It was a bright day and many Atlantians were in the market. They were shopping for themselves as well as the Athosian children.

John was passing over his posters for the blanket he wanted to give to Elizabeth. Rodney tried to pay for the toy he had asked to be made, but the town knew that he had given their ancestors back to them. The man gave the toy to him for free.

The two walked next to each other while eating fruit pies from one of the carts. John reached out and swept his hand through Rodney's hair.

"What are you doing?" Rodney looked on in wonder.

"Bird habit." But John did not stop. He moved his hand down Rodney's face, rubbing his thumb against Rodney's jaw. "I meant what I said when I was a bird."

Rodney was confused.

"I love you." Then John leaned in and kissed away the surprise on Rodney's face.

"Me too. I really, really love you." Rodney smiled endearingly.

They held one another, care for each other evident in their expressions. The other people paid no attention to this affection. The light from the sun was only as strong as the light in John and Rodney's eyes. The black bird flew through the sky, twilling to himself happily.