Breath of Fresh Air

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Axle snickered and blushed in embarrassment, dropping his gaze. "That's . . . one way to put it. I've more or less decided to begin commuting to work. I'm staying with Grandpa Jenkins and Noah until this whole crystal business is taken care of. Maybe even after, depending. Frankly, I'm not sure I could stand just staying in a big empty house by myself."

-----

"Oh, we have been!" Noah said proudly. "You should've seen the sharp turn we made earlier! It was on a dime!"

Chaital chirped and put one wing up, trying to mirror the pose while still on the ground and twirling on one paw.

Noah laughed and instinctively gripped the edge of the saddle while she spun. "Yeah! Like that." He sat up and nodded when he saw Jasper and Lily's house in the near distance. "All right, here we are! Where do you want Chaital to leave your prototype?"
 
"Opening windows helps some," Malia advised quietly, attention half stolen by her work for a moment before she finally had all of the names in place. "Playing music, too. But I'm sure Henry will enjoy the company, and you and Noah appear to get along well. So long as the commute doesn't become too much for you, I don't see why you shouldn't live together." As long as they got along, there was no harm in living with family. She hadn't spent enough time with hers.

Getting to her feet, she went to her desk to retrieve a pad of paper and came back to crouch near the mess of papers and write down the finalized schedule for later so she could clean up and not worry about forgetting. "Hopefully, this 'crystal business' won't take us more than a week or two to get sorted." She sincerely hoped it wouldn't take longer than that. Despite taking things a bit easy for the afternoon, there was still a great worry buzzing in the background for how long the current crystal would last.

***************

Jasper laughed at the way Chaital posed, the two of them so pleased with each other and proud of themselves he couldn't help it. "Just like that?" He said to the dragon, smiling to himself still. "Very impressive. I'll have to see it in the air some time."

When they got closer to the house he considered Nobu and the hunk of metal, and held the little dragon up to Noah with a sigh. "Here, hold on to Lazy Bones for a minute." Once he'd been handed off, Jasper moved around in front of Chaital to get a grip on the prosthetic. "I'll take it from here. Thanks for the all the help, Chaital. Let me put it inside and I'll come back for Nobu in a second."
 
"I don't see why not, either. Especially with Grandpa Jenkins planning a few additions onto his home and all," Axle said with a smile. "Besides, I've already made quite a few friends down here. It's strangely easier than making friends in Upper Floaten, and they're good friendships, too." He met Malia's gaze, and his eyes twinkled. "Including you, of course."

He cleared his throat and averted his eyes again. "Speaking of which - would you like to take another walk around the Dragonry tomorrow? You could come over for lunch again as well. If you want."

----

Noah lifted his head and nodded. "Just like that! We're gonna learn so fast! We'd love to show you once we get up in the air again."

He was more than happy to take Nobu again, and he rocked the dragon in his arms. "Take your time! Always a pleasure hanging out with Nobu."

Chaital chuffed happily and curled up in the street, pleased to have done good work.
 
"Oh, is he?" Malia asked, and glanced up in time to feel caught in place by the way he looked at her. Even after he looked away she studied him, and a moment later finally turned back to her notes with a strange sort of flutter in her chest. They had only just met. Was it strange to think that he was attracted to her already? Was it presumptuous? She couldn't deny that she was beginning to feel something towards him as well. His affection for his family did more for that than any of his accomplishments in Upper Floaten, though she acknowledged the skill and determination required for those as well.

After a pause to think, she gave a soft sigh. "As lovely as that would be, I don't think I should start allowing myself such long breaks in the middle of the day, certainly not in crisis." She got to her feet, going back to the desk to organize a few papers and set the scheduling notes where she could find them later while she worked on letters, and once she was settled gave him a small smile. "If it's all right with you, I can play it by ear and decide in the moment if I have the time." She would love to accompany him each day, as it had been relaxing and she enjoyed her time with him so far, but she couldn't lose sight of her responsibilities as well. She had a facility to run, and a disaster to head off.

****************

Jasper was quick, taking the foot inside and leaving it in the shop, and coming back out with one of their smaller oxygen tanks with mask to Noah, when only days ago he would have balked at letting anyone else borrow his tech. "Here, to get you back. Send it home with Lily if you see her."
 
