[TF] Uncharted Territory 04/28
Jul. 18th, 2019 06:19 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dracoqueen22Title: Uncharted Territory
Universe: Transformers AR, Flights of Fancy AU
Characters: Blurr/Starscream, Original Human Character(s), Sari Sumdac, Miko Nakadai, Ratchet, Megatron, Rodimus, Red Alert, Others
Rated: M
Enticements: Sexual Content, Harpy/Human Sexual Content
Summary: There were a lot of things Blurr knew with great certainty: his path, his future, his happiness. Then Starscream swooped into his life and turned everything upside down in the best possible way.
Uncharted Territory
Chapter Four
Blurr wasn’t sure when it happened.
It seemed like he blinked, and every Wednesday became every Wednesday plus the occasional Tuesday and sometimes on Thursdays, and a random Sunday. Once a week became twice a week, sometimes thrice a week.
Most of the time, Starscream sought him out. Sometimes, Blurr spied Starscream heading to the library or to Dr. Morgan’s office of his own accord. A pang of disappointment hit Blurr on those days, when he saw Starscream flying out of Kaon, without even stopping to say hello.
It seemed rude, however, to take up Starscream’s study time. So Blurr kept that to himself. Starscream wasn’t under any obligation to spend all of his time with Blurr. He should have other interests outside his friendship with Blurr. Why did he even befriended Blurr in the first place?
It didn’t make sense.
Blurr buried the jealousy. Because it wasn’t jealousy. He had no reason to be jealous. He had his own life, his own busy schedule. There was practice and midterms and the terrible realization that sometime before graduation, he’d have to figure out a plan.
Besides, it was a Sunday and here Starscream was, sprawled out on Blurr’s bed, a book spread out beneath him as he carefully flipped through the pages, reading it faster than anyone Blurr had ever seen. His head bobbed carefully to the background music Blurr played as he pretended to study.
He had absolutely zero interest in studying. It had been a mistake to take physics. A grievous error. He should have taken something easy for an elective, rather than something he’d once carried a passing interest toward.
Blurr sighed, closed his laptop, and leaned back, stretching his arms above his head. His spine cracked, and the chair creaked. He fought off a yawn.
Behind him, Starscream chuckled. “You look like you need a break.”
Blurr spun around in the chair, rolling his neck to ease the a muscle cramp. “I don’t know how you can lay there and read all day. It would be torture to me.” Immobility was a terrible thing. He’d spent the last ten minutes bouncing one leg up and down, just to feel like he wasn’t sitting still.
“I like to read,” Starscream said, rolling his eyes. One talon tapped the cover of his book as he closed it, marking his place with his other hand. “As much as I possibly can.”
“I noticed.” Blurr’s jaw cracked in a yawn, and he stood up, chair groaning beneath him. “I have to get out of here, or I’m going to go crazy.”
Starscream’s lips curved with amusement. He grabbed a loose feather he’d been using as a bookmark and slid it into place. “Can we go to the library then?”
“What? Really?” Blurr groaned and cast around for his runners. He couldn’t remember where he’d tossed them at. “Did you miss the part where I’m trying to get away from studying?”
“Not for you.” Starscream slid off the bed with an enviable grace. He, too, stretched. Blurr pretended he wasn’t paying attention, focusing instead on pulling on his shoes. “For me. They won’t let me check out anymore.”
Blurr laughed. “That’s because you have to return some before you can check out more. It’s a limit.”
“But I’m not done with the other ones yet,” Starscream said with a little pout that made something in Blurr’s belly do a little flip. “I need them for reference.”
Blurr finished tying his laces and swept his hand through his hair, pushing it off his forehead. “Then what’s the point of going to the library?”
“You hardly check out any books,” Starscream pointed out.
Blurr cocked his head. “Yes, because I don’t read them.” He paused as understanding washed over him, and a laugh slipped free. “Really, Starscream? You want me to lie to the librarian and check out books for you?”
Starscream clasped his hands together, and his crest feathers ruffled adorably. “Please?”
Someday, he would learn how to tell Starscream ‘no’.
Today was not that day.
“I’ll take you flying,” Starscream said before Blurr could agree.
Blurr’s eyes widened. A zing of delight danced up his spine and took up residence in his heart. “Really?”
“I mean, I was going to anyway at some point,” Starscream said, suddenly ducking his head, rubbing the back of his neck, his gaze elsewhere. “But if I can use it as incentive now, I’m not above a little bribery.”
It took everything Blurr had not to throw himself at Starscream and hug him. He’d been wanting to fly with Starscream for ages, but he didn’t think it was appropriate to ask. For all he knew, it was rude in harpy culture or something. He didn’t want to overstep his boundaries and cross some line.
Blurr grabbed up his keys and his bag, so he’d have something to carry what he was sure would be an obnoxious amount of books. “You don’t have to bribe me. I’ll get the books for you.”
Starscream’s eyes lit up with glee. “Right now?”
“Yes, right now.” Blurr chuckled and gestured for Starscream to follow him.
He didn’t get very far before he was swept up in an embrace from behind, soft feathers tickling his skin as the sweet scent of blackberries floated to his nose. Starscream’s cheek rubbed against his, wings forming a curtain around him.
“Thank you,” Starscream murmured.
Blurr stilled, only because he was surprised, before he let himself relax into the hug. “You’re welcome.” He patted Starscream’s arm with a free hand, pushing through the curtain of feathers to do so. “Anytime.”
Starscream chuckled and let him go. Blurr resisted the urge to yank him back, for more reasons than he was willing to admit.
“Don’t say that. Or I’ll have you in the library every weekend.”
“Perish the thought.”
Blurr didn’t exactly skip to the library, but there was a pep in his step he prayed Starscream didn’t notice. The scent of blackberries seemed to linger around him, sweet and tantalizing. Starscream chattered as they walked, something about what kind of book he wanted. The topic sounded boring, but Starscream’s enthusiasm was adorable.
“Do you know what you’re looking?” Blurr asked as they passed through the turnstile and slid their ID cards.
