Blacktail Deer Plateau There’s someone I’ve been missing

Atticus attempted to smile when she kissed him on the forehead, but it was only his lips moving. The smile didn't reach his eyes. In his pale eyes, there was only a forlorn sadness, the empty ache of so many things kept unsaid. He returned her kiss, his tongue flicking affectionately on her cheek and chin.

When Peregrine mentioned that he and Hawkeye weren't going to make it to him as an explanation for all the talk of sunshine, Atticus felt only a tiny flicker of surprise. He'd sort of seen it coming, especially after their last encounter. Perry hadn't said much at that time, but Atticus knew his brother and he'd been able to deduce quite a bit on his own. He looked at Perry in a way that said, I'll be here for you if that happens, bro. There was no interest left in him for Hawkeye, only concern for his brother. He wasn't sure how this breakup would affect Perry.

"Be safe," he said, his attention returning to Osprey. "Come back to us some day, okay?"