It was a cold October morning as it happened. Everyone was busily on their way to work by car, bus, train, you name it. Myself included via bus and of all days have overslept my alarm. To my astounding, I managed to catch up time and found myself waiting at the station for my 2nd and last bus of the journey. Just as my previous bus drove off, I suddenly heard the screeching of tires. Instinctively I turned to see and saw a car halted in the midst of the road with a trail of dark skid marks. "For fuck sakes!" Cursed the driver as he steps out and looks at its large window. There lay glued and spread out a black raven.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTI0Z4VYvH
Now I followed the driver's cusses as I realized. Quickly I walked over and asked if he needed help. The driver ran a hand through his short hair and shook his head. "Just shocked, thanks. That raven came out of nowhere."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dfzH7IFtx
I paced over to the window to get a closer look at the raven. It was breathing but barely and twitched its head and wings. "The raven's alive! It needs to be brought to a vet; do you know one nearby?" I asked the driver.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpKVnypzGM
"Err, yea. There's one not far that I take for my dog.”374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtKNvifb6J
"Ok, great. Do you have a towel or blanket I can borrow?"374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRJi3FSEcw
Quickly the driver paced to the back door of the car and returned with a towel. "Will this do?"374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wwc5rvQr4
It was a sizeable worn towel. "Perfect." Slowly and gently as I could, I covered first the raven's head and from there peeled it off the window. It did struggle but was very weak with a soft croak. I murmured under my breath with words of comfort and stroked its head with the towel, making sure it saw nothing but the blanket.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGWgHJ95XA
The driver kindly gave me a lift to the vet despite being in a shock but once having a clear purpose, he shook it off very well with a cup of tea in the waiting room. A veterinarian noticed what I held in my hands as I approached the reception. "An accident?" She wondered.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFfDwCWbxH
I nodded. "Yes, a raven. Hard to say its condition besides shocked."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vjQiqhJlS
She gestured with a hand to follow and place the raven on the table.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95QhhRj9iL
Once latex gloves were on, she slowly removed the folds of the towel to inspect the raven. It bobbed out its head and blinked with its beady black eye. It gave short confused croaks. "The raven flew against the window of a moving car. I didn't witness the whole thing but the end part. Poor thing was glued to the window and had to peel it off." I explained while she inspected the bird with a small torch to see its pupil reactions. As she was about to unfold one of its wings, the raven picked her hand, jumped away and walked closer to my side.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1K2sMtkNvU
"It's ok. She just wants to take a closer look at you. To see if you're injured." I spoke calmly and smiled at the bird, placing an open hand slowly upon the table.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4Cl5NHHtI
The raven walked cautiously closer, tilting its head in my direction and giving a soft croak.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwyNbKZPY1
"I agree it's unnerving, but I can't let you free wounded, you see."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHfCK60juH
"So far, the bird appears to be in perfect condition. Do you have birds at home?" She asked me.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgphWQ7atbL
Before I could answer, the raven flew up to my shoulder and began to nibble gently at my ear and short hair. "Hello there? Err, answering your question, I never had birds but always liked them. Especially ravens, crows, rooks, jackdaws and magpies."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6yZVcdNxs
The vet chuckled. "Apparently, the raven noticed that or has taken a shine on you. Usually, they are wild and hence very shy."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk29JKr4VvC
"I'm just as surprised as you that the raven sits on my shoulder. I wonder what you see in me to sit here?" I stroke ever so tenderly its head. It holds still, closes its eyes while sitting closer to my neck, sharing warmth.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ikDw7IIoU
"I think it would be best if you take the raven home instead of leaving it here in our care. It feels safe in your company."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDWNCZnUwk
"Err-" was all I could muster.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuevlcGV3O
"Then it's settled, and no payment is required for this visit. I'll make sure Mary will get you all the things you need for the raven. Good morning." She grinned broadly and paced out.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbEPvlI2WP
I wanted to halt her, but she was already out of the room. The raven picked on my hair and gave a soft croak as a reminder it was startled from my previous action.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dZ3pzaoyh
"Sorry, didn't mean to frighten you, but I had a burning question which I'm left to figure out myself, wondering if you're a male or female." I smiled at it. Strangely I have a feeling this bird understands what I say, and it trusts me for what I've done. Soon entered another woman that I take was Mary, but the raven flew off from my shoulder up to a higher shelf. Looking down quietly with its beady eyes on us. Mary gave me a list of all the information that I need about ravens. What they eat, how they sleep, how to keep them wild. She noticed the raven on the shelf and asked me if I needed help catching it and needed a cage for transport.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5z83SwfUNu
I shook my head, "I think I'll manage with him without a cage."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlwSsN4MnU
"Ok, call us if there are any problems." Mary handed me a card and paced out.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsBdMOAkCB
