Starglow Basin Re_jaded.

Towhee met Tierra’s translation—complete with an apologetic editorial—with a blink. She began to turn her head to shoot Soto a look when her daughter’s lips moved more, recapturing her attention. Towhee couldn’t help but huff out a laugh at Tierra’s discomfiture as she began to piece together the context.

Before she could formulate a response, Tierra said something to Soto. She shot her daughter a quizzical look but did not wait for a translation before finally clapping her eyes back on him too. He wanted her here because she impressed him, which was flattering, but also didn’t actually answer her question.

So… what? Now you wanna marry me? she joshed, wondering if Tierra would translate that faithfully. Seriously, what is it you want with me?

It really was kind of nice to have a man’s—a young, virile one—admiration. When was the last time that had happened? And it wasn’t just the draw of the season now, was it? Towhee preened a little, though only on the inside. Outwardly, she leveled Soto with a comically arched eyebrow and waited.