Blu half-opened his eyes. It was bright outside, evident by all the sunlight in the room, but the back rest of the couch formed a convenient shade from the sun. He looked at a clock near the TV; it was 8:23, not that it really mattered too much to him. He looked at Jewel, who was still on top of him, wrapped in his wings. Blu blushed and looked up at the ceiling. Did that really happen last night? he asked himself. She's on top of me, but still. He smiled at the memory of her confession to him. I guess Túlio will get what he wanted...—he dropped his smile—But... am I really ready for that? Do I want kids right now? The answer to both questions was 'no.' Now I'm actually worried about what Rafael told me.He looked back at Jewel. Wow, was all he could think of the image of this beautiful bird sleeping on him. He had a strange urge to stroke her head feathers. She was asleep; she wouldn't mind—not that she would even if she was awake. He satisfied the urge, but felt himself going much longer than expected. Jewel giggled unexpectedly. Had Blu been standing, he would've jumped normally, but since he was lying down, he performed some kind of horizontal jump.

"Having fun, Blu?" she asked teasingly.

Blu remained silent.

"Don't pretend you're asleep," she said, turning her head to him. Blu wanted to argue that he wasn't, but got lost in her beautiful eyes. He was completely unaware of his dreamy expression.

"Blu. Blu!" Jewel yelled. Blu snapped out of his trance. "You're looking at me weird."

Blu blushed from embarrassment. "Sorry."

Jewel smiled. "I forgive you," she said as she started to lower her face to his.

Suddenly, Linda's voice came from Blu's left—Jewel's right. "Don't tell me you two did it on the couch."

The two lovebirds quickly turned in the direction of her voice and saw Linda standing in the doorway of her room. Blu, with a red face, threw Jewel off of him. She landed on her back. She sat up and glared at Blu's apologetic expression.

Linda couldn't help but laugh at what she had just witnessed: Jewel laying on top of Blu, about to kiss him. Then suddenly, he just throws her off.

"So what do you want, Blu? Cereal?" Linda asked him. Blu squawked shyly. Linda left them to get it ready.

Blu looked back to Jewel. "S-Sorry about that," he said to the cushion of the couch.

Jewel sighed. "It's okay, Blu... So what's cereal?"

Blu looked up. "It's a common food that humans eat in the morning, in America at least. I'm not sure about other countries. Do you want to try some?"

"Sure. I'm afraid the mangoes are spoiling me. Could you carry me to that table?"

This request surprised Blu. "You don't want to fly? You know you're allowed to, right?"

"I know, Blu, but I want to wait until I'm actually free to do that."

Blu flew her to the table and set her down. Linda had put a bowl of cereal on the table while they were talking. It was a small bowl; as birds, they didn't have to eat nearly as much as humans.

Jewel ate maybe five pieces of Fruit Loops before she stopped to stare at Blu.

"Hey, Blu," she said, trying to get his attention.

"Mm-hmm?" was all he could say, as his mouth was full.

"I... I was wondering if... when we're out there... could we get some... privacy?" Boy, did she pick a bad time to ask that. The moment she said "privacy" also happened to be the moment Blu swallowed. Under normal circumstances, Blu would've tried to stutter out an excuse to not do so. However, the fact that he was choking on cereal prevented him from worrying about that.

He put his wings over his throat to signal that he was choking, not that it wasn't obvious.

"Oh no! Blu!" Jewel ran around to his back and wrapped her wings around his stomach. She proceeded to perform the Heimlich maneuver on him. Though she was strong, she wasn't very professional, as she kept lifting Blu off his feet.

Blu didn't know what was worse, the pain of not being able to breathe or that of Jewel forcefully pushing his stomach in over and over again.

Linda came out of her room to find out what all the violent coughing and squawking was about. When she saw Jewel squeezing Blu, she worriedly ran to the table. Right when she got there, a big chunk of a Fruit Loop shot out of his mouth. Jewel let go of him, causing him to fall to his stomach. Though they both gasped for air, Blu did harder.

Linda kneeled down to his level. "Blu, are you okay?" she asked caringly. Blu nodded, which was difficult to do since his chin was on the table. He coughed out a few crumbs and got up, dizzy from his shortness of breath. He fell backwards onto Jewel, who was laying on her back catching her breath. The moment he realized this, he quickly got up blushing. It flustered him to be in contact with her.

