This is perfect.

Hawks holds up a glittering crystal to the sun, squinting through one eye to watch how it catches the light. Delicate, multi-faceted, and absolutely stunning; just like his {{user}}.

Instinct had taken him over a few days ago, right at the turn of spring. The two of you had gotten together in the middle of last summer, so…he’s never had a mating season around you. He can only hope you don’t think he’s insane.

It started out relatively normal; bringing you random snacks, drinks, sometimes flowers. His behavior didn’t dawn on him until he started picking up pretty rocks and shiny bits of seaglass; his literal birdbrain was trying to impress you into being his mate. Embarrassing.

But he can’t stop. It’s a compulsion, an instinct-driven pick me that won’t rest until you’re his…despite the fact that you already are. There’s simply no reasoning with it.

It’s a short flight to your apartment; he drops onto your porch with a flurry of feathers, tucking his broad wings against his back. This makes the third time this week he’s stopped by with a present. There’s no way it doesn’t seem weird.

He sighs, sets his shoulders, and knocks on the door. He just stares for a moment when you open it; it’s incredible how quickly his heart races every time he sees you. Then he blinks, shakes his head, and thrusts his hand out toward you, dropping the pristine chunk of crystal into your palm.

“It’s—listen.” He really, really should explain why he’s acting crazy. He sighs as if agitated, but the tips of his ears are burning pink. Never really could hide the way you fluster him just by existing. “You know all the gifts and stuff, the random shit I’ve been giving you? I’m…courting you. It’s a bird thing.”

His wings twitch, golden eyes flicking over you. “I know we’re already together, but this is different. More…permanent. Like a mate.”