sparrow through the heart
Next part! You'll notice some odd formatting at the beginning. This is because I'm going back and editing in POV cues. Fear not. This is a Talon POV, as is the following update. This bit's dedicated to karinaspellman.
Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven
11. Talon.
Talon scowled and tugged hard at the tie choking his neck. He had on one layer too many, and his sweater was already sticking to his back. He had sweaty pit stains forming under his arms. There was hardly any breeze today, and he felt the heavy warmth of the sun beating onto his scalp.
He squinted up at the sky, shading his hand against the sun's glare, and tapped his foot against the boards of the cheerfully whitewashed porch. A windchime hung unmoving next to his head, and he glared at it, just for existing. A trickle of perspiration ran from his temple down his jaw line.
He hated dressing up. He always looked like an idiot. He tugged at his tie again, grumbling under his breath.
Flit, of course, looked perfect. He'd swept his hair back into some sort of soft, sophisticated look, and he wore a pale green sweater that brought out the whisky-gold of his eyes. He was calm and cool, unruffled as ever. He glanced over at Talon, a funny little smile on his face, and said: "Stop fidgeting. You're being ridiculous."
Then he rang the doorbell a second time, and stood there patiently as he shifted the bottle of wine he was carrying to his other arm.
"Tell that to your face," Talon replied, feeling stupid. The tie was cutting into his neck, and he was suddenly aware of his heartbeat thrumming against the tight collar of his white shirt.
"The shirt you bought me sucks," he growled. "It doesn't even fit."
Flit spared him another glance, arching a thin eyebrow. "It's fine. You simply have no fashion sense. Stop being a baby, it looks handsome with the sweater."
Talon glanced away, tightening his jaw. "The sweater's an ugly color."
"It's charcoal."
"It's itchy."
"It's cashmere."
"I don't care if it's goose down, I don't like it."
"It brings out your eyes," Flit said shortly, with the same funny little not-quite-happy smile. And that sounded too close to what Talon had been thinking earlier. He hated it when he noticed Flit's eyes. He jerked his gaze away and glared out over the front lawn, hoping for a distraction.
Just then, then the front door swung open. "Hello!" his mother greeted them excitedly, clapping her hands together. Her cheeks shone, and she still had on a paisley print apron; wisps of light blond curls had come loose around her face. She looked beautiful. Talon's heart clenched painfully.
"Come in, come in! I'm so happy you both could make it!" his mother continued, smoothing her hands on her apron before ushering them inside. The house smelled like apple pie, and Talon could guess what was for dessert.
"It's our pleasure, Miriam," Flit said graciously, giving Talon's mother a warm smile.
"Oh, please," Talon's mom said. "I know I told you at the party that my name was Miriam, but all my friends call me Beaky, and you should too, honey."
"Beaky?" Flit asked, shooting Talon an amused look.
His mom giggled. "Yes. It's because I talk and talk. Everybody says I could squawk the ears off an elephant."
Flit smiled charmingly. "I'm sure the elephant wouldn't even notice. He'd be too enraptured by the sweet sound of your voice."
Okay, what? Talon thought. His mother was never going to fall for that, she was way too savvy.
Apparently not.
"You cheeky thing!" Beaky said, giggling again as she swatted Flit playfully on the arm. "I don’t know what I'm supposed to do with you."
Throw him out the window, Talon thought sourly. His mom was practically beaming at Flit, the little shit, acting like she wanted to adopt him on the spot.
Flit smiled - his stupid, easy smile that made his whole face light up - and presented Beaky with the wine. "Don't worry, Talon keeps me in line. Here's a little something we picked up for you."
"Oh!" Beaky said, taking the wine with a surprised look. "Why how thoughtful!" She narrowed her eyes. "And I just bet you thought of it, since my son wouldn't know a polite gesture if it pecked him on his tailfeathers."
"Mom!" Talon protested.
"Hush, you," Beaky said, swatting Talon on the head.
Flit coughed to cover a laugh. "Actually, Talon told me you loved a good glass of wine. I helped him pick it out."
Talon shot Flit a disbelieving look. That wasn't how it had gone at all. Flit had manhandled him down to the store, poking and prodding with his tiny hands, and told him they were picking something out for his mom, to thank her for being the hostess. Then he'd grilled Talon on what his mom liked, and Talon had managed to remember his mom going crazy over some wine Aunt Shrieky had sent two Birdingdays ago.
Talon's mom squinted one eye at him. "Really," she drawled out.
"Yes, ma'am," Flit replied. He patted Talon on the arm.