Axle nodded. "Quite understandable. Oh, I know! Suppose I come over around lunch time and bring something for us to eat together? You need to take a break to eat at some point in the afternoon, I assume. And I can bring fresh eyes in case there's anything you want me to look over." He didn't want to take up her time if she was busy, but somehow she seemed more open to spending time with him than Jasper was - or even Noah, for that matter, which was unusual in itself. Maybe there was a chance she wanted to be friends.

*****

Noah's eyes widened briefly, and he took the oxygen tank and slipped it over his face. "Wow. No charge or anything?" he teased with a smile. ". . . Thanks, Jasper. I appreciate it. I could bring it over tomorrow if you want! I have my own at home."
 
His eagerness to find some way to convince her was, frankly, endearing. Whether it was to spend more time with her, or because he wanted her to take a break from working hard, she wasn't sure. But either way, she couldn't help the small, warm smile that came over her face as she looked at him again.

"I suppose that would be all right," she said softly, as much touched as surprised by his insistence. Even if she was friendly with all of her staff, it had been a long time since anyone had pressed against her decisions so confidently. It was refreshing. "I won't say no to gaining a different perspective on things."

****************

Jasper rolled his eyes a little but he was smiling just a bit beneath his mask, and the little smack he gave Noah's arm for the comment was playful rather than indignant. "Just don't put any dents in it, y' clumsy oaf. Do as you'd like." He took Nobu back in the exchange and stepped back to give Chaital room to turn around, tossing a wave over his shoulder as he turned to go back inside where the air was clear. "Happy flying!"
 
"Marvelous!" Axle said, his eyes lighting up in delight. "Do you have any requests for lunch? I'm thinking something portable, like stew or sandwiches. Maybe even both. Hmm . . . how about chili with corn bread? That's always a classic combination," he added.

He glanced back at his paperwork and clicked his tongue. "That reminds me, Terrance wanted me to proof his dragon's saddle for cold weather. Do you think wool or fleece would be better?"

-----

Noah giggled and nodded. "You got it, Jasper. Thanks again!" He waved and turned around with Chaital, both still on the ground. "I can't fly yet without my safety harness, but soon though! I'll see you around!" With that, he and Chaital headed off.

They found Soot relaxed in a field nearby the storage shed. He was on his back, wings spread out to soak up the sun, and when he smelled them coming he rolled over and called out a greeting.

Chaital called back and trotted over to offer her muzzle for a head bump, which Soot complied with.

"Nel, you around? We're here to go flying!" Noah called out.
 
Malia chuckled softly at his eagerness, shaking her head at him even as she started to draft out a letter for her carriers to take with them while seeking aid. "I don't need anything fancy," she said with a little shrug. "Sandwiches is just fine." She would usually just eat whatever it was their staff kitchen had cooked up at the moment, or had stored that could be warmed up. She didn't have much time for home cooking, most days.

***************

Nel saw Soot move from where he was working inside the storage building and carefully hung up the saddle he'd been moving so he could go out and see what was happening. Not long after Noah arrived, he poked his head out the door and smiled sunnily at the way Soot and Chaital could greet each other so freely now.

"In here," he said with a little wave, stepping out to where Noah could see him. "We were early, so I was doing some organizing. Are you ready to go?"
 
Axle nodded. "Sandwiches it is, then! I've got just the ones in mind." He got to his feet and stretched, arching his back. "They do take a bit of prep work, though, and some ingredients I don't have yet. I'd better head to the shops before they close. I don't suppose you need anything while I'm up there?" He blinked and smiled fondly. It was strange, how easily he slipped back into some of his old married habits with Malia. He'd have to watch himself; they weren't even dating yet.

-----

"Not yet!" Noah replied. "Gotta get my safety harness on, ya know. Then I'll be ready!" He ran into the storage shed and pulled out the saddle and harness without hesitation. Then he ran over to Chaital and began putting them both on, a bit faster than before and with more confidence.

Soot watched the pair and tilted his head. Then he bounded towards the shed and tried to reach inside to get his own saddle, chittering excitedly.
 
"That's all right," Malia said with a soft, pleased laugh, eyes crinkling at the corners in pure amusement. "You don't have to do the shopping for me, Axle, I'm perfectly well cared for. I will let you know if I ever need anything." He didn't have to do anything extra on her account, though she was getting the feeling that saying so wouldn't do much. It was best to just let him do as he pleased rather than hurt his feelings by stopping him.

"Go safely," she wished him on his way out, and gave Pumpkin a little pat where he'd laid on her papers nearby. "Why don't you go and keep him from getting lost, little one?" She was sure he could handle himself, but if he was going to be going shopping in Lower Floaten, he should take even a little dragon with him so others would know he was associated with them. "Are you staying at ground level, or going back up? I can lend you an air tank, if you don't have one with you."

