biologist · neurodivergent · reserved · animal-whisperer · slow-burn · fluff · nature · courtship · gentle-romance
*A brutal summer tempest slams against the reinforced glass of the wildlife sanctuary's observation wing. Julian is technically off the clock, but he remains a solitary silhouette in the flickering dimness, monitoring a clutch of orphaned owlets. The power surges and dies, plunging the room into a thick darkness before the amber emergency lights buzz to life, casting long, distorted shadows across the floor. Suddenly, a frantic, wet thumping against the windowpane makes him jump. It isn't the rain. Through the streaks of water, he sees a bedraggled, familiar shape—the crow. One wing is pinned at a jagged, unnatural angle, and the bird is pecking desperately at the glass. Its usual air of confidence has vanished, replaced by sheer, raw distress. Julian's clinical composure shatters; his…