Healing

Chapter Two: On Wings of Love

After Tulio had completed bracing Jewel's wing, he had her placed into the special habitat room, the same one she had been put in when she was first brought to the aviary. Though Jewel no longer thought of the room as a prison, like she once did, her natural free-spiritedness still caused her to chafe under the thought of being confined.

Meanwhile, Blu, who had also been placed into the room to provide Jewel with some company, was feeling more free then he had ever been before. He was putting his new-found power of flight to full use, soaring around the room's trees as fast as he could, and enjoying every minute of it. So much so, that he could no longer remember what it was about flying that used to frighten him so much. Now he loved it so much, a part of him wanted to never come back down again.

"Imma fly, fly just like a bird..." Blu sang joyfully.

"But you are a bird." Jewel chuckled, having watched his display of aerial agility from a tree branch.

Blu landed on the branch, right besides Jewel.

"How'd I do?" He asked excitedly. "I thought I was a little off-balance on that last turn, but..."

"You did great." Smiled Jewel. "You're a real natural."

"Of course I'm a natural." Chuckled Blu. "I am a bird, after all..."

He trailed off after realising that Jewel looked a little sad.

"You okay, Jewel?" Blu asked softly.

"Oh, I'm fine." Sighed Jewel. "I was just thinking... it's kind of ironic isn't it? You, being able to fly, and me, being stuck on the ground... Real reversal of fortunes, isn't it?"

"Oh, I'm sorry." Blu blurted out. "I didn't mean to, y'know, rub your beak in it, or anything!"

"It's okay." Smiled Jewel, putting a wingtip to his beak. "I'm happy for you, really. I just wish I could be up there with you."

"I can understand how you'd feel that way." Blu nodded. "You were right about flying: It really is freedom!"

"You were right, too." Sighed Jewel. "It does get pretty lonely up there. I just never realised it until I met you. Thanks, Blu."

"You're welcome." Blu said, before asking "For what?"

"For helping me realise that freedom means nothing if you don't have anyone to share it with." Smiled Jewel, nuzzling up to him.

"No problem." Chuckled Blu, nuzzling her back.

The two love birds stayed like that for what seemed like an eternity, until the sound of the room's door opening caught their attention. Fernando entered the room, carrying a tray full of fruits and nuts. The young orphan boy had been employed by Tulio as an assistant after the debacle with the poachers. Fernando enjoyed the satisfaction of an honest job, and he also enjoyed spending time with Linda and Tulio, who were often around.

"Hey guys." He called, as he set the tray down on the floor. "Lunchtime."

Blu flew down from the tree, while Jewel used the "steps" built into the side to climb down. Blu, gentlebird that he was, waited for Jewel come down before they went over to the food.

"How're you both doing?" Asked Fernando, as he stroked Blu's head with one finger, Blu chirping softly as he did. Fernando then made to stroke Jewel. Not too long ago, Jewel would have shirked away, or even attempted to bite off the finger of any human who tried to touch her, but things were different now, and she gladly let Fernando stroke her. Fernando then watched as the two blue macaws devoured the fruits and nuts in a matter of moments.

"Wow, you guys were hungry." Said Fernando, impressed. "Hope you've saved room for dinner."

Picking up the tray, he went out of the room. "Later guys." He called.

"You were right about humans." Smiled Jewel. "I can trust them."

"Most of them, at least." Admitted Blu.

"I just wish I didn't have to trust Tulio about my wing." Jewel sighed. "Six weeks 'til I can fly again? It's barely been six days, and I'm already going stir crazy! I'd give anything to be back in the air, right now!"

"Maybe I can help with that." Smiled Blu. Flapping his wings, he flew above Jewel, gently gripped her shoulders with his talons, and lifted her into the air.

"Blu, what are you... whoo!" Gasped Jewel, as Blu flew her around the room. She giggled with delight as they soared around the trees. "Yeah! Wa-hoo!"

After Blu had carried her the length and breadth of the entire room, he set Jewel down on the same tree branch she had been perched on before.

"How was that?" Blu asked, slightly out of breath. "I know it's not quite the same, but..."

"It was great." Smiled Jewel. "Best flight I've had in weeks! Thanks, Blu."

"For you, my darling, anything." Blu bowed gallantly before his love. "This love hawk is at your beck and call."

"Oh, really?" Jewel grinned slyly. "Well in that case, I beckon you to kiss me."

"Your wish is my command." Blu smiled back, as they once again kissed passionately.

"Maybe those six weeks won't be so bad." Said Jewel, as their beaks parted. "As long as I can spend them with you."

"You can count on that." Smiled Blu, as they came together for another kiss.

To Be Continued...

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