"She's right," Magnus suddenly spoke from behind.
"You agree with her, Grandpa?"
"Yes," Magnus said. "This is how men communicate with each other."
"They could just hug," Atticus said.
Magnus shook his head. "Too womanly."
"Ahem."
They both turned toward Anorah, whose arms were on her waist. "Too womanly?"
Magnus blinked, while Atticus took a step back on sheer instinct.
'Just in case.'
"…sorry," Magnus said, but Anorah shook her head. "It's fine, Grandpa Magnus. It's my man I blame." She glared at Atticus. "Can't even defend your woman."
"He wasn't even talking about you…"
"What did you say?" She took a step closer.
Atticus instinctively leaned toward Magnus.
"Nothing…"
"I thought so."
Anorah's eyes suddenly snapped to Noctis perched on his head, and they lit up.
"Noctis! Hey, cutie. I wanted to greet you earlier, but it wasn't the right time. Come here, sweetheart."
