Chapter 4, people. More fun, and they've both almost reached the hill. Matilda isn't very good with this activity thing, is she? More friendship and Chuck being a flirt ass.

Enjoy! ^^

Chuck seemed to have cheered up considerably since his little tantrum, and Red was quite relieved. In fact, he was actually starting to join their little trek through the jungle. The sun was making it's slow descent in the sky as red decided to take a breather ad sat down on a nearby log, placing the little flag beside him.

"Tired already?" Chuck asked with a grin, only to have Red scoff at him.

"No, I'm just sitting here because I feel like it. Of course I'm tired. Aren't you? This thing is taking forever." The cardinal moaned.

"Red, buddy, even after all the time you've known me, have you ever seen me get tired?" Chuck asked, cocking an eyebrow, and Red had to admit, he was right. Chuck was never tired. Actually...

"Yes, I have. The only reason you get sleep is because you wear yourself out every day from running around this damn island." Red said, poking his friend in the chest to emphasize his point.

"Pfft, sleep is for the weak. Plus you make me."

"Yeah, and what happened when Bomb and I didn't make you go to bed as usual?" It was Red's turn to raise an eyebrow as Chuck huffed at his friend, before sighing in exasperation.

"I ended up falling asleep in a tree on the other side of the island." The canary said, looking down at the ground, remembering his undignified landing as he accidentally rolled off the branch in his sleep.

"Exactly. Just think of how great you are to have me as a friend. You would have died by now if it weren't for me." Red teased, crossing his wings.

"Oh yeah? You seem very happy with our friendship despite saying you're a loner." Chuck joked back, smirking at Red. The cardinal smiled back at his friend, but instantly regretted it, as the silent eye contact became slightly awkward to him. Coughing, he picked up the flag and motioned to follow the trail.

"Anyway, come on, we should make it to the hill by evening if we're lucky." He said, walking briskly ahead of his friend.

"I thought you were tired?" Chuck joked before sprinting to catch up with Red. He glanced at his friends face and giggle slightly.

"Oh my, what a conveniently red face you have. Too bad I can't see past the blush." He teased, winking at Red, who made to lightly hit the canary. Being the fast bird he was, Chuck ended up on the other side of Red, patting him on the head.

"Nice reflexes, but do you realize who you're up against?" He said smugly, pointing at himself proudly. Red smirked as he made to grab his friend again, only for him to meet air once again. Chuck had run 10 feet ahead, his tail tail waggling as he grinned at his friend.

"You know, this is kind of cute, watching you trying to catch me."

"Oh yeah, we'll see how cute you look when my fist meets your face." Red replied as he sprinted after his friend. He was glad that Chuck had perked up and it actually felt nice to have a bit of fun every now and then. At least was zooming around out of happiness now.

~/~

Bomb was exhausted, walking just wasn't his thing. The jungle was hot, he was boiling, but thankfully Willow was there to distract him as they talked about art and stuff.

"What I like to do is paint very quickly, as I believe it carries more energy and feeling into your painting." She continued her now half an hour long ramble of art, and Bomb chuckled.

"If you want to go fast, just consult Chuck, he's a bit of an expert on being fast." He said, and the pigeon looked up at him in thought.

"Speaking of Chuck, do you think him and Red have stopped being grumpy?" She asked curiously. Bomb gave a hearty laugh at her naivety.

"Of course they have! They have disagreements all the time, but they end up alright in the end. They wouldn't be friends otherwise." He said reassuringly to Willow, who nodded her head in understanding.

"I guess you're right. I would still worry about them though, if I was their friend. I hate it when friends get into fights." She replied, looking disheartened for a second. Bomb caught the sad glimpse in her eye before patting her on the back with his giant wing.

"I know, you're just that kind of bird. But trust me, we've been friends for a long time now, and those two, despite their fights, still really like each other. In fact..." He trailed off, putting a finger to his chin in thought. Willow cocked her head at her new friend.

"In fact what?" She asked, waving to get him out of thought.

"Oh, uh, nothing," He replied after shaking his head, then spotted something up ahead, "Hey look, a waterfall!" He said before gesturing for the smaller bird to follow as he ran ahead.

They both stopped at a clearing in the thick trees and vines to see a lovely shimmering, not to mention cool looking waterfall, leading into a small pool. At last, something had heard Bomb's pleas.

"Thank Mighty Eagle! Hey, how about we stop for a bit to literally cool off." He said, and Willow giggle before nodding. She went up to the waters edge, and feeling brave, took a swan dive into the water. Bomb looked on in amusement as the little pigeon played around in the water, letting the cool water sooth her hot feathers. Bomb yawned as he realized just how much the journey had tired him out, as he took a few steps from the water's edge to lay down on the cool grass, looking up at nothing as he let his eyes close for a little nap.