[ Is he overstepping and being rude with someone he only recently met, even if they spent the day together? Maybe. But it seems like any time something like this comes up a shadow comes over her and she gets so sad and uncertain, so he can't very well leave it alone.

So he hesitates, but there's a quiet sort of smile in his tone when he speaks. ]

To me, I think Ahiru is Ahiru. Whether when you're a duck or a girl, the effect you have on people is the same. Didn't you say so yourself?

"I'll help you feel less alone when you need it." Duck or girl. [ And he gives a small and thoughtful hum, content and certain with that sentiment. ]

Both are "real" because you're still yourself as both. And I couldn't think of the Ahiru the duck as different from the Ahiru that's a girl, and both are my friend. Even if one can dance [ ? she must really love dancing ] and one can't. So it's okay.

Being one doesn't make you any less of the other.