Would it be too much trouble to ask for a pluck x reader? Where Pluck has a little bit of an anxious moment and ends up hiding behind his friend (crush *cough cough*) and they just gotta help calm the bird boy down cause he's freaking out a lil bit? So vauge I know but I'm tired homie and the thinker ain't rolling too fast rn I just really love your writing style is all. (Also headcannon that Plucks feathers poof up when suprised lol)
Welcome back Tya!!! Hope you enjoy this, the ask has been sitting in my inbox for forever, so I hope I did your idea justice! Love you tons!!
At first...he thought he was fine. The quest had gone well, and everyone made it out with little to no injuries. It was only when he got back into town that he started to panic.
Walking into the bar, you didn’t notice Pluck’s breathing began to quicken. But you felt a tug at the back of your shirt, and turned to see Pluck there, holding onto your shirt like it was a lifeline.
The first thing you noticed about his appearance was that his feathers had bulked up, a sure sign that he was scared or anxious. Rather it be from the fight, or another reason you knew you had to act quickly so it wouldn’t turn into a full-blown panic attack.
Without second thought, you grabbed his hand and went to your room. You would go to his, but the babies were there sleeping. Besides...you’re more worried about your feathered friend than his adopted offspring. They would be fine while you calmed down their dad.
“I-I’m sorry...I’m sorry.” The tone of his voice made your heart ache.
“You have no reason to be sorry...was it the fight? Or...something else?” You figured knowing the reason may help resolve the symptoms that could quickly turn into a panic attack.
“I don’t know...I’m really sorry.” You patted his head, pushing his feathers down in the process.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to know.” You continued to pat his head with your free hand, the other secured tightly in his own hand. Chances are he won’t be letting go anytime soon, so you’ll have to make do with one hand for now.
You used your free hand to brush his feathers back, rubbing his shoulders and arms before returning to rubbing his head in soothing circles. He seemed to respond well to your physical touch, something you noticed early on in your friendship.
“Can you do some deep breaths with me? It doesn’t have to be perfect, just do your best.” You gave him a reassuring smile and began to do deep breathing exercises.
Initially he had short, shallow breaths, but after some time of doing the exercises he began following your instructions and successfully managed to breathe slower and heavier.
After a while of doing deep breaths together Pluck broke the silence, “You don’t have to stay with me...I can get by on my own. I don’t want to burden you.”
You gave him a smile, “I know you don’t need my help. But I want to help in any way I can. I won’t be able to rest easily knowing you’re anxious.” You placed your other hand on his, now holding both of his hands. “You’re strong, but you don’t have to be. You can be weak with me. I won’t judge you.”
He let out a small noise and you saw his feathers bulk up again, before he rushed forward, putting his beak under your chin.
“Why do you gotta be so nice to me...it’s unfair.” You didn’t have a clue what he meant, but you smiled down at him though he couldn’t see with his eyes buried under your chin.
“I’m only showing you the kindness you deserve...besides, you’re always nice to me. Why wouldn’t I be nice to you?” You chuckled and pulled your hands out of his to pull him into a proper hug.
He sighed and leaned into your embrace, “you’re nicer to me than anyone ever has been to me before. I want you to know I appreciate it.” He pulled back, and you let him. “I...never mind.”
You tilted your head, “it’s okay...you can tell me. But if you don’t want to, I respect that too.”
He looked conflicted, “I...maybe soon. I can’t tell you right now. The words just aren’t coming out.” You smiled and placed a hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat, and he did the same.
It was a comforting action you both did when trying to get your feelings across but didn’t know how to put it into words.
“I’ll be ready to listen when you think you can tell me.” He made an affirmative noise and sighed, all his anxieties seeming to melt away.
“Thank you...for helping me and just being you.” That made you laugh.
“I’ll always be me. So I’m glad ‘me’ is someone who can comfort and be close to you.” You meant every word. As long as you could help him, nothing else mattered. Even if it meant just staying friends.
“I have to get the little ones...will you be downstairs for dinner?” He placed his feathered hand over yours, sitting on his chest.
“Of course! I’ll see you soon.” You hesitated before placing a soft kiss on the top of his head.
He made an alarmed noise, like he wasn’t expecting it and you were pretty sure he was blushing. You couldn’t tell because of the feathers...but he very well could be blushing.
He leaned up and pressed his beak to your forehead to return the kiss.
“Right! Um...bye!” He turned quickly and ran out of the room.
What a strange bird. But maybe soon he could be your strange bird. He probably didn’t feel the same...right? Or maybe he did like you…
You groaned and flopped onto your bed. Feelings were difficult. He did kiss you...in his own way. Maybe there was a chance. You won’t deny your feelings for the Kenku...you’d been harboring feelings for him for months...maybe soon you could confess. What’s the worst that could happen? He could say no...but then you’d resume being friends.
It’s a shame friends weren't enough...hopefully he returns those feelings. Only time would tell. Maybe you could ask the party how to ask Pluck out...maybe not Anya.
You weren’t sure Anya would be able to give solid relationship advice...but maybe Kovacs or Werblund would know? They’ve known him longer...yeah...you’ll try asking them. What could go wrong?












