Fynn and Songbird pt 2(ft Songbird)

The jacket was as good as it could be considering the amount of patchwork done to it. Fynn looked at his back in the mirror and nodded with a smirk. Later today they would set off, to refurbish the ship and get supplies at the Rock of Bral then to the wider verse beyond. Fynn stretched trying to savor the evening's revels.
 
“I do love me a dancer.” He groaned out as he stretched, the smirk widened to the smile he carried so easy.
 
We made a right mess of that room…and they were more flexible than you’d think.
 
Fynn laughed to himself, taking his sword belt and sash from the table and securing it around his waist.
 
Fynn's lopsided smirk faded as he finished examining his dad’s old war jacket, buckling his belt and gave a tug on his jackers lapels. The image of his dad was getting…stained or tarnished. He wasn’t sure exactly where the pit in his stomach was coming from but he had his notions— and all of it made him sad. Fynn knew he didn’t have time for family questions now. He had friends to gather.
 
“I should go to thank Songbird proper, now I’m sobered up.” he rubbed his neck thinking of the collar Songbird wore.
And I need to know what’s happened to him, the poor bloke.
 
Fynn left his room behind as the noise of the morning crowd at Liza’s greeted him, he couldn’t even hear the door latch shut as he closed it.
 
“Color me impressed, these folks really know how to party.” Smirking, he walked along the gallery to the door he sought.
 
Fynn gave the door a loud enough knock to be heard but not aggressive. He knew what it was like to be stormed in on and even more so how Songbird could react.
 
“Songbird, mate. It’s Fynn… I was hoping we could have a chat…”
 
After a brief moment, the door opened to reveal the fey man. Sharp eyes examined Fynn quickly before darting away.
 
“Come in, Captain.” His voice was soft with a musical lilt in his tone. Songbird pulled the door open,
 
“Thank ye’, Songbird.” Fynn stepped inside and passed Songbird.
 
“I wanted to thank you again mate. This jacket…it was my everythin’ for a while. You do a damn decent hem, my mom taught me– I been patchin’ this thing up for over thirty years now.” Fynn patted his chest emphasizing its importance. Smiling as warmly as he could to show appreciation.
 
“How was your evening?” Fynn offered as he sat down.
 
A flicker of emotions ran across Songbird’s face before he turned a brilliant shade of red as he thought back to the meeting. He averted his eyes completely, the tips of his pointed ears a light pink color. A quick shake of his head to clear it caused his long hair to whip back and forth in his face.
 
And then he remembered what he had been encouraged to discuss with Armitage. A deep feeling of discomfort settled over him.
 
“It was fine.”
 
Fynn watched Songbird flush and already felt he made a misstep.
 
“I didn't mean to worry or offend, did somethin’ happen?”
 
Friendly green eyes flashed in Songbird’s memory before he shook his head again.
 
“No. It was just me and Armitage after you left.”
 
. “Ah… I didn't mean… I didn't think that–” Fynn was wrong in that guess, clearly but why should I be the only one enjoying myself? Fynn could hope for his friends.
 
“– ANYWAY… did the big guy talk? Or did he just grumble the rest of the night?” Fynn's smile and raised eyebrows as well as tone tried to emphasize his joking nature.
 
A frown ghosted across Songbird’s lips.
 
“Both?”
 
Fynn nodded slowly, trying to understand what any of it meant
 
“Aye… I bet he did…did he upset you?... Or am I intrudin’?” Fynn tried smiling earnestly but the weight of being a worthy captain was looming over him like a storm cloud and his eyes betrayed him.
 
“I just wanted to get to know ya s'all.” As he pursed his lips in doubt. “I'll take my leave if not. This is your room after all.”
 
Songbird watched as Fynn turned to leave. He didn't know what possessed him to ask.
 
“Why?”
 
Stopping at the door and turning Fynn's confusion was clear.
 
“Why what, mate? I'm not sharp enough to understand?” Captains were smart, and Fynn knew he…wasn't. His confusion faded as a frown darkened his face.

“Why would you want to get to know me?”
 
His words were quiet. Confused. And he was watching Fynn. Closely. When they made eye contact, a tremor went through Songbird’s frame, but he didn't look away.
 
Fynn stood a moment blinking, the frown he wore shifted, somehow directed towards Songbird instead of at his own failure. A sad realization hit him as his shoulders dropped.
 
“Well… we seem to have some things n’ common and havin’ friends seem to be in rare supply ‘round here. I know I could use a friend…”Fynn slowly walked back in and sat at a chair nearest the exit. He cast his eyes down as he sat before trying to look at Songbird again.
 
