“So, parrot. How’s being king?” Theo asked. “Fine, theo. It’s just that everyone out there just… doesn’t like me. Because of the fact I let new players join and have a CHANCE of survival.” my wings twitched then stretched, it’s been a long day. And I've been moving around for most of it. “Well you knew this would happen. With the food scarcity…” “Theo, just shut up for a second.” My wings folded behind my back again. Glossy and sorted through. I didn’t like the feeling, they used a gel on them that was so expensive and costly and with no reason to actually exist that i tried stopping them but they just still wanted to. I guess becoming king means you have to look perfect all the time. Even if the clipped parts still hurt. “You’re thinking of him. Stop it, parrot.” “It’s instinct.” “Just giving you advice for your peace of mind.” “You’re not supposed to mention him.” “Like I follow rules anyway.” “Who’s the biggest bird now?” “Definitely me. Even if you’re king. I’m always the biggest bird.” “My wingspan’s longer than yours.” “What does that even signify?” “I’m the biggest bird.” “Like hell you aren’t, Parrot.” Theo shifted, opening his wings slightly. “You lost a bet earlier this year, Theo.” I said, looking at him. “Which one?” “That block wouldn’t cause an explosion to happen. You killed that fox for absolutely no reason.” “Oh that one.” “Yeah. So I'm the biggest bird.” “You should go to bed.” “You gonna hijack it since you don’t have a room?” “Whaaat? Noooooo…” “You destroyed 9 rooms this week, theo.” “And?” “That’s not exactly guardlike behavior, you know.” “Yes?” “You don’t have to be my bodyguard 24/7, that would be exhausting.” “Sounds like something an unguarded king would say.” “You’re exhausting.” “Yes?” “Do you even care?” “Nope.” “What if I agree not to have a panic attack tonight?” I started to stand up and Theo basically pushed me into my chair again. His wings open but slightly folded still. Not stretching to their full length. “I’m not leaving you alone.” he said, blocking my path with one of his wings while folding the other one. “Why are you so insistant?” “Because I care about you.” “And you want to get paid?” “Mainly I'm here because I'm getting a house. The city has taxes.” “Seriously?” “Dead serious.” “I was lowering the taxes that the city had. You know?” “Still too much money.” “It’s 10%.” “Too much still.” “I can lower it for you?” “Shut up and let me protect you. Parrot.” “Very well.” —----------------- I lay in bed, Theo sitting on the other side watching the door. He insisted on taking a larger portion of the bed because he’s the biggest bird. And I was too tired to argue with him. My wings are folded, and I'm lying on my stomach so I don't put weight on them. It's the only way I can get comfortable. With my crown on the sidetable, still polished and gleaming in the moonlight. It doesn’t bother me much after all this time. But still a lot. I’ve been sleeping worse and less lately. I wonder if it’s because of the moonlight. I moved my wings, trying to subtly block the moonlight without Theo noticing that I was. He looked over at me but didn’t comment. I've been having this problem for a while, and my wings never relaxed or puffed up like his did when asleep. Theo shifted a bit, getting more comfortable with the position, adjusting his wings and staying alert to any movements near the door or from me. Then he tensed up and pulled me out of the moonlight, putting one of his wings to block the moon from my face. “Uh- what are you doing?” “I read a book on your sleeping habits. Well bird sleeping habits, but specifically for parrots. Andddd- i mean i couldn't gather the text normally really, cause words do not copy over to my brain… but uhh- i think the moonlight’s messing your sleep up.” “I feel like stress is doing that too.” “I guess I have to solve one problem before another then, Parrot.” “You gonna let me go?” “Not until you sleep.” “You’re exhausted yourself. You know.” I coughed dryly into my arm. Which makes Theo dart up with alarm. “Why are you coughing? Are you ill?” “I’m fine, Theo." “I don’t want to lose my house.” “It’s my room.” “I’m living here too.” “Rent free, you bastard.” “Hey if you offer it…” Theo yawned, his feathers slightly puffing up. “ …i’ll take it.” “Exhausted, I say.” “Oh shut up, “KiNG Of UnStaBle”.” “Ooookay you.” I put my wing out and slowly nudged him down to a laying position. His wings instinctively stretched and he moved onto his side, relaxing his wings a bit more. “You should sleep, Parrot.” he murmured sleepily. “Fine, fine, just because you want me to.” I stretched my wings with some difficulty. The weight on my back felt so much heavier today. —--------- songs: Way down hadestown (reprise) - hadestown + my farewell to the fields - Yaekolre + wait for me - hadestown originally this would have the panic attack scene written in. but I've decided not to add it.
