livingmyths | 066: Musings

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066: Musings

I'm very glad yesterday is over. Even though I knew it wasn't real, it was very real then. And my body still remembers how much it hurt.

But it's done and today is a new day and sort of a new year.

I'm 23 now.

Jamie, I hope you're better today, too. Thank you very much for your kindness.

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The mask on the helmet slid up to reveal his smile as he leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.

"You are, but that's one of the reasons I like you so much," he told her.

She blushed. "You like me because I'm silly and confused?" she said with a shy smile. "Well, that's even sillier. But I'm glad you like me. I like you a lot too."

Too much, really.

"And because you're kind and beautiful," Tony said with another smile. "And I like you very much. Now, would you like your present?"

There was the briefest moment when he might have seen... something far back in her eyes. Wistfulness or hope, maybe. Then she was just smiling again.

"I'm glad. And yes, I would," she said happily. "Since you came all this way."

Tony just took it for the usual spark in her eyes, Rain was just... alive like that.

"Alright, here you go," he said, reaching around behind his back and holding out a small, metal bird. It was entirely metal, the feathers and everything very well crafted. It was blue, not painted but made out of a blue metal except for the beak, which looked gold, and bright green eyes. It stayed completely still for a moment before hopping and giving chirp, then blinking.

Her eyes went wide and she clasped her hands in front of her. "It's... did you make that?" she breathed in awe.

"I did," he said, smiling broadly with how pleased she was with it. "But that's not the best part. I know you like to talk to the birds so I made this one special."

Looking at the little bird he gave it a small nudge with his finger. "Go on, don't be shy."

The bird gave a small whistle before speaking out. "Hello, Rain."

Her eyes went huge and she looked from the bird to him and back again. "It talks? Oh, Tony!"

"It does talk," he said. He nudged the bird again and it hopped up and flapped over to Rain's shoulder. It actually flew by repulsors like the Iron Man suit but he had designed it so that it still flapped its wings. He had also designed it with a simple virtual intelligence, so that it could actually carry on conversations and think for itself in a limited manner.

"How are you doing?" it asked.

Rain turned her head carefully to look at it, afraid to dislodge it. "I am well," she said. "How are you?"

"Tony. It's beautiful!"

"Good, now that I'm with you," the bird replied.

Tony just smiled and stepped forward to hug her again. "I'm glad you like it."

She wrapped her arms around him tightly. "Oh, thank you! It's wonderful! Does it have a name?"

"You're very welcome," he said, just holding her close. "And it does. It's name is Drop."

"Drop," Rain said thoughtfully, still holding onto him. "I like that."

"Hello, Drop."

"I thought it was good," he said. "You're Rain and he's Drop."

She giggled. "I hadn't even thought of that! That's too funny!"

"I am rather clever at times," he said, smiling at her delight at the name. "I'm very glad you like him."

"Oh, I do! And I promise I'll be ever so careful with him so I don't break him," she assured him, gently touching the bird's 'feathers'.

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066: Musings

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