Jewel slowly got up and 'phew'ed when she saw that he was alright.

"Blu, are you alright?" Linda asked again. Blu nodded and helped Jewel to her feet. Linda also 'phew'ed and cleaned up the mess with a paper towel. She walked back to her room to get ready for the big day.

Jewel blushed as she asked, "So what do you say?"

"Huh?" He then remembered what she had asked him. Stuttering ensued. "Oh! Y-You w-w-want to..." Jewel nodded. "W-with me?" Jewel nodded again with a bigger blush. "I um... I-I don't kn-know what to say. Um..." Is this what Rafael was talking about? She was trying to get him to mate with her, but Rafael told him to turn her down. Now that he thought about it, why? He spent all that time two weeks ago trying to get them together, but then tells him not to mate with her—not that he had his mind set on that. He'd be able to ask later today, but for now... "I-I'll... I'll think about it."

Jewel couldn't tell that he had just lied. "Could you?"

Blu nodded nervously.

When they finished eating, which was very awkward for both of them, Linda came back out of her room fully dressed. Blu noticed a yellow bit of an undershirt under her shirt. That's weird. Why would you need an under shirt when it's so hot here?

"Okay Blu and Jewel, are you ready for your big day?" The two macaws on the table squawked enthusiastically. Blu thought for a bit to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. The only thing he really needed to do that he'd already done was inform all of his friends that he would be released on this day. He and Jewel did this last night during "Eclipse" when there were no parts to make fun of.

There was a soft knock on the door. "Túlio's here, let's go you two," Linda said as she picked them up and perched them on her shoulders. She went to the door and opened it. Sure enough, Túlio was on the other side.

"You ready to go?" he asked with a smile. To Blu, his shirt seemed rather thick.

"Yep," Linda answered while walking out of the door.

They all went down the stairs and out of the door to Túlio's Jeep.

In the car, Túlio said, "Fernando should already be there." He said he'd get there early.

Blu hadn't heard anything from or about Fernando in the past two weeks. Blu had been wondering how he was. He had forgiven him for kidnapping them. After all, if Fernando hadn't done so, they probably would have never had they're adventure and he would've never earned Jewel's love.

...

Only a few minutes later, they reached the edge of the forest. There was a new fence that seemed to run around the perimeter of the forest. Both Túlio and Linda took off their shirts to reveal identical yellow shirts underneath. Maybe they needed them as proof that they were allowed to be there in the forest. Neither Blu or Jewel bothered to read what was on the left of their chests. Before they stepped out, Túlio said, "We're not quite there yet, Jewel, so you'll have to wait a few more minutes." Jewel squawked disappointedly. Her heart beat with anticipation and excitement, and the wait was becoming unbearable.

...

Linda and Túlio walked for about three minutes into the forest before they came across a tall wooden tower. Judging by the size, its construction probably started a week ago. Linda called out, "Hey, Fernando! Are you up there?"

Fernando's head peeked over the edge of the balcony. "Hey, Linda and Túlio! Blu, Jewel! Come up here!" He had to yell to be heard from his altitude.

Túlio and Linda brought them in through a door on the side. Inside, the first thing Blu and Jewel noticed was an engraving that said "Blu Bird Sanctuary." Under the name was an engraving of a macaw's head. It greatly resembled Blu. He turned his head as he was carried upstairs to confirm this. Blu looked at Jewel, who was already looking at him. "That's uh... kind of embarrassing," he said. Why did they have to go and do that without his consent?

"No, it's um..." Jewel tried to provide an alternative adjective, but failed to think of one. He was right. She coughed.

Blu chuckled. "There's probably one outside, too. Nico and Pedro better not see that."

"Yep, I bet you'd never hear the end of the teasing."

"Probably not."

The walked outside. Now they were on the the balcony. Fernando was leaning with his forearms on the rail. He wore the same shirt as Linda and Túlio. Linda put Blu down on the rail and Fernando stroked his head once.

Túlio walked over to the edge and cupped his hands to stabilize Jewel. Soclose.

"Whenever you're ready, Jewel," Túlio told her.

She looked up at him and squawked lightly. "Thank you." She looked back at Blu and smiled. Again, she looked at Túlio and nodded. With that signal, Túlio opened his hands for her.

Jewel took a step forward, spread her wings, and took to the skies. It felt amazing to be up in the air again without assistance. Her wing felt a bit stiff from disuse of course, but she ignored it. She couldn't wait to be flying with Blu in just a few seconds. She stopped in the air and looked down at them.

