Falcon really should have seen it coming.
Firstly, it was being employed as Mark's personal bodyguard. Which just meant being with his boyfriend 24/7, their relationship as much of a secret as Gizmoduck's true identity. Despite his illustrious status and slew of enemies, Mark Beaks rarely ever had to truly fear for his life. So the couple-slash-boss and employee got to spend the majority of their working hours simply enjoying each other's company. Merely being in proximity to Falcon helped Mark endure the boring meetings and made the stress over coming up with the next big Waddle tech easier for him to bear.
There were other perks to working for Mr. Beaks. An impulsive manchild he may be, but the parrot knew how to use his expansive wealth to treat his lover right. Extravagant dates at the most upscale restaurants were a bi-weekly occasion. As for the "Peckflix and Chill" kind of evenings, ordering in whatever they were in the mood for, not caring about the meager dent put into near limitless funds. And ever since a Waddle bistro was installed, every morning the two got to enjoy pastries and scones, accompanied by beverages that were more sugary cream than coffee.
Mark was unaffected by these hedonistic indulgences, seeming to possess the metabolism and energy more akin to that of a hummingbird than a grey parrot. Yet for Falcon, things were literally adding up.
Seeing the number on the scale that morning, the raptor could no longer deny it. Or say that it's just muscle, for even his visits to the gym had taken a backseat. Sure, he was still impressively burly, with an intimidating presence. The tailored suit did a good job of keeping his appearance elegant yet powerful. If one were to take a passing glance at Falcon, they'd see a man who would not hesitate to shatter the spine of anyone causing trouble for his charge. To most, he is simply Scary and Big. They may not notice that Mark's constant companion had also widened over the months.
But Falcon sure did.
He sighed and looked at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. Or rather, mirrors. Mark Beaks's master bathroom contained a sort of mirror nook with built-in defogging technology in the glass. Like his own personal dressing room. Not as frivolous of a setup as one would think, for it came in handy when it came to grooming one's feathers. But the little alcove bombarded Falcon with an image of his body at every angle. How his pectorals, while still robust, were covered by a soft layer of padding which sagged slightly. His torso no longer tapered, instead appearing more rectangular in shape, with noticeable roundness where his middle puffed out from the elastic of his boxers.
Focused on the center mirror, which offered an image of his front, Falcon couldn't ignore the side views. His tummy curved outwards, almost in line with his broad chest. And if things kept up, would only protrude further. Thighs, hips, posterior, all noticeably plumper. Even his face held a softness that wasn't there before.
The raptor found every physical change simply unacceptable. Besides his own vanity, how could he do his job as Mark's protector having let himself go in this state? He was still muscular, yes, but could he still take down a physical threat if needed? What if Mark were suddenly kidnapped? Or, more accurately, attempted to pull a ludicrous stunt for attention that threatened his own life? It was like trying to supervise a hyperactive kid at times. Falcon had become endeared to Mark's behavior over time. He liked the spontaneity of being with him, in both their work lives and home lives. But if Falcon couldn't even perform his duties, as both Mark's protector and lover...
Despite his dour thoughts, Falcon couldn't help but smile when he entered into their bedroom. Mark looked so miniscule nestled in the mess of blankets in the center of the king sized bed, slumbering peacefully even with the late morning sun shining directly on his face. The little bundle of chaos currently the very image of tranquility. As Falcon got closer, he could hear the gentle whistle of Mark's snores.
Today was a day off from being at the Waddle offices- sleeping in being yet another bad habit that Falcon picked up. If Mark had things his way (even more so than usual), he'd sleep until well into the afternoon.
Falcon's soft smile faded as he reached Mark's bedside. Does he even still find me attractive? There was no change that Falcon could recall to their amorous activities. And Mark had never made a single peep about his partner's weight gain... and coming from Mark, that was truly astonishing. But the parrot was famously conceited, so he may have never noticed. Or perhaps was mindful enough to never voice his opinion. Again, not a believable theory.
