Chapter Text
They are really hard to miss. The diner is always crowded at this time of the day and they chose a table on the other side of the room, but still he noticed them, just a little later than he would have preferred.
One man, his dark hair slicked perfectly in place and in an almost too well fitting suit, a woman in a vibrant orange dress with large sunglasses in her hair despite the fact that it’s December and another man, blond, dressed casual but so tall he towers visibly over his companions even sitting. He’s got a rather large scar on his temple, but while it catches the eye it doesn’t disturb it. He’s glad he brought a newspaper to hide behind, but they seem too occupied with themselves to notice him anyway. Even though he can’t hear their conversation, they are still the most interesting little things he’s seen in a long time. A too long time.
It’s mesmerizing to see them together, a raven, a falcon and a paradise bird sharing a branch surrounded by plain sparrows. They sit around one of the smaller round tables, almost arranged just for him. The dark haired man and the woman in their profile, the tall one sitting between them, facing his way. The remaining chair points in his direction like an open invitation. It’s tempting, but he stays where he is. He is content with watching. For now.
Something the Raven said earns him a glare from the man beside him, which causes the woman to laugh. The two men exchange a few sentences before Raven raises an eyebrow suggestively at his companion. For a moment the eyes of the Falcon widen slightly before his features turn into an half angry half uneasy grimace, muttering something and looking down at his plate. When he stabs into the food it’s clearly with more force than necessary. The Paradise Bird sets her sunglasses down on the table. The way she strokes her fingers along the man’s arm is so casual, he nearly misses it, just as the motion under the table when the Raven slightly moves his leg to press it against the other’s thigh. The Falcon between them stays silent, but his scowl eases a little along with the slight tension in his shoulders. Interesting, although he can’t really make sense of it. There is something between them he hasn’t quite figured out yet.
The Raven and the Paradise Bird continue talking while trying to steal from each other's plates. They seem pretty content with each other’s company, even when the Falcon between them doesn’t participate in their conversation anymore. It’s more than entertaining trying to figure out which one he likes best. Maybe the little Paradise Bird with the way her fingers flutter around, examining everything within her reach. Or the Falcon with all the strength trapped within him, so obvious even with his wings drawn close to his body. Maybe the Raven showing himself off proudly, his cunning intelligence shimmering through his act. He wants all of them, but he knows that he can’t manage it. He tried to keep more than one at a time, but it never ended well. Too much to consider, too much work. Even if this set is more than intriguing, he has to decide. Maybe he’ll just let them all go. Some are to keep, some are to fly. Still they look almost too pretty to pass up.
The Falcon defends something on his plate from the Paradise Bird just to lose it to the Raven. They keep up this pretty game, until some men from the table next to them start to make noise. A variety of slurs, loud enough to carry over to him, some of them distinctly aimed at Eastern Europe. His three little birds ignore them mostly, although the woman gives them a surprisingly intimidating glare. The Raven raises his hand to wave a waitress over to them, probably for the bill. A certain kind of anger rises from within him, that these men dared to shoo away his beautiful birds before he’s done with them. He watches as they get up and put on their coats.
He sees it before they do. It’s impressive that the Falcon stays perfectly silent as the cup of coffee hits his neck. He stops dead in his motion of closing up his jacket just before his hand begins to twitch. The liquid is hot enough to color his skin red where it hit it, leaving a dark stain on the brown leather jacket and the collar of his turtleneck. Just when he thought that the Falcon would turn around, the Raven grabs his arm and pulls him out of the diner.
His eyes follow them just until he hears the sound of flesh hitting flesh. Surprised he looks back to see the little Paradise Bird, staring down every man in turn, her handprint clearly forming on the cheek of the assailant. With her head held high she leaves the diner, where the other two birds are waiting for her. The Raven has pulled out a handkerchief and dabs at the Falcon, who just stares right through him, his hands balled to fists shaking slightly. The Falcon nods at something the other man said, but his gaze stays directed at nothing until the Paradise Bird grabs his hand. She should appear tiny next to him, but somehow she doesn’t. She keeps his hand in hers while the Raven pulls off his scarf and drapes it over the other man, covering most of the wet spots. He moves on the other side of the Falcon, his hand resting on the man’s shoulder blade as they start walking away.
This is the moment when he gets it. He can barely suppress a laugh. Now that he figured it out, it’s been obvious all along. Between the three of them, the Falcon is the really precious one. He’s one of these people you have to fight for, just to get a small smile or a little closeness. A challenge, as impossible to win as to quit once you started.
And just like that he made his choice. He leaves enough money on the table to cover his bill and follows them out. Even on the streets, his little birds stand out among the rest. He can’t wait.