“Come to think of it… Ory was trying to tell me something. Or… maybe he was egging us on to meet each other… Hmmmmmm, so he knew?” Jay grumbled, pulling the sheets up to his neck. He turned to look at Feather who lay beside him nonchalantly.

“Hey… nothing about… your brother preemptively knowing that you are going to sleep with his best friend irk you? No?” Jay hissed, propping himself up with his elbow to shoot her an annoyed stare.

Feather shrugged, pulling the blanket away from him and over her face, “Chill, it’s just Ory. No matter what we do, hell probably have some dumb premonition.” She paused to yawn loudly and stretch out her arms,” We share thoughts anyway, so it doesn’t even matter. Just go back to sleep. Please,” With that, she flicked her tail at him and tucked herself back under the sheets.

*Dear Lord* Jay thought to himself trying to make sense of what had just happened himself. *How can she be so careless? * He paused looking about the room. Everything was in place. At least he wasn’t dumb enough to leave his room while he was drunk out of his mind.

“One of Feather’s drinks was all it took again, huh, “He muttered, reaching out for the small glass that sat by his bedside, “I am stupid…”. Jay sat up to give his room a better look. *Maybe see what havoc we wrecked* he thought bemusedly. Carefully, Jay picked his way out of his sheets, careful not to pluck it away from the beast tucked in comfortably beside him. Everything had seemed fine at first glance, but not all was peace and sunshine when his eyes cleared.

Firstly, Jay’s eyes moved towards the few, though deep talon marks on parts of his bed. *Not coming off anytime soon* He glanced at his feet to see that his leather feet wraps were still on. *So, it’s her… should have thought this through…* Jay glanced at Feather’s talons that were dangling precariously close to his sheets off the bedside.

*Absolutely NOT! * He quickly tore the feet wraps off his legs and fumbled them onto hers. *No more holes. Absolutely not letting that happen again*. Somehow, he managed to throw them onto her without her noticing. Indeed, that was a miracle.

*One down… what else* He looked over at his work desk and his little, mostly empty, shelf. Even in the dim moonlight and the small flickering candle near his bed, everything seemed in check. Nothing had been thrown out of order. All his furniture was fine and even the small pen he had left on his bedside was somehow still in the same orientation as he had left it the night before. There were a few articles of clothing left about on the floor, but no real mess or damage.

*Good to know some things stay the same while I’m drunk. * Jay sighed, ambling forward to pick up his and feathers clothes from the floor. He piled them up on his bedside table and sat on the edge of his bed and began meticulously folding and stacking them. *What a day. * He thought as he reached out for his shorts and pulled them on hastily. *I guess I should catch some shut eye. Should clear my head. * He rubbed the back of his head instinctively and tried to crawl back into bed as gently as he could.

As Jay was about to lay his head back down on his pillow, he heard a soft, yet resolute knocking sound coming from the door.

*Damn it, who could it be… I was just about to…* Suddenly even his thoughts paused as he came to the realisation. Jay jumped out and off his bed and swiveled to look back at Feather. *Oh no. I’m a buffoon, how did I not consider this. * His eyes darted back and forth, trying to think of a way out as the knocking on the door became more persistent. *I need to answer it now. * Jay could already feel beads of sweat forming on his brow and he hadn’t even been questioned yet. *Oh yes, yeah, I could just say I was asleep. I mean… that’s reasonable right? * His anxious thoughts flooded his mind as he grabbed a shirt off the side table and threw it on as he inched his way to the door.

*Pray it’s not any of the guards* he thought to himself, mentally crossing his fingers.

Jay swung the door open and the orange lights of the torches flooded into the room, causing his vision to become blurry for a moment.

“Who is it?” Jay tried to put on a groggy voice as he rubbed his eyes, all while trying to hold the door as close to himself as possible.

“Hey, Jay,” a clear and familiar voice rung out before him.

Jay unwittingly stiffened and stuttered,” Oh… Ory… Uh. What are you doing here at this hour?” Jay tried his best to sound as nonchalant as he could, but Ory was not buying any of it.

