Page 21 of Gamers' Omega

“Tea it is,” Ian said as he released Beck and strode into the kitchen.

“And a small piece of that birdie bread,” Beck called.

“Got it.”

I watched for a few seconds, then walked over, pulled a chair around, and sat near Beck and Pico. “Did it take a long time to teach him to talk?”

Beck nodded. “It gets easier the more he learns, but there was a time when I didn’t think he’d do it. Training is only part of it. Not all birds talk, and a lot of that comes down to their personalities and preferences. He really started showing interest about the time I would have given up, and that was enough to make me continue. Now we work on new things all the time.”

“You really would have stopped?”

He considered the question, then nodded. “If he hadn’t liked it, I would have. I don’t need him to talk to enjoy his presence. It’s a bonus. This is an activity we share, and he likes it, but I’d have found something else if things had been different. His happiness is what’s important.”

“You really are sweet.”

Beck blushed slightly. “Not you too. I have a reputation to uphold.”

I laughed. “You can be both sweet and ruthless. It just depends on the situation.”

“Just don’t call me sweet during a tournament. I don’t get to many these days, but when I go, I play to win.”

I smiled. “I would expect nothing less.”

His blush deepened.

“Tea and birdie bread for you,” Ian said, reaching around me to hand a mug and a folded napkin to Beck. He held out a second mug to me. “Coffee with sugar and cream.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

“You’re welcome,” Ian laughed, then he leaned in. “You’re welcome Pico.”

Beck flipped him off.

Ian laughed again. “Later. It’s time for me to get ready for work.”

“You’re bottoming.”

“Don’t threaten me with a good time,” Ian teased as he strode toward their bedroom.

“Maybe I’ll shut you up with my cock first,” Beck called back.

“Promise?”

My face burned with embarrassment.

“You ok?” Beck asked, noticing my blush.

I nodded, probably a bit too quickly. “Yeah.”

“You sure?”

“I’m just not used to teasing like that.”

“Sorry. I guess we thought it’s pretty common among partners.”

Somehow, my blush deepened.

“Eric?” Beck prodded.