“...but truthfully, you look like you NEED a friend n’ ye seem like an interestin’ fella ta boot. Don't sell yerself short.” Fynn managed a weak cheeky smirk.
 
Songbird flinched. Noticeable enough that he knew he would have to explain. And perhaps it would be okay.
 
“I would –” he swallowed and started again, “I don’t like me and – selling – together. No matter the context.”
 
He was uncomfortable. Surely Fynn would take offense. Songbird knew what he meant but he couldn’t help it. And Fynn said he wanted to get to know him.
 
Fynn winced as he stumbled again, he felt it a pattern forming with his new mates.
 
“Alright I won't use nothin’ of that sort then. Apologies.” Fynn bowed from the chair in attrition.
 
“What do you mean, ‘bout that word and not being involved wit’ you? I think I'd still wanna be yer mate non the matter.” as Fynn looked to meet Songbirds gaze knowingly.
 
Songbird took a shaky breath. He already told Armitage – though whether that was completely his choice was up for debate. The Giff would probably inform Fynn at some point anyway.
 
“I’ve never been…free. Not that I can remember.”
 
“Oh…” it hit Fynn quick enough and his gaze somehow softened more hearing the words as his brow raised and arched.
 
“... Songbird I'm…I'm so sorry, none of its fuckin right… not one bit.” Fynn shook his head and closed a fist as he set it on the table. “It was that round imperial navy bloke weren't it?”
 
It wasn’t as extreme of a reaction as when Commander Barnes mentioned him by name, but the jolt that ran through Songbird’s body was proof enough.
 
He nodded and looked away, shoulders dropping and wings pressed tight against his back. Keeping his eyes on one of the walls, he finally spoke.
 
“I could – I’d like to try having a friend.”
 
Fynn watched him for a moment as Songbird stared at the wall. Fynn couldn't imagine being restrained like that. He considered Songbird a bit longer.
 
“Great, then friends we are. I think you're stronger than y’know, an I think somethin’ like that woulda broke me… thank you fer sharin’.”
 
Fingers ghosting the edge of the collar on his neck, Songbird bit his lip. Strength was something he had never been associated with. But he wouldn’t call Fynn out on something that seemed to not fit him. If that was what he thought – well that was his choice.
 
“That’s what friends do – right?” he asked tentatively.
 
“Aye, like up in the crows nest. We will figure a way to remove that collar. If you want it off.” Fynn rose from the chair and held his arms out. “Friends also hug if you want? If not I understand.”
 
Alarm flashed across Songbird’s face when Fynn mentioned the collar; he yanked his hand away from it as if it had burned him. Then the rest of the astral elf’s words caught up to him. The alarm morphed to confusion.
 
“A hug?” Songbird tilted his head, eyeing Fynn’s outstretched arms, “I – okay.”
 
Songbird approached slowly and wrapped his arms around Fynn’s torso. His touch was soft, hesitant – he was shaking.
 
Fynn was a bit surprised he went for it. A pleasant smile spread across his face as he stepped in and took Songbird in his arms. Fynn knew how to be gentle and he comforted the poor guy as best he could. Giving him a gentle pat on the back a time or two.
 
“Hey see, just like two regular friends.” Fynn joked. He gave Songbird a reassuring tight squeeze before letting him go, trying his best to smile. “I best get to the others. See that they're near ready.”
 
“Okay, Captain,” Songbird replied, taking a step back. He wasn’t entirely sure if he liked hugs. Something for him to think about later.
 
Fynn smiled and turned to open the door he stopped and turned to Songbird
 
“For the record, you've been a freeman longer than a prisoner in my book. See ya outside at the stagecoach… whenever you're ready.” and Fynn closed the door behind him.
 
The din of the cantina returned and Fynn felt as satisfied as he could and as far as the captain could in the current matter. A bit heartbroken thinking what Songbird may have had to endure. He would do his best to help him.
 
Seeing him smile in earnest would be a decent goal. Fynn had enough of those to go around. He walked around the gallery to the stairs. Fynn got another drink of water and readied for some food.
 
He would see to MarV after eating if he wasn't ready to go by then and he noticed Armitage was already waiting at a table on the main floor.
 
Fynn gave him a nod then turned to the bar. Pulled out a coin rolling it across his fingers and contemplated freedom some more and those vile enough to steal someone's free will…
 
We will pay him back friend. Promise.