Redhawk Caldera Reliquia.

Towhee frowned as her orange eyes drifted from one side of the Hobbit Hole to the other. It felt so empty, with @Killdeer et al representing the caldera at the fall hunt. She wished they hadn’t gone, though she supposed it was her own damn fault—well, her hormones’, anyway—for rearing a litter this time of year.

She heaved a sigh, then gingerly stood and stepped over her sleeping offspring. Their eyes and ears were opening and they were growing quickly, even little Peregrine. Towhee felt a fierce throb of affection as she gazed down at her tiny son. His death would’ve been favorable two weeks ago. Now, she was attached. If he went, he might take her with him.

They were fine, she told herself as she moseyed to the den’s entrance and gazed out at the November landscape. Cold, fresh air tickled at her face. Clouds obscured the sun, though her eyes still watered a little from the brightness and chill. They combed the surrounding slopes for any sign of @Hotah, not only to help with her loneliness but her persistent hunger too.

This is open to anyone who stayed behind! :)

Hotah’s stride was unhurried as he came up the slope, the cold air pulling through his coat. He spotted Towhee before she saw him, standing in the den mouth like she was holding the whole mountain on her shoulders. It tugged something in him—something steady, protective.

There you are, he said, voice low and warm as he stepped beside her. Figured you’d be out here worrying yourself more than necessary.

His gaze slid to the pups—their pups—softening the hard lines of his face. They’re fine. Better than fine, really. Strong little things.

He huffed a quiet breath, shaking his head like the thought amused him. And before you say it… I didn’t stay behind just to keep an eye on you. The crease beside his eye deepened into that easy, charming half-smile he wore without thinking.

I’m right where I ought to be.

A calm beat. Unrushed. Certain.

Now, he added, tilting his head toward her, tell me what you’re craving. I’ll go fetch it.

you can powerplay hotah if you wish as returning with the food she requested :D!

I adore his munchy new avatar! :D

Hotah never left her waiting, or wanting. Now was no different. Her eyes tracked his movements as he ascended toward her, Towhee’s head doing an amused cant at his greeting. Where else would she be? He mentioned her worries, which prompted the Elder to glance backward into the den. She missed part of what Hotah said but flicked her gaze back to him to catch his quip about staying behind, insisting he was where he belonged.

There was something earnest on his face when he said this that made Towhee’s eyes slide sideways and away. But evidently Hotah wasn’t finished. Catching the movement out of the corner of her eye, she once more faced him to catch his question about what she was craving. His words were caring, generous, and yet they evoked a sudden prick of irritation within her that caught Towhee off guard.

-I’m just craving company right now,- she signed, which was only half a lie. -Just hang out for a few minutes. I’m not used to having all this space to myself,- she added, turning slightly to make a sweeping gesture at the cavernous Hobbit Hole. -We can head inside if you want to be closer to them,- she added, wondering how much of that he’d understood.

She waited for his answer—or his request for clarification—and pondered that brief stab of annoyance. Hotah was almost too nice, she decided. He was an excellent father and would make one hell of a mate too, though Towhee recoiled from that thought. Not only was her heart buried with Maxim (wherever that was), she also didn’t feel any particular attraction to Hotah.

Besides, she reasoned, he should settle down with someone nearer his own age, someone who could give him a lifetime partnership and years of children. Like Jr, Towhee thought, her eyes suddenly glinting. She had a feeling her daughter’s heart might be retired too, though a bit of a Cheshire smile crept over her face as she considered that idea further.

Thank you!!

Hotah watched her hands, patient as ever, reading what he could from the shape of her movements and the shift in her eyes. Company. That was simple enough for him to grasp. The rest he pieced together from context and instinct—he’d always been good at filling in the quiet.

Company’s easy, he said softly as he closed the last bit of distance between them, settling at her side. I’m not going anywhere.

His gaze drifted toward the den, toward the three tiny bodies sleeping in a warm heap. A tug of something unmistakable—fondness, pride—softened his face. But if you don’t mind, he added with a low breath, I’d like to be inside. Close to them. Close to you.

There was no push behind it, no heat or expectation— just honesty. He tipped his head slightly, watching her expression with that gentle, thoughtful patience of his. We can stay out here a moment if you need the air. But when you’re ready, I’d like to sit with all of you.

He offered a small, warm smile then—quiet reassurance shaped into an upward tilt of his mouth. And you don’t have to fill the space. I’ll sit wherever you want me, Towhee. Just point me in the right direction.

Towhee wondered if Hotah found her attractive. If he did, she reasoned, he would certainly find Jr easy on the eyes too. She looked at him speculatively, something like worry worming its way inside her alongside the mild irritation. Why was he so dedicated to her? Did he realize he was wasting his time? What would he do if she nudged him toward a newer model?

