Such an influx of 'Tough Love' recently? Why? Ahh... I've been put out of the mood to write 'Barely Human', but rest assured, I WILL write another part by the end of this month. I've just not been motivated to write it...
Last time, we saw what made Emile so... And now this time, we're gonna see that reflect on his present actions.
Enjoy!
Blu and Jewel were sleeping peacefully together. But the young macaw, properly introduced in the previous chapter, that Jewel had saved, was wide awake. He was stood over the peaceful sleeping figures of the sprawled out birds, and thought about how precious they were to him.
They were known as "Mama and Papa" in his mind. Though, not biologically by any stretch, especially given that Blu and Jewel were Blue Spix's Macaws, and Emile was a Scarlet Macaw.
Unfortunately, Blu and Jewel were neither Emile's Biological, nor Adoptive parents. Jewel had taken over being the mother figure, and Blu had taken over as the father figure. But they weren't truly his adoptive parents... Because of one thing...
Blu and Jewel were not mates.
Each bird treated Emile as though he were their own, but, not as a team, like real parents do. Sad, but, unfortunately, very true. But that looked like it was about to change.
For the better or for the Worse?
The young macaw looked down at his "parents" admiringly. He thought about what it would be like to have them as his mama and papa for real, one day. Or, what it would be life if they were his actual parents.
Continuing with his casual observation, he saw that there was a gap between Blu and Jewel, where he was. Emile felt like he was a split down the middle of the family portrait. (if you will) Emile didn't like that one bit. Separating his "parents".
An intriguing thought came from out of nowhere, and whispered in his ear. It was deviously simple, and Emile wondered what would happen... If he closed the gap between them...
He saw that Blu and Jewel were so close... So close that they could just reach out and touch one another if they so wanted...
Emile scampered quietly over to where Jewel lay, and saw the expression on her face. A standard look. Generic.
Then, he moved over, again, to where Blu resided, and eyed his expression. Also, a standard, generic look. The default position of one's face. Emile thought that it would be a good idea to move the pair closer, so that they could rest better.
They looked like, in their present state, that they were avoiding one another as if the other had the plague, so as to not upset the respective bird. Only, it was Blu who was worrying, and Jewel who more, didn't care. If she brushed against him, she would just move out of the way, but if the opposite were to happen, Jewel probably wouldn't take kindly to it, and Blu would be left very sorry...
Emile didn't know why they were far away from one another, and thought that they should get closer. Not understanding why they weren't in the first place, as mentioned.
The young macaw, put both of his wings under Blu's back, and as hard, yet gently as possible, and lifted him up, and tried to roll him over towards Jewel, as silent and careful as possible.
Blu was on his side, facing away from Jewel, and after Emile fully turned him over onto his back, he was very close to Jewel. So close, that when he turned him onto his other side, so that he was directly facing Jewel, something interesting happened...
The neutral position on both birds faces, began to shift and realign into happy smiles. From within their dreams, they must have felt the warmth radiating from the body of the other, which created a sort of scenario where they began to slowly move towards one another in the real world, until they came into contact with one another, and then, slowly, surely, Blu and Jewel's wings began to slowly unfurl and wrap around the back of the respective bird.
When their wings were fully wrapped around each other, they still got closer, until each bird's belly feathers came into contact, and they both let out contempt sighs. Whatever dreams had been brought on by this action of Emile's, it was a tender one, as neither Blu, nor Jewel, even, had a problem with cuddling. Though, if Jewel were awake, It would not be unexpected news that she would protest.
Emile stood back and admired his handiwork. He was feeling the sense he desired. Family.
Seeing Blu and Jewel cuddling together so tenderly in their sleep made him feel loved, himself. Emile sat down on the hollow rim, the same place where, years earlier, he was pushed from, to his oblivion. Although it was in an actual jungle, and not an artificial one. He looked down at Blu and Jewel for a good five minutes, just enjoying how peaceful they looked, and then, without warning, another smart thought entered his mind.
What if he joined in?
Emile got up from his position, walked over to the snuggling macaws, and tried to slip in-between their wings. It was a bit of a struggle, and a tight fit, but he manage to wiggle his way in there. And then, yet again, Blu and Jewel's dreams switched he enjoyed as his "parents" cuddled him.
In the intense comfort he had, smothered between two warm, luscious cushions of soft feathers, Emile soon found himself drifting off to sleep. But not for long, as his actions had seemed to have set a time on the length of Blu's slumber, as no sooner as Emile slipped away into a comforted snooze, the rather dashing male began to arise.
As the world around him began to swim into focus, he felt something warm lying against him, Emile, no doubt. He was still only at the point of seeing shapes and colours after waking up, and his eyes needed time to adjust to the light. There was one thing that his mind couldn't quite grasp. What was he feeling behind his neck, and what did he have his wings wrapped around?