Starscream had a visitor ID. He’d apparently been given it not long after he first showed up on campus. It gave him access to the public areas, and apparently, it was supposed to come with an expense account at some point. Blurr had the feeling most of the ‘expenses’ would be used at the coffee shop or on pastries.
“Mrs. Fredericks is holding them for me at the desk. Or at least she said she was,” Starscream made a beeline for said desk, his tail twitching excitedly behind him.
More than a few students noticed him coming. They stared and pointed. By now, a harpy shouldn’t be such a novelty, but apparently, the newness of it would never fade.
Blurr hurried to catch up. Only being a weekend, the main desk wasn’t staffed by the head librarian, but one of her many student aides. The one currently behind the counter was a face Blurr recognized, and he wondered if it was too late to change his mind.
Then she noticed him.
“Dae!”
“Hey, Rathi.” Blurr managed a warm smile as Rathi leaned across the counter toward him, her lips curved in a broad grin. “I didn’t know you worked here.”
“Well, you’d probably know if you ever visited a library desk in your life.” Rathi chuckled and swept her long, dark braid over her shoulder. “Mama insisted. She wanted me to get some ‘practical work experience.’” She lifted her fingers in air-quotes. “As if I’m not already set to take over the family business.”
“Family expectations, right?” Blurr chuckled. It was one of the reasons he and Rathi had gotten along so well. They’d shared the same pressure of familial obligations. “Well, this is a cushy job at least.”
Rathi shrugged. “I’ve had worse.” Her eyes flicked past Blurr, to his feathery shadow. “Afternoon, Starscream. Here to switch out some books for this stack we have for you?”
Starscream uncharacteristically hovered behind Blurr’s right shoulder. “Actually, I’m keeping the ones I still have. Blurr said he’d get some of the others for me.”
“Did he now?” Rathi’s lips curved in a grin. “That sounds like something he’d do. He’s very generous. Aren’t you?” She winked.
Frag it.
Blurr scratched the back of his head as a blush took over his face. Damn Rathi. She always came across as someone reserved and restrained, until she hit you out of left field with something lewd.
Yet another reason they’d had so much fun together.
“Not as generous as I used to be,” Blurr said, and coughed into his fist. “Senior year is the worst.”
“Yeah, that’s my future next year.” Rathi sighed and held up a finger, her nails painted a vivacious red. “Let me go get your stack, Starscream. I might even be generous and let him get them all for you. Be right back.”
She turned and vanished into the back room with a swish of her long braid. Blurr had always loved her hair. It was as soft and silk, long enough to brush her hips, and he’d spent many lazy mornings running his fingers through it.
“An old friend?” Starscream asked as Blurr leaned against the counter and rubbed his face, trying to rub away the blush.
Blurr reluctantly lifted his gaze to Starscream’s. “Something like that.” He peered up at the harpy. “So I don’t know how harpies work or anything, but humans don’t like, immediately mate for life or anything.”
Starscream rolled his eyes. “Neither do harpies. Well, at least, not in my flock or the flock I’m from anyway.” He folded his arms and sniffed. “I’m unaware of human behavior, but I’m not ignorant.”
“I didn’t mean that you were.” Blurr sighed. Somehow, it was very hot in here. Was the air conditioning working? “I just didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. Rathi is an old friend. A fun one.”
“I’ve had fun friends,” Starscream said, still sounding a little miffed. He huffed a breath, his crest feathers flattening. “Why only fun though? She’s nice.”
Blurr shrugged. “It’s complicated.” He crossed his arms and hunched his shoulders, frowning in thought. “Well, more on her end than mine. We went in knowing what it meant.”
“You liked her,” Starscream said.
“Of course I did. But not the way you’re thinking.”
If he sounded fond, Blurr couldn’t help himself. He’d liked Rathi a lot. She’d made him smile like few people did. There was a good chance he would have gotten attached, if they hadn’t mutually agreed to separate. He still wasn’t sure if parting made it easier. It might have been too late by then.
“I’m easy to love,” Rathi declared as she came into view. The door smacked against the wall behind her, and she hauled a tall stack of books with hardcovers and fine print.
Blurr angled to see her, his cheeks hot, but still managing a smile. “Yes, you are.”
Thump! A stack of what had to be ten books thudded onto the counter in front of Rathi. She swept the back of her arm over her forehead and rested her hand on the top of the stack with a loud exhalation.
“Seriously, Star. I love to read, but even I think this is a bit much,” she said.
“It’s never too much.” Starscream reached for the stack.
Rathi slid it back and shook her head. “Nope. Card first. Then you can have the stack.” She paused and tilted her head, lips curving as she tapped her bottom lip. “And if you want them all, I’m going to need some incentive.”
Blurr groaned. “Rathi, don’t start.”
“You hush.” Rathi didn’t look at him. She didn’t have to. She crooked a finger at Starscream and leaned in closer. “I want a kiss.”
Starscream hummed and moved closer to the counter. “That’s doable.” He leaned forward, slipping her hand into his, and bent down, brushing his lips over her palm in the softest kiss Blurr had ever seen.
His eyes widened. He’d never seen Starscream willingly touch another human before.
“Enchante,” Starscream purred as he turned her hand over and brushed another kiss over her knuckles. “Mademoiselle.”
Rathi laughed and rolled her eyes. “There are other romances to emulate, Starscream. I’ll pick them out for your next trip. But no, sir. You’re not getting away with that this time.” She waggled her finger at him and tapped it against her cheek. “I want it right here.”
“Rathi, you are a flirt and a thief,” Starscream said with a laugh.
Blurr’s heart seemed to skip a beat in his chest. Starscream’s tone was warm and sultry, and it pooled in Blurr’s belly like an embrace.
“And you are stalling.” Rathi arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow.
“Well, you’re intimidating,” Starscream said.
Rathi’s reply was to lean forward, aiming her cheek at Starscream. She grinned and winked at Blurr, elbow braced on the counter, painted fingernails rapping a sharp staccato. She’d have never gotten away with that vivid color if she were living at home.