“I’m here to look for Feather. She didn’t show up last night. I think she might be here,” Ory said in a matter of factly manner. He leaned ever so slightly, trying to peek past Jay and into his room.

“Oh… oh Feather? Ah… she’s not here right now,” Jay smiled, trying to put on a calm face. He didn’t know why exactly he was trying to lie to a psychic an and oracle but he was instinctively spurred into action and he followed along blindly. Jay paused for a moment and grinned at Ory, waiting for a response of: Ok or Yeah, I’ll go look somewhere else. Ory stared at him and eyed him up and down.

Ory cleared his throat and tried to stifle a laugh,” What are you wearing right now, you pea brain?” Ory pointed at his shirt.
Jay glanced down quickly, “Oh…” In his rush, he had thrown on Feather’s large and slightly tattered shirt. He must have mixed them up while folding them.

“Shit,” Jay sighed and raised his hands in defeat, “You got me.” He looked over to Ory who didn’t seem too fazed about any of this. Contrary to what he had believed, he could spot a subtle shine in Orys eyes that made him seem more happy than fussed about knowing what had happened between them.

Noticing Jay’s silence, Ory looked up into his eyes and as if he understood exactly what he thought, Ory laughed, “Yeah, I saw when I read Feather a few days ago. I was… stunned at first too. The two of us had important places in my fortune finding, but just that time, that premonition stuck out like a sore thumb.”

Jay winced, “Really?” He shifted his weight uncomfortably on his talons.

Ory's eyes widened and he barked,” No, wait… no. Not a sore thumb. Also, I’m just saying… Well it was too apparent to ignore, you know.” Ory fumbled with his fingers before continuing as Jay had become obviously anxious.

“Anyway, I just waited it out and…” Ory continued, pausing to look up at Jay.

*And? AND? * Jay thought anxiously, trying to duck his head and avert his gaze.

Ory sighed, “Ok, I know this is probably kind of weird. And yeah, thanks to my premonitions, I think I’ve seen things that have… unfortunately, scared me… never going to be able to wipe that image from my mind, I guess. All I want to say is. I’m alright with it, I’m not here to confront you about anything.”

Ory snuck a peek past Jay’s shoulder before continuing, “Im glad if both of you are happy and I’m glad for you. I’m just… here to make sure she’s… and you’re alright.” Ory cocked his head and continued staring into his eyes. Jay could feel him prying open his heart just by looking at him. It was as if he understood and understood so we’ll what he was thinking.

“Now that I think of it, Jay. I’m more worried for you. How are you?” Ory asked, holding out his hand.

“Me, why?” Jay felt genuinely confused. *Why me? Shouldn’t he be worried about his sister? * Jay traced the seams of Feather’s shirt with his fingers as he waited with bated breath for Ory’s answer.

Ory retracted his hand and looked about worriedly, “Its just that, you don’t seem as alright with this as Feather is.” Ory pointed into the room and smiled, “Shes sleeping like a cranky little baby, isn’t she?”

Jay glanced back into his room to see the same blob laying on his bed and couldn’t help but smile.

“Yeah, she’s sound asleep.” Jay laughed, watching Ory’s face light up.

“That’s good, I knew she would be.” Ory paused once again, contemplating as to what to say next. Perhaps if he should say something next.

“She… well. From her demeanor, you probably don’t know how much this likely meant to her.” Ory continued, “She… well, she has been dealing with what she has become from years of doggedly watching after me. She outmuscled everyone. She had to stay sharp, stay efficient. Don’t sweat the small things, look after Ory. Everything besides her. Feather became aggressive, protective and most of all, she didn’t care too much about herself, didn’t care about  the small things and… when it came time for her to be herself. Be free of the burden of me. She couldn’t find any other meaning to her life…” Ory stopped again, as if he was choking on the words, “she became something she didn’t want to be for me. You see it as nonchalance, but really, it’s years of focusing on surviving. One day… one day to do what she really wants, to break out of the mold her brain had become so entrenched in. Something that's more than just living.  Something to go against what  she was conditioned by circumstance to be, but she didn’t want. So…”

Ory blinked and cut himself off quickly, “You… you know what… I just want to say thank you and say… take care of yourself, alright? I’ll be here, we’ll all be here. I can feel your anxiousness… so… call if you need anything. Have a good rest.” Ory turned around almost immediately and scampered off, down the hallway.

