Redhawk Caldera Yeah, I reckon we were heathens

Hotah saw the shift in her— saw the ache slip through the cracks—and nudged her shoulder gently, steadying rather than prying.

He lifted his paw, signing slowly:

-Me and Towhee. Not together.-

Another, clearer:

-She wants me… see others.-

He let his gaze brush her face—not pushy, just honest—before adding:

-I am… interested.-

A pause, then the faintest dip of his head toward her:

-In others.-

Her words about her mother drew a soft breath out of him. He signed again, brief but certain:

-She deserves good. And so do you.-

And he went back to the meat, close enough for her to lean into if she wanted, far enough to give her room if she didn’t.