Beaky's eyes softened at the gesture. "Oh, aren't you boys cute?" she exclaimed.
Flit quickly removed his hand, shooting Talon another one of those funny, pinched smiles.
Talon suddenly had the feeling it was going to be a long night.
----
He was right. Except, strangely, now that dinner was over, pie was digesting, and they'd moved to the living room as conversation wore down, a part of him didn't want the evening to come to an end.
"I still can't believe I have a real, birdified celebrity in my house," Beaky tittered.
Flit smiled easily. "Only my alter ego is famous."
"Poppypeacock," Beaky said. "I bet if they put your handsome photo alongside your column, you'd have to beat them off with a stick. Of course, my Talon probably wouldn't like that, would he?"
Talon sighed. The part where his mother thought they were a couple - that part he wouldn't mind coming to an end.
"Oh, I don't know," Flit said. "A little jealousy might do him good. Keep him from getting complacent."
"You're terrible!" Beaky laughed.
Of course, Talon reflected, it figured that Flit was good with parents. He'd charmed Beaky like he had birdseed in his hands. He was all bright smiles and gracious compliments, pretending to be sweet and humble. It was an act, and it was a damn good one. Talon knew the evil harpy that lived inside Flit, hiding behind his pretty, heart-shaped face, and his twinkling eyes, and his stupidly perfect hair, and his tight little wiry body -
Talon hid a scowl. He was also, maybe, kind of pissed that Flit had never bothered to put this act on for him.
"Talon, tell him he's terrible," his mom said, breaking into his thoughts.
Talon bared his teeth in a grin. "You're terrible."
He thought he saw Flit flinch. When the sparrow laughed, it sounded a touch forced. "I know. You tell me that enough."
"Oh, my," Beaky said suddenly, glancing at the cuckoo clock over the mantel. "Is that the time? I've kept you boys here much longer than I should have! I'm sure you're eager to get home to bed."
She gave Talon a knowing, embarrassing look that only mothers seemed capable of pulling off, and Talon wanted to hide his face in his hands. He noticed Flit blushing, too. He was abruptly very, very ready to go home.
"It's been a wonderful evening, Beaky," Flit said, collecting himself first. "Best meal I've had in ages. Certainly better than anything I could make myself."
"Hm?" Beaky said, raising an eyebrow. "Do you cook, honey?"
Talon blanched. Say no, he silently urged Flit. For the love of everything feathery and holy, say no.
"Er, yes," Flit said.
Damn you, thought Talon.
"How wonderful!" Beaky said, her eyes shining with delight. She jumped up from her chair. "I'll have to give you some of my recipes to take home. You can make my baby his favorite foods and I'll know he's eating properly."
"Mom," Talon said.
"Um," Flit started.
She ignored them both. "Come on, I have my recipe book put up in the kitchen. I'll give you a few ideas to take with you, but don't worry if you have any trouble, you can always call me."
She grabbed Flit's wrist and dragged him from the living room, still talking as she went. "And if you don't have all the right pots and pans, honey, don't worry about that either because you can borrow some of mine, I've got plenty. Do you have a slow cooker? If not, I have an extra one, you'll need that to make -"
Talon tuned them out and sank back into the couch, getting comfortable, as he resigned himself to at least another hour. He knew how his mother got when food was involved.
He probably should have warned Flit his mom was a retired chef.
----
Talon came home from work four days later and found Flit talking to a very handsome bird in their living room. Flit was sitting on the couch next to the bird, their knees practically pressed together. The unknown bird’s arm rested along the couch back, his fingers casually brushing the hair at Flit's nape.
Talon felt a twitch start under his left eye.
"Who the fuck are you?" he demanded, stalking forward. If Flit thought he could bring a date home, Talon would be happy to remind him that the only person allowed to get any tail in this house was Talon because it was his damn house.
He didn’t care if he was breaking up Flit's little seduction scene. The sparrow could have blue beak for a week for all he cared.
The bird looked up. "I’m Robin," he said, flashing a cheerful smile. He had brown, grey-flecked hair and rosy-red cheeks. Talon ground his teeth together and admitted that Robin was a good-looking enough bastard. It wasn’t a surprise that Flit liked them pretty.
"Great," he said. "What the hell are you doing in my house?"
Robin started to answer, but Talon cut him off. "Wait, you know what? I don't care. Just get out."
"Now, Talon," Flit said reprovingly, but Robin laughed.
"Sorry," the bird said. "I guess Flit didn’t tell you I was going to be coming over. He’s a sneaky little bitch sometimes, isn’t he?"
