Chapter Text
“I can’t believe it! This is amazing.” Stannis whispered excitedly, focusing the binoculars on something in the treeline.
“Amazing. Yes, it truly is.” Davos agreed, studying Stannis’ chiseled profile intently.
“ A lazuli bunting, and a male at that. I’ve never observed such a perfect specimen. Take a look. You’ve never seen such striking blue coloring before.”
Stannis held out the binoculars and Davos peered into the most vivid blue eyes he’d ever seen. “Yes, I may have at that.”
Stannis paused for a moment, looking confused, until Davos took the binoculars from him and attempted to find the distant bird. Stannis moved closer, their faces mere inches apart as he pointed over Davos’ shoulder to the exact spot.
Davos cleared his throat, suddenly warm despite the chilly morning air. “So you say there are birds like these in our neighborhood?”
“Yes─ yes, of course but you have to attract them, either with food or shelter.” He glanced at Davos and frowned. “But with all the cats around, they will stay away.”
“I’m sorry. When I started feeding them I didn’t know that there was a bird watcher living next door.” He handed the binoculars back to Stannis. “I may adopt the big orange and white one.”
Stannis looked alarmed. “You’d have to keep him indoors.”
“Yes of course,” Davos agreed. “The others I could probably capture and take to the no kill shelter in town.”
Stannis perked up. “Your backyard would be perfect for a couple of bluebird houses.”
“You think so?” Davos smiled, positioning himself closer to Stannis. “I was thinking,”
Davos paused until Stannis lowered the binoculars again, “maybe we could go out sometime.”
“Out? You mean on another bird watching expedition?”
“Well maybe, but I meant out─ like on a date.” He waited, surprised by a sudden flutter of nervousness.
He watched Stannis blink rapidly, his eyes searching for something in the distance, a faint flush appearing on his neck. After a long pause he replied softly, “I’d like that.” before raising the binoculars again.