Being square in the middle of the massive bed, Falcon had to climb onto the mattress to meet his smaller partner's side. It always dipped under his weight, but the extent of it displeased him today. Mark grinned and, without opening his eyes, rolled down the mattress's incline right into Falcon, eliciting a drowsy "weeeee". His head landed squarely in Falcon's lap.
"Oh sweet, a hot guy to cuddle me," Mark said. He squinted against the sun.
"More like a 'hot guy' here to get you up. It's almost noon, Mark."
"Keyword, almost . And who cares, it's the weekend, we can stay in bed aaaaall day long." Mark emphasized his point by stretching out fully, talons splayed. Falcon found Mark so adorable, he almost wanted to comply with the CEO's wants.
But looking down at his lover, Falcon also had to see how his extra pounds seemed to gather in this semi-seated position. How his belly spread onto his thighs. He looked and felt positively bulbous. As he stroked Mark's messy hair, a question burned on his lips.
"Mark, have you noticed that I've gained weight?"
For the first time that morning, Mark opened his eyes fully. Large, yellow peepers observed his partner's body, like he was seeing it for the first time ever. Falcon regretted his query, an unfamiliar sensation of self-consciousness rippling through his skin.
Mark sat up just enough to wrap his arms around Falcon's waist. He buried his face in the raptor's belly. "More cushion for the pushin'," he murmured, voice muffled in Falcon's thick feathers.
"Yes, well. I'm glad that you are happy with my size." Going against his mission to get Mark out of bed, Falcon slowly reclined and made himself comfortable. He couldn't say no to the cuddly little parrot wearing only a shirt, his bright red tail stark against his fluffy grey bottom.
Dear lord, he really does have me wrapped around his finger.
"I sense a 'but'," Mark said, appropriately grabbing Falcon's generous behind.
Falcon sighed. "I'm somewhat... concerned over how I can perform my job protecting you."
"Well, being bigger just means you have more weight to beat the shit out of people," Mark reasoned. "Mass, inertia... it's basic physics, really."
"I suppose you're not wrong."
Falcon now lay on his back, with Mark draped on top of him. He had his chin nestled in the tuft of thick plumage on Falcon's chest. Mark wore a small smile.
"I dunno, Falc, you still keep up with me. I think it's cool that you're hot, strong, and built like a toasted marshmallow hiding a muscle-mech inside. You're almost as perfect as I am."
Falcon's feathers fluffed up at the baffling compliment. "Still, I would like to make some changes-"
"You will NOT diet," Mark snapped with sudden intensity. "My mom dieted a lot when I was a kid, and she always got super bitchy."
Falcon stroked Mark's cheek. He trilled softly. "I'm not suggesting a major change," Falcon reassured him. "Just little things. Like tea in the morning instead of those sugary concoctions. Ordering in a little less often. Going to the gym again."
"Ugh, this sounds soooo boring."
"Well, Marcus, not every waking second of our lives needs to be pleasurably decadent. In a way, it makes the rewards that much greater."
Mark still didn't seem convinced, eyes downcast. "You're still going to be a chungy boy, right?" he asked with the tragic sincerity of an orphan asking for seconds.
Falcon laughed. "Yes, I'll still be 'chungy'. I'd mostly rather not get any bigger. Are those terms reasonable, Mr. Beaks?"
Mark kicked his feet gleefully at the work-speak. He grinned widely. "Yeah sure, that works. Welp, g'night." In record time, Mark snuggled into his his living mattress and dozed off once again. His even breathing and the bit of saliva dampening Falcon's chest feathers indicated that Mark wasn't faking it. Especially with how gross Mark found his own drooling habit.
Falcon stroked his smaller lover from his head, down his spine, and to the base of his tail, which fanned out by reflex. While Falcon would still prefer to lose a bit of weight, without a major lifestyle overhaul, the pudge was here to stay. Changes would come later. For now, he'd enjoy a lazy Saturday morning/afternoon with the man who accepted and loved him for how he is.