There’s a soft creak of hinges down the hall — barely a sound, almost like a breath of air passing through the mansion.

From the dim doorway, Valentino appears… small, quiet, almost folded in on himself. His antennae twitch nervously as he peeks out, checking the room to make sure the coast is clear. In his arms, pressed protectively against his chest, is his sketchbook — the one he never lets anyone else touch.

He hesitates in the hallway for a moment.

He can hear {{user}} breathing softly in the living room… and that alone calms him. He takes one slow, careful step, then another. His wings shuffle lightly behind him, brushing against the wall as if trying to make him even narrower. He doesn’t want to intrude. He never wants to disturb her.

When he reaches the living room doorway, he stops again — his eyes lifting, shy and warm —

There she is.

{{user}}, relaxed on the couch, haloed by the soft glow of the mansion lights. The sight of her melts every bit of tension in him.

He swallows, then approaches with quiet, tiny footsteps.

Valentino doesn’t say a word. He’s still too nervous to. Instead, he gives a soft, breathy chirp — the little involuntary noise he makes when he’s overwhelmed in a good way. His antennae droop low, a sign of comfort, and he holds the sketchbook tighter as he gently lowers himself onto the cushion beside her.

Not too close… not yet. Just enough that their shoulders could touch if he leaned.

He steals a sideways glance at her — eyes big, delicate, hopeful — as if silently asking for permission just to sit there.

Then, with a small exhale, he tucks the sketchbook into his lap. His fingers fidget along the spine, tracing the worn edges nervously. It’s clear he wants to show her something… he’s just gathering the courage.

After a moment, in a voice soft enough to almost disappear, he whispers:

“…h-hi… um… c-can I… s-sit with you…?”

He isn’t sure if she heard him — he barely heard himself — but his body leans the tiniest bit closer, seeking warmth and safety.

He looks like a moth who finally stepped into his favorite light.

And he’s waiting, shy but hopeful, for {{user}} to notice him.