The sun had risen over Rio. The sun was either welcomed by people getting sun or rejected as others wore sun screen and shaded themselves with hats and clothing. The wind had picked up early in the morning, but now, it was a light breeze. The start of the afternoon was soothing.

Flor waited for Blu on the Christ the Redeemer Statue. They usually met there and then headed out. It was more practical than meeting in the forest. Blu could get lost, and then she would be waiting forever. However, she felt like that now. She sat on the collar area of the statue, leaning against the head. It provided some shade from the bright sun.

"He's late again," she breathed. "Well, it is expected, with his girlfriend and all."

She shielded her eyes with her wing.

"It's sure bright. By now, I thought the humans would make sunglasses for birds. I mean, they have some for dogs and cats, I think. They should make some for birds. It would be real nice. Probably, after I finish teaching him, Blu can make me some. He's a smart bird."

She stopped talking to herself and focused on her thoughts. Strangely, they circled around Blu.

About that time…when it was raining. It was Blu and me, trapped in a den. Well, we weren't trapped, but we were stuck. His wing around me felt so comfortable. I felt loved. Like loved for me, and not just some toy.

Flor narrowed her eyes.

That jerk of a boyfriend. Joseph. What did I ever see in him? Especially when he… Ugh, it makes me mad. I thought I could trust him. I guess parting from him was the best thing, but I left something behind. Blu fills in that void. I…

She chuckled and shook her head slightly.

No, I can't. He has a potential mate. I don't want to ruin that. It seems golden. I just wish I could find a bird that is as loving and caring like Blu. Jewel is a lucky bird to have found a male that cares for her so deeply. I just wish-

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her name.

"Flor."

The Hyacinth Macaw opened her hazel eyes. Blu was coming in for a landing. She got to her feet and approached him. Blu faced her.

"Sorry I'm late."

"Well, I've grown use to it, but I know you'll always come."

Blu smiled.

"Thanks Flor."

"So, I was thinking I could tell you the dangers and show you the potential signs. It might-"

"Flor, if you excuse me, I would like to say something."

Flor stopped.

"Alright. What is it?"

"Well, the time spent together was very informative. I would like to reward you for it."

"No," said Flor in a pleasant tone, lifting her wing up slightly and then dropping it down. "You don't need to do that. It was fun."

"It's alright, Flor. We were thinking if you would be able to come to the club tonight."

"We?"

"Jewel will be there. She wishes to see you."

"I would love to. Better late than never, right?"

Blu looked down slightly. Flor dropped her smile.

"What's wrong, Blu?"

"Flor, I don't want you to give you the impression that Jewel didn't want to meet you."

"Of course. She was in the sanctuary."

Blu tapped his wingtips together nervously.

"Well, that's not it."

He dropped his wings and sighed.

"Flor, I didn't tell Jewel about you. See, it was my fault. I wanted to learn about how to survive in the jungle. Jewel offered to help, but then I thought it would be best to see help somewhere else…and sooner."

Flor shook her head.

"Trying to be the male of the den, eh?"

"Well, I just thought that she wouldn't have time with preparing the nest…and other things."

"So, she's carrying eggs?"

Blu blushed.

"No, no. Oh, cheese and sprinkles no."

"Cheese and sprinkles?"

"American joke."

"Oh. Um, different culture, I guess."

"Anyways, I wanted to invite you if you had time tonight."

"The club, you say?"

Memories flooded when she was with Joseph at the club. Most were clouded. She had one too many drinks that night. She did remember the kiss though. It wasn't the most pleasant one, but a kiss was still a kiss. After that night, she never went back. She found no reason to go, but tonight would be different. She smiled.

"Yes. Okay."

Blu grinned.

"Great. Can you meet us by the club at nine?"

"Sure…uh, how are you going to get out of the sanctuary, and how about Jewel's broken wing?"

"Don't worry. Tulio leaves a small window open to circulate air. Too small for a human, but an animal can slide through it. We will be there. Count on it."

Flor unsurely nodded.

"O-kay. Um, so you want to hold off on the lesson for tomorrow."

"Yeah. Um, I'm sorry for making you fly all the way up here and waiting for me."

"Don't be. An invitation is worth it. Oh, this will be fun. Plus, it'll be nice to make another friend."

"Alright. Then nine is alright?"

"Yeah. I'll see you two then."

"Bye."

The two birds flew off in separate directions to get ready. Unknown to them, a bird had been hearing them. Xavier had been flying up to the statue to take a break. He rested against the head on its other side when he heard two birds in middle of a discussion. He didn't have to see who they were, because he recognized one of the voices being Blu. He also heard a female voice and figured it was Blu's second mistress. He hadn't heard the part about Jewel forgiving Blu, but he heard the second time, missing the first time, a time and place where they would meet tonight.

"Ah, so they are meeting at the club?"

He grinned, but his thoughts soon focused on a word Blu said.

"We," he breathed.

Why would he say we will be there? Is he taking someone else?

Xavier gasped when he realized it.

Jewel must've forgiven him. Probably after what I told her, she confronted Blu. If only I had seen the future, I could've nailed Blu hard at the club.

He let out a sigh.

Oh, well. It was bound to happen…but I ain't giving up.

He closed his eyes to concentrate on his thoughts.

Let me think here. If Blu and Jewel are going to meet this bird, then…wait. Jewel probably was confused by Blu. He has a way of words sometimes. That brainiac. Oh, well. I can tell the actual truth and swoop in for the girl.

"Deep in thought, Xavier?"

Xavier opened his eyes and nearly jumped to death. Death did actually stare at him. The crested eagle smiled wickedly. She moved away from his face as he scrambled to his feet.

"So, how goes the blue bird hunting? Or am I going to have an early meal?"

"I-It's go-going f-f-fine," Xavier stuttered.

The crested eagle shook her head, grinning.

"By your stuttering, I fear that you are making things up."

"No, I'm not. Uh, I got information for you."

"It better be good. I prefer a change of diet from snakes and rodents. I crave bird."

Xavier gulped.

"Well, here's what I found out. Blu, the Spix's Macaw, will be at the bird club at nine. You know, where the food market is."

"Haven't been there before, but I'll follow you. I'm always watching you."

There was a moment of awkward silence as Xavier felt the eagle's brown eyes pierce into his soul.

"Um, yeah, I should get going to get ready. Uh, should I lead you or met you or-"

"As I said, I'm always watching you. I'll be there."

"Okay. Um, goodbye."

Xavier flapped his wings and took off. The crested eagle watched him go. She grinned.

I guess I'll be having desert with my main course.