of reindeer and green balloons {m}

Hawkeye felt words catch in her throat, both at what Atticus had just spoken and the kiss he planted on her face. "Well, I would not expect any less of you after what your brother said." Her voice shook in quiet anticipation. Warmth swallowed her belly and pooled there. She watched him with sharp eyes, scrutinizing every action he performed.

"I am doing quite well now." She left it at that, allowing the tall, black male to assume she meant that she was doing better with him here. "And how are you, Atticus? What have you been up to with your trouble-making brothers?" Hawkeye figured he would also fill her in on his time alone, but tried for small-talk.