Birdsong Duet

Jackal's apartment was quiet this time of day. With the Envy Support Group taking off as well as it had, Dove had a lot more time to herself while Jackal worked to help her fellow Envy siblings find their place in Burrowgatory. While she enjoyed tidying up the place and finding new hobbies to enthrall her curiosities, she couldn't help but find herself sitting on the balcony. The view from even just a few stories up was still enough to get an interesting perspective on the winding street below, and a further glance into the deeper city structure. This time of year meant that even the daytime was fairly dark, with stores opting to use candelabras and candle lit chandeliers to light their establishments. Buns put out decorations stretching throughout the housing blocks, celebration for a month of spooky, and or otherwise, fun.

It made Dove's heart swoon with joy to see such holiday spirit. It seemed like such a fun prospect. The dressing up and the candy and parties all seemed so lighthearted and childlike. It made her want to sing. Sing about the feelings she had towards everything she'd experienced this year. She thought about the words for a moment. A song she had heard from Jackal that perfectly exemplified her emotions.

Not wanting to make too much noise for the empty street below, she started to sing the song quietly. 

♪This is more than I can take. Fear my heart may burst or break. If there's a thing as too much joy. I will be taken away♪

As she sang, her voice steadied. Her confidence building as she continued louder and clearer. 

♪If I wrap you up inside of me. Kiss your fingers greedily. I will lose track of the floor. I will lose track of my feet♪

She closed her eyes. Letting the sweet notes drift from her lips. Each word floating upon her breath and wisping with the wind. 

♪All that you conquered. Was already yours♪

Without warning, a new voice joined in. Picking up after her effortlessly. 

♪Walking the night sky. Freckles to the stars♪

This man knew the words to the song. She opened her eyes, peering down to see a pair of black and orange gluttony horns. He stood on the sidewalk below looking forwards down the road. One hand ducked into his pocket while the other held a lit cigarette. She waited a moment, not sure what to do. That is, until she saw him motion with his hand to keep going. She sheepishly continued the lyrics. 

♪All that you longed for. Is painted on my arms. Here I can take you♪

He sung.

♪I can take you♪

Dove sung.

♪I can take you♪

The cigarette smoke had made its way up to her, and she waved it away with feint swipes. She wasn't sure when he had walked up, she hadn't seen anyone down there when she began. "Where did you come from?" She couldn't help but ask.

The man below finally turned his face up to look at her. She couldn't get a good profile, but the orange lines on his skin and ears stuck out even in the dim lighting. "I've been set up on this front stoop here for about-" He proceeded to check an invisible watch. "Half an hour."

Dove laughed. He reminded her of Jackal's sassy sense of humour. "Yeah? What were you waiting for? Someone to duet with?" She couldn't help but tease. He responded with an exaggerated scoff before taking another puff of his cigarette. "Where did you hear that song? The band is pretty underground from what I've heard."

He blew out smoke once more. "Ah. A buddy of mine owns a record store. It's actually one of their favourite bands. They pick up on most of the indie artists in the scene, and all of that experimental melodic stuff is their bread and butter."

Dove leaned against the railing, curious about this stranger that had simply been in the right place at the right time. "What about you. What kind of music is your bread and butter?" She laid her head against one hand, the other tapping mindlessly on the metal bars of the balcony.

"Oh you know. All kinds of stuff really. Sad music. Happy music. Music that makes you want to break stuff. The usual." The man tossed the smoldering cigarette butt on the ground, quickly stomping it out. "But I really like making my own music. Songs that come from the heart and tell your story personally." Once again, he checks the back of his wrist before sighing and tapping his foot. "Where the hell is she?”

Dove turns her head to look up and down the road, not seeing anyone approaching. "You're waiting for someone that lives here?" She wondered. Perhaps this person. "Are you friends with Jackal?"

The mans ears perked up at the name. He chuckled and snapped a finger gun up at her. "You're her new roommate ain't ya. The one that she found in the woods." He stepped back a few more feet to get a better view of her on the balcony, and Dove got better lighting on him as well. "Darlet. One of the few people that didn't treat her weird after she popped up in Hops' garden eating all the hazeblooms. You could say I'm a partner in crime, and also a pretty damn good guitar player."

Dove couldn't remember where she heard of him before, but the name did ring some bells. "Huh. I mean, Jackal has a lot of cool friends. But I don't think she ever mentioned you were coming over." She crossed her arms, awaiting a good explanation. 

Darlet gave off a twisted smirk. "Oh she has absolutely no idea I was coming. It was supposed to be a surprise. Aaaand it still can be! Do you mind harbouring a strange man in your home until your gal pal gets back from her charity work? I can't offer any of the liquor I brought, but I can show you some of my music." He put his hands together in a mock pleading gesture.

Dover pondered on the idea for a moment before shrugging and standing up straight. "Alright. I'll buzz you in. But just so you know, if you try anything weird I have been taking fighting lessons. I will kick your butt."

Darlet shook his head. "Don't worry. Jackal is probably gonna beat my ass anyway when I show what I got for her."