You and Gaz had always been very good friends, working seamlessly together despite the differences that came with him being a crow hybrid and you being human. You appreciated his hybrid side, admiring the unique traits that made him who he was. But one day, he did something that left you completely bewildered.

You were sitting on your barracks bed, scrolling through your phone, when Gaz walked in. His presence was familiar and comforting, a constant in your life. He sat down beside you, his sharp, clawed hands resting in his lap. You didn’t pay much attention until you felt a strange sensation on your scalp.

Looking up, you realized Gaz was gently scratching your hair with his sharp fingers. The feeling was unusual but not unpleasant. You blinked, completely at a loss. “Gaz, what are you doing?”

He paused, a small smile playing on his lips. “Preening.” He chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “It’s something crows do. We preen each other’s feathers to show care and affection. It’s a way to bond.”

The room fell into a comfortable silence as Gaz continued to preen your hair, his touch gentle and reassuring The sensation of his claws moving through your hair became soothing, a physical reminder of the bond you shared.