Talon felt his icy anger thaw. Anybody insulting Flit couldn’t be all that bad. "I’m not really sure what you’re talking about, but I’m going to agree with you on principle."
"Thanks," Robin said, laughing again. He had a warm, easy laugh. It was nothing like Flit’s bright, chirpy laugh.
Flit scowled, folding his arms over his chest. He moved away from Robin, and Talon felt even better. Maybe the date wasn’t going so great.
"Well," Flit said, still scowling. "I can see you two will get along like a nest on fire."
Robin grinned lazily. "Now, Flitty, don’t be upset. You set this up. You should relax, you’re way too high strung."
Talon snorted. "I’ve met power lines that weren’t as high strung as him," he agreed. He shifted and leaned against the living room wall, muscles flexing.
He saw Robin’s eyes trace his movements approvingly, and he wanted to feel amused, but instead he felt a curiously annoyed flash shoot up his spine. He didn’t mind being admired - hell, he liked a stroke to the ego as much as the next bird - but if this guy was supposed to be Flit's date, it was pretty damn sleazy for him to eyeball Talon so blatantly.
"Ha ha," Flit said. He didn’t seem upset that Robin was grinning like Talon was a worm and Robin was the early bird who'd found him.
"I’m going to go make some coffee while you two get acquainted," Flit said, standing up stiffly. He looked between Talon and Robin, hesitated with a strange expression, and said: "I hope you both behave yourselves until I come back."
Talon raised his eyebrows as Flit left the room moving awkwardly, like he was reluctant to go. What'd he think Talon would do, turn into a griffin and savage his date on the couch?
He turned and caught Robin’s eye, ready to offer a gruff word and leave, but Robin winked at him, smiling fondly in the direction Flit had gone.
"He’s really such a busybody, isn't he?" Robin said, nodding his head toward the kitchen. "I’ve known him since we were in college together. We were roommates. Feathers, he was a pain in the ass."
"Oh, yeah?" Talon asked, intrigued despite himself. Maybe Robin had some embarrassing stories to tell about younger Flit.
"Oh, yeah," Robin echoed, smirking. "Now, if I know Flitty, and I do, he probably didn’t tell you what he was doing, right?"
"Maybe he did," Talon said warily. He didn’t like the way Robin assumed he knew Flit best, just because they'd gone to school together or something. All right, he probably did know Flit best. Talon wasn’t sure why that bothered him.
Robin laughed. "Please. That little feathery idiot loves pulling these stunts on people, tugging them around like he’s the all-knowing puppetmaster. I love him, but he is a total shit."
"Hey," Talon said, narrowing his eyes. "I wish my friends talked about me as sweet as you talk about Flit."
Robin waved his hand dismissively. "He doesn’t care."
Talon thought Flit probably would care. He hid it pretty well, but he was a sensitive little bastard. "You’re kind of a shitty date," he said instead.
Robin blinked, then laughed. "I hope not. You’ll have to tell me after dinner is over."
"After -?" Talon started.
"- dinner," Robin finished with another laugh, relaxing back into the couch. "I knew Flit didn’t tell you. He's very keen on the blind part of blind date. I think it's more like blindsided. All right then, I guess a formal introduction is in order: Hi, I’m Robin, and I’m your date for the evening."
"What?" Talon asked, pushing away from the wall.
"I know, I know. Surprise, right? I figured Flit was lying when he told me he’d cleared this date thing with you, but the way he talked you up, you sounded too hot to pass on."
"Uh," Talon said.
"It’s all right if you don’t want to go through with it," Robin continued. "I’d be pissed if I was you. But," he said, his expression mischievous, "Don’t you think it’d be a terrible pity if your anger toward Flit prevented you from enjoying a night out, great dinner, and hot sex?"
It took Talon about two seconds to decide and when he did, he said: "A great dinner, huh?"
"I’ve got reservations," Robin said.
By the time Flit came back with the coffee, they were already gone.
----
"Flit’s going to be mad," Robin laughed, linking his arm through Talon’s as they walked to the C-Train platform to catch the next one into the city.
Talon looked down at Robin's arm and made a face, resisting the urge to punch Robin so he'd let go. He could forgive handsome guys a lot, especially if handsome guys mentioned the promise of sex and food.
"So what?" Talon said.
Robin shrugged. "He’s just more annoying when he’s mad."
Talon snorted. "I doubt that." They walked across the clouds in silence. Talon was glad Robin didn’t try to fill the empty air with idle chatter like Flit probably would have. A man liked his quiet.
