baby that's all I got [open]

[[Midnight]]

SHADOWHEART

Confusion had burrowed its way deep into his heart, infecting him with slight insanity as he spent the dawn pacing around every edge of camp. By now, it was probably obvious who the father was. Him, of course. He felt like a nervous wreck, and didn't know why. He was a responsible fellow, even if a bit casual at times. He was ready for this!

Casual. Wrong word to think of! His casual meanor was the reason he was a father now! He couldn't control himself! Duskwhisker was just so sleek and so beautiful, and he liked how soft-spoken and gentle she was... It just happened that way.

But, he barely knew her. Now they had kits together. It was time to face the music! He was the father of kits now, or at least very soon to be. The medicine cat had said it'd be any hour now. Shadowheart had tried to go on the dawn patrol, just to get out of the way for a while, but the anticipation was killing him, so he faked a belly ache and had come home to camp, avoiding the nursery until it was absolutely necessary that he be there.

He decided he'd better at least look sick, if he didn't already, so he retreated straight to the warriors' den, and settled down into his nest. He wondered how long ago Duskwhisker had begun to spread the news to her friends that he was the father, but he had not gotten any looks or whisperings of until recently. He really didn't pay any mind to it. No, in reality, he was really proud of the fact.

Shadowheart was so excited that he felt a real belly ache coming on.

But there was also the confusion. Everything happened so fast. It felt like only a day ago that he started speaking with Duskwhisker, frolicking with her across the territory like an apprentice fresh from the nursery. He sat with his paws tucked under him, staring at the den walls.

[ϟlightningϟ]

Adderheart entered the den and jumped, eyes wide once he noticed Shadowheart. The small ginger and white tom ducked his head and was about to leave quietly when he noticed Shadowheart's troubled face. The introverted tom's amber eyes flitted around the den for something to ease his trouble. He found nothing and trembled in terror as he realized he couldn't just leave. He had to speak to this cat! Adderheart shakily sat and wrapped his tail tightly around his paws as he prepared to speak. "U-um...S-shadowheart,right?" he said softly, his barely used voice cracking as he stuttered. "S-sorry to bother you.....but...I-i couldn't help but notice....y-you seeming troubled. I know I'm not the easiest to talk to....or best....b-ut, I'll listen to your troubles and g-give you advice......" Adderheart said nervously, his voice now panicked as he quickly added "t-that is if you want to.....!" the usually socially uninvolved tom went into an awkward, troubled silence. Oh no, he's looking at me strangely! I knew he wouldn't want to talk to me!" Adderheart thought, paranoid. His amber gaze shifted to his paws as he awaited the answer to his shaky offer.

[lyric ♫]

darkfeather ,,
warrior of boulderclan.

It had been a long morning of border patrols for the she-cat, plus teaching her apprentice, but Darkfeather certainly didn't mind. It was for the good of the clan, after all. She paced slowly into the camp carrying a single mouse by its tail. She hadn't really been trying, and that mouse was something she just so happened to find on her way home, but she wasn't worried. She'd just have to find time to head back out later that day to catch more. She set the mouse down gently atop the fresh-kill pile, which was brimming with prey already, lessening her guilt even further. With a yawn she stretched her back legs before it transformed into a full body stretch. A nap sounded nice right about then. Could she afford to take one? She'd done all of her morning duties, so she didn't see why not. She waited for a moment, half expecting the deputy or Kestrelstar to come over and give her more jobs, but when neither one did she padded happily over to the warrior's den. Poking her head in, she noticed Adderheart and Shadowheart.

She was pleased to see the both of them and purred almost immediately, as she slunk her way completely into the den. "Hello, Adderheart," she purred, rubbing flanks with him. And she was about to greet the black tom as well, before she noticed the look on his face and her purring ceased. She laid down on her haunches and screwed her eyes up at Shadowheart. "Are you okay? Is it a belly ache?" she asked, just as concerned as she would be over any clan-mate in pain or distress. Her day had so far been very well, other than the hidden worry over the clans' quickly crumbling peace, and to see that a clan-mate's day wasn't going as well as hers... well, that just didn't sit right with her. That nap that she had gone into the den for in the first place, could wait no matter how tired she was.

words: 340.
muse: fair.
ooc: hope you don't mind me joining. D:

[[Midnight]]

He was feeling a little more rested now that he had settled into a comfy position. His eyes were starting to droop, and his thoughts trailing. The sound of another body shuffling nearby pulled his mind back and he opened his eyes wide to see Adderheart as he was debating on leaving or staying. When they made eye contact, Adderheart stuttered his friendly offer, slowly but surely. Shadowheart immediately felt his hyper energy come back to him.

"Fox-dung! I didn't mean to look so scary. Did it seem like I wanted to eat somebody?" he asked, eyes turning to slits as he smiled toothily. His sense of humor rarely left him. He felt sorry for Adderheart's social awkwardness. Poor guy! He needed some friends to reassure him. "Thanks, Adderheart. Your offer is kind. I might just take you up on it...but just so you are warned, I might never stop talking."

The tom's yellow gaze was bright and friendly, and switched attention from Adderheart to Darkfeather, who was just entering the den and noticing the two of them. His ear flicked in a silent greeting as the she-cat approached him, looking concerned. He felt a flash of shame over come him. What a mouse-brain he was, sitting around camp almost sulking, when there was work to be done?

"Yes, my stomach is very unsettled, but I'm feeling okay at the moment," he responded to her. He took a moment to sit himself back up on his haunches, and licked once at a stray strand of fur on his chest.

"Sorry, everyone. I didn't mean to attract attention. I ate a live mouse in one gulp, so I think he's taking out his revenge on my stomach."

[/blockquote]

[ϟlightningϟ]

Adderheart jumped when he felt his mother's flank brush against his. "H-hello, Darkfeather." he mumbled quietly. He then turned to Shadowheart and smiled slightly at what he'd said. "I-i don't mind....and y-you just seemed to be t-thinking...troublesome thoughts.". The small tom couldn't help but give a small, almost soundless chuckle at what shadowheart'd said. "M-maybe next time, you should wait till it's dead." after a louder laugh and a bit of thinking over what he'd said, Adderheart ws surprised he'd stuttered so little. His gaze still shifted downward most of the time, but he found himself warming up to Shadowheart.

Paniked thoughts scrambled their way into Adderheart's mind as he silently immersed himself into his head. Oh no! What if I start getting in my brother's way agai because of Shadowheart's influence on me?! I should avoid him...he's dangerous to be around to long.... The funny thing was, Adderheart found itt hard to make himself want to turn shadowheart away. He seemed like a good friend. The type he yearned for. Maybe, just this once, Adderheart could accept one companion....just one couldn't hurt, could it?