Bullfrog, Chickenhawk, Turtledove
Bullfrog, Chickenhawk, Turtledove
xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word"
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A/N: Istyle='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>’
EN-US'>’m
going to be flamed for this fic, but hey! All flamers do is bump up review
numbers. I’ve read it all before anyway. It
EN-US'>’s
just a story and before you ask, no I’
impression that the two are really humping in the bushes behind the scenes.
This is just fanfic, make-believe: not canon.
Readers please be aware of SPOILERS for Ice Age
2: the Meltdown.
Anyways, the fic takes place after the scene in Ice
Age 2 where Sid attempted to teach Diego to overcome his fear of water. I
remember watching Diego sitting and smiling at Sid for no apparent reason when
Manny and Ellie arrived back on screen (no Istyle='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>’
out of molehills, I just happened to think it was sweet) and being a Sid x
Diego fan anyway, I decided to expand upon that. So without further ado, on
with the story!
Turtledove
Love between a man and a woman is founded
on the mating instinct and is not free from desire and self-seeking. But to
have a friend and to be true under any and all trials is the mark of a man
Charles Alexander Eastman
Although the night air was still humid, it was
considerably cooler than it had been during the day, and the Sabre watched with
appreciative green eyes as the 'Lord of the Flame' set about his work for the
evening.
A light breeze wafted through the wild green
canopy, bringing with it a shower of delicate white blossoms. Diego watched as
they fell with undefined grace while the wind rose through the leaves. The fire
hissed as a few scattered blooms landed amongst the flickering flames.
They were alone again, an increasingly frequent
occurrence ever since the admittance of the slightly befuddled Ellie and her
eccentric brothers, Crash and Eddie, into their unorthodox herd. Much to Sid
EN-US'>’s
pleasure, Manfred was accompanying the nine-ton possum on a twilight stroll,
while her brothers had scampered off into the trees, at ease in the veil of
night.
Diego's smiling gaze lingered on the sloth's
wide snout, where, unbeknownst to him, two blossoms had fallen to rest. Shadows
cast by the campfire's flickering flames danced against Sid
EN-US'>’s
furred face, wide and always smiling ridiculously at one thing or another: the
definition of loveable idiot.
A loveable idiot who was currently the sworn
keeper of one of Diego’
idiot who, despite having no real survival skills or common sense, had made
fire, regardless of the accidental circumstances surrounding the discovery; a
loveable idiot who, when they had first met, was risking his neck in climbing a
cliff, all to save a baby that wasn't even his own species, let alone his own
cub.
Sid was also a loveable idiot who had risked his
neck in saving his life that day. Diego held friendship to be the severest test
of character. And Sid was a fierce defending champion of his title.
Despite his cowardice and faults, of which Diego
would be the first to declare there were many, Sidstyle='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>’
remarkably constant. Only hours before had he saved the Sabre
EN-US'>’s
life from certain consumption on the ice-drift. He was incredibly adept at
picking up even the slightest change of emotion in his companions, a talent
that had unfortunately enabled him to uncover Diegostyle='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>’
And now, just as he had been relentless in pairing Manny and Ellie together,
Sid was attempting to cure him of his watery anxieties.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>‘
EN-US'>’
he mused as the creature in thought waddled around the campsite, chattering
away, before queer noises and scufflings in the undergrowth bade him quickly
back to the fire. Diego smiled. Sid probably expected the tiger was hanging off
his every word.
His heart gave an unexpected lurch and he
returned his gaze back to the crackling fire. He felt ashamed of his feelings.
They had developed so suddenly, he had been quite caught off guard. It was one
thing travelling in an unorthodox herd; it was quite another choosing a mate of
a different species; another point entirely choosing Sid.
Diego had no idea where the attraction had
stemmed from. Sid’s faithfulness, perhaps? Diego prized loyalty
above all else, a factor his pack had sorely lacked after his father
EN-US'>’s
departure, and Sid’s loyalty and perceptive nature was the glue
that held their herd together. He admired that.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>‘
this far beneath my fur? He can
feet without falling flat on his face.
charmed his way to Diego's heart with bumbling antics and hotshot one-liners.
Diego dug his claws into the dry earth. He hated
to admit it, but he relied on Sid just as much as the bulbous-eyed, lazy,
infuriatingly stubborn Sloth relied on him.
At that moment, the object of his thoughts let
out a loud belch, before slouching comfortably at his side.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
trio’s down to two, buddy-boy.