Jay watched as his small figure vanished down the stairwell. *Worried about me? Thankful for what I’ve done? I… I don’t get it. But… it’s Ory. If I can trust anyone, it’s him*

 Jay groaned, “What a day.”

----------

Jay lumbered back into his room and swung the door close. *At least that wasn’t so bad right? And…* He stared at his bed longingly *I’ll get some sleep. * Finally, Jay crawled into bed. As one final measure, Jay made sure that his talons hung off the side of the bed to prevent further damage to his sheets. He lay, chest up, staring at the ceiling and thought about what Ory said.

*He’s worried for me. I guess… even if I don’t know why, I should be glad, right? * Jay turned to glance at Feather’s silhouette. She was oblivious as ever. Even after the racket and shifting light of Ory’s arrival, she was still sound asleep. He would have expected her to snore, but she was completely silent, completely serene. *How strange… She’s peaceful. * Feather was so different from what she was usually. She was noisy, boisterous, blunt. She was like that brother that you would stake your life on but would occasionally punch your lights out because they were trying to have some fun.

To be frank, Jay did not really remember the sequence of events that led to this and how out of character it was for her to be like this. Feather was always buddy- buddy with him, nothing more. Everything that happened between them was mostly platonic. Nothing out of the ordinary, just a good close friendship. Feather would be there to back him up and he would be there to cheer her on. Simple.

*When Ory read her a few days ago, he said he saw the premonition… * Jay turned to stare at the ceiling once again. He watched the candle’s light dance and flicker from crack to crack on the ceiling and eventually die out. *What could have suddenly caused this? * He pondered about this question for a moment, mulling through what had happened the past few days. How and why he would suddenly rise up in her heart that Ory would pick up such a premonition. He paused, frowning to himself *... What am I thinking? Why am I even theorizing about any of this? * Jay shook his head and rolled over to face the door, away from Feather. *It’s just feelings and that’s that… * Jay snuck a glance back at Feather. She was still asleep. *There’s no explanation, dude. It’s just… that…*

Jay curled his hand under his pillow and lay his head on it. *I should just… sleep. * Jay could feel his lethargy all over his body. The effect of the wine was starting to kick in again and his head felt heavy. Jay squeezed his tired eyes close. He hoped that sleep would take him, but all he felt was how dry his eyes were and how compelled he felt to open them up again. *I’m tired… so JUST SLEEP. It’s not that hard, just sleep, damn it! * He tossed once again to lay on his back and smothered his face under his pillow.

*Maybe… just maybe, there is something here for us. * A small thought snuck into his head as Jay forced his eyes closed and steadied his breath. As surely as he closed them, his eyes flew open. *Damn, just stop thinking for a moment. * Suddenly, Jay felt Feather shift in her sleep, and he placed his pillow aside and turned to look at her.

Jay expected to see her still asleep, but her eyes were wide open and staring at him.

“Geez! Feather!” Jay tried to stifle his scream, “You’re… awake! What’s up?”

Feather shook her head, “You’ve been tossing around a lot. Why don’t you go to sleep?” She eyed him from head to talon and sighed, “Sorry, just a bit, I don’t know. Cranky?” She cocked her head and stared at him. Suddenly, her eyes widened, and her voice became softer, more mallow, “Hey, you ok? You look kind of… out of it.”

Jay was taken aback for a moment, “Uh, yeah. I’m fine. Why do you ask?” Jay scratched his head and unwittingly averted her gaze.

