Hydrngea

☆ nudges you — if you're working, reading, or paying attention to literally anything else, valko will bump his forehead or shoulder against you until you acknowledge him. he won't say he wants affection, he'll just keep nudging you until you finally look up. the second you do, he looks at you adoringly while you ruffle his hair.

☆ paws for attention — instead of a paw, it's his hand. he'll rest it on your knee, your thigh, your wrist, or cover your hand completely. if you ignore him, he'll lightly tap you over and over until you sigh and give in.

☆ lays behind you with his head on your shoulder — if you're sitting on the couch, valko loves laying behind you rather than beside you. he drapes himself across the back cushions, rests his chin on your shoulder, and occasionally wraps an arm around your waist. it's equal parts affectionate and possessive.

☆ "screams" in your face — okay maybe not actual screaming (usually). if he's excited or wants your attention immediately, he'll get way too close and dramatically call your name. sometimes if you are in the other room he will yell your name over and over until you go and see what he wants.

☆ plays with your hands — if your hands are dangling off the couch or table, they're fair game. he'll poke your fingers, flip your palm over, compare hand sizes, absentmindedly trace your knuckles, or intertwine your fingers just because they're there. sometimes he brings them up to his lips giving them a sweet kiss before.

☆ puts his hand in his mouth while thinking — when he's deep in thought, embarrassed, or trying not to laugh, he'll absentmindedly rest his knuckles against his lips or lightly bite the side of his thumb. it's a habit he doesn't even realize he has until you point it out.

☆ hides little treasures — instead of toys, valko has a habit of "borrowing" your things. hair ties, hoodies, books you're currently reading, chapstick, even one sock from a pair. he swears he was "keeping them safe," but somehow they always end up mixed in with his belongings.

☆ steals things he shouldn't have — if something smells like you; a sweater, blanket, pillow, or even your perfume bottle, there's a good chance he'll quietly take it. when caught, he'll insist he wasn't stealing it, just "holding onto it."

☆ you have to take things away from him — valko has a terrible habit of picking up random objects while talking. half the time he isn't even using it. he just likes having something in his hands. you constantly have to rescue your belongings from him.

☆ brings you gifts — like a dog proudly presenting a toy, valko occasionally shows up with snacks he thought you'd like, a cool rock he found on a walk, a flower growing through a crack in the pavement, or some random trinket that reminded him of you. he expects genuine excitement every single time.

☆ gets way too excited when you come home — valko always knows when you've walked through the door. before you can even set your bag down, he's already there. he wraps you in a hug so tight your feet barely touch the floor, buries his face against your neck, and peppers your cheeks, forehead, and temple with quick kisses like he's making up for every minute you were gone.

☆ interrupts you with kisses — if you're talking for too long especially if you're rambling about something he finds adorable, valko will suddenly lean in and kiss you mid-sentence. when you pull back with an offended, "i was talking," he'll just smile and say, "i know."

☆ on the flip side uses kisses as a distraction — the moment he realizes you're about to scold him for something, he'll cup your face and press a quick kiss to your lips before you can finish your sentence. it works more often than either of you would like to admit.

☆ acts like you were gone forever — it doesn't matter if you left for five hours or five minutes. in valko's mind, any amount of time apart deserves an enthusiastic reunion. "you're back," he'll say with the biggest smile, as if he'd been counting the seconds.

☆ dramatic about wanting to play — if you're busy for too long, he'll become increasingly theatrical. he'll sigh loudly, flop dramatically onto the couch beside you, lean against you with his full weight, and eventually ask, "are you done yet?" with the most impatient expression imaginable.

☆ always wants you involved — whatever he's doing; cooking, fixing something, playing a game, or even just watching a movie, he'll call you over to join him. it's less about the activity and more about wanting your company.

☆ gets excited over the smallest things — mention going for a walk, grabbing coffee together, visiting your favorite bookstore, or even just running errands, and his entire demeanor changes. he's already grabbing his jacket before you've even finished your sentence.

☆ head tilts when he's curious — whenever you're explaining something he's never heard before, telling him a story, or using a word he doesn't recognize, his head instinctively tilts to one side. he doesn't even realize he's doing it until you laugh and tell him he looks adorable.

☆ keeps an ear out while relaxing — even if he's half-asleep, the slightest unusual sound has one eye opening. once he realizes everything's fine, he'll settle right back against you like nothing happened.

☆ protective without being overbearing — he isn't the type to hover, but he's always aware of your surroundings. if you're walking together at night, he'll naturally take the side closest to the street. if someone makes you uncomfortable, he'll quietly step closer, letting his presence do the talking before a word ever has to be said.