#*owen

You nervously knock on Owen's door, hoping that he won't be too upset with you. You did just miss most of his birthday party. By the time you had come back to the manor, the party was already nearing its end. You definitely did not miss Owen's glare for the remainder of that celebration.

You waited for a while but received no answer. Perhaps he was ignoring you?

"Owen? Are you in there? Listen, I'm really sorry that I…"

"Please help me…" A whimpering voice called out from behind the door. Eerie scratching sounds followed, as if someone was frantically scratching it. Alarmed, you hurriedly opened the door and came face to face with Owen's distraught expression; though that immediately turned into relief once he saw you. 

"[Name]!" He cries out before enveloping you in his embrace. "You came to save me! Thank you. I didn't know what to do...I was all alone. It was scary." He mumbled as he nuzzled his face in your hair. You look back at the door, seeing visible scratch marks on the wood before gazing at Owen's hands. They were already red. If he had continued, they may have started bleeding.

"Owen...please don't scratch the door. It's not locked. You're alright. You can just turn the knob and it'll open." 

"Really?"

"Really. You can come out anytime you want. No one in this manor would ever lock you up, okay?"

Even with his expression still clouded in doubt, he nodded his head before nuzzling his face against you once again. 

Just as you were about to say something else, the man had suddenly pushed you away. The worried and anxious look on his face disappeared, morphing into one of annoyance. He clicks his tongue, heterochromatic eyes turning cold.

"What do you want? Aren't you busy? You certainly had no problem showing it earlier. Oh, but that's expected isn't it? Who would want to celebrate my birthday right? The rest of those weaklings probably just came for the food and nothing else. A pity party I must say. While you couldn't even be bothered to-"

"That's not true! All of us wanted to celebrate your birthday! Owen, I'm really sorry!" You blurted out. You were used to Owen's venomous words. However, the things he's saying now brought an ache to your heart.

"Lies. You're not sorry at all. You hate me too don't you?"

"I was just getting your present! I'm sorry I took so long! See?" You raised up the bird cage covered with a blue cloth, silencing the rest of his words. He gazed at it in confusion before raising his eyebrow at you, as if demanding an explanation. You internally sighed in relief. It seems his anger had calmed down a bit. You gently placed the bird cage on his bed before taking off the cloth.

Owen takes a closer look and sees a small, yellow...fluff ball? 

Chirp!

The small bird perked up as it saw Owen, flapping it's little wings in happiness. "Yay! Master! My master!"

You fidgeted nervously as he stared at the bird blankly before turning to you. "What is this?"

"It's a magical bird. I saw a wizard selling it while out on a mission. He said it's a special bird that's ultimately tied to its master's life. So, as long as you live, that little guy will be with you too. It also has a bit of magic power, so hopefully, it can protect you."

He laughed, as if mocking your words. "Ridiculous. I don't need protection. This small bird would probably get eaten by Cerberus before it could protect anything."

You merely smile at Owen's ridicule. Despite his words, he had already let the bird out of its cage. The small bird clumsily flew out before landing on Owen's head. Right now, he didn't look like a dangerous Northern wizard at all.

"Still...if it can be with you...then it's fine. You won't be alone anymore."

He falls silent at your words, gaze moving elsewhere in the face of your thoughtful words. All was quiet except for the small bird's chirping. Seeing it bouncing on Owen's head was a very cute sight. If you didn't have any restraint, you may have just cooed then and there.

"I've never felt lonely in my life. Don't be stupid. This doesn't mean I forgive you for missing the party either. You'll come with me to the market tomorrow. I'll drain your wallet dry. And you, stop bouncing on my head. You're annoying." 

You chuckled before moving to hug him again. "Of course. Happy birthday, Owen."

Extra:

Owen opens his eyes after falling into the embrace of death once more. He remembers the pain of his death, phantom aches making themselves known on his body. What killed him this time? Was it Mithra's magic? Oz's? Perhaps he fell into one of Bradley's traps?

With a groan, he got up before he heard a high-pitched chirp. He looks down and sees the yellow bird looking at him with worry. Upon closer inspection, he sees its eyes glistening with unshed tears. Unbelievable...this weak little thing was crying for him. 

"Master...don't die."

"I'm alive aren't I? How pathetic…"

"I don't like seeing you get hurt."

"..."

He sees the bird's eyes glow before the phantom aches he felt disappeared. His muddled mind became clear, ridding itself of the memories before his death. He feels magic enter his senses, though he wasn't worried. It was just a simple calming spell. He lets it course through his body, welcoming it as he leaned back against the wall.

"Master, I love you! I'll be with you forever!"

Owen silently picked up the small bird after it jumped on his leg and placed it on his shoulder. He feels the bird snuggle against his face, happy and content.

2 Months Later

Isla's Apartment, Windenburg

 [ISLA] My period hasn't come yet... What are the odds I'm pregnant?

[ISLA] Why is this taking so fricken long?

[ISLA] *gasp* Holy. Shit.

[OWEN] *in disbelief* You're joking?

[ISLA] No, baby. I took two other tests.

[ISLA] *smiles* We're going to be parents, Owen. If that's what you still want...

[OWEN] *smiles, still in shock* Oh Isla…

[OWEN] *smiles bigger* Yes! Holy shit, yes! We're going to be parents!

[ISLA] Oh my love!

[ISLA] *pulls Owen in closer* The timing isn't ideal...

[OWEN] We'll make it work, my love. I'll do anything for you and our baby, absolutely anything.

[OWEN] *reaches for Isla's hand* More importantly, how are you feeling? Do you want still want this? We've talked about having kids, but we need to be on the same page.

[ISLA] *holds Owen's hand presses forehead against his* I'm thrilled, and yes, I still want a family with you. I love you, Owen. And our baby is going to be so loved by the best father.