-Can I ask you something, point blank?- she asked.

Her mind flicked to Trailhawk, her heart sinking. Not only did she miss the pallid woman and all she’d brought to the caldera, Towhee still worried that she’d indirectly caused her departure by “claiming” Hotah. What if he’d even rejected her on the Elder’s account? She inhaled sharply, preparing herself for this inevitable conversation.

Little short as I'm excited for this convo to play out XD

Hotah watched her inhale, the tension gathering in her shoulders. When her paws moved, he shifted closer, steady and attentive.

Yeah, he said quietly. Ask me.

A beat passed, his eyes searching hers—not prying, just grounding. Whatever storm she was working through, he could see it.

Of course she could ask him. Towhee wanted to roll her eyes, or reach out and shake him. Why are you so perfect?! she wanted to scream at him. It’s really fucking annoying! Stop it! She did neither of those things, instead letting out a long, slow breath as she worked on her phrasing.

-You don’t want to be with me, do you? Don’t get me wrong. You’re a great guy and a fantastic father. I love having you around and appreciate everything you do for us. And I know we’ve touched on this before but I’m not sure I’ve been as clear as I should be about romantic potential… or lack thereof. I know “it’s not you, it’s me” is a really shitty cliche but it’s the truth. I already experienced the love of my life.- She paused, then added one more thing, -And I really don’t want to stand between you and yours.-

Hotah blinked once, then huffed a soft, amused breath—almost a laugh—as he shook his head.

Towhee, he said, tone light, I’m not waiting around for you.

There was no sting in it, no wounded pride—just an easy honesty. He tipped his head, brow lifting in something like fond exasperation.

I appreciate that you think I might be, he added, but that’s not what this is.

He glanced toward the den, toward the three small lives inside, and his expression softened in a way that had nothing to do with romance. You just had my children. I want to be here because I should be. Because I want to be their father in more than name.

A small shrug followed, unbothered. And Trailhawk hasn’t been around. Not for a while. I’m not chasing ghosts.

His head tilted, eyes warming just a little as he remembered. I met your daughter, though. Jr. Real nice. Sharp. She sees more than most.

He shifted his weight, voice dipping into something more relaxed. Figured maybe I’d meet someone at the hunt, sure… but honestly? A quiet smile curved at the corner of his mouth. I wanted to be with the pups more.

Then he looked back to her, steady and easy. You’re not standing between me and anything, Towhee. I’m exactly where I want to be. And none of that requires you to be my… anything.

A faint, joking lift of his brow. So breathe. You’re stuck with me either way, but not like that.

Hotah’s such a green flag. :’)

She wanted to believe the first few words out of his mouth, though Towhee sensed there was more to come. Her orange eyes fixed on his lips, reading his every word as he reassured her (without making her feel like an idiot), then further explained his stance. Her chest pinched when he briefly mentioned Trailhawk in the same breath as the word “ghost.” Hotah didn’t mean it literally, but what if there was something to that statement? Towhee hadn’t really considered that possibility.

She didn’t want to dwell on that, so she didn’t. Besides, Hotah was still talking. She would definitely revisit his serendiptious mention of Jr, though his emphasis on the pups stole her attention and warmed her heart. It made Towhee suddenly wonder if she’d shortchanged her earlier children by keeping them from their fathers. That wasn’t worth dwelling on either. The kids were his priority. Obviously they were hers too. It seemed to her that they were on the very same page then.

-I’m glad to hear all that. Really. Thank you for all you do for us,- Towhee repeated, letting out a small sigh of relief as her lips twitched into a smile. -And maybe it’s weird to say this but you mentioned her first, so I’m just going to put this out there: you should get to know my daughter better. I can’t speak for her and she’s been through a lot. But you’re… shit, Hotah, you’re incredible, and she deserves someone incredible. You have my wholehearted blessing if you decide to try pursuing her.-

Hotah opened his mouth—then shut it again.

For a moment he just stared at her, stunned into stillness. Get to know her daughter better? His brain tripped over the thought, heat climbing suddenly up his neck and into his ears. He could feel it—embarrassing, obvious—even through his dark fur.

Towhee… he managed, voice rougher than intended. Is that—would that even be… not strange?

He wasn’t rejecting it. He wasn’t even sure he wanted it yet. He was just blindsided, caught somewhere between flattered and terrified, like someone had dropped him in the middle of an unfamiliar trail with no warning.

Jr.

Beautiful, sharp-eyed, carrying the weight of loss. Brave in ways he admired.

And her mother now telling him—calmly—that he had her blessing?

