[he supposes that their anatomy is just that different that only his own kind can handle each other. so nehan merely nods, he definitely understands.]

And I have a knot-- not something to spring on everyone. [a concession, and riffing off of what the man says at the very end. then he takes hold of his bird's hand, tugging at the fingers, comparing the sizes of their palms, an innocent-seeming gesture, but nehan doesn't do that for just anyone, scarred and calloused as he is.

then he laces their fingers together.] Very well, let's leave the pool. I have a room, and if we don't hurry, they may give me a roommate that I don't approve of.