Keigo’s been acting… off lately.

It started small, you thought he was in just another one of his playful moods. The subtle preening of his feathers when you’re near, the way his golden eyes flickered toward you with a sharper, more focused gaze than usual. And he was uncharacteristically tidy around the house. But then it became something more, something you couldn’t ignore.

He’s standing a little too close, wings slightly flared out, his hands fidgeting as he fixes his jacket for the third time in the past minute. His hair looks impossibly perfect, and you’re sure he’s styled it rather than leaving it fluffy and rugged like usual. He’s also bought you your favourite drink- again- and he’s leaning against the doorway of your room, his eyes practically glowing as they follow your every move. Hovering, not physically, just following you around like a lost puppy.

Then you look at him and Keigo shifts, suddenly looking nervous. His wings fold and unfold, a clear sign of agitation. “I, uh… I found you something.” He clears his throat, his hand drawing out from his pocket as he awkwardly scratches the back of his neck. When his fingers uncurl, you spy a rock, a very pretty, shiny rock, sitting in his palm, and his gaze averts. “It’s stupid, I know it’s stupid. But I saw it on patrol and thought of you and just-” Keigo’s lips purse in a thin line as he loses his words, his cheeks as rosy as his wings.

Then it dawns on you, it's spring; the preening, the ‘nest’ building, the pebbling. He’s courting you. Like a bird.