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"You'd been told the flowers were safe," Matthew said in turn. "And that the plants you had were all okay to eat. It's completely understandable you wanted to try them all, too, since we got them to try to figure out drinks."
"Mmmmmm…" Rowan whined softly in protest, obviously still frustrated with himself. "I-I just… I feel really dumb, okay?"
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"I… I know, Rowan," Matthew said, lowering his head some. "I'm just… trying to help."
"I know you are, and I'm sure I'm being difficult and a dick right now and I'm sorry…" Rowan sighed, curling up a bit tighter.
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"You're not…" Matthew kissed Rowan's head, keeping him close.
"Mmm… but I'm being so mean to you…" He murmured. "And I keep being difficult and arguing…"
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"You're not being mean, or difficult. You're saying the things you believe, and I much prefer it to you just agreeing with me and keeping it bottled up." Matthew kissed Rowan's head again, patting his back.
Rowan sighed softly. "But it would be easier for you if I would just shut up and not get into trouble…"
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"I don't want you to shut up, Rowan… I want to make sure you're okay, and caring for someone is never easy. It's worth it, though." Matthew cupped Rowan's cheeks.
Rowan closed his eyes and leaned into Matthew's hands a bit. "I don't like needing to be taken care of."
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Matthew chuckled weakly.
"That's not the kind of caring I'm talking about, Rowan… I mean I care about you. I care so much…"
Rowan flushed a bit and curled in on himself more. "Um… t-thanks, I guess… I care about you too…" He murmured softly.
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Matthew cupped Rowan's head, kissing Rowan's head. He hugged Rowan close, then, the curled up man cradled in his arms and held close.
Rowan relaxed a bit as Matthew held him close, wrapping his legs around the avian's waist. "M'sorry…"
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"What for..?" Matthew tucked his head over Rowan's, rubbing his back lightly.
"For… for everything…" He whispered softly. "You just want what's best for me and I'm being difficult…"
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"It's not the best for you if you can't be yourself," Matthew said softly. He kissed Rowan's head, holding him tight.
"Mm…" Rowan yawned again and huddled closer. "Well… thanks for dealing with me anyway…"
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"Of course, Rowan…" Matthew kissed Rowan's head again, settling down on the ground.
Rowan got himself more comfortable in Matthew's lap, humming softly as he struggled to stay awake.
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Matthew watched Rowan struggle to stay awake, not helping as he did little things to help him fall asleep.
After another few minutes, Rowan had gone limp in Matthew's arms, his breathing slower and easier. He seemed to have fallen asleep.
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Matthew slowly unfolded his wings, still keeping Rowan in his arms.
Rowan stirred a bit when Matthew shifted, but soon settled back down, staying asleep for the moment.
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Matthew let out a breath, looking up.
"What am I to do with you…"
Rowan yawned a bit in his sleep and smiled softly, more comfortable and content now that he couldn't think.
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Matthew looked down at Rowan, smiling slightly. He looked so much better…
Rowan's mother returned after a while with a basket full of a variety of fruits. "Hello, boys. Did I miss anything?"
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"Rowan accidently ate something poisonous," he said softly, looking down. "He's okay now, though, just sleeping off the fright…"
"Ah… that's… not good." She set down her basket and came over to check on Rowan. "What did he eat? Are you sure he's alright?"
