STtH Fanfic: Sticks & Stones (Krane/Nye)
So another bit about Krane and Nye, two lovely birds from aggybird's Sparrow Through the Heart 'verse. GO READ IT, IT IS AMAZORING. XD I hope you enjoy.
Also, the puns were hideously fun to write, so no one is allowed to kill me for them. >_>
Krane stood near the entrance of Treetop Community Center, desperately clutching a flyer in his hand. It was crumpled, but he knew what it said by heart.
Sticks and Stones: The Fastest Way To A Broken Nest
Sticks and Stones is a support group for any bird suffering from abuse, whether emotional or physical. We are here to help you find your wings and break free of your cage. Please join us at Treetop Community Center at 7p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Krane felt like an idiot for showing up. He was expecting only two reactions--laughter or disdain. Honestly, who expected a bird his size--nearly seven feet tall!--to be stuck in abusive relationship after abusive relationship? Maybe if he left now, he could avoid Timneh--
"Krane!"
Well shit, Krane thought. Resolutely, he nodded and started towards Rica. He knew they were an odd pair, considering he was a massive hulk with a dark complexion and icy green eyes. Timneh Gray, on the other wing, was ridiculously petite and barely reached four-foot-five, with brilliant red curls that reached her waist, perfect pale skin, and pale gray eyes that managed to be warm and fierce all at once.
Hi, he signed, how are you?
"Good," she said, looking immensely satisfied. "I was afraid you'd take flight and hide out at the Cuckoo's Nest before I got here. Glad to see I didn't have to hunt you down." With a jerk of her head to indicate he was to follow, she started into Treetop.
Krane, of course, trailed obediently behind her and gave up any ideas of not going to the support flock meeting.
They were early so, after Krane poured coffee for them both--black for Timneh, lots of cream and sugar for himself--they took their seats. Krane had hoped he could take a seat in the back, but the chairs had been set up in a circle--probably to promote discussion and involvement and keep anyone from hiding like Krane had wanted.
As they sat there, Krane listened to Timneh speak kindly to a curvaceous Phoebe with long hair--a striking jet black with a thick layer of white underneath. The girl was definitely Timneh's type, and he figured she'd probably insist they come back just to see the girl again.
Keeping his eyes down, he managed to avoid any attempts at conversation as the chairs filled up. Finally, after what seemed ages, a voice called their attention towards the bird leading the group--he was an older, handsome fellow with lime-green eyes and white-blond hair. Krane had to admit the man was a great choice to lead a group like this, as he seemed inherently gentle, friendly and encouraging to everyone there. He asked for everyone to introduce themselves, and Krane was thankful that Timneh would be introducing herself before him.
The first to introduce himself was a lanky mockingbird that twisted his hands around nervously and didn't exude any of the obnoxiousness usual for the species. "My name is Dae-Mim." He nodded as a few of the others greeted him with an air of familiarity. "Uhm. I. Uhm. I grew up in an, uh, abusive nest. And, uhm, I think that's why I've dated some, uh, bad eggs." He sat down quickly, looking towards the Phoebe expectantly.
She stood up, an air of confidence about her that meant she was either good at pretending, or she'd been with the group a while. "My name is Saiya," she greeted with a firm voice, nodding her head at a few others. Definitely been with the group a while. "I've dated too many featherheads that think it's okay to talk down to me like I'm a hatchling and smack me around." With that, she sat and looked to Timneh, her blue eyes softening just a bit.
"My name is Timneh," she introduced herself, smiling with what was surely the perfect amount of warmth for anyone in the group. "I'm here as an interpretor." With a nod of her head in greeting, she took her seat.
Krane had been avoiding looking around too much, not wanting to deal with any odd or--worse--fearful looks, but he finally paid proper attention as Timneh introduced herself. He could see the curious looks flutter across the other birds faces, even catching a few stray murmurs. Krane pushed to his feet as Timneh sat, turning slightly towards her as he signed.
My name is Krane. I.... I tend to date really.... pushy birds.
Thankful that his flush wasn't completely obvious under his tan skin, he ducked his head and quickly resumed his seat, listening as the rest of the group introduced themselves. There seemed to be a well-balanced mixture of new arrivals, old wings, and a few scattered in between. And while some of the newer ones were still somewhat peckish, and Saiya had a smart mouth, they all seemed to be doing what the flyer had said: supporting and encouraging mutually to try and help.
Maybe joining this flock wouldn't be so bad.
Though he'd never admit that to Timneh.