"Flit tells me you’re a Beakbreaker?" Robin asked, after they reached the platform and bought their tickets, waiting for the train.
Talon nodded. "Yeah."
"That’s pretty impressive," Robin said. "I’m only a science teacher."
Talon laughed. "Man, you couldn’t pay me enough to hang around kids all day. I’ll take the criminals."
"I’d lay odds I have a couple of students who will see you some day," Robin said wryly. "There's one cardinal brat who's entirely too interested in the Bunsen burner, and my classroom ceiling has the scorch marks to prove it."
"You should call my office," Talon said. "Some of the guys do this presentation at the schools where they scare the kids into flying straight."
"I'll keep it in mind," Robin said, smiling and showing off a dimple. "Is there a practical demonstration where they cuff one of the kids and haul him away? I can give you candidates."
Talon thought he could like Robin.
----
"So," Talon said, around a mouthful of steak later, "you’ve known Flit for a while."
"Yeah," Robin agreed, cutting his own steak. He took a bite and drained his wine glass. "Like I said, we were roommates in college. I was an education major and Flit was doing his ornipsychiatry thing."
"He was an awful roommate, wasn't he?" Talon asked. "You said he was a pain in the ass. I bet he redecorated your half of the room and shit."
Robin cocked his head. "No. Flit kept to himself a lot at first."
Talon snorted. "Flit? Kept to himself? What, did you chain him to the bed?"
Robin laughed easily. "No. After our first year, he blossomed into the annoying little jerk we know and love today. He was just coming off a really bad breakup right after we met, that's all."
"Yeah?" Talon said, taking a sip of wine and trying to ignore the way his metaphorical ears perked up.
Robin's eyes darkened. "Yeah. The guy was a real piece of work."
"Mm," Talon agreed. "Flit told me about him," he lied. Pretending to know more than you did was a great interrogation technique; people spilled all sorts of stuff if they believed you.
Robin blew out a breath and propped his elbows on the table. "Really? I'm surprised. He usually doesn't ever talk about Oz. I think he's ashamed he let it go on as long as it did."
"It was a while ago," Talon hedged.
"Well, yeah," Robin frowned, "but you don't just get over your boyfriend beating the crap out of you on a regular basis."
Talon felt like all noise and movement in the restaurant stopped. He kept his face blank through sheer force of will and very slowly put his hands under the table, clenching his fists so hard his knuckles cracked.
"Yeah," Talon said, swallowing because his throat was dry. He felt like he had himself under control, so he quickly reached up and grabbed his wineglass, downing the contents in one go. His hand maybe shook a little.
"I think that's what really prompted Flit to go into ornipsychiatry," Robin continued, apparently oblivious to Talon's tight-jawed, vibrating rage. "He wanted to understand people's motivations. From both sides, I guess."
"Some people are just bad," Talon said. "Trust me on this. You don't need to understand their motives."
Robin tipped his head in acknowledgement. "I suppose you see your share of that."
Talon made an agreeing noise. "So, this Oz guy," he said. "Where is he now?"
Robin's eyebrows rose. "I don't know. Flit didn't keep in contact with him. I'm sure the restraining order had something to do with that."
Talon flattened his lips. "Did you ever meet him?" he pressed.
Robin looked hard at Talon. "No," he said slowly. "But I saw his handiwork once or twice before they broke up."
Talon put his hands under the table again. "Got a last name?"
Robin laughed and looked down. "Right," he said softly, a little bitterly. He looked up. "Prey," he said. "I remember that much."
"Huh," Talon replied, already making plans. He'd get some of the guys together when he went into the office Monday. They could run the name through the database. Make a quick house call. He picked up his fork again.
Robin finished his dinner and sat back, eyeing Talon speculatively for a minute. "You're gorgeous," he said finally, "but I don't think this is going to work out."
"What?" Talon said, pausing with another bite of steak halfway to his mouth.
Robin smiled. "If it makes you feel better, you can tell Flit I slept with you. I won't say anything."
Talon squinted his eyes in confusion. "Huh?"
"Gorgeous and stupid," Robin said, shaking his head sadly. "My favorite."
"Uh," Talon said. "I'm not really sure - what - does this mean we aren't having sex?"
Robin laughed and rolled his eyes. "Yes, much as it pains me to say. Like I said, I just don't think it'd work out. But I had a great dinner. I'll get the check."
Talon frowned. "I'm not a chickadee. I got it."
Robin laughed. "Macho. Flit's got his work cut out for him."
"I guess," Talon said. "He'll probably keep trying to set me up. I don't know what he thinks he's doing."
