The Sparrow Flies North for the Summer (Valduggery)

Cowardise

"Now that's just stupid."

"Suits the car, then."

She sighed, gazing forlornly at the luminous purple interior, and recoiled when she noticed a suspicious looking stain.

"How much longer until we're home? Be very careful while choosing your answer; I'm not in a good mood."

"About an hour or so," he replied cheerfully.

She groaned loudly, banging her head against the head rest.

"Well, I was thinking we could use this time to get to know each other more," he said, activating his facade as they reached a toll bridge.

She looked at him.

"What?" He asked, then began to look through the change in his pocket, muttering obscenities.

"Skul, we've been partners for, what, six years? More? What couldn't you know about me?"

"Well... what's your favourite colour?"

"Guess."

"Black, but that's not exactly what I'm talking about."

"Then what do you want to know?"

"I want to know how you feel coming back to your old life," he said softly.

Her eyebrows furrowed, and, hesitating, replied, "Fine, yeah. Why do you ask?"

"Well, after years of seclusion, you might feel a little... conflicted. Different emotions, old friends, almost dying every other day-"

"Almost being the key word in that sentence."

"-indeed. But I just want you to know that I'm here, as is Tanith and Ghastly and everyone else who cares about you. If you're feeling scared, or confused, you can always talk to us, to me."

She smiled. "You know, I don't think we've ever had so many personal conversations in one week. It's usually all sass and jokes intended to lower the other's ego."

"Which, of course, never work. My ego is as bloated and self - assured as ever."

"Your fly is down."

"Ha ha, not working, Val."

"Nice boxers."

He looked down and let out an unmanly shriek. Valkyrie hooted with laughter. He glared as he fixed himself up with one hand.

"You can stop laughing now."

"No-I-can't!" She managed.

He sighed.

"Anyway, as I was saying, just don't feel like you're alone. Okay?"

"Okay."

"Good."

"How's your ego now?"

"Still going on about that, are we? Many forget to do up their flies-"

"But few forget their gender when embarrassed."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"That shrill shriek?"

"If you were put in an ego-threatening situation, how would you react?"

"I knew I'd hit a sensitive spot!"

"Yes, well, enough of that now..."

"Who wears purple underwear anyway?"

"Me, apparently."