The Couch Won’t Do

This story is part of the Hummingbirds gameplay experience.

You should read it from the main website.

– – –

It was late; the lounge of Calliope Hall, now almost empty, was only staffed by a lone trainee. Thus, the bar area was still officially open, though the remaining patrons’ interest was not fixed toward drinking, at the moment.

Unfazed by this gloomy atmosphere, Owen and Diana shared a comfortable booth, close to one of the large windows of the opulent room. The padded leather benches and dark oaken table, combined with the dimmed reddish lightning of the establishment, provided them with the peace and intimacy they needed at the moment.

“Well… I’m sorry. I should have minded my own business when I was at your apartment.”

Diana smiled, though in much of a sad manner. “Listen, I was angry at the time, but that doesn’t justify my behavior. Besides, it made me realize that things can’t keep going this way.

That night, after you left, I just felt… empty. It suddenly dawned on me that a bag of powder had replaced my friends and family.

Now, I’m all alone, and it’s my entire fault.”

Owen grabbed Diana’s hand, in a comforting manner. “You are not alone, Di.

I know what happened after Al Salem; how these bloody bastards tried to use you for propaganda. And that’s why I’m not going to give up on you, whatever may come.”

A single tear dripped on Diana’s cheek; she felt… safe, basked in the tenderness of someone she instinctively knew she could trust. Her proud attitude did reappear, yet this time in the form of a genuine smile.

“You might be happy to hear that I did listen to you, despite all.”

Owen frowned for a moment; he could not precisely remember what she meant.

“I went to see that specialist you told me about – Dr. Campbell. I got to say, I never thought I would ever consult with a shrink.”

Her companion scoffed, in a positive way. “I believe it was the right choice. There’s no shame in it.”

She sighed. “Well, apparently my treatment will last quite a long time – big surprise, I know. But still, we did talk for about an hour; she told me I’m supposed to set… goals for myself.”

Owen silently pressed her on.

“You’re going to laugh, but she recommended that I find a new hobby. Something unrelated to guns, or walking alone in the forest.”

The brown eyes of her confidant were quite bright. “Well, what did you have in mind?”

“I decided to learn how to cook.”

The man nodded. “Why not? I think it’s a great idea.”

“Then, you’ll be glad to hear that I’m inviting you for dinner; next weekend at my place. I’ll just need to grab the ingredients from the supermarket.”

“I’ll bring the wine, then.”

“Just promise me not to laugh; after all, I can’t remember the last time I prepared something other than frozen food.”

Owen gave her a coy smile. “Cross my heart. Besides, I’m certain I’ll enjoy what I’m going to eat.”

She amusingly slapped his hands. “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, mister.”

– – –

“You sure you’ll be OK on the couch?”

“Owen, you don’t need to be the perfect gentleman. I spent two years in a desert; I think I can handle this.”

“Very well. Here are some clothes; they might be a wee too big, but they should be comfortable enough for you to sleep in.”

It was pitch-dark outside. Diana was about to wish good night to her companion when a strange painting, on an otherwise bare wall, caught her attention.

“Owen… is this what I think it is?”

She walked toward the frame, now convinced about the nature of the dark and shiny exposed object.

“That’s an Iron Cross! You never let it slip that you were in the military, much less fighting for Germany.”

Her companion answered candidly. “I was in the British army during the civil wars; not many people in America know about this.

I’ll tell you the full story another day, but yes, I did end up decorated by general Hohenzollern.”

Diana was bedazzled; few soldiers were oblivious to the exploits of one of Europe’s foremost saviors. “You shouldn’t need to play it down; the man is a living legend, despite all. You do know what he did after the war, right?”

Her companion answered with a nod. “Indeed, the Vigilant Eagle is now more powerful than ever. I sometimes wonder how he didn’t end up in politics; he could have become the new Chancellor.”

“Well, that’s not a subject I’m interested in debating.”

“I agree; say, you have a good night, now.”

He was about to turn around when Diana suddenly got close to him; there was no time to react, their lips were already locked.

“You might be right, sir; the couch won’t do.”