The raven flew onto my arm while reading the card and tried to pick the card away from my hands. "Oi, my card!" I sniggered and drew away from the card. "Or do you prefer to be in a cage?"374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yWtOcyAZR
The raven ruffled its feathers and croaked. I take that as a no. "Come on now. I have to go to work." I tapped a finger to my shoulder, and the raven hopped to that spot. "Sit tight."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VGgQix9jI
In the waiting room, the driver was still there and smiled as I approached.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKvumZE8BV
"I take the raven is ok?" The driver wondered.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7agU12XNtL
I nodded. "Yes, and many thanks for your help. Are you doing ok?"374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOCZST09Z8
"Just a bit shaky, but I will be fine. Where are you heading? Maybe I can drop you off along the way."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcym8DbW4j
"I need to get to Grattan Business park in northeast."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPUnJUJnwk
"I work there too. Did you need to pay anything here?"374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNauZzuGWA
"Nope, free of charge for amusing the vet." I gestured my eyes to the raven with a smirk.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM8fWsnbT5
The driver laughed. "Do you have ravens?"374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzveMueDCLZ
"Nope, no birds whatsoever. How can I thank you for driving? I think I have some cash for the petrol." I began to fish out my wallet as the driver placed a hand over mine. "It's fine. You calmed me down and handled well."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5puE6qY7j9
In the car, I made the raven nest on my lap during the drive.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf08lluGmoh
In the office, I explained the whole story and soon got back to work, but my boss insisted on doing home office and should arrange what I needed for the rest of the week. As soon I had all arranged and wanted to work, it was lunch break, my colleague drove me home with all my pieces of equipment. The raven stayed near me while I was arranging and nestled cosily on my lap during the drive but eyed my friend attentively. "Don't worry, he's a friend. I work with him, and he helped me find the job I have now. And I owe him a big-time on that."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYYz09LfgE
My friend laughed. "And a cup of coffee."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKD5OTSjX0
Once at home, I let the raven rest on the back of the chair while getting my things sorted and ready for tomorrow.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CLOLaJ3De
He croaked out of boredom and began to fly around. Soon he began to tip over small objects, pick them and bring them to the table.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbYUn62f0v
I smiled at him. "You know you don't need to stay here. You look healthy; you're free to go."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrWgHxW3e6
He croaked and hopped up along my arm to my shoulder and nested there. I giggled. "I appreciate your company, and you may stay the night but mind you, pets aren't allowed. Then again, what's the definition of a pet?" I smirked. "May I give you a name, or do you have one already?" I whispered.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqOqyotMBi
He ruffled his feathers but said nothing.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3fSfvQLMn
"May I call you Corvin? It's a part of your name in Latin."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnQwoRKSa9
No reaction from the raven.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD3I3X6gt8
"Corey?"374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK2LyhFZtf
Nothing.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmv0yj1BFpl
I listed a few other names, but he didn't react and soon, I was out of ideas. As a joke, I suggested my fictional crush from the game Arcana. "Julian?"374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QE6fCLzBu
He lifted his head and croaked.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdUgTZeuWl
I faced him surprised. "Julian?" I repeated sceptically.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKdhAH43Y2
He croaked and tugged at the hem of my collar.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoTwTTMkRa
"Ok, why not but be warned. I could mentally space out. I have fallen deep for a fictional character called by that name, and he has a thing for ravens and leeches."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs3JlDSki1
He bobbed his head while blinking at me.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgmMP8r8VF
Suddenly my stomach rumbled, and I checked the clock; it was past 6 pm. "Alright, Julian, let us get some dinner." I sighed and stood up. Followed by the instructions and ingredients, I prepared Julian's meal. "I hope this is to your liking." I placed the bowel on the table, and Julian hopped closer to the bowel.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0zX7DpBAL
I rolled up my sleeves. "Now it's my turn with dinner." And pulled out the fresh veg, meat and potatoes to dice them while letting a pot of water come to a boiling point. As soon it boiled, I added beef stock with dried herbs. The air in the kitchen quickly filled with its delicious smell. Julian flew to my shoulder and looked down at my hands, observing what I do with the meat and veg.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKffBFyVZs
Once my dinner was ready and slumped into the chair with a bowel, Julian hopped closer to my bowel. His bowel looked cold and untouched. "Dude, that's my well-earned dinner," I smirked. "Yours is over there." I pointed it.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjmw6tLMA4
Julian gave a short croak that sounded like a mutter. He tried to fish out a piece of meat from my bowel, but I was quick enough to pull him away. "Watch it, it's hot! You could burn yourself." I quickly pulled his bowel closer to mine, fished out a piece of meat, blew it, and then placed it in his bowel. "There, please eat the rest for your own good." I pleaded.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZa3Q6sgtlg
Julian hopped to his bowel and picked on the cooked meat, and ate a bit of the food. When I was done, he eyed in my bowel as if in hopes I missed some meat or veg.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMbnWDTvIo
