Redsand Canyon you were baptized in ice [m]

She seemed to finally release the rest of her tension as she settled her head on his paws. He lifted his head only long enough for her to adjust, and then it was resting atop hers again. 

Kallik shook his head against her. No, Aquene, he interrupted before she could continue. We're supposed to be able to control ourselves in a spar. Glaukos should have stopped when you yielded, and he he shouldn't have done that to you. He couldn't even say the words; he was afraid they would come out in a snarl. 

Then she was apologizing for coming here and for leaning on him in her time of need. No, he told her. You can come here whenever you want. Suddenly he internally panicked, wondering if what he said was too much. I mean, um— Kallik swallowed. What was he even trying to say? I like spending time with you. I just wish it was under better circumstances. He nuzzled against the place where his chin met the top of her head. I do not mind being here for you. She had done the same for him. He had come to her and dumped his shit on her, and she had helped him start to process it all. But it was more than a need to repay a debt; he cared about the healer. He wanted her to be happy. And that scared the shit out of him. He would never turn her away, though.