Blu and Linda performed their handshake one last time, or perhaps it wouldn't be the last. He didn't really know.

Linda stroked his head down to the bottom of his neck. "Don't be afraid to come visit every once in a while, okay?" Linda told him. Blu nodded.

Blu looked out into the sea of green. It was rather intimidating, but he had confidence in Scarla's advice. He looked up at Jewel, who was actually kind of hard to spot amidst the blue of the sky. He spread his wings and flew up to be with her. He heard a faint "That's my big brave boy." behind him.

Blu stopped when he reached Jewel. They looked each other in the eye for a second before flying off toward the middle of the forest.

Linda looked up at them sadly as she set her best friend free. Both Túlio and and Fernando walked to Linda's side, Túlio behind Fernando. Túlio put an arm around Linda and Fernando and rested a hand on either of their shoulders. Linda rested her head on Túlio's shoulder and put a hand over Fernando's. She and Túlio had been dating for the past week. Blu and Jewel knew this, of course. What they didn't know was that after careful consideration, they'd decided to adopt Fernando as they're son (despite not being married). If one was to be perfectly honest, they were... an unusual family.

Blu and Jewel dove into the canopy of the forest. They'd decided to find a place to call home before they do anything else. They both knew that the best home would be somewhere high and spacious.

"Okay, so I think we should split up, so we can find one faster," Blu suggested.

"That sounds good," Jewel agreed.

"Okay, when you find a place that looks good, just mark the place with a rock or something and come find me. I'll do the same," he instructed.

They split up to scan the jungle separately after wishing each other safety.

...

They conveniently met back at the same spot about half an hour later informing each other that they had each found a great place to stay. Jewel decided to see Blu's choice first.

He led her to it. Put simply, Jewel was stunned. It blew her place out of the water. It was huge, much bigger than her old home.

"So what do you think, Jewel? Should we go to your place?" he asked her, hoping she'd say yes to his choice.

To his delight, she answered, "No. This... Wow... This place is great! Good job, Blu!" Blu blushed at her praise.

"Good, I'm glad you like it. What should we do now?"

Jewel thought about it. She did have one thing in mind. She could just pounce him right now and get it done, but it was probably only around two o' clock. It was much to early. It would be much more romantic at night. She decided. "How about we go see Scarla? I wanna thank her for helping you face your fear of the jungle."

In his own mind, Blu sighed in relief that she didn't suggest the other thing. "Okay. She told me that she wants to meet you too."

Blu led her out of their new home to introduce her to Scarla.

...

When they reached Scarla's tree at the edge of the forest, Blu saw that Scarla was talking to another scarlet macaw, who appeared to be male. Good for you, Scarla, he thought. They landed on the branch in front of her hollow.

The male scarlet macaw noticed and was the first to speak. "Hello, there. Who are you?" he asked in a friendly manner, despite the sentence sounding rude on paper. He seemed like a nice guy.

Blu answered for himself and Jewel. "Hello, I'm Blu. This is Jewel."

"Blu? Are you that bird who saved my friends from the plane? They told me how you used a fire ex...tin...gui...sher"—he said it slow, not wishing to mispronounce the word—"to break out of your cage?"

Blu didn't know who his friends were, but answered anyway. "Yeah, I guess so. What's your name?"

"I'm Antonio. It's an honor to meet you. I can't thank you enough." He excitedly shook Blu's wing.

Blu was embarrassed by such praise. "No problem. I'm afraid you give me too much praise, though," he said modestly.

The two went on to talk about how Blu met Jewel and how Scarla met Antonio. Naturally, Blu's story was much more interesting. Antonio listened carefully as Blu explained every detail of his adventure with Jewel.

As the males began their conversation, Scarla began hers with Jewel. "So, you're Jewel, huh? Wow, Blu was right. You are pretty," she complimented.

With the knowledge that Blu had complimented her, Jewel blushed. "Did Blu really say that?"

"Yep." She dropped to a whisper. "He said that you're the most beautiful bird he's ever seen."

Jewel looked at Blu. That's it, Blu. It's happening tonight. I don't care what you say. She looked back at Scarla. "Thanks for telling me that. Also, thanks for teaching Blu how to survive out here. I couldn't stand seeing him so scared. Was he acting difficult when you met him?"