* * *
Krane had been going to Sticks and Stones for nearly seven months when the timid Nightingale started attending their meetings. He showed up like some others had, skittish and visibly bruised--emotionally and physically. He didn't talk for the first three weeks, quietly stating 'I'm Nye. I don't know why I'm here yet.' during the introductions and then lapsing into silence for the rest of the meeting. He came three times a week, and Krane quietly noted how his bruises faded, but never had a chance to vanish before lurid new ones appeared.
After seven months of watching everyone there, Krane could practically see the stiffening of the slender birds resolve. He also noticed things, like Nye's hair was always pulled into a tight, short braid that was more a stub than not, no use for grabbing. His eyes were dark blue and never, ever complimented by the bruises that occasionally surrounded them. He was finely boned. And he had the prettiest voice Krane had ever heard, even if he only heard it three times a week.
It finally clicked for Krane the fourth week, when Nye finally deviated from his usual introduction, taking a moment to look directly at Krane.
"I'm Nye." He paused, seemingly collecting himself as he eyes flicked briefly towards Krane before refocusing on the group as a whole. "... My birdfriend beats me. I wa-" Cutting himself off quickly, he looked down at his hands. "I'm going to leave him. I just need to figure out how."
Krane wondered idly as he listened to the remaining introductions, How do you fall in love with someone you've never talked to?
* * *
It was hell the fifth week, when Nye didn't show up for any of the meetings. And the sixth. And the seventh. A number of the members were concerned, but Bud hadn't been able to reach him. So they waited.
Krane wasn't a fan of waiting.
When Nye didn't show up for the second Friday in a row--missing a total of seven meetings--Krane decided to look for him. And he found him, a day later.
After fourteen hours of searching and a scattered five hours of sleep, Krane and Tinmeh stood outside a patient room in a hospital that was nearly at ground level. He had a brief flashback to the first time he'd shown up at the support flock, which made him smile just a bit. Stay here, he told Timneh, who nodded before patting his arm lightly.
Remembering how that decision had turned out, he carefully stepped into the room, knocking lightly on the door before letting it shut.
"Hello?"
Krane was and, well, wasn't surprised at the flash of relief at hearing Nye's voice. Nye was in the far bed, with the curtain drawn for privacy. He passed the first bed, thankful the occupant was sleeping, and slowly stepped into view of the second.
It was easy to see the silent approach had unnerved Nye some, his thin body tensed, gripping the call remote like it was a lifeline. Krane was a little surprised that, once Nye realized who it was, he practically sagged with relief, his hand pulling away from the call button to instead press into his blanket. "Krane," Nye said.
If Krane had been surprised by the relief Nye showed just at his presence, he was utterly floored by the gratitude and warmth that accompanied his greeting. Not quite sure what to do, he stood there a long moment before nodding slightly, letting his eyes wander over Nye. He still had bruises, but only two or three, and they were mostly faded, and when he moved Krane noticed he was very careful, like he was trying to avoid pain.
Nye let him look his fill, smiling when their eyes met again. "I'm glad you found me."
Krane managed a slight smile, eventually moving closer and sitting carefully at the edge of the bed. His eyebrows lowered as he passed a pointed glance over Nye.
Nye kept smiling, casually picking up one of Krane's much larger hands with his smaller two. "I'm fine, just a bit sore. I've caught some movies--Bad Birds of Cloud High, The Jewel of the Sky, Head Over Beak..." Krane gave him a disbelieving look, ignoring his attempts to distract him, which made him laugh. "Okay. And, uhm, maybe a cracked rib? But really, I'm okay. They said I could leave tomorrow."
Krane nodded thoughtfully, dropping his eyes to watch as Nye laced and relaced their fingers idly. As Nye settled, tracing random patterns on the back of Krane's hand as he held it, Krane finally gave him a curious look before glancing around the hospital room.
"I'm not sure where I'll go," Nye said, as if Krane had asked the question aloud. "I.... I'd rather be somewhere... different, right now."
It went unsaid that he obviously didn't want whoever gave him those bruises to find him anytime soon.
Krane nodded again, and a comfortable silence took hold of the room. Eventually, he gave Nye a tentative look, his fingers tightening just a bit on the smaller hand wrapped around them.
Nye smiled again, eyes lighting. "If you didn't mind, I'd like to stay with you. Only for a few days, though, I promise."
Krane shrugged, lifting his other hand to hold up two fingers. He offered Nye a slight smile, ignoring the slight blush he could feel.
"You've got two rooms? Well, good, then it won't be as awkward as it would if I were stealing your couch."
Krane chucked silently, nodding. He pulled away then, patting Nye's hand awkwardly as he stood. Holding up a finger, quite clearly saying one moment, he walked around the curtain, disappearing for a moment before coming back with Timneh and, hesitantly, resuming his seat next to Nye. He listened as Nye and Tinmeh spoke--Tinmeh sounding quietly bemused and Nye sounding surprisingly chipper--as he thought about the changes he'd have to make to the spare room before Nye moved in.
