Broken Antler Fen and the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon

As he thought, Caracal had come running without telling anyone or gathering permission. That made things incredibly difficult for Reyes; especially as the boy expressed the option of leaving. Reyes shook his head and tried to backpedal as quickly as he could, assuaging any doubt the boy now carried.

No, no, stay! He all but erupted.

I want you to hang out. I'm fine with it, and if you're fine with it, lets... I dunno, spend some time together. This felt awkward as all heck. But Reyes didn't want to send Caracal off so soon, not when chances such as this were so rarely presented. I can show you around for a little bit, if you want. We can grab a bite or something... And you can tell me all about things at the Caldera, how's that sound?

He was pushing a little too much, Reyes thought in the back of his mind. Still, Caracal would probably get a dressing-down by Towhee when he returned, so may as well make this visit count.