Jenks-s-s, she said, her lisp obvious. Im tired of waiting on you. Try it on. I have things to do.
As one, Marshal and I looked at Jenks, and the pixy rose up on a column of red sparkles.
Belle! he exclaimed, flushed. I was just coming. Ill try it on in the hall.
Her black eyes bored into him, and I heard his wings falter. Get down here and fold your wings-s, she demanded as the cat behind her fell over on her side and started to purr. It will only take a moment.
Yeah, but he started, and she bared her teeth at him.
Making a little hiccup of sound, Jenks dropped to the floor. Belle, he pleaded. Cant we do this later?
Fold your wings! she demanded, and I made a soft sound of appreciation when she shook out the fabric and it unfolded into a vibrant, extravagantly embroidered jacket. It looked small in her hands, but I could tell it would fit Jenks perfectly.
Oh, try it on! I exclaimed, handing Marshal my cup and dropping to sit on the floor before them. Belle, did you make that?
I did! she said angrily. The pixy turd wont try it on so I can size it properly!
Jenks shrank into himself, and his wings drooped. Aww, Belle, he complained, and Marshal hid a laugh behind a cough when the taller fairy spun Jenks around and pretty much dressed him like a sullen little boy.
Turn, she demanded, and Jenks showed her his back, lifting his wings so she could do the ties in the back. How does that feel?
Belle, its beautiful! I said, seeing the golds and reds swirling in unfamiliar patterns. Clearly shed woven the cloth herself.
It feels fine, Jenks grumbled, glancing at me like it was all my fault.
Too tight? she asked, and when he muttered that it wasnt, she put a foot on his backside and yanked the ties again.
Now it is! Jenks shrilled, struggling to reach behind him and spinning in circles. Damn it, woman! I cant put my wings down!
Belle was smirking, and I bit my lip so I wouldnt smile as she caught his shoulder and loosened them again. The goddess-s-s help you, she said as she undid the ties altogether and Jenks shrugged out of it, throwing it back at her like it was a rag. What is it with men and clothes? You think youd rather go to war naked.
I dont plan on going to war at all! Jenks said, rising up an inch or so until he was looking her right in the eye. Behind him, Rex patted at his dangling feet, her eyes full and black. And I cant go to war in that. The tails are too long.
I dont plan on going to war at all! Jenks said, rising up an inch or so until he was looking her right in the eye. Behind him, Rex patted at his dangling feet, her eyes full and black. And I cant go to war in that. The tails are too long.
The tails are appropriate. Belle shook it out and draped it carefully over her arm. That is not a suit for going to war. Its for celebrating. You wont wear it until I say you can. I can tell youre not planning on war. The lines are full of holes. I dont know how you ever survived without me.
Jenks spilled a red dust and sputtered, I just spent all morning tending the lines. Theres nothing wrong with them. Rex, knock it off!
But Belle only smiled. If you like it, Ill put the final trim on it and hang it in your clos-s-set. Thank you for allowing Jezabel to teach me that stitching for the wings. Its more complicated than Im used to, but it gives wonderfully where you need it. Would you take offense if I s-sshow my sister when I s-see her again?
Tinks titties, I dont care, Jenks said sullenly. Belle stood there, waiting, and when I cleared my throat, he added, Thanks. Its nice.
My mouth dropped open, and even Marshal shifted his feet uncomfortably. Nic-c-ce? Belle said, a pale green coming to color her face, a fairys version of a flush, perhaps. You think this is nic-c-ce? She squinted at him for a moment with her lips closed over her long teeth. Thank you, she said stiffly, knocking into him as she walked past the purring cat, her back stiff and her pace slow. With a little trill of sound, Rex got to her feet and padded after her.
I looked at Jenks, his feet on the linoleum as he watched her leave, then up at Marshal. Wow, Jenks, I said as I got up. Youre a bigger ass than even me sometimes. Nice? That wasnt nice. That was exquisite.
His expression twisted up in annoyance and guilt, Jenks flew up to my eye level. She keeps making me stuff, he said plaintively. And she keeps trying to plant things. Nothing has even come up. The kids are laughing at her.
Then maybe you should stop giving her bad seeds. Shes trying, I said, not wanting to be too hard on him, but honestly, that had been a beautiful coat. It must have taken her at least two weeks to make that, and you call it nice?
Jenks looked at the hall when the cat door squeaked shut. Actually, it was twice that if you count dyeing the thread. Um. His altitude shifted up and down. Could you excuse me?
I nodded, and Jenks darted off. Belle? I heard him shout, and my frown eased. Her kin had killed Matalina. I had destroyed their wings. And now we were all learning to get along. What was wrong with me?