Redhawk Caldera three little piggies

"Not much prettier than this mug," he said with a grin, accepting her greeting with (barely) a wince and nipping lightly at her shoulder as she backed away.  He kidded with her, but it was good to have her back, to stay or not.

"She's popped, though couldn't tell you if it's improved her outlook much.  I'm keepin my distance - seems smartest."  At least until the kidlets were old enough to be allowed visitors.  "She might let you around if you ask nice though," he finished, not sure there was a world where Fin wouldn't want Fern to stick around.  Right? She was family?

But oh, right, she wasn't head honcho anymore.  He sighed.  "Guess we should check with the numero uno."  He cast a final glance at her, then lifted his head to howl for Towhee... only to lower it once more. "Shit, I always forget."  She wouldn't hear the damn thing anyway.  What the fuck?