Julian grinned as he woke, stroking Horace’s back and feeling his pride at being useful. “You’re brilliant, love,” he said, kissing the top of the mechanical head. “I’m going to be jealous of my own bird,” said Alex, stroking his fingers over Horace’s bright plumage and getting a kiss of his own ...
“We’re going to clear the apartment, can you take Julian into your work room?” said James, when they saw the signs. “Yes, Dad,” said Alex, though they did pause to hang up their coats before doing so. “I wasn’t going to show you this yet,” said Alex shyly, “but it’s the safest place in the flat.”...