Work Text:
Theo was reckless. Always reckless.
If Parrot was a “measure-twice-cut-once” type of person, Theo was more of a “why-cut-when-you-could-blow-it-up” type.
It balanced them out. Parrot would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy Theo’s impulsivity, the same way he knew that Theo respected his caution.
The brains and the brawn. An unstoppable duo.
When Parrot had first encountered him again at spawn, literally at his lowest point, he thought that it was an ironic mercy. Getting killed by Theo seemed a fitting way to end his time on the server. But instead, he was met with a warm voice and a blinding smile. If Theo’s presence was like water in the desert, Parrot was a man dying of thirst. A lost soul in need of a friend.
Theo was so genuine that it baffled Parrot. He laid himself out entirely for the world to see and admire, no hesitation and no fear. Some days, Parrot felt nothing but fear, and a desire to sequester himself away from a cruel world where those he loved were taken from him.
Or left him once they found out he didn’t meet their expectations.
But Theo wasn’t like that. Through thick and thin, he stood by Parrot. At first, Parrot had warily wondered what Theo wanted from him or expected of him. Diamonds or an elytra? Maybe he wanted a piece of bait for stronger players in hopes of getting a good fight. Time and time again, Theo proved him wrong. A simple “I missed you” melted the stalwart walls Parrot had erected around his injured heart. Since then, he had never wanted to leave Theo’s side. All he could hope was that Theo didn’t leave him.
They all left eventually. Parrot had no right to hold Theo back from the life of freedom and glory he desired. And yet, Theo always stayed. Even after their explosive argument in the Great Sea, Theo came back. Even when Parrot gave away their hard-won treasures, Theo came back. Even after all the times Parrot put both of their lives at risk on multiple occasions, Theo came back. It made Parrot sick knowing how Theo was always in danger with him.
“Whatcha thinking about bro?”
Theo’s raspy voice broke Parrot out of his thoughts. Parrot turned to his side and watched Theo, sleepily blinking at him in the morning sunlight. The shine through the glass window illuminated his yellow feathers, creating a halo effect that seemed to radiate straight from his skin. Theo was breathtakingly beautiful.
“Do I put you in danger?” Parrot blurted out.
“That’s what’s got you up this early in the morning?” Theo yawned and stretched his limbs, reaching his arms out, almost close enough to brush against Parrot from across their adjacent beds.
“I’m just thinking about all the close calls we’ve had recently,” Parrot admitted.
“Dude, you think too much. Me personally, I can’t think of a single time I’ve been in danger. I’m the biggest bird, remember? Nothing threatens the biggest bird.” Theo puffed his chest out in pride, which looked slightly odd as he was still lying in bed. Parrot couldn’t help but laugh.
“You don’t have to worry about you or me being in danger. I’ll protect us both, bro.” Theo said simply, like it was the easiest thing in the world. He ruffled Parrot’s hair with a smile before rolling out of bed. “I’m getting food, let me know if you want any!” With that, he made his way down the ladder into their potions shop.
“I’m good,” Parrot called back in a small voice before once again turning to face the ceiling.
Parrot wasn’t an idiot. He knew why Theo stayed, why he did so much for Parrot. He’s seen the lingering glances, the hesitant touches. He’s heard the warmth in Theo’s voice whenever he mentioned his name. Acknowledging those things would be crossing a barrier that Parrot didn’t deserve to come near. Parrot knew he was selfish. Selfish for constantly worrying his friends with his own weakness and self-sacrifice. Selfish because he couldn’t give up his lofty ambitions for anyone, not even his loved ones. Selfish because he couldn’t let go of Theo, despite the Wifies-shaped hole still somewhere deep in his heart. Selfish because he would rather let his feelings eat him up from the inside out than share them with the one who loved him. What good would come from sharing these feelings when it could ruin them both? Theo’s affection would eventually die down once he grew sick of Parrot. Once Parrot snapped his last thinning strand of patience with an impossible demand or a selfish request. And then he would leave. After all, they all left eventually.
Theo was reckless and always so brave.
Parrot was a coward.