EN-US'>” Sid
proclaimed and sighed dramatically.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>’s
how it should be.” Diego glanced down the trail they had been
following and smiled contently. “
happiness more than any of us.”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>’t
that the truth,” Sid muttered, poking at the fire absentmindedly
with the end of a long stick as the night-fog gathered around them. Shivering
inwardly, he edged closer to the reclining Sabre. "Creepy night. It's
harder to see without the moon’
snow," he mumbled, stoking the fire with a bit more zest than was needed.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
anymore and it’s going to die out.style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>”
knew his comment would go ignored.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>” Sid
began thoughtfully, scratching his inner ear with the tip of his fire-poker.
"Do Sabres mate for life?"
Diego felt his muscles bunch up, a little
disconcerted at the unexpected question. His green eyes glanced towards the
Sloth who had manoeuvred himself so that he could lounge comfortably against a
rock while inspecting the ear-gunk now gathered on the end of his stick.
Diego’
his head. For a moment he considered telling him to jump off a ledge.
"Some do." He answered finally.
Sid slid forward onto his belly, facing the
tiger with a considerate expression. "See I don't get it. You and me, we
EN-US'>’re
good lookin’ guys, right? We got the charm, the looks, good
taste, no bald patches –“
Diego raised a furry brow at the Sloth.
EN-US'>“Oh,
no mammal alive could resist you.”
Sid’
an even stare on the tiger. “
EN-US'>’re a
sneaky, snarky Sabre, Diego. But ah know youstyle='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>’
EN-US'>’.
EN-US'>” A
crafty grin spread across his wide features. "I bet you had a bit of a
harem going on in the good ol' days, ah? Ah?" he punched the tiger
EN-US'>’s
shoulder playfully.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
discussed the no-touching rule?”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>– the
kids are out, Manny’s on a date, here we are, two bachelors livin
EN-US'>’ it
large under the stars; open up already!style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>”
EN-US'>“Tell
me a bit more about your past.”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>”
Diego grinned, revealing more pale dagger-like teeth. style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
a few of my old hunting tales with the pack?style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>”
Sid swallowed, thickly. style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
Sabre cuisine.”
Diego allowed himself a small smirk before
replying. “Well what do you want to know?
EN-US'>”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>” Sid
rested his chin in one hand and pondered for a while. style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>” he
asked at last. “What were your parents like?
EN-US'>”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>”
Diego replied, pensively. “
female of our pack and my father, Sota, was our leader.style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>” Sid
froze. “Wasn’
to…?”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>”
Diego’s face darkened at the memory.
EN-US'>“Soto
was my elder brother.”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>” Sid
pulled an uncomfortable face. “
to your parents?”
Mentally, Diego groaned. Sid distinguished
persistence as an invaluable factor in his less than flawed personality. To the
Sabre, it was the source of many a headache.
Diego’
glare and he growled despairingly. “
EN-US'>’t
suppose you’ll leave up on this?style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>”
Sid scratched his belly and shook his head.
EN-US'>“Not
likely.”
The large catstyle='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>’
gaze away from the sloth, uncomfortable with where the conversation was
heading. “Fine. My mother died giving birth to me. Sota
died a few years later.”
begrudgingly.
Sid suddenly looked up from the pattern he was
absentmindedly doodling in the dry patch of earth before the campfire.
EN-US'>“He
was killed by humans, wasn’
EN-US'>” he
asked, quietly.
Diego was startled. style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>”
Sid shrugged his furred shoulders.
EN-US'>“Just
a hunch. Back when we were ferrying Pinkie about those painted caves, during
your little ‘short cutstyle='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>’
the tiger, “it looked like you could really empathise with
Manny.”
Diego snorted. style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>’re
not as dumb as you look.”
Sid grinned and clutched at his heart
dramatically. “You wound me.style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>”
into a sitting position and resumed his duties as Lord of the Flame.
EN-US'>“So
what happened?”
Diego frowned. His sloth companion was restless,
he noted, and more so than usual. Perhaps he was concerned with what the
following day would bring. The thought that this time tomorrow night, the spot
he was currently lying in could be drowned beneath an icy body of water, sent
an involuntary shiver down his furry spine.
Perhaps it would be best for the both of them to
talk. After all, the ominous groaning of the dam crumbling miles behind them
made the gloomy reality of their situation all too clear.
He sighed and resigned himself to telling his
story. "'A lot of fear and a little courage is barely a defence against
the men when they run'," he recited, solemnly. "It's something my
father..." he paused and corrected himself, "Sota taught me. Not that
it made a difference. Our pack had more than a few run-ins with the humans. We
had the strength but their herds were many and they hunted methodically,
EN-US'>”
Diego snorted derisively. “
thinking that because we hunted the same game they wouldn
EN-US'>’t
come after us. And for a long time thatstyle='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>’
they kept to their territory, we kept to ours. Then one night a hunting party
failed to return. We found their remains the next morning.
