[On this side of things Freddy's trying to process the meaning of that because really one can then construe the fact that if both Larry and the bird belong to Freddy then that puts the bird on par with Larry himself because no one's yet said that by virtue of belonging to Freddy the bird then belongs to Larry. Just saying. For now though the kid just watches this interaction intensely, seeing as how the bird is stretching its neck out towards the old man.]
...Uh....
[If it draws blood it's gonna have to go, even an enthusiastic Newendyke understands this. That big giant bill opens slowly to draw out the suspense. E-e-e-e-ee-e-ee-e-e-e. It almost sounds like alien morse code. Then without another click the bird turns around to stick its tail feathers up at Lawrence Dimick, before pulling some horror movieish turn of its head to lay that weapon across its own back. Right, Freddy looks at Larry.]
[It's not a dog, and if memory serves right it isn't even a talking bird. Still those marble eyes blink and blink almost like he's listening in.]
The hell kind of a noise is that.
[A creepy one. As for the turning and head spinning, he can't make anything of it. The point's been made with it's spots in it. Oh yeah, he realizes. Saying that he belongs to Freddy was making it less of a monarch. Something like that, and ain't it the truth though?]
[Seems like the toucan's comfy enough, Freddy will just have to figure out how to put this load in without loading the bird in it. He'll come up with something or other. As for that remark, he just looks at Larry and makes a face.]
Hah hah, real funny. Let's pick up your doghouse while we're at it.
[Is this what they call domestic bliss? Or is it just the calm before the fucking storm? At least no one got mad. Much.]
This part here it's gotta be appendage D. What you have is appendage B. There should be a letter kinda near where you put the screws in.
[He moves his gaze back to squinting to read the directions for the cage. In theory, it made more sense to buy it and assemble it. Sure made it easy taking it into the apartment and up the stairs. ...do they have a policy on pets here? Larry didn't think about that. Then again, too fucking late now.]
Says that you gotta put those into the piece that looks like a barbecue grill.
[Regarding Appendage B, honestly. Freddy goes looking for the right slot for what prong and for once it's not some kinky ass metaphor. Ah there it is. He positions the bars for bolting. ...So it Larry going to help him out with that or is he just reading the instructions eh? As for pets in the apartment, shit man the rent's not pocket change, for the cost they deserve to have a pet. Besides, the kid recalls somewhere in the lease stating pets to be no bigger than 35lbs. The toucan is so much lighter. Speaking of that fella, the bird's busy taking a watermelon slice apart on the kitchen counter. Perfectly clean place for a bird, and yes Freddy's already had to wipe up a mess here and there.]
[Rustle, rustle of the instructions. He's folding it over. Back up at Freddy to see the progress.]
So you wanna keep this down here? [Please. Please keep it down here. No bedroom bird. Munch, munch munch on that watermelon. They're in season after all. He stops a moment to look at the toucan go to town.]
Your pal loves that melon.
[Larry sets down the paper to pop in a few metal pieces as well.]
Yeah, I sure as hell ain't moving it upstairs after all this.
[Freddy wipes his brow with a 'whew'. Setting it up by a window is good enough, gives the bird sky on one side and shelter on the other. There's a log with a hole in it just ready to be installed so he has a place to hide for whatever reason too. Nice of them to pick up so much for one unannounced bird. As for the melon, damn right it's going to town. Taking care to separate the seeds from the rest too. Who knows why. Peck peck tok. Then it raises its head to stare at Larry, like Sam Knows he's being talked about.]
Saves paper or something, okay hold onto this, I'm gonna do the washer and nuts.
[It sounds so dirty. Oh look now here comes the bird hopping over to see what's going on, complete with watermelon on its face.]
[As for the staring, he can feel those eyes on him. Larry's not the paranoid type but the way that bird looks with those small dark eyes it's like he's trying to get a message across. Who the hell knows what. Maybe he's figuring out the pecking order because words alone aren't enough. Freddy belongs to the bear.
The old man's back in the moment holding onto the pieces as Freddy asks.]
Okay, baby. I'm ready.
[Sure does sound dirty. Maybe that kid will say some more.]