"Well... sorta. Have you told him you love him yet?"

How did she know this if this was they're first time speaking? "Yeah, I have."

"Good. I'm glad to hear that. That oughta put an end to his doubt."

"What do you mean?" Jewel asked. She had no idea.

"When I first spoke with him, he was completely in doubt that you wanted to be with him."

Jewel looked at Blu sadly for a moment and turned back to Scarla. "Well that shouldn't be a problem now." She rubbed the back of her own head. "To be honest, I slept on top of him last night after I told him."

Scarla blushed and chuckled at what she imagined.

The two pairs continued to talk and eventually swapped partners when they had exhausted things to say to each other. When, they exhausted things to say, the pairs merged. Nearly three hours passed by the time they'd all finished talking to each other; now, it was about five o' clock. They decided it was time to take their leave. They still had to see Rafael and Eva.

"I guess we'll see you two around then?" Blu said.

"Actually, Blu. Antonio and I have plans to go to the Branch tonight." Antonio looked nervous about this. He obviously hadn't gone out with Scarla yet. "You two should come with us. It'll be a double date." Blu noticed Antonio stiffen at the word 'date.' He reminded Blu a lot of himself.

Jewel replied for Blu, who reacted the same way Antonio did. "Yeah, sure. That sounds fun. Should we meet here?"

"Of course. Come here when the bell rings. That'll be a good time." The bell rang at eight every night.

"Okay, see ya then."

They flew out of Scarla's hollow to head to Rafael's. Oh, how Blu really didn't want to go there.

...

They knew they had arrived when they each spotted the giant rock. They flew up to the hollow and saw what was apparently the last of Rafael's chicks—not counting Maria, who was sleeping in a nest—getting scolded by his mother. He seemed genuinely afraid of her. Rafael was right.

"And you, Carlos. I've told you all a thousand times not to bother others who fly by. You all need to stop doing that!" Eva turned Carlos around and smacked him on the behind, which made him jump a few inches away while holding his behind. This must have been the signal for him to leave, because he started walking toward the exit/entrance of the hollow. Still looking straight the toucan chick shot Blu and Jewel a mischievous look before flying out.

Eva looked at the blu duo. "I tell ya, they can be such a headache. It's hard to punish seventeen kids on a daily basis. What are you two doing still flapping there? Come in."

Blu walked into the hollow first, followed by Jewel.

Jewel asked, "Is that him? You're newest chick?"

"Yes, it is. Rafael insisted it was a boy, but I won our bet, saying it was a girl."

"What did you two—" Blu began to ask, but was cut off by Eva.

"Anyways, how have you two been, Blu and Jewel?" Both Blu and Jewel assumed that Rafael had told her their names when they weren't around. Blu was still curious about the wagers of the bet, but he shrugged it off.

Jewel answered for them. "It's been great. I can't believe that I'm finally back out here after two weeks. Blu here helped me through it. I don't know what I would've done without him." To this, Blu blushed.

They all heard Rafael's screaming come from outside. The trio flew out of the hollow, and Blu and Jewel watched as Eva scared their kids away from their father.

"I'm not even going to bother punishing them," Eva mumbled when her job was done. She helped Rafael to his feet and quickly kissed him on the beak. Both Blu and Jewel were still baffled by how this was feasible when toucans had such long beaks.

They broke from the kiss and Rafael turned to Jewel. "Hey, Jewel! It's good to see you again. Nico and Pedro have been dying for you two to go down to the club."

"Well, we plan on going there with Scarla and her boyfriend later tonight," Jewel informed.

"Ah, goin' out with friends. I remember those days," he sighed. Eva nudged him in the stomach. "B-But of course, now that I have a family to take care of, I can't. Maybe when they chicks are grown up, we can all get together and go." Rafael looked at his mate for approval. She nodded with a smile. He sighed in relief.

Blu remembered what he actually came here for. "Rafael, I need to ask you something. It's kind of private though," he requested.

"Uh, sure, Blu. What about?"

"Just follow me overrr..." Blu looked around. "There." He pointed at one of the many trees next to a bush.

Rafael followed him, interested in what he had to talk to him about. Jewel stared at Blu as he walked away. Eva took note of the way she was looking at him. When she was sure that Blu and Rafael were out of earshot, she asked Jewel, "You want to mate with him, don't you?"

