"Hey now, no flirting with the bird, it's not needed," Cal said, snickering and slipping his arm around her. "You don't know how not to be charming, it's one of the things I like about you."

The bird--who was perfectly happy being crooned to and petted, thank you very much--fluttered at Cal and made a happy noise at Arden before crouching down a little to make it easier for them to climb onto its' back.

"May I use my strong arms to help you up?" he asked.