[Just when he's got the washer set and the wrench ready to start cranking, Freddy also gives Larry a look. Like bird like man or something. Staring. But unlike Sam, Freddy hear doesn't click in morse code or look like he's sizing the bear up. For one, he knows most of what Lawrence Dimick is capable of in the first place. Can he take the dirty home improvement?]
I'm gonna tighten that shit up you hear?
[The kid's playing along, wrench turning once, twice, followed by the sound of exertion from Freddy Newendyke. The bird there has excellent timing. Hop hop and it's up on its own cage before moving to perch on Larry's shoulder. He's the one being still and not cranking after all. So, can the bear take it?]
[More he does. Lawrence Dimick looks on back into those green eyes.]
Sure needs a firm hand like yours. I'll keep real still so you can get it as tight as it can come.
[He licks his lips. Those sounds of exertion are getting a rise out of him in more ways than one. Feathers stroke his ear, he didn't see it coming. Seriously bird, do you know what you're getting into? He has to look away from Freddy to that other beaky one.]
[What? The bird's just as interested as you are, Lawrence Dimick. It tilts its head one way then other, bill sticking out way past Larry's own face. E-e-ee-e-ee-e-e. The kid meanwhile pays the toucan's participation no mind. It's just a bird after all.]
Shit that's hard, I don't think I can shove this around and around any farther. How does it feel?
[He means the tautness of the metal of course. Just a couple more panels and that cage will be good to go. Maybe the old man will be too.]
Don't want to work too hard on the same piece. You could wreck it and we're not done yet.
[How do you like them apples, kid? Larry is prepping the rest of the pieces scooting them closer to be lifted and fastened by Freddy. Oh yeah. And he's still got the bird on him. Careful now. Looks like they have something in common, they like watching Newendyke and being around him.
Though the old man imagines that the bird isn't effected by Freddy that way.]
You think I might bust a nut just like that? I'm a professional too you know.
[Freddy carries on, sinking his teeth into that apple happily. Moving onto the next corner he's got his washers and bolts ready for the twisting. This prevents the kid from putting his full attention on the bird, only because he figures the old man will tell him if something's up. What's he gonna say now? Because the beast shifts its attention from Freddy Newendyke to Lawrence Dimick. Headtilt, headtilt, tok. It takes a gentle stab at the bear's ear.]
Oh yeah, that one's going in. A little grease and nothin' doin'. [Insert more gruff exerting sounds.]
Even professionals can be rough. Not your fault if the pieces can't take it right.
[Nngh bird. He tilts his head to one side, trying to bend it away from that big ol' beak. Lucky it's gentle. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that if it wanted to it could bring the pain.
This doesn't effect his cooperation with the cage construction.]
[The kid's not making reedy pain level noises but the grunting and the huffing ought to be familiar to one Lawrence Dimick who had evoked these sounds from Freddy Newendyke himself. Twist twist twist, oh yeah he's got it in there. With the blondie's attention elsewhere the bird focuses on the brunette. Strrrreeetch and now it's 'combing' through Larry's hair with the tip of its beak. Some people call this a grooming ritual. Too bad most people don't do this kind of thing with watermelon still sort of sticking to them.]
I think you're growing on him. [Freddy remarks, finally taking a break from his 'strenuous act' to watch this unfold.]
[Goddamn those noises. Naturally, he wants more of it out of Freddy Newendyke. The real shit with the reedy gasps and moans. There are two obstacles in the way though: the bird and the cage. But if they complete the cage then the bird can hang out there.]
He's getting his foot all over him.
[Larry lifts a hand to try and stop the motion without hitting at him.]
Hey. Quit it, pal. I don't want any mess. Don't be a slob.
[He's talking to the nuts and bolts of it all of course. Come on now Larry, the bird's not that much of a distraction is it? Oh wait.]
You're a funny bird. [How the kid can break character and slip right back into it so fluidly is his secret. An undercover cop's gotta be Marlon Brando after all. Flutter flutter, the handwaving stops the toucan only momentarily. Pinch. It's going after those fingers now, but not harshly. Honest.] I think he's just getting to know you better...giving you an excuse to get in the shower later.
[Twist twist twist, twitch. Okay the bird relinquishes that finger to hop on down to the floor. Tok tok. It's inspecting its soon to be new home within a home.]