His pulse kicked.

Hotah swallowed, then shifted his paws, trying to gather himself. A nervous laugh pushed out of him—quiet, self-conscious—and he brought one large paw up between them.

Uh… hold on, he murmured. I—just—give me a second.

He concentrated, brows knitting. Then, with obvious effort, he shaped the clumsy signs he’d been practicing in private, the ones he barely used but refused to forget.

-Will… you… teach… me… more… Ptero?-

-It would be strange,- she acknowledged without batting an eyelash, -but only until those guys are a little older, I think.- She motioned toward the back of the Hobbit Hole. -Then it probably won’t matter so much. Speaking of them, let’s continue this inside.-

Hotah needed a minute anyhow, she could tell. Towhee tossed him an amused glance, then padded into the dim interior of the Hobbit Hole. The three pups were still fast asleep, entirely unbothered by their mother’s brief absence. She resisted the urge to nose them, instead huffing out a breath and glancing at Hotah before sliding to the dirt floor.

-Yes, of course I’ll teach you Ptero, right alongside our kids. You all should be fluent in it,- the Elder stated matter-of-factly, eyes brushing fondly over the trio of neonates. -It’s become my language of choice, ever since,- she continued, pointing at her mouth, -but it’s the only language Jr speaks.-

And that was probably why he was asking. Towhee resisted the urge to raise a brow, not wanting Hotah to read anything but approval from her. But she did wonder why her suggestion had caught him off guard. Was it just the initial weirdness of such a proposition? It was kind of endearing, whatever its cause. She idly wondered if it would just make things weirder if she took on the role of cheerleading matchmaker.

Hotah slipped inside after her, settling near the pups with a quiet breath. Their tiny bodies eased whatever nerves still clung to him.

Towhee’s signs drew his focus. He nodded once, firm, grateful.

He lifted his paw again, slower this time.

-Thank you.-

Then, with a little more confidence:

-We… learn… together.- Motioning toward the children.

His smile was small but genuine, the crease by his eye deepening.

I’m better with teeth than signs, he admitted softly, but I’ll keep at it.

He hesitated, then signed—awkward but clear:

-For kids… and Jr.-

-I usually am too,- Towhee admitted, -but injurying myself really forced my hand. Literally.- She snorted. -And for me, right?- she tacked onto his otherwise lovely sentiment, shooting him a teasing leer.

Things settled into a companionable silence then, not that Towhee noticed any difference in the sound level. She gazed down at the pups a moment, wondering if these three were particularly well-behaved or if she was just well-seasoned at this point. Probably a bit of both, she thought with immense gratitude.

Her eyes drifted to the Hobbit Hole’s ceiling, her expression tight, but the moment passed and they found their way back to Hotah’s face. All her earlier annoyance had dissipated entirely, now that she intended to foist him onto her daughter. She had to stifle a laugh at that thought. But it really did make her glad that she might be able to point his beautiful energy where it was more needed and maybe even wanted.

-I won’t meddle,- she decided “aloud,” breaking the stillness. -Beyond this conversation, it’s really none of my business, after all. I’ll be here to support you both, of course, but I’ll stay in my lane.-

Peregrine began fussing. Towhee might not be able to hear the cries that echoed around the earthen lair, though she could sense his discomfiture even before she saw him twitching. She bent to soothe him with a few licks, then gently scoot him toward a teat. It took him a moment to align his wobbly head, though he eventually latched and began to feed with relish.

-Speaking of eating…- she commented, a coy light entering her eyes they flicked up to Hotah again. -Mind fetching me that snack now? I’m not feeling picky today. I’m good with whatever you can find.-

Hotah watched her settle the pup, a fondness tugging gently at his features. Her teasing earned a quiet huff of amusement, the kind that softened his whole face without him even noticing.

When she signed that she wouldn’t meddle, he dipped his head in an easy nod—grateful, relieved, and maybe a little amused himself. Fair enough, he murmured, tone warm. Lane stayed.

Peregrine’s tiny fussing pulled his attention for a moment, that instinctive protective pull flickering in his chest. But when Towhee steadied the pup and he finally latched, Hotah’s shoulders eased.

Her final request—speaking of eating…—pulled his gaze back to her. The coy look she gave him coaxed a small grin to the corner of his mouth.

Yeah, he said, nodding once as he rose to his feet, voice low and sure. I’ve got you.

A brief glance toward the pups, protective and soft, before his eyes returned to her.

I’ll find something good.

He brushed past her on his way out—warm, steady presence lingering like a promise—and disappeared toward the slope with the easy confidence of a man who’d always return with exactly what she needed.

Fade here? Thank you for the thread!