The hazy shapes and colours began to form into fathomable surroundings which he was able to recognise as the hollow he got into the previous night to sleep, his mind then, at that point, gained the ability to understand the position that he was in. Blu looked down, and saw Emile's head resting against Jewel, as he expected, but as he looked up to get a better look at the widely proclaimed, in his mind and in the minds of anyone who ever laid eyes on her, the Gem of the Jungle, The Stars in the night sky, or, to be simple, the most beautiful bird in the world, he felt a little uncomfortable emotionally, as he wasn't able to remember how he got into such a position, with such a spectacular creature so close to him. The discomfort was mostly caused by the fact that Jewel would most likely do some not-so-nice things to him, should he be caught in this position. He knew he had to get away, but, he didn't know quite how he was supposed to do that.
For a start, Emile was in the way. He didn't want to wake him, as he would likely wake up Jewel. Second, both of his wings were tucked neatly behind Jewel's soft nape, and hers were around his. That created another problem for him, as if he were to move, he would jog her sensitive flight appendages, thus awakening her. He was stuck, and had no idea how to get out of the pickle he was in, though he wished to try.
Blu was a nerd, and there is no doubt about that, and he wouldn't have earned this label without being a little nervous when it comes to just about everything, or without being rather gifted in the brain department. But alas, not even Blu's advanced intelligence could figure out a way to dispel his strife. He was completely, and utterly stuck.
There was only one thing for it... He had to wait until the beautiful bird, known to the world as Jewel, would awaken and deal out his punishment.
Unless... Unless Blu could come up with a rational explanation as to how he got into this position, and that it wasn't him that triggered it in the first place, if not directly. I.e, He rolled against her in his sleep, or vice versa.
His thoughts continued to rain on, until, in the end, he was left with a choice.
Wait for Jewel to wake up, or, Talk to Emile. Emile was innocent, and would cause Jewel's maternal instinct to take over, rather than her potent rage.
You can guess which one Blu went for.
"Hey... Buddy."
The little macaw was asleep, but hadn't had the chance to properly delve deep into his conscience, and so, waking him didn't take long.
"W-what? Who..?"
"It's just me, little buddy."
"Ah, hey there."
Blu decided to ask him if he knew about them getting into this position. Blu was fully awake, and now had the mind-capacity to point a feather of blame at Emile.
"Do you know how we came to be... like this?"
"Mhm."
Blu was puzzled, but his suspicions were indeed, confirmed.
"Why?"
"Because I want you two to be happy, and where better than cuddling with each other?" His question was innocent, and perfectly valid. Blu was at a loss to reply to him.
"That's really sweet of you, but I don't think that me and Jewel will get along."
Emile wasn't giving up yet. "I told her to be nice to you. Has she been mean again?"
"Ahh, No. But, I think that..."
The perfect way to get out of that situation dawned on his mind. He told Emile, "I don't think that Jewel would like it if I just hugged her without telling her first. So I'm a little worried that she might get upset..."
Emile still wouldn't let up. "She'll be happy when she wakes up. I can promise."
"Well, alright, but, I hold you responsible."
"She will like this."
And that last comment from Emile ended the conversation for a minute, when Blu asked,
"How exactly did you get me here?"
"It was so cute. I pushed you closer to Jewel and you both just started to snuggle up with each other."
"Really?" Blu was intrigued by this, as he had vivid memories of his dream, where Jewel came to him, though he had no idea it actually happened, so be it, a little differently.
"Yes. You just sort of became... one another."
"That's not a bad way of putting it."
Emile was curious as to why Blu was so quick to want to leave the embrace.
"Why do you want to go? You keep wriggling, and trying to escape."
"As I said, I'm not so sure she'll be keen..."
"Relax. I know she will. Why don't you hug her?"
"That's not going to happen."
"Why not?"
Yet again, Blu just couldn't believe how feisty, albeit in an innocent way, that Emile could be. He must really imagine Blu and Jewel as his parents...
"You... You make a fair point."
"What if she actually doesn't mind? What if she wakes up and enjoys my embrace?"
"Well?"
The position of Blu's wings around Jewel's nape (neck) had lowered, and so, he raised it back up, and tightened his hold, while closing the distance he had moved since struggling to get away. He enjoyed the feeling of her feathers. Their fibres tickling the receptors of touch he held in his flight appendages, and pleasuring his mind, by sending a feeling of pure warmth down his spine, and his eyes closed, reflexively.
"There you go." Said Emile, before (very quietly) exclaiming, "Look! She's smiling."
Blu looked down at Jewel's flawless face, and saw, that as Emile had said, a smile had appeared, spreading its way across her beak. Her whole facial position shifted into a much more relaxed, and tender position, as Blu cuddled her.
And then, without warning, the two lavender tinted eyelids of the spectacular avian queen, slowly slid open, revealing two luscious, electric blue irises, the pupils situated in the middle of each were dilated, to complete the loving look.
She spoke, her voice instantly penetrating his ears with its softness. "I'm not the cuddly type, to be truthful."
Blu inhaled to speak, but Jewel cut him off. "Don't be afraid. I've been awake since Emile got up. Although, truth be told, I don't have picture perfect memories of these past events."
"But, you're not mad?"
"I'm not, no."