Starscream laughed quietly and leaned in, pecking a quick kiss over the arch of her cheekbone. He gave her hand a squeeze before letting go, returning to his side of the counter.
“Satisfied?” he asked.
Rathi brushed the pad of her fingers over her cheek. “Oh, it’ll do,” she hummed and snagged the scanner from her computer. “You’re lucky it’s a slow day, and no one else is waiting to check out.”
“Libraries have busy days?” Blurr asked with a raised eyebrow.
His heart stammered in his chest, and he couldn’t decide who he was more jealous of, though logically, it should have been Starscream. He hadn’t spent time with Rathi since they amicably parted almost a year ago.
He did miss her.
Rathi rolled her eyes and held out a hand, snapping her fingers in silent entreaty for his student ID. “Other people read, Dae Hyeun. This is a school for academics, not just pretty jocks with long legs.”
Blurr sighed.
“It’s a good thing he’s pretty,” Starscream had the audacity to agree.
Rathi and Starscream both laughed.
Blurr started shoving books into his bag, his ears burning. It was going to suck to haul this bag back to his dorm room, but at least the trudge would keep his mind off all of the embarrassment he was currently suffering.
“Okay, if Mrs. Fredericks asked, you distracted me with a smile, and I have no idea how many books I scanned for you. Oops.” Rathi offered a false look of innocence and confusion, one Blurr didn’t believe or a moment. She flicked Blurr back his ID card. “And you, don’t be such a stranger. We can still talk even if it doesn’t end up involving me stripping you out of those shorts I loved so much.”
Blurr coughed an inhalation, holding his heavy bookbag in front of him like a shield. “I don’t know if I can survive a friendship with you, Rathi.”
“That’s all right. I’ll accept Starscream as a substitute.” She winked and blew him a kiss. “Isn’t that right, sunshine?”
Starscream chuckled, a low, rolling sound that never failed to warble through Blurr’s belly. “You know you’re one of my favorite humans.”
“But Blurr is number one, right?”
“Of course.”
“Don’t we have somewhere to be?” Blurr asked, maybe a little impatiently, because if he had to watch them keep flirting, he was going to stay as red as a tomato.
Rathi lifted her eyebrows and shielded her mouth from Blurr, giving Starscream a look. “He can be a little shy sometimes. It makes him cranky.”
“I’ve noticed.” Starscream reached over and plucked the heavy bag from Blurr’s grip, with an ease Blurr envied. “He is right, however. I did promise him a flight.”
Rathi’s eyes widened with envy. “Oh, boy. He is your favorite. That’s unfair.” Her lower lip jutted in a pout.
Blurr had never been able to resist that pout.
“It’s a gift I offer to no one else,” Starscream said with a sweeping, shallow bow. “You’re welcome to envy him.”
Blurr huffed. “I am standing right here, thank you very much.” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “And now I’m heading out the door so you two can continue… whatever this is.” He flicked his hand at them and spun on a heel.
Their laughter seemed to chase him.
They said something else to each other, words Blurr didn’t catch, and then the sound of Starscream’s talons on tile rose behind him before Starscream caught up. He still clutched the heavy bag.
Blurr didn’t reach for it. They were Starscream’s books anyway. He should have to carry them.
“You have an entertaining friend,” Starscream said as they passed through the turnstile and pushed out the double doors.
“Seems like she’s your friend, too.” Blurr shielded his eyes from the bright sun, squinting at the sudden shift from dim to afternoon gleam.
Starscream fiddled with the bag strap, visible in Blurr’s peripheral vision. “She doesn’t treat me differently or like a novelty,” he said. “So yes, I would consider her a friend.”
Blurr dropped his hand and turned to face the harpy. “Rathi’s like that,” he began carefully. “She’s been the token one too many times in her life, so she tries her best to make sure no one ever has to feel like that.” The corner of his mouth turned up into a smile. “She’s a good egg.”
“You speak of her so fondly.” Starscream’s gaze dropped to the ground, his feathery brows furrowing, talons plucking at the fabric of Blurr’s bag. “I do not understand why you are no longer together. I know you said it’s complicated, but--”
Blurr sighed and sucked his bottom lip into his mouth, briefly teething it. “I don’t know if I can explain it in a way that you’ll get the context.” He paused and held up a hand, just as Starscream slipped into a scowl. “Not because you’re dumb or anything, Star. It’s just because it’s a lot of human cultural context, specifically with hers and mine.”
Starscream gnawed on his bottom lip before he nodded slowly. “I may not get the particulars, but I get the gist. We harpies are not without our cultural barriers.” His gaze went distant, brows furrowing again. “It is one of the reasons I left my home aerie.”
“You left someone you loved behind?” Blurr asked. He wasn’t sure if Starscream’s expression was relief or regret.
Starscream shook his head. “Yes, but not of the romantic persuasion.” His grin was somewhat wry. “I do have a family. A younger brother, to be more precise. He’s a bit of a brat, but I do love him dearly.”
“I have siblings, too,” Blurr said. “A younger sister. I think it’s sort of a cardinal rule that if they’re younger, they have to be brats.” He missed Hae-Won dearly, far more than his parents. They still kept in contact, through the occasional, furtive emails, but nothing more.
Her absence in his life was the worst of the exile.
Starscream chuckled. “It must be.” He stopped fiddling with the bag, and relief seemed to roll over him, because his feathers ruffled and his shoulders relaxed. “For what it is worth, I am sorry you and Rathi cannot be together.”
Blurr shrugged and turned away from the library, Starscream falling in step beside him. “We’re not star-crossed lovers or anything. We always knew the score.”
“Still--”
“Still nothing.” Blurr exhaled sharply. “It’s done. We’re still friends, and both of us are happy with the way things turned out. Besides, didn’t you promise to take me flying?”
It was a terrible segue, but Blurr really wanted Starscream to drop the subject. Now. He didn’t want to spend an hour trying to explain to Starscream the complicated tangle that was the semester he spent with Rathi. He was only glad Starscream had not thought to ask him about TJ.
Blurr was well aware his past relationships were a bundle of tangled complications. He wouldn’t even mention the numerous one-night stands he’d thrown himself into, those first few months or so after he’d been tossed out of the house.
