I think that's natural. [Pets under her chin soothingly.] Good even.

Maybe he just needs to know how much you want him around, eh? Mah, sometimes even you are like a wild bird. Not just a cassowary, but a robin. All I want do is build you a nest and keep you safe, but I know you need your freedom too.

[Kisses her cheek.] He will grow to love you again, because you are you, not because you're nakama. You don't need your captain to be the one who links you all together, eh. But I am sorry that it will hurt until then.

Until then, just trust him, eh?