Robin looked at him like he was a complete and total idiot.
----
Part Nine
Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven
11. Talon.
Talon scowled and tugged hard at the tie choking his neck. He had on one layer too many, and his sweater was already sticking to his back. He had sweaty pit stains forming under his arms. There was hardly any breeze today, and he felt the heavy warmth of the sun beating onto his scalp.
He squinted up at the sky, shading his hand against the sun's glare, and tapped his foot against the boards of the cheerfully whitewashed porch. A windchime hung unmoving next to his head, and he glared at it, just for existing. A trickle of perspiration ran from his temple down his jaw line.
He hated dressing up. He always looked like an idiot. He tugged at his tie again, grumbling under his breath.
Flit, of course, looked perfect. He'd swept his hair back into some sort of soft, sophisticated look, and he wore a pale green sweater that brought out the whisky-gold of his eyes. He was calm and cool, unruffled as ever. He glanced over at Talon, a funny little smile on his face, and said: "Stop fidgeting. You're being ridiculous."
Then he rang the doorbell a second time, and stood there patiently as he shifted the bottle of wine he was carrying to his other arm.
"Tell that to your face," Talon replied, feeling stupid. The tie was cutting into his neck, and he was suddenly aware of his heartbeat thrumming against the tight collar of his white shirt.
"The shirt you bought me sucks," he growled. "It doesn't even fit."
Flit spared him another glance, arching a thin eyebrow. "It's fine. You simply have no fashion sense. Stop being a baby, it looks handsome with the sweater."
Talon glanced away, tightening his jaw. "The sweater's an ugly color."
"It's charcoal."
"It's itchy."
"It's cashmere."
"I don't care if it's goose down, I don't like it."
"It brings out your eyes," Flit said shortly, with the same funny little not-quite-happy smile. And that sounded too close to what Talon had been thinking earlier. He hated it when he noticed Flit's eyes. He jerked his gaze away and glared out over the front lawn, hoping for a distraction.
Just then, then the front door swung open. "Hello!" his mother greeted them excitedly, clapping her hands together. Her cheeks shone, and she still had on a paisley print apron; wisps of light blond curls had come loose around her face. She looked beautiful. Talon's heart clenched painfully.
"Come in, come in! I'm so happy you both could make it!" his mother continued, smoothing her hands on her apron before ushering them inside. The house smelled like apple pie, and Talon could guess what was for dessert.
"It's our pleasure, Miriam," Flit said graciously, giving Talon's mother a warm smile.
"Oh, please," Talon's mom said. "I know I told you at the party that my name was Miriam, but all my friends call me Beaky, and you should too, honey."
"Beaky?" Flit asked, shooting Talon an amused look.
His mom giggled. "Yes. It's because I talk and talk. Everybody says I could squawk the ears off an elephant."
Flit smiled charmingly. "I'm sure the elephant wouldn't even notice. He'd be too enraptured by the sweet sound of your voice."
Okay, what? Talon thought. His mother was never going to fall for that, she was way too savvy.
Apparently not.
"You cheeky thing!" Beaky said, giggling again as she swatted Flit playfully on the arm. "I don’t know what I'm supposed to do with you."
Throw him out the window, Talon thought sourly. His mom was practically beaming at Flit, the little shit, acting like she wanted to adopt him on the spot.
Flit smiled - his stupid, easy smile that made his whole face light up - and presented Beaky with the wine. "Don't worry, Talon keeps me in line. Here's a little something we picked up for you."
"Oh!" Beaky said, taking the wine with a surprised look. "Why how thoughtful!" She narrowed her eyes. "And I just bet you thought of it, since my son wouldn't know a polite gesture if it pecked him on his tailfeathers."
"Mom!" Talon protested.
"Hush, you," Beaky said, swatting Talon on the head.
Flit coughed to cover a laugh. "Actually, Talon told me you loved a good glass of wine. I helped him pick it out."
Talon shot Flit a disbelieving look. That wasn't how it had gone at all. Flit had manhandled him down to the store, poking and prodding with his tiny hands, and told him they were picking something out for his mom, to thank her for being the hostess. Then he'd grilled Talon on what his mom liked, and Talon had managed to remember his mom going crazy over some wine Aunt Shrieky had sent two Birdingdays ago.
Talon's mom squinted one eye at him. "Really," she drawled out.
"Yes, ma'am," Flit replied. He patted Talon on the arm.
Beaky's eyes softened at the gesture. "Oh, aren't you boys cute?" she exclaimed.
