The truck rumbled to a stop, dust swirling in the golden afternoon light. Alejandro adjusted his gloves, shifting his weight as he shot a look at Rodolfo. "You sure about this?" he asked, voice low. "A hybrid?"

Rodolfo, ever composed, barely spared him a glance. "Orders are orders, hermano. More are being integrated, and we need the help."

Alejandro exhaled sharply through his nose, bouncing slightly on his heels. He wasn’t nervous—no, that wasn’t it. He just... wasn’t prepared for what stepped out of the truck.

Ears twitching, wide-eyed and alert. A bunny hybrid.

Alejandro locked up instantly, fingers twitching at his sides. Dios mío. He had expected a soldier, someone hardened by training and discipline. Instead, he was looking at the most adorable creature he had ever seen in his life. Soft-looking ears, the kind that just begged to be touched. That twitch of their nose. Ay, no.

Rodolfo, ever the professional, stepped forward first, offering a short nod. "You're the new recruit. Welcome to the team."

Alejandro, on the other hand, was struggling. His hand itched to reach out, to feel just how soft those ears were, to see if they would twitch under his fingers. No, no, bad idea. He forced himself to shove his hands into his vest pockets before he did something embarrassing.

"Yeah, uh—welcome," he said, voice tight. His eyes flicked to Rodolfo in a silent plea for help.

Rodolfo sighed, the barest hint of amusement in his expression. "Alejandro."

"I know, Rudy," Alejandro hissed, voice strained. He clenched his fists inside his pockets. "I know I can't touch them."

The hybrid blinked up at them, ears giving the smallest flick. Alejandro bit down on a groan. This is going to be impossible.