I smiled and stroked his head. "Hope you're satisfied?"374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9EOo9j81u
Julian climbed up to my shoulder and began to preen his feathers and, at times, some of my hair. I'll take that as a yes.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowyzk0bbfb
With a few tired yawns, I cleaned up the kitchen and made myself ready for bed. Julian nested himself cosily on my bed with closed eyes. For a wild bird, he is very tame and trustworthy. "It's been a long day for both of us; I hope you're ok with this." I smiled tiredly and gently lifted him to my pillow as I slipped into bed.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoXgQQPyPE
Julian gave a tired, content croak and snuggled close to my temple as I lay comfy in bed. "Good night Julian." I bid and fell rapidly asleep.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwrD71xk7D
I first realized I slept deep and sound as the alarm woke me. Julian flew onto my pillow and gently pulled at my hair with a hoarse croak. "Morning Julian, hope you slept well?" I yawned and slowly sat up. Julian croaked and ruffled his feathers. "Today I'm doing home office. Meaning I'll have to make various phone calls today to book delivery dates for three trailers that arrives soon, and who knows what other things will come." I stretched and slightly staggered to the bathroom to get ready.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVeU30eZGl
After breakfast and turning on the computers with a steaming mug of strong black coffee, my work began. Julian sat quietly on my shoulder and played at times at the cable of my headset. Till lunch Julian sat there on my shoulder, watching and listening. I stretched my limbs, and Julian flew onto the other chair with a croak. "You hungry? I think I need some time before my appetite kicks in. Luckily I have an hour break." As I was about to make Julian's lunch, he flew onto my hand and looked at me with his beady eyes. Soon picked and pulled at my sleeve. "Hmm?" I let him pull my arm, and he hopped towards the door. "Out?" I wondered. He croaked. I looked out the window. "Good idea, don't want to miss this gorgeous weather. But it will be a short walk and for you a flight, but you're free to go."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxWmlEnFRh
"Ahh, ahh!" Julian croaked and hopped onto my back while I knelt to tie my shoes.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTVHo7Z5Bv
I laughed. "I enjoy your company, Julian, but I respect your decision if you want to leave."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WUrCbqqC2
Julian nuzzled his beak into my hair as a gesture of affection. I laughed content and stroked his head. Warm rays of sunlight greeted my face as we stepped out, and I took a deep breath of fresh air. The air was crisp of the Autumn weather, and a gentle breeze tossed my short brown hair. Soon Julian flew off but remained above me, circling and following me with an attentive eye that I never felt alone.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1wN5C87nd
In a mirror of a shop window, I noticed a slight smile lifting the corners of my mouth in my own reflection. Suddenly a tall, built man with the spitting image of Julian Devorak of the game, the Arcana, sprinted past behind me and felt the gust of wind from his speed. I rapidly turned around to follow but saw no one nearby but the raven Julian flying and swooping. I blinked as I began to doubt. Julian swooped down and landed upon my shoulder. Slowly I turned back to the mirror. I held my breath at sight and remained glued on the spot. Behind me stood Julian Devorak with a content smile, looking down at me with a hand upon my shoulder. On that shoulder where the raven sits. I slowly dared to look over my shoulder. Raven Julian tilted his head in curiosity and gave a soft croak. "Is it just me, or are you seeing this too? Have I fallen that deep for Julian Ilya Devorak that I start to imagine things?" I looked back in the mirror.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenspfpGLiC
Just my reflection with raven Julian on my shoulder. He nuzzled my hair. I sniggered at his gesture. "I'm such a dork, a weirdo no one will want to love me. Yet I dare to daydream and feel the emotions through words and paper as a writer." I walk on. "But I'm glad you're happy in my company."374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SQ5cLZJXJ
Julian cawed a few times, but it was hard to tell what he meant.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQzFo5HmC4
"Sorry, but I don't speak fluent raven. Could you show me instead?" I asked.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqNpVx44bn
For the first time, I heard Julian give a huff.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfImnzkOGy
"Too complicated to show?"374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2l6RXRVDcC
Julian croaked in agreement.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGYIuNP5Ar
I blinked. "Alright." From there, we headed back home, and I continued with my work. This time Julian kept flying around my room as if nervous. He nearly flew into me while I was on the phone but luckily had an understanding client. She liked the name and thought I had a dog.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIHidXRdam
Quickly, I calmed Julian by letting him nest on my lap while I did my work.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglLAWPGRBw
As I finished my work, I sighed and leaned back in my chair, stroking his head. "I wonder what had you nervous about before? Hope you're ok now?"374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YF9U8ooPC
Julian stood up, stretched his wings and shuffled his feathers. He gave a croak and hopped to the floor.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT37EzqUGqC
I stood up and walked to my bedroom to draw the curtains, noticing the sun had just set-374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOfE4qS0G8
Suddenly, I heard Julian giving strange sounds of squawks, croaks from the kitchen behind me and could have sworn to hear a man's cough. Rapidly I sprinted into the kitchen. "Julian?" My eyes searched for him feverishly, but I stared, held my breath and turned petrified as I found a man standing up in the kitchen. I wasn't only petrified due to his presence; he's the spitting image of Julian Devorak, the fictional character I have fallen in love with.
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