Starscream had a high opinion of Blurr for some reason. Blurr wanted to keep it that way.
Starscream gave him a look, like he was aware Blurr was avoiding something, but he nodded anyway. “I did. And I’m going to keep that promise.” He held up the bag. “We should probably take these to your dorm first. I don’t think I can carry them and you.”
“You make a good point.” Blurr laughed, though it felt forced. Luckily, Starscream didn’t push any further.
They dropped the bag of books off at Blurr’s dorm, and then Blurr followed Starscream to one of the open fields on the perimeter of the campus. Students often trekked out here to play disc golf or picnic on the grass or meet for study groups. This afternoon, it was pretty deserted, which was a relief.
The last thing Blurr needed was another audience.
“All right,” he said, clapping his hands together, butterflies dancing a jig in his belly. “So, um, how are we doing to do this?” He eyed Starscream’s arms, which were his wings.
Starscream couldn’t exactly carry him.
“I’m stronger than I look,” Starscream said with a little laugh. He held up one hand, two long fingers extended. “You have two choices. You can cling to my back or you can cling to my front.”
Blurr worked his throat over a sudden lump. Straddling Starscream from the front? Primus, he’d had a dream like that last night, and there’d been nothing innocent involved. He didn’t know if his dignity could survive that.
“Your back,” Blurr said. “Though if it’s easier for you the other way, I can do that.”
Starscream shook his head. “Either way is fine.” He lowered himself to one knee and held out an arm to Blurr. “Ready?”
Blurr’s heart hammered a mile a minute. “Yes.” And most definitely, no. He wanted to fly; he didn’t know if he would survive being so close to Starscream.
He rubbed sweaty palms together and circled around Starscream, eying the landscape of Starscream’s back, careful not to step on the sweep of Starscream’s tail.
“Um, how should I…?”
Starscream chuckled and turned to look over his shoulders. “Arms over my shoulders, legs around my waist. I believe you call it a ‘piggyback’ ride?”
“That won’t hurt you?”
“I’ve often given fledges rides in this manner. You’re not much larger,” Starscream said with a smile.
“If you say so.”
Blurr took a deep breath and glanced around. They hadn’t attracted a crowd yet. He hoped they could get in the air before anyone noticed, if anyone did.
It was awkward to step to either side of Starscream and lean against his back. He draped his arms over Starscream’s shoulders, and Starscream gripped his thighs, guiding them around Starscream’s waist. He crossed his legs at the ankles, wrapped his arms over Starscream’s shoulders, excitement and trepidation warring inside of him.
Starscream held him steady and then stood.
Blurr might have squeezed tighter than was necessary. “You swear you’ve done this before?” he asked, hopefully louder than a squeak, his forehead pressed to the fluff of feathers slicking down from the back of Starscream’s head.
Starscream chuckled, and the rumble of it seemed to vibrate through Blurr. “I promise.” He patted Blurr’s thighs and let go, leaving Blurr to cling on his own. “You won’t fall. I won’t drop you.”
“I believe you.”
Honestly, he did. He was just a little anxious was all.
“Ready?” Starscream asked.
Blurr clung tighter, fingers and heels digging in against Starscream’s body. If it hurt, Starscream didn’t mention anything. He stood straight and tall, arms hanging loose at his side. Blurr could feel the tension in Starscream’s muscles, the strength hidden beneath the soft feathers. It was very reassuring.
“Do I need to count down?”
Blurr’s face blazed with heat. “Just do it,” he said.
Starscream chuckled.
He tensed again. Crouched. Arms extended.
And then he leapt, at least his height and more, with more power than Blurr could have ever expected, straight into the air.
Fwoosh!
Starscream’s wings swept down in a powerful arc, propelling him higher. Wind smacked against Blurr’s face, whipping his hair backward, his stomach dropping down into his knees. He squeaked and tightened his grip on Starscream, clinging like a monkey.
Fwoosh!
Another powerful flap brought them him enough to crest the tops of the magnolia trees and then beyond. Blurr’s breath caught in his throat. His heart hammered, and his eyes watered as the wind rushed against them.
Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Fwoosh!
Faster now, Starscream’s wings beat a harder, stronger rhythm, climbing them higher and higher into the air, until the entirety of the university spread out below them, and the distant clock tower was the last highpoint. Blurr could read it from here, the large hands on the quartz face a thick, distinct line of black.
Two more powerful pulls of Starscream’s wings, and he tilted forward a bit, wings stretched far. He caught an air current or something and started to glide, the full length of his wings stretching to either side.
Beautiful.
There was no other word to describe the array of reds and blues glimmering in the midday sun, the wind rustling over them.
Blurr lifted his head as much as he dared, staring out over Starscream’s feathers to take in the sights, the horizon a smear of colors hinting of an approaching autumn. Cars crept along the tiny streets below. Glass reflected the sun’s rays. People moved below, too far to distinguish features.
Starscream climbed higher yet again, until Blurr could see beyond the boundaries of the university, to the land stretching past it. The dark green of the nearby forest stood out in stark contrast to the pale green and yellow of the open fields, and darker still was the great mass of gigantic trees in the middle of the forest.
Blurr had never been there, but he knew the massive, domed tree in the center was the one which housed Starscream’s aerie. The rise and fall of the forest made it seem like the region was full of hills, but in fact, the rolling height was entirely due to the trees. The greatwoods were one of the tallest living things on the planet, and they grew in abundance in Kaon.
He hoped he could see the aerie in person someday.
Blurr squeezed Starscream, not out of fear, but out of gratitude. When Starscream switched to gliding once more, he tried to speak, shifting enough to talk directly in Starscream’s ear.
“You’re amazing,” he said. “This is amazing. Thank you.”
Starscream laughed, and the rumbles of it echoed against Blurr’s chest and belly. “Anytime,” he replied, voice raised to be heard over the wind whistling in Blurr’s ears. “All you have to do is ask.”
He tilted and turned in that moment, giving Blurr an all new scenic view, and a laugh of delight escaped Blurr before he could rein it in.