Jewel came out of her dazed state and looked at Eva like a preteen whose parents suddenly came up to her to talk about puberty. It was a very awkward moment. Jewel blushed hard whilst Eva stared at her with a look that said, 'I can read you like a book.' (Even though Eva couldn't read.)

Slowly, Jewel answered. "Y... Yeah... Kind of."

"Have you tried dropping hints?" Eva asked.

"I have, but I don't have to. I asked him if we could later."

"What did he say?"

"He said he'd think about it."

"Even if he says no, it'll be hard for him to resist when you're in heat. Know what I mean?"

"Yeah, I know. Some friends told me about that." Jewel didn't bother mentioning that it was online, as she didn't feel like explaining. She continued. "But I wouldn't want to do it under those conditions." Technically, that statement was incorrect.

"I was hoping that I could have some fun helping you chase him, but I'll respect that. Should I try to stop you?"

"Could you if that's the case?"

"Of course, Jewel."

Meanwhile, Blu and Rafael were having a similar conversation about 20 yards away. Blu himself thought that this was a bit much, but better safe than sorry, right?

"This seems like a safe distance," Blu judged. Rafael thought this was an understatement. "Okay, so um... Jewel asked me if we could mate later."

"That's great, Blu."

"Actually, I'm not sure if it is. You told me that if she tries to mate with me, I should turn her down. Now, you're saying it's great. I'm a bit confused."

"Blu, you misunderstood me. You only have to turn her down if she tries to force you to mate with her."

"Are there any early signs or anything like that that'll help me know?"

"Trust me, Blu. You'll know the difference. I went through the same thing."

"Was it hard?"

"No, not really." That was a total lie.

"Hmm, well I don't think she's trying to force me, but I'm just not sure what to do."

Rafael sighed. "Blu, if you're not ready, you're not ready. Don't be afraid to say 'no.' She'll understand."

Blu smiled. "Thanks for the advice, Rafael."

"Anytime, Blu."

They walked back over to Eva and Jewel.

"Do you wanna go now, Jewel? I think I could use a nap before we go to the club." Blu yawned at the end.

Jewel smiled. She could tell he wasn't trying to leave so they could mate. He was genuinely tired. Come to think of it, she was too. "Sure, Blu. I think I could use one too." "We'll see you two around," Blu said before taking off.

"See ya," Jewel said before following him back home. Nineteen different 'Bye's followed behind them.

Blu and Jewel woke up from their after-dinner nap almost two hours later; it was a very fulfilling nap. They both stretched and left for Scarla's tree to get there before the bell rang.

When they arrived, they saw Scarla and Antonio already standing on the branch of Scarla's tree.

"Hey, guys. Ready to go?" Blu asked them.

They both answered, "Yes," and the four birds began their flight to the club for the double date.

A few minutes into the flight, Blu and Jewel noticed that they were flying away from where the Branch was located. Blu asked about it first. "Hey, Scarla, are you sure this is where the club is?"

"Yeah!"

"What, did they move it?"

"I guess so." Scarla had just found out about it yesterday, so she had no knowledge of it being moved.

Since they could fly, they arrived in only five minutes. Sure enough, the club was relocated to a different alley. It appeared to be made of the same towels and cloths as the old, just arranged differently. How they set it all up, they'd never guess.

As they all walked in, Blu and Jewel were immediately greeted by Nico and Pedro, whom they hadn't seen in nearly two weeks since that time in Linda's room.

"Blu! Jewel! It's great to see you again," Nico said.

"Yeah, birds. Everybody's been dying to see you two dance again." Pedro added.

"Hey, guys. It's good to be back," Blu replied.

"Hi, Nico and Pedro," Jewel started. "We'd like you to meet Scarla and Antonio. They're making this a double date."

"Huh, we could try having you two dance and see how that goes!" Nico exclaimed.

Pedro started turning in different directions in the air and called a few names. "Yo, Kipo! Bobby! Ricky! Andre! He flashed wing gestures to each one. Each bird grabbed a friend or two and brought them to a makeshift instrument. Nico and Pedro flew up to the main stage, which was made up of fruit crates. Nico remained in the air while Pedro landed on the center crate.

