He closes his eyes when Gabe responds in kind and meets the little kiss before tucking his head down to rest under Gabe's chin. He doesn't stay there for long, looking up again as Gabe talks. The smile is nice. Makes him feel a little better about everything. He smiles back, just as weak, just as genuine.

"I bet they all looked hot," he says softly, running his hand over Gabe's hair, brushing his ear, before reaching over his shoulder to scratch delicately between his feathers. He loves seeing the wings, being able to touch them, it's - it's more comforting than he ever could have imagined.

"It's probably for the best, though," he mumbles. "I mean, not... not what happened, but..." He sighs and slumps down, looking away. "I don't think it would have gone super well."