Still thinking about how Stray has anti-pigeon spikes all over a lot of its architecture, but no visible birds to speak of within the underground cities
The implication that birds, maybe pigeons specifically, were once a common enough nuisance to require a Lot of spikes to deter them. And that they died out alongside the humans they lived with
Finally! Someone who just gets it. He’s all over that and everyone will know it
You’re absolutely the favourite when he’s around. Extra attention, extra lingering touches and stares. Everyone notices how much he perks up when you speak.
He’s always looking at you silently as though you can read his mind. Picture this, someone, maybe Varka, is giving one of his many speeches but he’s dragging it on to the point everyone just wants to leave. Lohen sighs, glances at you and you meet his contact. Then as though you understand each other without even speaking, you guys just form a way to get out of there somehow.
Compliments become rare but incredibly genuine. Instead of calling them attractive outright, he'd say things like, "You're reliable," or, "You handled that well." To him, those are high praise.
If they compliment him, he won't know what to do with it. He'll give a small "Thank you," then spend the next several hours replaying the conversation.
He'd fall in love gradually rather than all at once. One day he'd realize he's memorized their favorite drink, their routines, and the sound of their footsteps, and that's when it hits him that he's completely down bad for them.
Once he accepts his feelings, he's deeply loyal. He isn't flashy or overly romantic, but he'd consistently show his affection through actions, reliability, and always being someone they can count on.
Aether:
He naturally starts spending more time with them. It never feels forced, and they somehow keep ending up exploring together.
Paimon absolutely catches the shift in Aether’s mood. She’ll tease and make excuses for him to be sitting next to his hopefully future romantic partner.
He offers to help with almost anything, whether it's gathering materials, fighting monsters, or simply walking them home.
During combat, he instinctively keeps an eye on where they are. If they're in danger, he'll reach them without hesitation.
Small moments mean the most to him: sharing a meal, watching lanterns drift into the sky, sitting beside a campfire after a long journey.
He'd encourage their dreams just as much as his own. He wants a partner, not someone who follows behind him.
Once they're together, he's incredibly affectionate in subtle ways. Walking beside them instead of ahead, reaching for their hand naturally, sharing food, and always making sure they're safe and comfortable.
Wanderer:
He becomes more sarcastic around them than usual. Teasing is often his way of hiding genuine interest.
He pays close attention to them without meaning to. He'll remember tiny details they mentioned weeks ago, even if he acts like he wasn't listening.
He'll quietly start appearing wherever they are. He'll claim it's a coincidence every single time. Lowkey stalker but he means well.
He gets annoyed when other people monopolize their attention, though he'd never admit it's jealousy.
He becomes noticeably more patient with them than with anyone else. Others may even point out that he's unusually tolerant around them.
If someone flirts with his crush, he becomes noticeably colder. He won't start a fight, but the other person will definitely feel the temperature drop.
Once he's in a relationship, he's deeply loyal. He doesn't express love with flowery words, but through consistency such as staying by their side, making sure they're safe, remembering everything important to them, and gradually letting them see the softer parts of himself that almost no one else gets to witness.
Kinich:
He notices competence before appearance. If they can keep up with him, solve problems, or stay calm under pressure, they'll immediately catch his attention.
He doesn't flirt intentionally. Most of the time, he's simply genuine, and that sincerity ends up being more charming than any pickup line.
Loves it when they back chat with Ajaw. Lowkey finds it endearing that both them and Ajaw are comfortable enough to start bickering.
He respects their independence. He won't hover or treat them like they need protecting if they've proven they can handle themselves.
He remembers practical details about them, like their favorite food, what equipment they prefer, or what environments they dislike.
If they're hurt, he remains calm on the outside while dealing with the situation, but afterward he'd quietly stay close until he's certain they're recovering.
He shows affection through actions more than words, like sharing meals, repairing their gear, walking them home, or making sure they're safe before thinking about himself.
Kazuha:
It’s the little things like how they speak, how they treat others, and how they react to the world around them that he’ll pay attention for.
Simply enjoys being in their company. Even if you two are just sitting quietly. He cherishes the comfort.
Will start asking them on adventures. He especially loves it when they’re just as adventurous as he is, exploring the world and whatnot.
He often compares them to nature in his mind. A laugh might remind him of a breeze through leaves, or their determination of the sea during a storm.
He writes little poems or haiku inspired by them. At first, he doesn't intend for them to know they're the inspiration.
He respects their space. If they need time alone, he'll give it without taking it personally, trusting they'll come to him when they're ready.
Physical affection develops slowly but naturally. Once he's comfortable, he'll brush their hand while walking, tuck a stray lock of hair behind their ear, or offer his shoulder during long trips.
Durin:
He’d be so incredibly shy and awkward for a bit but he does quickly warm up to them. Perhaps a bit too quick
He'd light up whenever they entered the room. His excitement would be obvious to everyone, including them.
He'd look for any excuse to spend time together, whether that's exploring, talking, or simply sitting nearby.
If they taught him something new, he'd be delighted and remember it for a long time.
He'd give them little gifts he thinks they'd like flowers, interesting rocks, shiny trinkets, or anything that reminded him of them.
He'd mirror some of their habits without realizing it, like picking up their favorite phrases or enjoying the same activities.
He'd ask innocent but heartfelt questions like, "Can I stay with you a little longer?" or "Do you like spending time with me too?"
Albedo:
He becomes quietly intrigued by them and starts observing them. Not intentionally in a creepy way, but with genuine curiosity. He wants to understand what makes them them
He asks thoughtful questions that most people wouldn't think to ask. He isn't making small talk he's trying to understand how they think.
He starts sketching them absentmindedly. At first it's for "practice," but eventually he realizes most of his recent drawings somehow include them.
He'll invite them to Dragonspine, and it’s not because it's convenient, but because he wants to share a place that's important to him.
He's incredibly patient. If they're learning something new, he never makes them feel embarrassed for asking questions. Will definitely help them with alchemy.
Physical affection isn't instinctive for him, but once he's comfortable, it's deliberate. He might brush snow from their hair, gently take their hand to guide them across icy ground, or rest his forehead against theirs during a quiet moment.
He admires authenticity. Someone who's comfortable being themselves, even with flaws, fascinates him more than someone trying to appear perfect.
partially-managed mental illness is so fucking funny i'll be sitting around doing my job and suddenly think "wow i hate myself" and immediately get confused because, like, that's not TRUE! i love myself so much. who are you to talk to me like that
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