"Alright everyone, listen up." The music currently playing stopped. "Ya'll remember Blu and Jewel, right?" Everybody started chattering about them. "Yeah, those two amazing dancers who saved us from that plane. I saw some of you on there, too. Well, they're back." He waved a wing to signal for them to come forward. Blu and Jewel obeyed. "They haven't been here cause Jewel's wing has been messed up for the past two weeks, but now it's healed. They also happen to have some friends with them tonight. Those two scarlet macaws right there." A second spotlight shone on Scarla and Antonio, they both took a nervous step back. "This song is dedicated to Blu and Jewel. Scarla and Antonio, feel free to join in." As he finished, Nico nodded at Pedro and Kipo.

Drums started up in a very familiar beat. Blu and Jewel looked at each other excitedly. Simultaneously, Pedro made lap around the middle of the clubbegan to talk over the music. "Alright everybody, ya'll know how it's done. Put you're wings together and clap 'em as loud as you can! Flap 'em! Clap 'em! I don't care, slap 'em! He cried his lovehawk squawk and the song began:

Party in the Ipanema, baby

The line was followed by a series of rhythmic claps from cans, which acted as metal drums.

I wanna party, I wanna samba

Nico slid down a straw and used his wing and momentum to make a round around the rim of a bottle.

I wanna party, I wanna samba

Pedro hopped over his cans as Nico jumped down from the bottle.

I wanna party and live my life (my life)

Nico and Pedro danced next to each other. Nico incorporated his bottle cap into his dance.

I wanna party (party) and flyyyyyyyyyy HIGH!

Nico and Pedro got back to back and looked at each other. On the word 'fly,' they broke up and flew in opposite directions. On 'high,' Nico landed and started to tap his cap like a tambourine to the next line:

Imma fly, fly just like a bird (But you are a bird)

Oh yeah, you're right, so let me fly just like a rocket then (Okay!)

Nico stopped drumming his cap and carefully spun his way onto a spoon. On 'okay,' Pedro jumped onto the bill of the spoon and launched Nico into the air.

Fly so high, where I need to come down for oxygen (Hey!)

It took the entire line for Nico to fall back to where he was. The fact that he could do all this without losing his cap was an accomplishment in itself. The audience joined in on this 'Hey!' and every 'Hey!' after.

Cause once we're started baby, aint no, ain't no stoppin' then (Hey!)

Blu started to tap his foot in rhythm with the song.

Cause I just wanna live my life and party (Hey!)

Nico slid down a plank of wood and met Pedro at the bottom. Blu's part was coming up soon.

All I want is to be free and rock my body (Okay!)

Blu started to shake his tail back and forth.

I've been around the world, and I wanna live my life

In Rio, cause in Rio, cause in Rio, I realize

Blu let the music take over for him from here.

I wanna party (party), I wanna samba (party)

I wanna party (party) and flyyyyyy!

Jewel smiled in amazement as Blu replicated his moves from the first time they danced. Knowing that he would continue that pattern, she felt relieved. At least she wouldn't have to think of anything new and original. Pedro smacked a drum at the end and began his solo.

I'm that samba samba masta masta masta masta masta

Push out sound from my ghetto blasta blasta blasta blasta blasta

Blu watched Jewel in relief that she had also decided to replicate her parts. She started off slow by doing a single turn around while allowing her wings to brush the floor.

You dance fast, but I dance fasta fasta fasta fasta fasta

You to slow. You need to catch up.

You can dance and dance, but...

At the end of this line, something small tackled his back, causing him to run into Jewel. He noticed that Scarla and Antonio were next to them

I wanna party (party), I wanna samba (party)

He backed an inch away, hoping he didn't mess her up. He looked behind himself and saw Nico fly away.

I wanna party (party), I wanna samba (party)

He turned back to Jewel, who was smiling and had already begun the next part. It only took him a second to catch up.

I wanna party (party) and live my life (my life)

Blu and Jewel circled around each other with each step in perfect harmony with the other's. Scarla and Antonio had started to mirror they're moves step by step. You how in some movies, like 'Happy Feet,' a large group can somehow be in tune with each other without any prior practice or rehearsal? That's what this was like, but on a much smaller scale.

I wanna party (party) and flyyyyyy!

On the second 'party' Jewel spun. On 'fly,' Blu and Jewel crossed each other. Because of the direction Jewel was facing, he grabbed her wing and turned he back

The chanting of 'oh oh oh oh oh..." was drowned out by the chorus of 'Hey hey hey hey hey' from everybody else. Blu and Jewel continued to dance by spinning half way and then pulling out and pulling back in on each other's wings

Pedro squawked. The next 'Hey's were actually a part of the song.

