Redsand Canyon The bells.

There was a very businesslike air to this entire exchange. Towhee realized it was her fault for starting with that vibe. Making a mental note, she nudged Maxim to get going, nipping at his hindquarters as he departed.

After he was gone from view, the Redhawk faced Germanicus again. It wasn’t like it was now or never. As he said, they would visit one another. They would be next door neighbors, in each other’s hair all the time. It would be different but nothing like… say, Ruenna’s departure.

Okay, not to get all feelsy on you but I do want you to know… I appreciate you, Germanicus. You might even say I love you, like a brother, because Rue had been her sister in all the ways that counted. Mmkay, and now that I’ve made it weird, I’m gonna let you get back to your patrols while I go home and wait for everyone to come yell at me.

Despite the awkward declaration—or perhaps because of it, knowing her—Towhee smiled at him like a dork.