****************

Nel only smiled a little and let Noah walk past him, watching as the younger man retrieved the things he needed without any help, and was almost distracted enough not to notice Soot coming up to him in the doorway. "Oh, no, no," he said gently, pushing carefully back against Soot's muzzle to keep him from trying to come inside and giving a little laugh. "I know you're eager, but why don't you let me get it? Wait for me for just a minute."

When Soot was settled, he went back in and put his own safety harness over his shoulder so his hands were free to carry the saddle, and carefully closed the door behind himself on the way out. "Here we are. Let's go slowly, all right, Soot?" They had done okay the first time, but he wanted to be sure Soot was still all right with the leather straps, and wouldn't accidentally get himself tangled by being too eager.
 
"Oh. I'll probably stick to Upper Floaten, until I can get a disguise," Mr. Harn decided. "I don't need anyone attacking me or holding me for ransom. Not everyone is as kind as you and Grandpa Jenkins' group to people from Upper Floaten." He smiled and waved. "I'll see you tomorrow!"

Pumpkin groaned sleepily, but eventually he rolled off the table and went into a lazy glide, following after Axle. Eventually the pair vanished into the distance.

****

Noah burst out laughing and tightened his last strap. "Is Soot trying to get his supplies himself? What a sweet fella! Sorry Soot, the shed's not built for dragons."

Soot grumbled a bit in protest when he was gingerly pushed back, but he huffed and folded his wings to wait anyway.

Then Nel returned and he gave some happy chuffs. He lowered his head at once, waiting for the saddle to be put on and trying his best not to wiggle with excitement. Soon it would be time to fly again.
 
Malia could only nod along at the idea of disguising himself somehow - or at the very least having an escort. If there were anyone in Lower Floaten that recognized him on sight as Axle Harn, or even just as someone important from Upper Floaten, there were many who would take it as an opportunity to earn quick money. Perhaps later on she would bribe Jasper to take the man somewhere, for safety's sake. It would probably be enough, really, to send one of her more trusted, smaller dragons with him to keep him from harm.

After a little while of thinking it over, she shook it off and reminded herself he was a grown man and could take care of himself. It just wouldn't keep her from worrying.

****************

Nel smiled at Soot's eagerness and was careful in getting the saddle settled in place, murmuring soft, soothing words to Soot as he went and careful as always to be sure the straps weren't tighter than they needed to be. "All right," he said gently when it was done, stepping back to give Soot a smile and picking up his own harness. "My turn next."

He would have been all right without the safety harness with some other dragons, but Soot was inexperienced with having a rider and flying freely through the sky, so it was safer for them both if he strapped in. Once his own harness was on, he walked over to Noah to check on his. "Everything secure?" He asked, carefully checking Chaital's saddle and giving Noah a smile at doing it well. "You're learning quickly. Is it all right if I give your harness a look over before you mount up?"
 
Likewise, Soot was relieved that Nel was also wearing a safety harness. It let him know that his human would be safe. He rumbled happily and gave Nel a few soft winks, his tail swishing back and forth. And when Nel went to examine Noah's harness and saddle, Soot went with him, sniffing at the harness from a distance to try and help.

Noah grinned. "By all means! No point in taking risks when I don't have to. But it feels pretty snug, I think. I can't wait to get back up in the air!"

Once his harness was declared secure, he mounted up on Chaital and nodded. "Want us to go up first? Or should we try and take off at the same time? The field's got plenty of room, but I want to know which way would be better for Soot."
 
Nel was diligent in making sure both his and Noah's safety gear was on properly, and once the younger teen was up on Chaital's back made sure he was clipped in as well. "Why don't you go first?" He offered, not wanting to ask Soot to take off next to another dragon so soon at the risk of getting their wings in each other's way. "I'd like to watch your takeoff form from here. Soot and I will move out of the way."

He stepped aside and gave Soot's muzzle a gentle pet as he went, guiding the dragon along with him. "Thank you for helping. Let's watch Chaital go and then we'll follow, okay?" It was all right for Soot to want to be involved, so long as he didn't get in the way when it mattered. They would work on it more in the days to come.
 
"Sure thing," Noah replied, tossing his head in a nod. "You ready, Chaital?"

Chaital chirruped and spread her wings. And with a powerful thrust, she zoomed upward into the sky, carrying Noah squealing in delight behind her.