Yeah, after all this I'm feeling pretty fuckin' filthy.
[Reading that sign loud and clear. But first! Freddy stands up while dusting his hands.] All that's left is the door. Then we'll throw in the log, some fruit, and see how the little dude likes his new corner. [Regular Jekyll and Hyde, this Newendyke.]
To get the hard to reach places huh? Find parts you didn't know existed all the way up in there?
[In here. He'd gesture to his own body but he's pretty sure Larry's on the same wavelength. Besides, Freddy has a fruit salad to prepare. Hop hop the toucan follows after the kid.]
Okay dude, how does watermelon and grapes sound huh? [The bird likes the sound of that if its purring is any indication. It nudges Freddy with its bill too, like urging him to get on with it.] I'm on it I'm on it, don't have a fuckin' cow. You're lucky you're a tame bird.
[That's a laugh too. Freddy's genuinely entertained by this goofy looking car payment. He takes the quickly sliced and plucked treats back to the cage, Sam in tow on his shoulder.]
I'm going for thorough. You better be ready for it.
[Ah hah. Looks like the cage now has itself a door. Larry gives it a try opening and shutting it a few times then trying the latch.]
Your bird has got himself a home.
[No lie that he worked up a sweat. Larry wipes his face with the bottom hem of his shirt. May as well take it all the way off. Seeing Freddy coming, he holds the door of the cage open.]
You're kidding me right? My body is always ready. [For Lawrence Dimick anyway. In go the treats followed by the log with the hole in it. He doesn't really know what the toucan will do with it since it seems to like open perches better but there are prongs and things on the inside for that too. Last but not least is the bird itself.] Okay dude.
[Er, the kid pauses to stare at the shirtless old man, all firm muscles and scars and dark clearly suntanned skin and ink. He's really something, this Mr. White. Tok tok, the bird takes a couple knocks at Larry's abs.]
Hey hey, those aren't yours.
[Hear that, Larry? Now Freddy's the one being mildly territorial. He sticks his arm into the cage waiting for the toucan to hop off. A grape helps to entice that bill with a bird into his new place easily.] Well, that was simple.
That's what I like to hear. [Fuck there's no one like Freddy Newendyke, the car fixing, badge wearing, comic reading, bird owning son of a bitch that he is. He waits nearby hoping that the bird can get a move on.
The knocks at his abs don't hurt any. Puzzling kind of an action. That remark from the kid has him grinning like a fool.]
Who's are they?
[Because the old man wants to hear it. Aaand the door is shut. Without a bird in the way, this bear can set his paws on Freddy's waist.]
[E-ee-e-e-e-ee-e, clicks the third wheel before it buries its massive beak into a piece of watermelon. Good bird. Pawed upon and empty handed the kid can drag his fingertips down Larry's chest then back up to pinch those nipples.]
Mine, Property of Freddy Motherfuckin' Newendyke.
[Tok tok tok. The toucan briefly shifts attention away from the fruit top stare at Larry and Freddy. Just staring.]
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...Uh....
[If it draws blood it's gonna have to go, even an enthusiastic Newendyke understands this. That big giant bill opens slowly to draw out the suspense. E-e-e-e-ee-e-ee-e-e-e. It almost sounds like alien morse code. Then without another click the bird turns around to stick its tail feathers up at Lawrence Dimick, before pulling some horror movieish turn of its head to lay that weapon across its own back. Right, Freddy looks at Larry.]
Naw, that's good.
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The hell kind of a noise is that.
[A creepy one. As for the turning and head spinning, he can't make anything of it. The point's been made with it's spots in it. Oh yeah, he realizes. Saying that he belongs to Freddy was making it less of a monarch. Something like that, and ain't it the truth though?]
How big a cage you goin' for? One you can share?
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Hah hah, real funny. Let's pick up your doghouse while we're at it.
[Is this what they call domestic bliss? Or is it just the calm before the fucking storm? At least no one got mad. Much.]
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[He moves his gaze back to squinting to read the directions for the cage. In theory, it made more sense to buy it and assemble it. Sure made it easy taking it into the apartment and up the stairs. ...do they have a policy on pets here? Larry didn't think about that. Then again, too fucking late now.]