Flit quickly removed his hand, shooting Talon another one of those funny, pinched smiles.
Talon suddenly had the feeling it was going to be a long night.
----
He was right. Except, strangely, now that dinner was over, pie was digesting, and they'd moved to the living room as conversation wore down, a part of him didn't want the evening to come to an end.
"I still can't believe I have a real, birdified celebrity in my house," Beaky tittered.
Flit smiled easily. "Only my alter ego is famous."
"Poppypeacock," Beaky said. "I bet if they put your handsome photo alongside your column, you'd have to beat them off with a stick. Of course, my Talon probably wouldn't like that, would he?"
Talon sighed. The part where his mother thought they were a couple - that part he wouldn't mind coming to an end.
"Oh, I don't know," Flit said. "A little jealousy might do him good. Keep him from getting complacent."
"You're terrible!" Beaky laughed.
Of course, Talon reflected, it figured that Flit was good with parents. He'd charmed Beaky like he had birdseed in his hands. He was all bright smiles and gracious compliments, pretending to be sweet and humble. It was an act, and it was a damn good one. Talon knew the evil harpy that lived inside Flit, hiding behind his pretty, heart-shaped face, and his twinkling eyes, and his stupidly perfect hair, and his tight little wiry body -
Talon hid a scowl. He was also, maybe, kind of pissed that Flit had never bothered to put this act on for him.
"Talon, tell him he's terrible," his mom said, breaking into his thoughts.
Talon bared his teeth in a grin. "You're terrible."
He thought he saw Flit flinch. When the sparrow laughed, it sounded a touch forced. "I know. You tell me that enough."
"Oh, my," Beaky said suddenly, glancing at the cuckoo clock over the mantel. "Is that the time? I've kept you boys here much longer than I should have! I'm sure you're eager to get home to bed."
She gave Talon a knowing, embarrassing look that only mothers seemed capable of pulling off, and Talon wanted to hide his face in his hands. He noticed Flit blushing, too. He was abruptly very, very ready to go home.
"It's been a wonderful evening, Beaky," Flit said, collecting himself first. "Best meal I've had in ages. Certainly better than anything I could make myself."
"Hm?" Beaky said, raising an eyebrow. "Do you cook, honey?"
Talon blanched. Say no, he silently urged Flit. For the love of everything feathery and holy, say no.
"Er, yes," Flit said.
Damn you, thought Talon.
"How wonderful!" Beaky said, her eyes shining with delight. She jumped up from her chair. "I'll have to give you some of my recipes to take home. You can make my baby his favorite foods and I'll know he's eating properly."
"Mom," Talon said.
"Um," Flit started.
She ignored them both. "Come on, I have my recipe book put up in the kitchen. I'll give you a few ideas to take with you, but don't worry if you have any trouble, you can always call me."
She grabbed Flit's wrist and dragged him from the living room, still talking as she went. "And if you don't have all the right pots and pans, honey, don't worry about that either because you can borrow some of mine, I've got plenty. Do you have a slow cooker? If not, I have an extra one, you'll need that to make -"
Talon tuned them out and sank back into the couch, getting comfortable, as he resigned himself to at least another hour. He knew how his mother got when food was involved.
He probably should have warned Flit his mom was a retired chef.
----
Talon came home from work four days later and found Flit talking to a very handsome bird in their living room. Flit was sitting on the couch next to the bird, their knees practically pressed together. The unknown bird’s arm rested along the couch back, his fingers casually brushing the hair at Flit's nape.
Talon felt a twitch start under his left eye.
"Who the fuck are you?" he demanded, stalking forward. If Flit thought he could bring a date home, Talon would be happy to remind him that the only person allowed to get any tail in this house was Talon because it was his damn house.
He didn’t care if he was breaking up Flit's little seduction scene. The sparrow could have blue beak for a week for all he cared.
The bird looked up. "I’m Robin," he said, flashing a cheerful smile. He had brown, grey-flecked hair and rosy-red cheeks. Talon ground his teeth together and admitted that Robin was a good-looking enough bastard. It wasn’t a surprise that Flit liked them pretty.
"Great," he said. "What the hell are you doing in my house?"
Robin started to answer, but Talon cut him off. "Wait, you know what? I don't care. Just get out."
"Now, Talon," Flit said reprovingly, but Robin laughed.
"Sorry," the bird said. "I guess Flit didn’t tell you I was going to be coming over. He’s a sneaky little bitch sometimes, isn’t he?"
Talon felt his icy anger thaw. Anybody insulting Flit couldn’t be all that bad. "I’m not really sure what you’re talking about, but I’m going to agree with you on principle."