In that moment, he wished more than anything, that he could fly, too.
*
Universe: Transformers AR, Flights of Fancy AU
Characters: Blurr/Starscream, Original Human Character(s), Sari Sumdac, Miko Nakadai, Ratchet, Megatron, Rodimus, Red Alert, Others
Rated: M
Enticements: Sexual Content, Harpy/Human Sexual Content
Summary: There were a lot of things Blurr knew with great certainty: his path, his future, his happiness. Then Starscream swooped into his life and turned everything upside down in the best possible way.
Chapter Four
Blurr wasn’t sure when it happened.
It seemed like he blinked, and every Wednesday became every Wednesday plus the occasional Tuesday and sometimes on Thursdays, and a random Sunday. Once a week became twice a week, sometimes thrice a week.
Most of the time, Starscream sought him out. Sometimes, Blurr spied Starscream heading to the library or to Dr. Morgan’s office of his own accord. A pang of disappointment hit Blurr on those days, when he saw Starscream flying out of Kaon, without even stopping to say hello.
It seemed rude, however, to take up Starscream’s study time. So Blurr kept that to himself. Starscream wasn’t under any obligation to spend all of his time with Blurr. He should have other interests outside his friendship with Blurr. Why did he even befriended Blurr in the first place?
It didn’t make sense.
Blurr buried the jealousy. Because it wasn’t jealousy. He had no reason to be jealous. He had his own life, his own busy schedule. There was practice and midterms and the terrible realization that sometime before graduation, he’d have to figure out a plan.
Besides, it was a Sunday and here Starscream was, sprawled out on Blurr’s bed, a book spread out beneath him as he carefully flipped through the pages, reading it faster than anyone Blurr had ever seen. His head bobbed carefully to the background music Blurr played as he pretended to study.
He had absolutely zero interest in studying. It had been a mistake to take physics. A grievous error. He should have taken something easy for an elective, rather than something he’d once carried a passing interest toward.
Blurr sighed, closed his laptop, and leaned back, stretching his arms above his head. His spine cracked, and the chair creaked. He fought off a yawn.
Behind him, Starscream chuckled. “You look like you need a break.”
Blurr spun around in the chair, rolling his neck to ease the a muscle cramp. “I don’t know how you can lay there and read all day. It would be torture to me.” Immobility was a terrible thing. He’d spent the last ten minutes bouncing one leg up and down, just to feel like he wasn’t sitting still.
“I like to read,” Starscream said, rolling his eyes. One talon tapped the cover of his book as he closed it, marking his place with his other hand. “As much as I possibly can.”
“I noticed.” Blurr’s jaw cracked in a yawn, and he stood up, chair groaning beneath him. “I have to get out of here, or I’m going to go crazy.”
Starscream’s lips curved with amusement. He grabbed a loose feather he’d been using as a bookmark and slid it into place. “Can we go to the library then?”
“What? Really?” Blurr groaned and cast around for his runners. He couldn’t remember where he’d tossed them at. “Did you miss the part where I’m trying to get away from studying?”
“Not for you.” Starscream slid off the bed with an enviable grace. He, too, stretched. Blurr pretended he wasn’t paying attention, focusing instead on pulling on his shoes. “For me. They won’t let me check out anymore.”
Blurr laughed. “That’s because you have to return some before you can check out more. It’s a limit.”
“But I’m not done with the other ones yet,” Starscream said with a little pout that made something in Blurr’s belly do a little flip. “I need them for reference.”
Blurr finished tying his laces and swept his hand through his hair, pushing it off his forehead. “Then what’s the point of going to the library?”
“You hardly check out any books,” Starscream pointed out.
Blurr cocked his head. “Yes, because I don’t read them.” He paused as understanding washed over him, and a laugh slipped free. “Really, Starscream? You want me to lie to the librarian and check out books for you?”
Starscream clasped his hands together, and his crest feathers ruffled adorably. “Please?”
Someday, he would learn how to tell Starscream ‘no’.
Today was not that day.
“I’ll take you flying,” Starscream said before Blurr could agree.
Blurr’s eyes widened. A zing of delight danced up his spine and took up residence in his heart. “Really?”
“I mean, I was going to anyway at some point,” Starscream said, suddenly ducking his head, rubbing the back of his neck, his gaze elsewhere. “But if I can use it as incentive now, I’m not above a little bribery.”
It took everything Blurr had not to throw himself at Starscream and hug him. He’d been wanting to fly with Starscream for ages, but he didn’t think it was appropriate to ask. For all he knew, it was rude in harpy culture or something. He didn’t want to overstep his boundaries and cross some line.
Blurr grabbed up his keys and his bag, so he’d have something to carry what he was sure would be an obnoxious amount of books. “You don’t have to bribe me. I’ll get the books for you.”
Starscream’s eyes lit up with glee. “Right now?”
“Yes, right now.” Blurr chuckled and gestured for Starscream to follow him.
He didn’t get very far before he was swept up in an embrace from behind, soft feathers tickling his skin as the sweet scent of blackberries floated to his nose. Starscream’s cheek rubbed against his, wings forming a curtain around him.
“Thank you,” Starscream murmured.
Blurr stilled, only because he was surprised, before he let himself relax into the hug. “You’re welcome.” He patted Starscream’s arm with a free hand, pushing through the curtain of feathers to do so. “Anytime.”
Starscream chuckled and let him go. Blurr resisted the urge to yank him back, for more reasons than he was willing to admit.
“Don’t say that. Or I’ll have you in the library every weekend.”
“Perish the thought.”
Blurr didn’t exactly skip to the library, but there was a pep in his step he prayed Starscream didn’t notice. The scent of blackberries seemed to linger around him, sweet and tantalizing. Starscream chattered as they walked, something about what kind of book he wanted. The topic sounded boring, but Starscream’s enthusiasm was adorable.
“Do you know what you’re looking?” Blurr asked as they passed through the turnstile and slid their ID cards.