Says that you gotta put those into the piece that looks like a barbecue grill.
[At least no one has to do it alone...right?]
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[Regarding Appendage B, honestly. Freddy goes looking for the right slot for what prong and for once it's not some kinky ass metaphor. Ah there it is. He positions the bars for bolting. ...So it Larry going to help him out with that or is he just reading the instructions eh? As for pets in the apartment, shit man the rent's not pocket change, for the cost they deserve to have a pet. Besides, the kid recalls somewhere in the lease stating pets to be no bigger than 35lbs. The toucan is so much lighter. Speaking of that fella, the bird's busy taking a watermelon slice apart on the kitchen counter. Perfectly clean place for a bird, and yes Freddy's already had to wipe up a mess here and there.]
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So you wanna keep this down here? [Please. Please keep it down here. No bedroom bird. Munch, munch munch on that watermelon. They're in season after all. He stops a moment to look at the toucan go to town.]
Your pal loves that melon.
[Larry sets down the paper to pop in a few metal pieces as well.]
Why they gotta print everything so small?
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[Freddy wipes his brow with a 'whew'. Setting it up by a window is good enough, gives the bird sky on one side and shelter on the other. There's a log with a hole in it just ready to be installed so he has a place to hide for whatever reason too. Nice of them to pick up so much for one unannounced bird. As for the melon, damn right it's going to town. Taking care to separate the seeds from the rest too. Who knows why. Peck peck tok. Then it raises its head to stare at Larry, like Sam Knows he's being talked about.]
Saves paper or something, okay hold onto this, I'm gonna do the washer and nuts.
[It sounds so dirty. Oh look now here comes the bird hopping over to see what's going on, complete with watermelon on its face.]
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Okay by me. Downstairs can be his pad.
[As for the staring, he can feel those eyes on him. Larry's not the paranoid type but the way that bird looks with those small dark eyes it's like he's trying to get a message across. Who the hell knows what. Maybe he's figuring out the pecking order because words alone aren't enough. Freddy belongs to the bear.
The old man's back in the moment holding onto the pieces as Freddy asks.]
Okay, baby. I'm ready.
[Sure does sound dirty. Maybe that kid will say some more.]
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I'm gonna tighten that shit up you hear?
[The kid's playing along, wrench turning once, twice, followed by the sound of exertion from Freddy Newendyke. The bird there has excellent timing. Hop hop and it's up on its own cage before moving to perch on Larry's shoulder. He's the one being still and not cranking after all. So, can the bear take it?]
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Sure needs a firm hand like yours. I'll keep real still so you can get it as tight as it can come.
[He licks his lips. Those sounds of exertion are getting a rise out of him in more ways than one. Feathers stroke his ear, he didn't see it coming. Seriously bird, do you know what you're getting into? He has to look away from Freddy to that other beaky one.]
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Shit that's hard, I don't think I can shove this around and around any farther. How does it feel?
[He means the tautness of the metal of course. Just a couple more panels and that cage will be good to go. Maybe the old man will be too.]
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[For constructing this cage.]
Don't want to work too hard on the same piece. You could wreck it and we're not done yet.
[How do you like them apples, kid? Larry is prepping the rest of the pieces scooting them closer to be lifted and fastened by Freddy. Oh yeah. And he's still got the bird on him. Careful now. Looks like they have something in common, they like watching Newendyke and being around him.
Though the old man imagines that the bird isn't effected by Freddy that way.]
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[Freddy carries on, sinking his teeth into that apple happily. Moving onto the next corner he's got his washers and bolts ready for the twisting. This prevents the kid from putting his full attention on the bird, only because he figures the old man will tell him if something's up. What's he gonna say now? Because the beast shifts its attention from Freddy Newendyke to Lawrence Dimick. Headtilt, headtilt, tok. It takes a gentle stab at the bear's ear.]
Oh yeah, that one's going in. A little grease and nothin' doin'. [Insert more gruff exerting sounds.]
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[Nngh bird. He tilts his head to one side, trying to bend it away from that big ol' beak. Lucky it's gentle. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that if it wanted to it could bring the pain.