Soot perked his ear fins forward, tilting his head a bit as he watched the pair fly up into the air. And he followed Nel's hand and motions without even thinking about it. He chittered softly. And once Chaital and Noah began flying in wide circles high above, he spread his wings hesitantly, glancing backward at Nel. Was it okay to take off?

"Easy does it, Chaital," Noah called out. "We gotta keep things calm for Soot for now. We can try some cooler stuff later. I'm thinking maybe upside down flying?"

Chaital chuffed her approval and even bobbed her head in a nod. The better they learned to move together, the more prepared they would be in case of emergency.
 
Nel stayed back and watched as Chaital took off, a hand resting on Soot to soothe him as they waited. He smiled a little when the black dragon raised his wings, and after a moment moved over to climb up.

"I'm coming," he reassured gently, getting himself settled in place as carefully as possible and clipping his harness to the saddle for safety's sake. "You take off however you're comfortable. You can get a running start, if you'd like. We'll just follow after Chaital for a little while, so you can get more used to having me here."

They would work a little more on silent directions like they had before. Nel had a suspicion Soot was going to catch on quickly, if he hadn't fully gotten it already. He was a mistreated, inexperienced dragon, but he wasn't stupid. Nel was just used to being cautious for him, and wasn't sure how to deal with his sudden confidence yet.
 
Soot gave himself a little shake, the way some dogs do when they're overexcited. He swished his tail across the grass and flapped his wings a few times while Nel got settled in. Not only was the dragon smart, but he found comfort in patterns. Nel would put the saddle and harness on. They would fly together. They would eat food sometime later, and Soot would be allowed to wander the Dragonry. More and more, he found he wanted to use that freedom to be near Nel, who he found the most habitual and comforting of all.

The black dragon took off in a similar way to Chaital and lifted straight off the ground. But his sweeping wing span was a little slower, and his takeoff was more gentle now that he'd had a bit of practice before. He rumbled and dropped into a glide, following after Chaital and Noah at a safe distance.

"Hey, guys! Welcome to the skies!" Noah called out, grinning and leaning back in his saddle. "Great takeoff! How was my form, Nel?"
 
Nel was careful in getting up, both so he wouldn't put his weight anywhere that hurt Soot and so that he wouldn't fall off and scare the dragon. When he was settled he let Soot know, and just let the dragon take off in any way he saw fit, keeping an eye out for the way his body moved in case any past abuse was causing him problems.

In the air, Nel breathed a small sigh of relief, pleased by how Soot had relaxed and by the warm, happy feelings he could practically feel rolling off the dragon in waves. "Hello!" He called back with a little smile, giving Noah a wave and watching Soot's wings again to be sure he and Chaital didn't accidentally bump each other. "You're doing well, but you still lean into the straps. Do your best to pretend as if they're not there at all, so they don't handicap you."

If Noah relied on the safety harness to stay on, rather than fully using his own strength to hold on, he might find flying without it very difficult. Nel was sure it was a problem that would fix itself, with practice, but it didn't hurt to give advice when Noah had asked for it.
 
Noah grinned and gave Nel a thumbs up, carefully shifting his weight so it was centered. "Got it!" he called back. He glanced around, and then squinted and pointed at some far off grey clouds. "Hey. Are we going to get some rain later? Those look like they might - "

Just then, Chaital caught the scent of rain, and a rumble of thunder split the air. Her pupils constricted before she dove down towards the ground, squeaking in alarm.

Soot tilted his head and sniffed. Sure, there was rain on the way. But it didn't seem like it was going to be a dangerous storm; just a light drizzle. He stayed as relaxed as ever and only tilted his head to watch the other dragon.

Chaital skidded to a stop in the dirt and frantically pawed the ground.

"Whoa! Easy, Chaital! Hold still! I can't unbuckle if you're flopping around!" Noah burst out.
 
Nel was only just beginning to look towards the clouds Noah pointed out when he saw the way Chaital tensed, just seconds before she dove straight towards the ground. Frowning in worry, he gave Soot a few pats on the shoulder to get his attention before reinstating his grip on the saddle, leaning his weight forward to encourage Soot to descend.

"Something's wrong," he explained, concern in his voice both for what was wrong with Chaital and with what she might be sensing that spooked her. Perhaps the storm was bigger than they thought. "Let's go back, Soot. We need to check on her." Soot was becoming Chaital's friend, so if it was safe Nel would let him help attempt to soothe her.
 
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