and swollen, looking distant even though he was right in front of Theo. He wanted to say something, anything but nothing came. He knitted his brows together, uncertain of what to do next.
He didn’t want to do something that could make him run again.
Parrot had stopped short of the treeline. Distant.
Theo noticed immediately.
“You okay?” He spoke softly like Parrot was a scared animal, worried he’d fly away from him again.
“Yes” Parrot replied automatically, voice hoarse like he’d been using it for too long.
A beat of silence followed after. Then softly.
“... no” Parrot ducked his head down, shoulders slumping like a weight had been lifted.
Theo frowned, taking a step forward.
Parrot snapped his head up, body tenseing.
That was enough for Theo to pause. Raising his hands in surrender.
“It's okay.” he took a deep breath, making sure Parrot’s eyes followed. “Thats- That’s fine”
Silence followed after, drowning them in it. Parrot shifted from foot to foot, crossing a arm over his chest to rub a hand into his bicep. Theo knew this as a self-soothing pattern Parrot did.
Whatever happened was enough for Parrot to shut down and if space is what he needed Theo would give it to him.
“I’m sorry..” Parrot didn’t meet his eye. “I just need a minute”
Theo didn’t ask anything else, just nodding his head slowly. After a moment, Parrot moved, circling wide around Theo instead of approaching directly. lowering himself back down near the tree.
Parrot curled up on his side, facing towards the tree; closed off.
A pang in Theo’s heart made him hold back tears. But this wasn’t about him.
He waited. Waited for Parrot’s wings to slump, for his shoulders to relax with sleep. He waited patiently, watching the fire dance.
Words crawled at his throat, begging to be let out. He glanced over at Parrot, watching how his breath evened out with sleep.
Soon Theo followed, lowering himself slowly to the edge of the mat. Giving Parrot more space than was probably necessary but he didn’t want to risk it. Seeing that face again pointed towards him might break something fragile inside of him and he wasn’t ready to face that yet.
So he laid there, dirt digging into one side of his back as his eyes drooped shut. chest tingling with a phantom sense of Parrot against him.
He let sleep take him, much like it took Parrot.
This time separated.
But not quite alone and a part of that hurt a little bit more.