This doesn't effect his cooperation with the cage construction.]
Stick it in right, fella. Like that.
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[The kid's not making reedy pain level noises but the grunting and the huffing ought to be familiar to one Lawrence Dimick who had evoked these sounds from Freddy Newendyke himself. Twist twist twist, oh yeah he's got it in there. With the blondie's attention elsewhere the bird focuses on the brunette. Strrrreeetch and now it's 'combing' through Larry's hair with the tip of its beak. Some people call this a grooming ritual. Too bad most people don't do this kind of thing with watermelon still sort of sticking to them.]
I think you're growing on him. [Freddy remarks, finally taking a break from his 'strenuous act' to watch this unfold.]
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[Goddamn those noises. Naturally, he wants more of it out of Freddy Newendyke. The real shit with the reedy gasps and moans. There are two obstacles in the way though: the bird and the cage. But if they complete the cage then the bird can hang out there.]
He's getting his foot all over him.
[Larry lifts a hand to try and stop the motion without hitting at him.]
Hey. Quit it, pal. I don't want any mess. Don't be a slob.
[All of this to the bird.]
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[He's talking to the nuts and bolts of it all of course. Come on now Larry, the bird's not that much of a distraction is it? Oh wait.]
You're a funny bird. [How the kid can break character and slip right back into it so fluidly is his secret. An undercover cop's gotta be Marlon Brando after all. Flutter flutter, the handwaving stops the toucan only momentarily. Pinch. It's going after those fingers now, but not harshly. Honest.] I think he's just getting to know you better...giving you an excuse to get in the shower later.
[How's that for a hint, Dimick?]
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Yeah well. We're working up a sweat anyway.
[He says trying to be as cool as a cucumber, attempting to wag off the grip the bird has on his fingers.]
I could go for a shower. How about you, Mr. Professional?
[That's a blinking neon sign.]
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Yeah, after all this I'm feeling pretty fuckin' filthy.
[Reading that sign loud and clear. But first! Freddy stands up while dusting his hands.] All that's left is the door. Then we'll throw in the log, some fruit, and see how the little dude likes his new corner. [Regular Jekyll and Hyde, this Newendyke.]
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Sounds like a cleaning job that needs two people.
[Wedging, twisting and fitting it into place.]
Gimme a bit. How about you make your friend a salad, I'm about done with the door.
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[In here. He'd gesture to his own body but he's pretty sure Larry's on the same wavelength. Besides, Freddy has a fruit salad to prepare. Hop hop the toucan follows after the kid.]
Okay dude, how does watermelon and grapes sound huh? [The bird likes the sound of that if its purring is any indication. It nudges Freddy with its bill too, like urging him to get on with it.] I'm on it I'm on it, don't have a fuckin' cow. You're lucky you're a tame bird.
[That's a laugh too. Freddy's genuinely entertained by this goofy looking car payment. He takes the quickly sliced and plucked treats back to the cage, Sam in tow on his shoulder.]
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[Ah hah. Looks like the cage now has itself a door. Larry gives it a try opening and shutting it a few times then trying the latch.]
Your bird has got himself a home.
[No lie that he worked up a sweat. Larry wipes his face with the bottom hem of his shirt. May as well take it all the way off. Seeing Freddy coming, he holds the door of the cage open.]
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[Er, the kid pauses to stare at the shirtless old man, all firm muscles and scars and dark clearly suntanned skin and ink. He's really something, this Mr. White. Tok tok, the bird takes a couple knocks at Larry's abs.]
Hey hey, those aren't yours.
[Hear that, Larry? Now Freddy's the one being mildly territorial. He sticks his arm into the cage waiting for the toucan to hop off. A grape helps to entice that bill with a bird into his new place easily.] Well, that was simple.
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The knocks at his abs don't hurt any. Puzzling kind of an action. That remark from the kid has him grinning like a fool.]
Who's are they?
[Because the old man wants to hear it. Aaand the door is shut. Without a bird in the way, this bear can set his paws on Freddy's waist.]
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Mine, Property of Freddy Motherfuckin' Newendyke.
[Tok tok tok. The toucan briefly shifts attention away from the fruit top stare at Larry and Freddy. Just staring.]
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