Also, the puns were hideously fun to write, so no one is allowed to kill me for them. >_>
Krane stood near the entrance of Treetop Community Center, desperately clutching a flyer in his hand. It was crumpled, but he knew what it said by heart.
Sticks and Stones: The Fastest Way To A Broken Nest
Sticks and Stones is a support group for any bird suffering from abuse, whether emotional or physical. We are here to help you find your wings and break free of your cage. Please join us at Treetop Community Center at 7p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Krane felt like an idiot for showing up. He was expecting only two reactions--laughter or disdain. Honestly, who expected a bird his size--nearly seven feet tall!--to be stuck in abusive relationship after abusive relationship? Maybe if he left now, he could avoid Timneh--
"Krane!"
Well shit, Krane thought. Resolutely, he nodded and started towards Rica. He knew they were an odd pair, considering he was a massive hulk with a dark complexion and icy green eyes. Timneh Gray, on the other wing, was ridiculously petite and barely reached four-foot-five, with brilliant red curls that reached her waist, perfect pale skin, and pale gray eyes that managed to be warm and fierce all at once.
Hi, he signed, how are you?
"Good," she said, looking immensely satisfied. "I was afraid you'd take flight and hide out at the Cuckoo's Nest before I got here. Glad to see I didn't have to hunt you down." With a jerk of her head to indicate he was to follow, she started into Treetop.
Krane, of course, trailed obediently behind her and gave up any ideas of not going to the support flock meeting.
They were early so, after Krane poured coffee for them both--black for Timneh, lots of cream and sugar for himself--they took their seats. Krane had hoped he could take a seat in the back, but the chairs had been set up in a circle--probably to promote discussion and involvement and keep anyone from hiding like Krane had wanted.
As they sat there, Krane listened to Timneh speak kindly to a curvaceous Phoebe with long hair--a striking jet black with a thick layer of white underneath. The girl was definitely Timneh's type, and he figured she'd probably insist they come back just to see the girl again.
Keeping his eyes down, he managed to avoid any attempts at conversation as the chairs filled up. Finally, after what seemed ages, a voice called their attention towards the bird leading the group--he was an older, handsome fellow with lime-green eyes and white-blond hair. Krane had to admit the man was a great choice to lead a group like this, as he seemed inherently gentle, friendly and encouraging to everyone there. He asked for everyone to introduce themselves, and Krane was thankful that Timneh would be introducing herself before him.
The first to introduce himself was a lanky mockingbird that twisted his hands around nervously and didn't exude any of the obnoxiousness usual for the species. "My name is Dae-Mim." He nodded as a few of the others greeted him with an air of familiarity. "Uhm. I. Uhm. I grew up in an, uh, abusive nest. And, uhm, I think that's why I've dated some, uh, bad eggs." He sat down quickly, looking towards the Phoebe expectantly.
She stood up, an air of confidence about her that meant she was either good at pretending, or she'd been with the group a while. "My name is Saiya," she greeted with a firm voice, nodding her head at a few others. Definitely been with the group a while. "I've dated too many featherheads that think it's okay to talk down to me like I'm a hatchling and smack me around." With that, she sat and looked to Timneh, her blue eyes softening just a bit.
"My name is Timneh," she introduced herself, smiling with what was surely the perfect amount of warmth for anyone in the group. "I'm here as an interpretor." With a nod of her head in greeting, she took her seat.
Krane had been avoiding looking around too much, not wanting to deal with any odd or--worse--fearful looks, but he finally paid proper attention as Timneh introduced herself. He could see the curious looks flutter across the other birds faces, even catching a few stray murmurs. Krane pushed to his feet as Timneh sat, turning slightly towards her as he signed.
My name is Krane. I.... I tend to date really.... pushy birds.
Thankful that his flush wasn't completely obvious under his tan skin, he ducked his head and quickly resumed his seat, listening as the rest of the group introduced themselves. There seemed to be a well-balanced mixture of new arrivals, old wings, and a few scattered in between. And while some of the newer ones were still somewhat peckish, and Saiya had a smart mouth, they all seemed to be doing what the flyer had said: supporting and encouraging mutually to try and help.
Maybe joining this flock wouldn't be so bad.
Though he'd never admit that to Timneh.
* * *
Krane had been going to Sticks and Stones for nearly seven months when the timid Nightingale started attending their meetings. He showed up like some others had, skittish and visibly bruised--emotionally and physically. He didn't talk for the first three weeks, quietly stating 'I'm Nye. I don't know why I'm here yet.' during the introductions and then lapsing into silence for the rest of the meeting. He came three times a week, and Krane quietly noted how his bruises faded, but never had a chance to vanish before lurid new ones appeared.
