A Picnic, My Dear?
Dakota sat behind Feather on the couch, admiring the monarch butterfly terrarium hanging on the wall. “They look like they’re ready to be released. Don’t you think, Feather?”, Dakota whispered. Feather flicked their ear before turning their head towards Dakota. “Yeah, I suppose so. Wish I didn’t have to release them though.” Dakota pat Feathers head in sympathy. “I know. I really like having them around too, spruces up the place.” Their apartment was pretty basic, with the occasional item that stood out. “Do we have to go this early though?”, Feather pleaded. Dakota laughs, a flash of mischievousness going through her eyes, “It’s not that early, silly! Besides, monarchs can’t exactly be released during the night.” Feather chugs the rest of their coffee and sets it on the end table. “I suppose you’re right,” they stifle a sigh, “Now or never. I’ll get the keys.”
Dakota lunged in front of Feather before they could grab the keys. “Or, I get the keys and butterflies and you wait in the car.” Feather raised their eyebrow and chuckled, “If you say so, you goofball.” Dakota unlocked the car and waited until Feather left the apartment to grab what she needed. Opening the living room closet, she pulls out a picnic basket already filled with drinks and snacks. She just needed to grab the sandwiches from the fridge. Once that was done, she carefully picked the butterfly terrarium off the wall. About to walk out the door, she completely forgot about a blanket for them to sit on. Grabbing the one off the top of the couch, she rushed to join Feather in the car.
Dakota has been driving for about twenty minutes now. Not even five minutes in, Feather demanded she pull over the car after she accidentally left the butterflies tied to the backseat headrest. They were now sitting happily with them on their lap, gazing and cooing at them. Dakota chuckled, as much as they pretended they were all grown up and angsty around everyone else, they were actually a real sweetheart. Taking one hand off the wheel, she reached over to caress Feathers hand. “Have any clue on where you’d like to release them yet?” She heard Feather shift in their seat. “Maybe that field a little bit up with the willow and flowers?” Dakota nodded her head in agreement, glad they picked that spot, and pulled over to the side of the road.
Feather stepped out of the car first, cursing when their foot hit the ground too hard. Dakota already heading to the backseat, peered over at them. “You alright?” Feather was shooing a fly away when they answered, “Yeah. I think.” At that moment Dakota pulled out the picnic basket and blanket. “Maybe this will help you feel better?” Feather stared gape mouthed at her, almost dropping the terrarium. “You didn’t! When you brought out that blanket I thought it was just to keep you warm since you don’t like to get cold in the car.” They rushed over and placed a kiss on Dakotas nose. “Thank you, Dakota. I thought you didn’t notice me being in a stump earlier, hah.” They rubbed their head in embarrassment. Dakota elbowed them in their arm, “You know you can’t hide anything from me,” she pointed her nose towards the tree, “Let’s set up under the willow tree.” Feather let out a sincere smile and ran to the tree. “Come on slowpoke!”
Huffing, Dakota set down her bundle on the grass. The shade cooling her off from the exertion. Feather spread out the blanket, setting the picnic basket and terrarium on top of it. Dakota plopped next to them, leaning her head on their shoulder. “Ready to say goodbye to them?”, she asked Feather. Feather slowly nodded and opened the terrarium. They both watched as the butterflies fluttered away into the sky. When Dakota looked back, Feather was already getting her eager hands into the picnic basket. “Hey! You didn’t wait for me!”, Dakota giggled and lunged at Feather, landing on top of them. Feather giggled back, mischievously glaring at her and began tickling. Finally getting Feather to stop, Dakota rested her head on their chest. Watching the field and feeling the breeze, while snacking on some crackers. “I really can’t thank you enough, Dakota. This means a lot.”, they patted her head and went back to watching the view with her.
- Writing by WhiteVixen