Hey hey hey hey hey hey

Pedro squawked one last time as Blu and Jewel completed a triple spin in each other's wings. With that, Scarla and Antonio instinctively flew up and joined the Ruby macaws circling above them. Blu threw Jewel into the air to allow her to perform her vocalization.

Laya laya laya laya

Blu stared at Jewel with just as much attentiveness as the first time. The purple lights and extra color of the ruby macaws, Antonio, and Scarla complimented her beauty.

Laya laya laya laya laya laya laya laya

Her beautiful voice echoed throughout the club some more before she slowly came down and faded out of the song. She looked deep into Blu's eyes. In his dazed expression, all Blu could do was blink.

The crown continued to chant 'Hey hey hey...' as Blu and Jewel moved their faces closer to each others. At the very end of the song, they locked beaks and everybody cheered. This time, the song ended just the way it should have the first time. Though neither of them used their tongue, the kiss was very passionate. They both wanted it to last forever, but if they wanted to go on living and not suffocate, they'd have to separate eventually. Reluctantly, they did. They blushed at each other's dreamy expression and the fact that everyone had just seen that.

"And that, people, is how it's done," both Nico and Pedro announced.

Blu and Jewel stayed for almost another hour; Scarla and Antonio would stay longer. It flew by really fast with all the fun they were having together. They danced more modestly to give others a chance at the spotlight. At the end of the hour, Blu and Jewel began their flight home

...

They landed inside their hollow and threw the marking rock out. They stretched a bit, tired from dancing and flying back. They both looked out at the moon, which could be seen through cracks in the canopy of the trees. It illuminated the forest pretty well, despite all the leaves blocking it.

Jewel thought about the day. It was incredible. They were released, got to see their friends, and best of all, she got to go out with Blu. It surprised her that freedom wasn't at the top of that list.

Blu turned to walk to the middle of the hollow. She looked at him. Even though it had probably been the best day of her life, there was still one loose end. "Wait, Blu. You haven't answered me yet," she said.

"Huh? What do you mean, Jewel?" He'd completely forgotten to think about what she asked him that morning, but he didn't know that.

Jewel walked over to him. "You know what I mean," she whispered seductively. She locked his beak with hers, but kept on walking, causing Blu to fall backwards, landing on his back.

Blu closed his eyes. This was pure ecstasy for him. It didn't get much better than this.

Jewel took her beak off of his and asked him, "So what's you're answer, Blu?"

Then Blu remembered. She had asked him that morning if they could mate that night. He could tell that this wasn't just because Jewel was in heat. It was her and her alone who wanted it. But even so... He had his answer. He looked at her sadly.

"What... What's wrong, Blu?"

Blu sighed sadly. "Look... Jewel... I... I'm sorry, but I... I... can't do it... not tonight..." He had a hard time getting this out. His throat was choking itself.

Jewel stepped off of him. "But-But I thought you said you would—"

"I know, Jewel. I did. But I... I'm just not ready, okay? Please try to understand."

Jewel took a few steps away from him to the side of the hollow, away from the entrance. She stared at the floor. "Okay. I see," was all she said before she lied down.

Blu stared at her sadly. Though his heart hurt, he knew he had made the right choice. He walked to the opposite end of the hollow and lied down.

He asked many questions. Had he hurt her? Was he being selfish? Had he done the right thing?

He fell asleep, hoping that he hadn't ruined their relationship.

Phew, that was a long one. It's 6000+ words (It was 23 pages long), not counting the author's note.

to therobotchicken fan: It's okay.

to BluJet The MacawHawk: Thanks. you have a point. I mention that in the chapter.

to Zero2o1o: You are VERY welcome.

to Ghostofinu: Glad to here it. Hope you don't mind me asking, but you're not one of those people who only plays FPS, are you?

to vampiresinrio: Man, that sucks. Thanks for reviewing.

to C.A.M.z: I don't even know what I was thinking :P. Now that you mention it, if you're not gonna ask a question realted to the story, could you ask through a PM? Thank you. I wouldn't call my ideas "godlike" since they are very similar to other authors'.

to SmartA55esUnite: 't wait to read more of your story. . Every other scarlet macaw is named scarlet, so I made mine female and gave her a feminine name. That makes it different. 3. I haven't actually seen that, sadly. Yes, I do find it overwhelming. I was expecting 25 reviews at this point.