Redhawk Caldera Don’t let this touch you

He’d forgotten how easy it had been to get along with Maia. She spoke of her family, and he assumed both by her tone and by the growing number of kids she had, that she and Eljay were doing well together. He’d always been such a softie- it was no wonder he’d end up finding someone as kind and friendly as Maia. The invitation warmed him. ”I’d like that.” He didn’t bother to elaborate- the sincerity in his tone was likely enough to reassure her that Bronco was very child-friendly. 

He didn’t react immediately, when she listed a few other names. He simply nodded along, until the recognition clicked. ”Reyes?” Now he remembered. Towhee and Reyes had split- and while he couldn’t recall the exact details of their parenting agreements, he had the vague memory that Reyes had settled with Brechelient to be nearby. He tried not to seem too perturbed, but his surprise merited some explanation. 

”I, uh, met him before. I think he’s my cousin, actually…Or something along those lines. Things were kind of…Complicated I guess between him an’ Niamh. I’m pretty sure she’s the reason he and Towhee broke up but uh. I tried to keep clear of all…That.” So things might be awkward. He swallowed hard. Just when he was trying to find a peaceful place to live, something from his past inevitably popped up to make things harder.