mmm. not yet,she muttered, eyes half-lidded against the light,
give it time.
the bird let out a soft call, took flight. with her entertainment dispersing and a chore being handed to her, twitch finally shifted. rolled her shoulder stiffly and stretched out her legs, slow and ungainly, until her hindpaws splayed wide and awkward behind her like a half-crumpled fawn. one ear flicked toward him as he spoke again.
she snorted. or maybe laughed. hard to say.
'figured', my ass. i think you just like torturing me, actually.her voice came dry, sleep-slow. still stiff in the joints, but lighter-hearted. she rolled onto her belly with a grunt, ears half-back like she was expecting reprimand. a pleasant surprise when she got none in response.
she licked at her chest, smoothed a tuft down. then, as if realizing she’d taken too long and was toeing the line of his patience—though he’d never say it—she gave a half-huff and stood.
fine. i’ll play bait.