"Thanks," Robin said, laughing again. He had a warm, easy laugh. It was nothing like Flit’s bright, chirpy laugh.
Flit scowled, folding his arms over his chest. He moved away from Robin, and Talon felt even better. Maybe the date wasn’t going so great.
"Well," Flit said, still scowling. "I can see you two will get along like a nest on fire."
Robin grinned lazily. "Now, Flitty, don’t be upset. You set this up. You should relax, you’re way too high strung."
Talon snorted. "I’ve met power lines that weren’t as high strung as him," he agreed. He shifted and leaned against the living room wall, muscles flexing.
He saw Robin’s eyes trace his movements approvingly, and he wanted to feel amused, but instead he felt a curiously annoyed flash shoot up his spine. He didn’t mind being admired - hell, he liked a stroke to the ego as much as the next bird - but if this guy was supposed to be Flit's date, it was pretty damn sleazy for him to eyeball Talon so blatantly.
"Ha ha," Flit said. He didn’t seem upset that Robin was grinning like Talon was a worm and Robin was the early bird who'd found him.
"I’m going to go make some coffee while you two get acquainted," Flit said, standing up stiffly. He looked between Talon and Robin, hesitated with a strange expression, and said: "I hope you both behave yourselves until I come back."
Talon raised his eyebrows as Flit left the room moving awkwardly, like he was reluctant to go. What'd he think Talon would do, turn into a griffin and savage his date on the couch?
He turned and caught Robin’s eye, ready to offer a gruff word and leave, but Robin winked at him, smiling fondly in the direction Flit had gone.
"He’s really such a busybody, isn't he?" Robin said, nodding his head toward the kitchen. "I’ve known him since we were in college together. We were roommates. Feathers, he was a pain in the ass."
"Oh, yeah?" Talon asked, intrigued despite himself. Maybe Robin had some embarrassing stories to tell about younger Flit.
"Oh, yeah," Robin echoed, smirking. "Now, if I know Flitty, and I do, he probably didn’t tell you what he was doing, right?"
"Maybe he did," Talon said warily. He didn’t like the way Robin assumed he knew Flit best, just because they'd gone to school together or something. All right, he probably did know Flit best. Talon wasn’t sure why that bothered him.
Robin laughed. "Please. That little feathery idiot loves pulling these stunts on people, tugging them around like he’s the all-knowing puppetmaster. I love him, but he is a total shit."
"Hey," Talon said, narrowing his eyes. "I wish my friends talked about me as sweet as you talk about Flit."
Robin waved his hand dismissively. "He doesn’t care."
Talon thought Flit probably would care. He hid it pretty well, but he was a sensitive little bastard. "You’re kind of a shitty date," he said instead.
Robin blinked, then laughed. "I hope not. You’ll have to tell me after dinner is over."
"After -?" Talon started.
"- dinner," Robin finished with another laugh, relaxing back into the couch. "I knew Flit didn’t tell you. He's very keen on the blind part of blind date. I think it's more like blindsided. All right then, I guess a formal introduction is in order: Hi, I’m Robin, and I’m your date for the evening."
"What?" Talon asked, pushing away from the wall.
"I know, I know. Surprise, right? I figured Flit was lying when he told me he’d cleared this date thing with you, but the way he talked you up, you sounded too hot to pass on."
"Uh," Talon said.
"It’s all right if you don’t want to go through with it," Robin continued. "I’d be pissed if I was you. But," he said, his expression mischievous, "Don’t you think it’d be a terrible pity if your anger toward Flit prevented you from enjoying a night out, great dinner, and hot sex?"
It took Talon about two seconds to decide and when he did, he said: "A great dinner, huh?"
"I’ve got reservations," Robin said.
By the time Flit came back with the coffee, they were already gone.
----
"Flit’s going to be mad," Robin laughed, linking his arm through Talon’s as they walked to the C-Train platform to catch the next one into the city.
Talon looked down at Robin's arm and made a face, resisting the urge to punch Robin so he'd let go. He could forgive handsome guys a lot, especially if handsome guys mentioned the promise of sex and food.
"So what?" Talon said.
Robin shrugged. "He’s just more annoying when he’s mad."
Talon snorted. "I doubt that." They walked across the clouds in silence. Talon was glad Robin didn’t try to fill the empty air with idle chatter like Flit probably would have. A man liked his quiet.
"Flit tells me you’re a Beakbreaker?" Robin asked, after they reached the platform and bought their tickets, waiting for the train.
