Tiger and bird

The tiger half-closed his eyes, carefully settling onto the rug near the bed.  Rumi wasn’t back yet, but the room was already steeped in warmth and the faint, familiar trace of a slightly bitter scent. It smelled like his master, like Jinu. While he was away, the tiger had decided to watch over Jinu’s mate. Or rather, they had decided that together with the bird. Otherwise, Jinu would be really upset if something happened to his mate. And the tiger didn’t want that at all. The silly bird was pacing on his head again, so he couldn’t relax. He gave a low growl to bring her to her senses, but it seemed to only encourage her. Foolish bird. Always thinking she’s clever — why did she even claim his hat as her own?  The tiger grumbled but lay down again with a sigh. She must be worried too. Jinu had been gone for a while now. And waiting… waiting was hard. The tiger understood that. He’d waited before for someone of his own. For a long time, he’d walked alone, played alone. Until he met Jinu. And then everything was alright. The bird would learn. After all, she had him — the tiger. And he is second-in-command of the pack right after the master. For now, the tiger knew he would nap, and then Rumi would return. Things would be fun again with Rumi —they would play, eat, and stop feeling so sad.  Finally, the bird settled on his head and calmed down. Evening had lulled her too. Content and relaxed, the tiger closed his eyes and soon drifted into a deep sleep. He was hunting again in his dreams. Grass whispered softly beneath his paws as he ran. The prey teased and beckoned, but he was strong and fast. He would catch it. Definitely. Voices stirred him from sleep. Rumi must have returned with her pack. The bird was still asleep, so the tiger decided to stay put for now. After a while, Rumi walked in the room changing her gleaming white skin for the soft gray one. “Derpy, did I wake you?” she asked with a smile, crouching beside him. “Sorry.” The tiger couldn’t help himself. Hearing his name, he rumbled low in his throat and nuzzled her legs gently. Rumi giggled, nodding toward the bird. “Careful. Sassy’s still asleep.” But she said it was too late. The bird, disturbed by his movement, ruffled her feathers irritably and with shameless speed claimed Rumi’s shoulder as her perch. The tiger snorted. He would be the first to get pets. That was the way it had always been. Silly, silly bird.

***

Morning came quickly. A single touch of sunlight on the ground and the bird was already stirring. The tiger woke up with hunger gnawing at his belly. It means it is time to wake the human. He nudged sleeping Rumi with his nose. Sure, he could go hunting by himself but he wanted that perfect pink piece of meat from last night’s feast. They’d had a wonderful evening with Rumi’s pack. And besides, he liked eating together — with Rumi and the foolish bird. The whole pack, under his protection. The bird sat on the windowsill, grooming herself proudly, pretending she hadn’t begged for yesterday’s nuts. The tiger was more honest about what he wanted. When Rumi didn’t stir, breathing softly in sleep, he pawed at her gently. Then again. And again. Finally, he gave the sleeping cocoon a light swat and let out a warning growl. Rumi bolted upright and the tiger instantly began rubbing against her hands with an innocent face, tail wagging. From the windowsill came a judgmental “charr-charr,” and the bird swooped down, landing on his head and giving a not-so-gentle peck. “Already causing trouble, huh?” Rumi asked with a sigh, carefully petting both the tiger and the magpie. “Derpy and Sassy — my new alarm clocks.” The bird lifted her beak proudly, and the tiger purred with satisfaction, playing with her hand. After all, meal times need some discipline “Looks like Jinu used to get up early to deal with you two,” Rumi murmured, and the air grew slightly heavy with sadness. The tiger and the bird exchanged a glance and immediately began rustling around on her bed to distract her from the sad thoughts. Within seconds she was laughing again. “Okay, okay, we’ll eat now. I’m up!” she declared, rolling out of bed and pulling on her favorite gray skin. The tiger stretched with delight. They would teach the master’s mate how to eat properly, how to play, how to be petted the right way. That was their duty now—to care for the master’s pair until he came back. And with such an important task to do… waiting suddenly felt a little easier.