Starscream had a visitor ID. He’d apparently been given it not long after he first showed up on campus. It gave him access to the public areas, and apparently, it was supposed to come with an expense account at some point. Blurr had the feeling most of the ‘expenses’ would be used at the coffee shop or on pastries.
“Mrs. Fredericks is holding them for me at the desk. Or at least she said she was,” Starscream made a beeline for said desk, his tail twitching excitedly behind him.
More than a few students noticed him coming. They stared and pointed. By now, a harpy shouldn’t be such a novelty, but apparently, the newness of it would never fade.
Blurr hurried to catch up. Only being a weekend, the main desk wasn’t staffed by the head librarian, but one of her many student aides. The one currently behind the counter was a face Blurr recognized, and he wondered if it was too late to change his mind.
Then she noticed him.
“Dae!”
“Hey, Rathi.” Blurr managed a warm smile as Rathi leaned across the counter toward him, her lips curved in a broad grin. “I didn’t know you worked here.”
“Well, you’d probably know if you ever visited a library desk in your life.” Rathi chuckled and swept her long, dark braid over her shoulder. “Mama insisted. She wanted me to get some ‘practical work experience.’” She lifted her fingers in air-quotes. “As if I’m not already set to take over the family business.”
“Family expectations, right?” Blurr chuckled. It was one of the reasons he and Rathi had gotten along so well. They’d shared the same pressure of familial obligations. “Well, this is a cushy job at least.”
Rathi shrugged. “I’ve had worse.” Her eyes flicked past Blurr, to his feathery shadow. “Afternoon, Starscream. Here to switch out some books for this stack we have for you?”
Starscream uncharacteristically hovered behind Blurr’s right shoulder. “Actually, I’m keeping the ones I still have. Blurr said he’d get some of the others for me.”
“Did he now?” Rathi’s lips curved in a grin. “That sounds like something he’d do. He’s very generous. Aren’t you?” She winked.
Frag it.
Blurr scratched the back of his head as a blush took over his face. Damn Rathi. She always came across as someone reserved and restrained, until she hit you out of left field with something lewd.
Yet another reason they’d had so much fun together.
“Not as generous as I used to be,” Blurr said, and coughed into his fist. “Senior year is the worst.”
“Yeah, that’s my future next year.” Rathi sighed and held up a finger, her nails painted a vivacious red. “Let me go get your stack, Starscream. I might even be generous and let him get them all for you. Be right back.”
She turned and vanished into the back room with a swish of her long braid. Blurr had always loved her hair. It was as soft and silk, long enough to brush her hips, and he’d spent many lazy mornings running his fingers through it.
“An old friend?” Starscream asked as Blurr leaned against the counter and rubbed his face, trying to rub away the blush.
Blurr reluctantly lifted his gaze to Starscream’s. “Something like that.” He peered up at the harpy. “So I don’t know how harpies work or anything, but humans don’t like, immediately mate for life or anything.”
Starscream rolled his eyes. “Neither do harpies. Well, at least, not in my flock or the flock I’m from anyway.” He folded his arms and sniffed. “I’m unaware of human behavior, but I’m not ignorant.”
“I didn’t mean that you were.” Blurr sighed. Somehow, it was very hot in here. Was the air conditioning working? “I just didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. Rathi is an old friend. A fun one.”
“I’ve had fun friends,” Starscream said, still sounding a little miffed. He huffed a breath, his crest feathers flattening. “Why only fun though? She’s nice.”
Blurr shrugged. “It’s complicated.” He crossed his arms and hunched his shoulders, frowning in thought. “Well, more on her end than mine. We went in knowing what it meant.”
“You liked her,” Starscream said.
“Of course I did. But not the way you’re thinking.”
If he sounded fond, Blurr couldn’t help himself. He’d liked Rathi a lot. She’d made him smile like few people did. There was a good chance he would have gotten attached, if they hadn’t mutually agreed to separate. He still wasn’t sure if parting made it easier. It might have been too late by then.
“I’m easy to love,” Rathi declared as she came into view. The door smacked against the wall behind her, and she hauled a tall stack of books with hardcovers and fine print.
Blurr angled to see her, his cheeks hot, but still managing a smile. “Yes, you are.”
Thump! A stack of what had to be ten books thudded onto the counter in front of Rathi. She swept the back of her arm over her forehead and rested her hand on the top of the stack with a loud exhalation.
“Seriously, Star. I love to read, but even I think this is a bit much,” she said.
“It’s never too much.” Starscream reached for the stack.
Rathi slid it back and shook her head. “Nope. Card first. Then you can have the stack.” She paused and tilted her head, lips curving as she tapped her bottom lip. “And if you want them all, I’m going to need some incentive.”
Blurr groaned. “Rathi, don’t start.”
“You hush.” Rathi didn’t look at him. She didn’t have to. She crooked a finger at Starscream and leaned in closer. “I want a kiss.”
Starscream hummed and moved closer to the counter. “That’s doable.” He leaned forward, slipping her hand into his, and bent down, brushing his lips over her palm in the softest kiss Blurr had ever seen.
His eyes widened. He’d never seen Starscream willingly touch another human before.
“Enchante,” Starscream purred as he turned her hand over and brushed another kiss over her knuckles. “Mademoiselle.”
Rathi laughed and rolled her eyes. “There are other romances to emulate, Starscream. I’ll pick them out for your next trip. But no, sir. You’re not getting away with that this time.” She waggled her finger at him and tapped it against her cheek. “I want it right here.”
“Rathi, you are a flirt and a thief,” Starscream said with a laugh.
Blurr’s heart seemed to skip a beat in his chest. Starscream’s tone was warm and sultry, and it pooled in Blurr’s belly like an embrace.
“And you are stalling.” Rathi arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow.
“Well, you’re intimidating,” Starscream said.
Rathi’s reply was to lean forward, aiming her cheek at Starscream. She grinned and winked at Blurr, elbow braced on the counter, painted fingernails rapping a sharp staccato. She’d have never gotten away with that vivid color if she were living at home.
Starscream laughed quietly and leaned in, pecking a quick kiss over the arch of her cheekbone. He gave her hand a squeeze before letting go, returning to his side of the counter.