“You look uncomfortable and tired… You sure, you’re alright?” Feather raised her voice a bit.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Jay replied plainly. Feather sighed, throwing half of the blanket back over him.

“There… better, I hope,” She smiled, “Nice and warm now… Whatever it is, well, you can tell us anytime. Now, try to sleep, you look ragged.”

Jay quietly tucked himself under the blanket and turned to face away from her. *Even she says so… Is there really something wrong about me? * He took a deep breath and sighed. *Tell them any time, huh? *

“Fea, is there anything wrong with me?” Jay spoke up. He could feel his heart beating and his hands clenching. *It’s such a weird question to ask. Damn, why did I do that? * Feather didn’t respond for a while and he could feel himself getting antsy.

“Something wrong?” Feather muttered, “Well, like I said, you seem kind of, jumpy. To be frank, you always are, so… Eh? If I’m being honest. I don’t know. You know? Just a feeling.” Jay turned over to face her and she too seemed confused. It was like something she felt but couldn’t understand. There was no explanation, just something she somehow knew.

“I guess. Well, Ory stopped over just no- “

“Wait… Ory stopped over?” Feather cut him off abruptly. Her eyes widened for a moment as she stared towards the door, but not for long. She quickly returned he gaze to him and quietened down.

“Sorry, go on,” She murmured sheepishly.

*This is so weird, she’s so mallow… It’s kind of. There’s really no word for how strange this is*

Jay took a deep breath and continued, “Well, Ory stopped by and he talked to me and me, being dumb, tried to say you weren’t here.”

“Wait, really? You ARE on edge, buddy. You lied to an Oracle. THE oracle. The only person you basically cannot lie to,” Feather tried to hide her amusement, but she could not help but chuckle.

“Knock it off, like I said, I’m dumb…” Jay groaned, burying his head further into his pillow.

“Sorry sorry, go on… again,” Feather laughed.

“So, he talked to me about how he wasn’t here to confront me and was just worried for… me of all people,” Jay laughed solemnly (Find a better word for this holy shit this sucks). He shook his head, “It’s a… pleasant surprise to say the least.”

Feather did not interject this time. She silently stared at him, her face a mix of concern and curiosity.

“What?” Jay muttered, staring back at her.

“Well,” Feather replied gingerly, “He cares a lot about you. More than you think he does.”

“He does?” Jay’s voice rose quizzically.

“Of course! You’re his first brother!” Feather smiled, “I thought it would be obvious! Other than me, he hasn’t really had a long-standing friend.” She punched him playfully in the shoulder,” You are actually oblivious.”
“Oh, well, when you put it that way… Yeah, I guess that’s why then,” Jay muttered, “But really… is there something wrong? I mean, with me?”

Feather looked around the room, contemplating for a moment before swiveling back to look at him, “Well… like I said, you don’t look so good right now. A bit off, I guess. Is there something you want to tell me … something bothering you?”

Jay stared up at the ceiling again to think, “Here’s the thing, that’s why I’m asking you. I just can’t sleep… I just keep thinking… and worrying… The most fun thing, I don’t know what it’s about either. I guess, I’m just overthinking things. I should just…”
Feather took a deep breath, “Ok, the first thing you thought of, go!”

“The first thing I thought of. Uh, well…” Jay stuttered. He trawled his mind for an inkling of one of his first thoughts…

“Well I thought Ory was nice… And… He mentioned something about reading your future the other day…. And… well… He saw us, together… and,” Jay muttered, “This is awkward right? Poor guy got scarred for life I presume.” Jay chuckled, heaving a sigh of (idk what to put here)

Feather placed her hand under her chin seemingly in thought and fidgeted a bit,”Well… I guess that’s to be expected. He would obviously have caught on to a big detail like this. Also… why are you speaking so cautiously… it’s not like we’re little kids. But, wow. A few days ago, huh. What could have caused that?” She tapped her chin and stared at the ceiling.

“YOU TELL ME! It was your premonition,” Jay yelled.