"But... I have many questions."
Jewel simply looked at Emile, and Blu's questions were considered answered.
"I don't mind. Provided it keeps Emile, here, happy."
Emile himself, chirped "But why only to make me happy? You do love each other, don't you?"
Blu and Jewel exchanged awkward looks. "We're more like friends, at the moment, kiddo." Said Blu, and Jewel gave him a quick thankful glance for correctly answering the question.
"Oh... Well... Who will look after me, now? I... I uh..." Emile struggled to get his words out.
"You can talk to us, buddy." Said Jewel, comfortingly.
"I... I love you guys..."
For the second time, Blu and Jewel's hearts both, simultaneously melted into little puddles.
Both adults Aww-ed in sequence, and snuggled the young bird closer. He loved their embrace, as it sent a feeling of warmth through him, as if they were his actual parents. Something he got only a small taste of in his lifetime. The one thing exempt from his life was, without a doubt, love. The feeling he felt from getting Blu and Jewel to cuddle with one another. Especially so, if he was involved.
"We love you, too." Replied Blu, on both his, and Jewel's behalf.
After a heartwarming hug lasting around two minutes, Jewel finally suggested to Emile, "Say, buddy, why don't you take a look around the cage?"
Emile agreed, gleefully, having had his fair share of affection, leaving Blu and Jewel alone in the hollow...
Jewel first glanced at Blu, with no sense of anger in her eyes, and simply said "That was uncomfortable..."
"Worrying about what you would do to me is more uncomfortable..." Said Blu, flinching.
"What are you...? Oh... Right. You're afraid of me. I do forget." Chuckled Jewel. "Calm down. I'm not going to hurt you."
"P-Promise?" Stammered Blu.
"Promise." Finished Jewel, and so, Blu lowered his guard. "I'm sorry that I made you feel uncomfortable, but, I really woke up in this position..."
"I know. As I said, I was awake before you."
"And you don't mind?"
"I felt Emile put you there in the first place. I played along so as to not ruin his family feeling... poor kid... I hate the fact that I'll have to break the news to him..."
"What news?"
"That you and me don't belong together."
Blu gasped, as if a diamond had exploded, and one of the hard fragments impaled him, thoroughly embedding into his tattered heart.
A tear welled in his eye. "I'm sorry, Blu. I know you came all this way, and I'm not going to say I'm too good for you, but, we just won't get along..."
"W-Where's the harm in trying?"
"We've tried, Blu. We're better off as friends. Though, I expect the humans won't like that, and will take you away. I won't smile when that day comes, though..."
Blu sniffed. "You wouldn't? I thought you'd be sick of the sight of me..."
"Quite the contrary. I actually like you. You're sweet, and you obviously want what's best for me."
Blu's upset expression changed slightly, to a slight smile. "I... I do try..."
"I know, which is why... If it means so much to you... Impress me."
"Sorry?"
"If you can truly prove to me, that you love me, that you would die for me, comfort me in times of need, then I will consider it. Although, it won't be just any little thing."
"I understand."
"We're going to have to get to know each other, too. You can't just expect to walk in, and be my mate. You do still have to earn that privilege."
"I thought that... I thought you would be... It's what it seemed like on TV."
"TV?"
"Yeah. OH. You wouldn't know what that is... Ah... It's a thing humans use to watch these little... they're called 'shows'."
"Define."
"It's where some humans will go and look at birds, and capture the moment with these things called 'cameras'."
"I trust you to know this stuff... Back to the more serious matter?"
"Ah... Yes. Of course."
"Do you truly love me, or just think I look pretty?"
"Uhh..."
"Don't think I'm unaware of how you look at me."
Blu was too awkward to reply to this, and faced the floor. But to his surprise, Jewel continued.
"You don't look at me as if I'm beautiful, you look at me... differently... In a way you couldn't do if you tried to, but only did in the first place, because your heart said so."
"H-How's that?" Replied Blu, looking at her.
"There it is... Your whole face just softens... And there's this adorable little twinkle in your eye..."
"Really?" Asked Blu, as he simply looked at her.
"Yeah. Trust me. If you love me, then you prove it to me. Otherwise, we'll just stay friends."
Jewel positioned herself as if she were going to get out of the hollow to find Emile, "Oh... Blu..."
"Yeah?"
"I don't care how soon... Just show me... Show me how much you love me, if you really do... Because I find it hard to believe. What could you possibly see in me?"
"When I look at you, Jewel, I see someone who has had a rough past..."
Jewel was caught totally off guard. "Wh.. How did... How did you know?"
"Why else would you be so tough? You're afraid of replacing your loved ones. How many females your age would truly turn down the offer to mate, let's be honest..."
"You're... You're absolutely right..." Replied Jewel, facing the floor, as Blu did.
"Hey, ah, Jewel?" Inquired Blu.
Jewel put on a slight smile, looked at him, and said "Yeah?"
Her voice was fragile... But, already broken... Blu had awoken a deep, dark memory, and Jewel's softer insides reared their heads in all their sorrow filled glory.