EN-US'>”
Diego involuntarily dug his sharp talons into the earth and the fur of his ruff
bristled at the memory. “
anything to distinguish one member of our pack from another. They even took
their teeth. Six of us went out after them, my father in lead. I was the only
one to return.” Diego bowed his head towards the fire; his dark
eyes dim in its red light. “
me after that.”
The bitterness of the resurfacing memory stung
his eyes for a moment and at once he was reminded of the abhorrence he had
reserved only for humans, when suddenly he felt something brush the sensitive
fur of his neck, gently. His eyes sprang away from the fire. Sid smiled
affectionately, his long-clawed hand lingering on the tiger
EN-US'>’s
back a moment longer, before pulling away.
The tiger allowed himself a small smile, which
the sloth returned in favour.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>” Sid
exclaimed, light-heartedly, not one do sit in silence for longer than a minute.
“Guess that explains the sibling rivalry. And no mate, huh?
EN-US'>”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>”
Diego replied, and for a moment he thought he caught a look of relief flit
cross Sid’s face.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
it was a shame the other members of your pack didnstyle='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>’
ride.” Sid said. style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
more bodyguards.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
enemies you make.” Diego quipped.
Sid ignored the jibe and rattled on.
EN-US'>“Hey,
you think your parents would’
EN-US'>”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
you.” Diego replied, evenly.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>’ve
liked me?”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
know you before they ate you?”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>”
Sid narrowed his eyes. style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>’re
just feeling mean because I caught out your secret little fear of-
EN-US'>“
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
sentence, I’
EN-US'>”
Diego growled warningly.
The Sloth muttered something inaudible and tossed
his stick into the fire. ”
EN-US'>’d
you think Manny’s favourite is?style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>”
EN-US'>”
Diego replied, frankly.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>”
EN-US'>” Sid
exclaimed. “I found him!style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>”
on the same wavelength.”
EN-US'>“You
EN-US'>’re
on a whole other continent.”
Sid sighed. style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>”
EN-US'>’ll
admit you’ve come a long way since I met you, mainly
thanks to me, but you’ve still got a big knot in your fur, tiger.
EN-US'>”
Diego folded one paw over the other and sneered
mockingly at the boastful sloth. “
EN-US'>’re
going to relieve me of that knot?”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>” Sid
replied, spraying spittle all over the Sabrestyle='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>’
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>”
Growling in irritation, Diego slid back on his haunches to wipe clean his wet
face with his paw. The Lord of the Flame, however, had become distracted with
the two white blossoms sticking to his nose.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
guys been there?” Sid muttered to himself and brushed at the
petals with his clawed hand, which nearly resulted in him poking his eye out.
Diego was about to make another scornful crack
at the Sloth’s expense, when all of a sudden he came under
fire from above.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>”
The twin possums pulled ridiculous faces at
their twin adversaries before darting back into the cover of the branches. The
Sabre leapt to his paws, snarling fiercely. style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>’re
not the only ones who can see in the dark, you miniature reprobates!
EN-US'>” he
hollered, his eyes flashing like green embers.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>’s
really weird.” Sid commented, before becoming a target
himself. “Ow! Ow! Hey, Lord of the Flame working here!
EN-US'>”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>” the
mischievous possum sniggered from his high perch in the canopy,
EN-US'>“we
have two ‘fraidy-cats.style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>’t
make me come up there!”
threateningly.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>’re
really scared.” Eddie taunted and let loose a second barrage of
hail fire upon his two defenceless targets, before scampering after his
brother, leaving laughter in his trail.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
admire their precision.”
pulling the prickles from his fur. “
lover’s quarrel to vanquish our common foe?
EN-US'>”
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>’t
aware it was a lover’s quarrel.style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>”
mock surprise. “In fact, I wasnstyle='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>’
lovers.”
Sid paused and turned to look at him, an odd
look in his eye. The mocking smile from Diegostyle='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>’
suddenly he felt very uncomfortable under the spotlight of the Sloth
EN-US'>’s
gaze.
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“
EN-US'>“ he
began, stumbling over his words and cursing himself for it.
EN-US'>“I
mean I know that’s, that’
EN-US'>”
Grinning, Sid leant forwards and pulled a
prickle from the Sabre’
EN-US'>“Well
we’ve already got a Mamossum in our herd. Why not add a couple of
Sabresloths?”
His trepidation dissolved, Diego could not help
but return the smile while he held the gaze of his foolish companion.
EN-US'>“You
make a good case.”
Criticism
is greatly appreciated. Cheers!