Talon nodded. "Yeah."
"That’s pretty impressive," Robin said. "I’m only a science teacher."
Talon laughed. "Man, you couldn’t pay me enough to hang around kids all day. I’ll take the criminals."
"I’d lay odds I have a couple of students who will see you some day," Robin said wryly. "There's one cardinal brat who's entirely too interested in the Bunsen burner, and my classroom ceiling has the scorch marks to prove it."
"You should call my office," Talon said. "Some of the guys do this presentation at the schools where they scare the kids into flying straight."
"I'll keep it in mind," Robin said, smiling and showing off a dimple. "Is there a practical demonstration where they cuff one of the kids and haul him away? I can give you candidates."
Talon thought he could like Robin.
----
"So," Talon said, around a mouthful of steak later, "you’ve known Flit for a while."
"Yeah," Robin agreed, cutting his own steak. He took a bite and drained his wine glass. "Like I said, we were roommates in college. I was an education major and Flit was doing his ornipsychiatry thing."
"He was an awful roommate, wasn't he?" Talon asked. "You said he was a pain in the ass. I bet he redecorated your half of the room and shit."
Robin cocked his head. "No. Flit kept to himself a lot at first."
Talon snorted. "Flit? Kept to himself? What, did you chain him to the bed?"
Robin laughed easily. "No. After our first year, he blossomed into the annoying little jerk we know and love today. He was just coming off a really bad breakup right after we met, that's all."
"Yeah?" Talon said, taking a sip of wine and trying to ignore the way his metaphorical ears perked up.
Robin's eyes darkened. "Yeah. The guy was a real piece of work."
"Mm," Talon agreed. "Flit told me about him," he lied. Pretending to know more than you did was a great interrogation technique; people spilled all sorts of stuff if they believed you.
Robin blew out a breath and propped his elbows on the table. "Really? I'm surprised. He usually doesn't ever talk about Oz. I think he's ashamed he let it go on as long as it did."
"It was a while ago," Talon hedged.
"Well, yeah," Robin frowned, "but you don't just get over your boyfriend beating the crap out of you on a regular basis."
Talon felt like all noise and movement in the restaurant stopped. He kept his face blank through sheer force of will and very slowly put his hands under the table, clenching his fists so hard his knuckles cracked.
"Yeah," Talon said, swallowing because his throat was dry. He felt like he had himself under control, so he quickly reached up and grabbed his wineglass, downing the contents in one go. His hand maybe shook a little.
"I think that's what really prompted Flit to go into ornipsychiatry," Robin continued, apparently oblivious to Talon's tight-jawed, vibrating rage. "He wanted to understand people's motivations. From both sides, I guess."
"Some people are just bad," Talon said. "Trust me on this. You don't need to understand their motives."
Robin tipped his head in acknowledgement. "I suppose you see your share of that."
Talon made an agreeing noise. "So, this Oz guy," he said. "Where is he now?"
Robin's eyebrows rose. "I don't know. Flit didn't keep in contact with him. I'm sure the restraining order had something to do with that."
Talon flattened his lips. "Did you ever meet him?" he pressed.
Robin looked hard at Talon. "No," he said slowly. "But I saw his handiwork once or twice before they broke up."
Talon put his hands under the table again. "Got a last name?"
Robin laughed and looked down. "Right," he said softly, a little bitterly. He looked up. "Prey," he said. "I remember that much."
"Huh," Talon replied, already making plans. He'd get some of the guys together when he went into the office Monday. They could run the name through the database. Make a quick house call. He picked up his fork again.
Robin finished his dinner and sat back, eyeing Talon speculatively for a minute. "You're gorgeous," he said finally, "but I don't think this is going to work out."
"What?" Talon said, pausing with another bite of steak halfway to his mouth.
Robin smiled. "If it makes you feel better, you can tell Flit I slept with you. I won't say anything."
Talon squinted his eyes in confusion. "Huh?"
"Gorgeous and stupid," Robin said, shaking his head sadly. "My favorite."
"Uh," Talon said. "I'm not really sure - what - does this mean we aren't having sex?"
Robin laughed and rolled his eyes. "Yes, much as it pains me to say. Like I said, I just don't think it'd work out. But I had a great dinner. I'll get the check."
Talon frowned. "I'm not a chickadee. I got it."
Robin laughed. "Macho. Flit's got his work cut out for him."
"I guess," Talon said. "He'll probably keep trying to set me up. I don't know what he thinks he's doing."
Robin looked at him like he was a complete and total idiot.
----
Part Nine