“Satisfied?” he asked.
Rathi brushed the pad of her fingers over her cheek. “Oh, it’ll do,” she hummed and snagged the scanner from her computer. “You’re lucky it’s a slow day, and no one else is waiting to check out.”
“Libraries have busy days?” Blurr asked with a raised eyebrow.
His heart stammered in his chest, and he couldn’t decide who he was more jealous of, though logically, it should have been Starscream. He hadn’t spent time with Rathi since they amicably parted almost a year ago.
He did miss her.
Rathi rolled her eyes and held out a hand, snapping her fingers in silent entreaty for his student ID. “Other people read, Dae Hyeun. This is a school for academics, not just pretty jocks with long legs.”
Blurr sighed.
“It’s a good thing he’s pretty,” Starscream had the audacity to agree.
Rathi and Starscream both laughed.
Blurr started shoving books into his bag, his ears burning. It was going to suck to haul this bag back to his dorm room, but at least the trudge would keep his mind off all of the embarrassment he was currently suffering.
“Okay, if Mrs. Fredericks asked, you distracted me with a smile, and I have no idea how many books I scanned for you. Oops.” Rathi offered a false look of innocence and confusion, one Blurr didn’t believe or a moment. She flicked Blurr back his ID card. “And you, don’t be such a stranger. We can still talk even if it doesn’t end up involving me stripping you out of those shorts I loved so much.”
Blurr coughed an inhalation, holding his heavy bookbag in front of him like a shield. “I don’t know if I can survive a friendship with you, Rathi.”
“That’s all right. I’ll accept Starscream as a substitute.” She winked and blew him a kiss. “Isn’t that right, sunshine?”
Starscream chuckled, a low, rolling sound that never failed to warble through Blurr’s belly. “You know you’re one of my favorite humans.”
“But Blurr is number one, right?”
“Of course.”
“Don’t we have somewhere to be?” Blurr asked, maybe a little impatiently, because if he had to watch them keep flirting, he was going to stay as red as a tomato.
Rathi lifted her eyebrows and shielded her mouth from Blurr, giving Starscream a look. “He can be a little shy sometimes. It makes him cranky.”
“I’ve noticed.” Starscream reached over and plucked the heavy bag from Blurr’s grip, with an ease Blurr envied. “He is right, however. I did promise him a flight.”
Rathi’s eyes widened with envy. “Oh, boy. He is your favorite. That’s unfair.” Her lower lip jutted in a pout.
Blurr had never been able to resist that pout.
“It’s a gift I offer to no one else,” Starscream said with a sweeping, shallow bow. “You’re welcome to envy him.”
Blurr huffed. “I am standing right here, thank you very much.” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “And now I’m heading out the door so you two can continue… whatever this is.” He flicked his hand at them and spun on a heel.
Their laughter seemed to chase him.
They said something else to each other, words Blurr didn’t catch, and then the sound of Starscream’s talons on tile rose behind him before Starscream caught up. He still clutched the heavy bag.
Blurr didn’t reach for it. They were Starscream’s books anyway. He should have to carry them.
“You have an entertaining friend,” Starscream said as they passed through the turnstile and pushed out the double doors.
“Seems like she’s your friend, too.” Blurr shielded his eyes from the bright sun, squinting at the sudden shift from dim to afternoon gleam.
Starscream fiddled with the bag strap, visible in Blurr’s peripheral vision. “She doesn’t treat me differently or like a novelty,” he said. “So yes, I would consider her a friend.”
Blurr dropped his hand and turned to face the harpy. “Rathi’s like that,” he began carefully. “She’s been the token one too many times in her life, so she tries her best to make sure no one ever has to feel like that.” The corner of his mouth turned up into a smile. “She’s a good egg.”
“You speak of her so fondly.” Starscream’s gaze dropped to the ground, his feathery brows furrowing, talons plucking at the fabric of Blurr’s bag. “I do not understand why you are no longer together. I know you said it’s complicated, but--”
Blurr sighed and sucked his bottom lip into his mouth, briefly teething it. “I don’t know if I can explain it in a way that you’ll get the context.” He paused and held up a hand, just as Starscream slipped into a scowl. “Not because you’re dumb or anything, Star. It’s just because it’s a lot of human cultural context, specifically with hers and mine.”
Starscream gnawed on his bottom lip before he nodded slowly. “I may not get the particulars, but I get the gist. We harpies are not without our cultural barriers.” His gaze went distant, brows furrowing again. “It is one of the reasons I left my home aerie.”
“You left someone you loved behind?” Blurr asked. He wasn’t sure if Starscream’s expression was relief or regret.
Starscream shook his head. “Yes, but not of the romantic persuasion.” His grin was somewhat wry. “I do have a family. A younger brother, to be more precise. He’s a bit of a brat, but I do love him dearly.”
“I have siblings, too,” Blurr said. “A younger sister. I think it’s sort of a cardinal rule that if they’re younger, they have to be brats.” He missed Hae-Won dearly, far more than his parents. They still kept in contact, through the occasional, furtive emails, but nothing more.
Her absence in his life was the worst of the exile.
Starscream chuckled. “It must be.” He stopped fiddling with the bag, and relief seemed to roll over him, because his feathers ruffled and his shoulders relaxed. “For what it is worth, I am sorry you and Rathi cannot be together.”
Blurr shrugged and turned away from the library, Starscream falling in step beside him. “We’re not star-crossed lovers or anything. We always knew the score.”
“Still--”
“Still nothing.” Blurr exhaled sharply. “It’s done. We’re still friends, and both of us are happy with the way things turned out. Besides, didn’t you promise to take me flying?”
It was a terrible segue, but Blurr really wanted Starscream to drop the subject. Now. He didn’t want to spend an hour trying to explain to Starscream the complicated tangle that was the semester he spent with Rathi. He was only glad Starscream had not thought to ask him about TJ.
Blurr was well aware his past relationships were a bundle of tangled complications. He wouldn’t even mention the numerous one-night stands he’d thrown himself into, those first few months or so after he’d been tossed out of the house.