After seven months of watching everyone there, Krane could practically see the stiffening of the slender birds resolve. He also noticed things, like Nye's hair was always pulled into a tight, short braid that was more a stub than not, no use for grabbing. His eyes were dark blue and never, ever complimented by the bruises that occasionally surrounded them. He was finely boned. And he had the prettiest voice Krane had ever heard, even if he only heard it three times a week.
It finally clicked for Krane the fourth week, when Nye finally deviated from his usual introduction, taking a moment to look directly at Krane.
"I'm Nye." He paused, seemingly collecting himself as he eyes flicked briefly towards Krane before refocusing on the group as a whole. "... My birdfriend beats me. I wa-" Cutting himself off quickly, he looked down at his hands. "I'm going to leave him. I just need to figure out how."
Krane wondered idly as he listened to the remaining introductions, How do you fall in love with someone you've never talked to?
* * *
It was hell the fifth week, when Nye didn't show up for any of the meetings. And the sixth. And the seventh. A number of the members were concerned, but Bud hadn't been able to reach him. So they waited.
Krane wasn't a fan of waiting.
When Nye didn't show up for the second Friday in a row--missing a total of seven meetings--Krane decided to look for him. And he found him, a day later.
After fourteen hours of searching and a scattered five hours of sleep, Krane and Tinmeh stood outside a patient room in a hospital that was nearly at ground level. He had a brief flashback to the first time he'd shown up at the support flock, which made him smile just a bit. Stay here, he told Timneh, who nodded before patting his arm lightly.
Remembering how that decision had turned out, he carefully stepped into the room, knocking lightly on the door before letting it shut.
"Hello?"
Krane was and, well, wasn't surprised at the flash of relief at hearing Nye's voice. Nye was in the far bed, with the curtain drawn for privacy. He passed the first bed, thankful the occupant was sleeping, and slowly stepped into view of the second.
It was easy to see the silent approach had unnerved Nye some, his thin body tensed, gripping the call remote like it was a lifeline. Krane was a little surprised that, once Nye realized who it was, he practically sagged with relief, his hand pulling away from the call button to instead press into his blanket. "Krane," Nye said.
If Krane had been surprised by the relief Nye showed just at his presence, he was utterly floored by the gratitude and warmth that accompanied his greeting. Not quite sure what to do, he stood there a long moment before nodding slightly, letting his eyes wander over Nye. He still had bruises, but only two or three, and they were mostly faded, and when he moved Krane noticed he was very careful, like he was trying to avoid pain.
Nye let him look his fill, smiling when their eyes met again. "I'm glad you found me."
Krane managed a slight smile, eventually moving closer and sitting carefully at the edge of the bed. His eyebrows lowered as he passed a pointed glance over Nye.
Nye kept smiling, casually picking up one of Krane's much larger hands with his smaller two. "I'm fine, just a bit sore. I've caught some movies--Bad Birds of Cloud High, The Jewel of the Sky, Head Over Beak..." Krane gave him a disbelieving look, ignoring his attempts to distract him, which made him laugh. "Okay. And, uhm, maybe a cracked rib? But really, I'm okay. They said I could leave tomorrow."
Krane nodded thoughtfully, dropping his eyes to watch as Nye laced and relaced their fingers idly. As Nye settled, tracing random patterns on the back of Krane's hand as he held it, Krane finally gave him a curious look before glancing around the hospital room.
"I'm not sure where I'll go," Nye said, as if Krane had asked the question aloud. "I.... I'd rather be somewhere... different, right now."
It went unsaid that he obviously didn't want whoever gave him those bruises to find him anytime soon.
Krane nodded again, and a comfortable silence took hold of the room. Eventually, he gave Nye a tentative look, his fingers tightening just a bit on the smaller hand wrapped around them.
Nye smiled again, eyes lighting. "If you didn't mind, I'd like to stay with you. Only for a few days, though, I promise."
Krane shrugged, lifting his other hand to hold up two fingers. He offered Nye a slight smile, ignoring the slight blush he could feel.
"You've got two rooms? Well, good, then it won't be as awkward as it would if I were stealing your couch."
Krane chucked silently, nodding. He pulled away then, patting Nye's hand awkwardly as he stood. Holding up a finger, quite clearly saying one moment, he walked around the curtain, disappearing for a moment before coming back with Timneh and, hesitantly, resuming his seat next to Nye. He listened as Nye and Tinmeh spoke--Tinmeh sounding quietly bemused and Nye sounding surprisingly chipper--as he thought about the changes he'd have to make to the spare room before Nye moved in.