A Mockingbird In The Crows Nest

A Songbird Raised By A Raptor

But if they were out, that meant he had to find something else to do.

His second thought is maybe he and Wilbur could go to the park again. They hadn't done that since before the party, and he kinda missed it. But a second after he thought it he shook his head to dismiss it. Wilbur just spent Prime knows how long taking care of him while he was sick. He doesn't wanna bother him more.

Grumbling, Tommy leaves his room and grabs the bottle of mead before returning and shutting the door.

Technoblade is the next person to pop up as a possible distraction, and he lingers on it for a moment because of the absurdity of the thought. Tommy barely knows the guy- technically speaking. He knows he's a nerd and has a weird ass name; but that doesn't mean he can just..Ask him to hang out. He doesn't even know what they'd do if he said yes.

Then his brain suggests he goes looking for Charon; and he actually snorts at it. Prime, he can't even imagine it. Going up to number one hero Charon and just- causally asking him to hang out? Yeah right.

The man seems to sort-of enjoy his company? Maybe? He doesn't really know. Charon's always been..Confusing. He's never been outright cruel or hostile or even mean- but he's not been great, either. Besides, what would they even do? He's still not entirely sure how he feels about the man.

But then what could he do? That's everyone he's even remotely comfortable around..

Then Tommy's eyes fall on his bookshelf; and the light gray book sitting on the top shelf.

He doesn't remember putting that there..He doesn't even recall getting a book aside from-

..Oh.

His anger ticks up at the reminder, but he's..Strangely not as upset as before? Which is odd. The book was an insult- why wouldn't he be upset? Hell, he should be furious; regardless of how much time has passed.

Crossing over quickly and snatching it down, he glares frustratingly down at the cover labeled "Avian Wings And How To Care For Them"; trying to feel the same level of anger he felt the day it was given to him.

He just..He doesn't understand.

Why would Charon insult him with this; but then never bring it up? He's never asked about Tommy's thoughts on the book or where he was in it or Prime forbid if he's tried anything from the book yet. Why would he mock him about his under-developed wings with this..But then treat him kindly and not tell anyone about them?

He's so confused.

Why would Charon be this cruel so early on in his time at the tower; only to not follow through on it? Maybe he felt guilty? Maybe he decided it wasn't worth it? Maybe..

..Maybe it wasn't an insult. A part of his mind whispers, and Tommy hands clench around the book at the force of the thought. He blinks down at the sketchy anatomy drawings of wings as he reels on that thought. Maybe he was trying to help. Maybe he didn't mean it as an insult.