Starscream had a high opinion of Blurr for some reason. Blurr wanted to keep it that way.
Starscream gave him a look, like he was aware Blurr was avoiding something, but he nodded anyway. “I did. And I’m going to keep that promise.” He held up the bag. “We should probably take these to your dorm first. I don’t think I can carry them and you.”
“You make a good point.” Blurr laughed, though it felt forced. Luckily, Starscream didn’t push any further.
They dropped the bag of books off at Blurr’s dorm, and then Blurr followed Starscream to one of the open fields on the perimeter of the campus. Students often trekked out here to play disc golf or picnic on the grass or meet for study groups. This afternoon, it was pretty deserted, which was a relief.
The last thing Blurr needed was another audience.
“All right,” he said, clapping his hands together, butterflies dancing a jig in his belly. “So, um, how are we doing to do this?” He eyed Starscream’s arms, which were his wings.
Starscream couldn’t exactly carry him.
“I’m stronger than I look,” Starscream said with a little laugh. He held up one hand, two long fingers extended. “You have two choices. You can cling to my back or you can cling to my front.”
Blurr worked his throat over a sudden lump. Straddling Starscream from the front? Primus, he’d had a dream like that last night, and there’d been nothing innocent involved. He didn’t know if his dignity could survive that.
“Your back,” Blurr said. “Though if it’s easier for you the other way, I can do that.”
Starscream shook his head. “Either way is fine.” He lowered himself to one knee and held out an arm to Blurr. “Ready?”
Blurr’s heart hammered a mile a minute. “Yes.” And most definitely, no. He wanted to fly; he didn’t know if he would survive being so close to Starscream.
He rubbed sweaty palms together and circled around Starscream, eying the landscape of Starscream’s back, careful not to step on the sweep of Starscream’s tail.
“Um, how should I…?”
Starscream chuckled and turned to look over his shoulders. “Arms over my shoulders, legs around my waist. I believe you call it a ‘piggyback’ ride?”
“That won’t hurt you?”
“I’ve often given fledges rides in this manner. You’re not much larger,” Starscream said with a smile.
“If you say so.”
Blurr took a deep breath and glanced around. They hadn’t attracted a crowd yet. He hoped they could get in the air before anyone noticed, if anyone did.
It was awkward to step to either side of Starscream and lean against his back. He draped his arms over Starscream’s shoulders, and Starscream gripped his thighs, guiding them around Starscream’s waist. He crossed his legs at the ankles, wrapped his arms over Starscream’s shoulders, excitement and trepidation warring inside of him.
Starscream held him steady and then stood.
Blurr might have squeezed tighter than was necessary. “You swear you’ve done this before?” he asked, hopefully louder than a squeak, his forehead pressed to the fluff of feathers slicking down from the back of Starscream’s head.
Starscream chuckled, and the rumble of it seemed to vibrate through Blurr. “I promise.” He patted Blurr’s thighs and let go, leaving Blurr to cling on his own. “You won’t fall. I won’t drop you.”
“I believe you.”
Honestly, he did. He was just a little anxious was all.
“Ready?” Starscream asked.
Blurr clung tighter, fingers and heels digging in against Starscream’s body. If it hurt, Starscream didn’t mention anything. He stood straight and tall, arms hanging loose at his side. Blurr could feel the tension in Starscream’s muscles, the strength hidden beneath the soft feathers. It was very reassuring.
“Do I need to count down?”
Blurr’s face blazed with heat. “Just do it,” he said.
Starscream chuckled.
He tensed again. Crouched. Arms extended.
And then he leapt, at least his height and more, with more power than Blurr could have ever expected, straight into the air.
Fwoosh!
Starscream’s wings swept down in a powerful arc, propelling him higher. Wind smacked against Blurr’s face, whipping his hair backward, his stomach dropping down into his knees. He squeaked and tightened his grip on Starscream, clinging like a monkey.
Fwoosh!
Another powerful flap brought them him enough to crest the tops of the magnolia trees and then beyond. Blurr’s breath caught in his throat. His heart hammered, and his eyes watered as the wind rushed against them.
Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Fwoosh!
Faster now, Starscream’s wings beat a harder, stronger rhythm, climbing them higher and higher into the air, until the entirety of the university spread out below them, and the distant clock tower was the last highpoint. Blurr could read it from here, the large hands on the quartz face a thick, distinct line of black.
Two more powerful pulls of Starscream’s wings, and he tilted forward a bit, wings stretched far. He caught an air current or something and started to glide, the full length of his wings stretching to either side.
Beautiful.
There was no other word to describe the array of reds and blues glimmering in the midday sun, the wind rustling over them.
Blurr lifted his head as much as he dared, staring out over Starscream’s feathers to take in the sights, the horizon a smear of colors hinting of an approaching autumn. Cars crept along the tiny streets below. Glass reflected the sun’s rays. People moved below, too far to distinguish features.
Starscream climbed higher yet again, until Blurr could see beyond the boundaries of the university, to the land stretching past it. The dark green of the nearby forest stood out in stark contrast to the pale green and yellow of the open fields, and darker still was the great mass of gigantic trees in the middle of the forest.
Blurr had never been there, but he knew the massive, domed tree in the center was the one which housed Starscream’s aerie. The rise and fall of the forest made it seem like the region was full of hills, but in fact, the rolling height was entirely due to the trees. The greatwoods were one of the tallest living things on the planet, and they grew in abundance in Kaon.
He hoped he could see the aerie in person someday.
Blurr squeezed Starscream, not out of fear, but out of gratitude. When Starscream switched to gliding once more, he tried to speak, shifting enough to talk directly in Starscream’s ear.
“You’re amazing,” he said. “This is amazing. Thank you.”
Starscream laughed, and the rumbles of it echoed against Blurr’s chest and belly. “Anytime,” he replied, voice raised to be heard over the wind whistling in Blurr’s ears. “All you have to do is ask.”
He tilted and turned in that moment, giving Blurr an all new scenic view, and a laugh of delight escaped Blurr before he could rein it in.
In that moment, he wished more than anything, that he could fly, too.
