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Real strength isn't just in fighting, it's knowing when to stand firm and when to lend a paw.

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Beewhisker was sprawled out comfortably in the nursery, their fluffy tortoiseshell pelt blending with the soft moss and bedding. They were gently grooming Berrykit, who squirmed playfully under their paw, while Cedarkit snoozed beside them, his tiny sides rising and falling steadily.

When Cloudflare nudged his way inside, Beewhisker’s bright eyes lit up, their trademark bubbly smile spreading across their face. “Cloudflare! What’ve you got there?” they purred, flicking their tail in greeting. The sight of the mouse fluff made them chuckle softly. "More bedding for these little bundles, huh? You’re too sweet.”

They watched as he placed the fluff down and, without missing a beat, Beewhisker shifted over to make room beside them, patting the spot with their tail. “Come sit! We’ve had a pretty lazy morning. The kits are either sleeping or rolling around like little mice.” They nudged Berrykit affectionately, nudging the fluff that Cloudflare had brought neatly into the nest.

Beewhisker’s gaze drifted around the cozy nursery, noting Brightmaple’s absence. “Looks like we’ve got the place to ourselves for now,” they commented lightly, their tone ever cheerful. “How is hunting recently? Anything exciting happen out there, or were you too busy collecting fluff for us?” They gave him a playful wink, their soft laugh filling the nursery.

Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
⤝ ⥈ ⥈ ☁ ⥈ ⥈ ⤞

Cloudflare placed the bundle of mouse fluff down with a soft chuckle, his eyes warm as he took in the sight of Beewhisker and their kits. "I figured you and the little ones might appreciate some fresh bedding." He meowed, a light grin tugging at his muzzle. "I had a decent hunt earlier, but this seemed just as important."

He padded over to the spot Beewhisker had made for him, settling down beside them. The nursery was peaceful. It was a welcome change from the usual bustle of the camp.

"Lazy mornings sound nice. As for hunting... It was good, actually. Managed to catch a robin, which gave me quite the chase. Not as tough as catching a rabbit, but it sure had me working for it." He let out a soft laugh, his copper eyes gleaming with pride.

He gave Beewhisker a teasing nudge with his paw. "And I wasn’t just collecting fluff all day" He made sure to add, voice light with amusement. "How have things been here?" Cloudflare felt a sense of warmth settle in his chest. There was something about the nursery's quiet energy that was comforting.

Real strength isn't just in fighting, it's knowing when to stand firm and when to lend a paw.

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Beewhisker’s face lit up as Cloudflare padded over, their whiskers twitching with amusement. “Fresh bedding, huh? Well, aren't you thoughtful?” they purred, nudging him playfully as he settled down beside them. "I think the kits will love it. You always know just what we need."

They listened as Cloudflare spoke about his hunt, their eyes brightening at the mention of his robin chase. "A robin, huh? Sounds like it put up quite the fight," Beewhisker teased with a grin, their tail flicking playfully. "Next time, maybe I'll join you. We’ll see if you can keep up with me."

As Cloudflare nudged them, Beewhisker let out a soft laugh, their warm gaze meeting his. "Things have been quiet here, thankfully. The kits have been well-behaved for the most part." Their voice softened as they glanced at their sleeping kits, a fond smile playing on their lips. "Lazy mornings like this... I could get used to it. It's nice having you here."

After a moment, Beewhisker stretched out, their eyes sparkling with a playful glint. "Although" they began, nudging Cloudflare with their paw, "as much as I love these peaceful mornings, I can’t help but miss warrior duties. I’ve been longing to chase rabbits and feel the wind in my fur again! You better not have forgotten how fast I am while I’ve been stuck in here."

They grinned, clearly in good spirits. "But I wouldn’t trade this for anything, especially with you around. Soon enough, though, I’ll be back out there causing trouble with you. And just so you know, when I return, I’ll be the fastest rabbit-chaser WindClan’s ever seen!" They winked playfully. "In the meantime, we can take the kits out later and show them a bit more of the world, y'know."

Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
⤝ ⥈ ⥈ ☁ ⥈ ⥈ ⤞

Cloudflare chuckled softly at Beewhisker's playful jabs, feeling at ease in their company despite the lingering thought that he wasn't quite as familiar with them as they'd seem to suggest. He appreciated their warmth and humor, though, and the way they spoke made him feel welcome in the nursery.

"You think I'm mouse-brained enough to challenge you?" His shoulders jostled lightly from their gesture. "But I’m happy to help out while you’re here with these little ones." .

"I don’t know if I’m the best cat to show them the world, though." Cloudflare admitted after a moment, his tone lighter but thoughtful. "Bayflower seems more suited for that, being their sire and all. I wouldn’t want to step on their paws." His voice trailed off for a beat as he looked back at Beewhisker. "But if you need help in the meantime, I’m here. Maybe we could get Bayflower involved too?"

He offered Beewhisker a gentle smile, hoping his suggestion didn’t come across as dismissive. The last thing he wanted was to make them feel like they couldn’t rely on him, but Cloudflare felt it was important to acknowledge Bayflower’s role.

Real strength isn't just in fighting, it's knowing when to stand firm and when to lend a paw.

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Beewhisker let out a softened chuckle at Cloudflare's remark of not being able to show the kits the world. "Don't act like I haven't seen you flock to the nursery whenever you can Cloudflare, I'm sure both you and Bayflower would do a great job at showing the youngins around" they cooed, while not knowing Cloudflare all that well, they knew Aspenberry was close with him and he couldn't be bad if he was friends with Aspenberry. 

"I think stepping on their paws would be the least of their worries, their dame has big paws you know" Beewhisker joked, drawing attention to their larger than average paws that were easily nearly the size of the kittens themselves. Beewhisker then leaned down to give both kits a good cleaning before tucking them closer to her belly. Sure they could waddle around and talk on their own, but the comfort of a queens belly couldn't be beaten in their opinion... from their own experience anyway.

For a moment Beewhisker thought of the idea some more, flicking their nicked ear to betray their thoughts. Having all the help they need as a first time queen was much appreciated so the idea seemed, in theory, brilliant, how could Beewhisker not accept?! "Of course, name a time and day, you can gather Bayflower, even Aspenberry maybe, and I'll grab the kits, a day of exploration sounds great!" 

Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
⤝ ⥈ ⥈ ☁ ⥈ ⥈ ⤞

Cloudflare gave an airy snicker, his gaze flicking to Beewhisker’s large paws as they joked about stepping on them. "You’ve got me there." He admitted with a lopsided sort of grin grin. "I’ll make sure to tread lightly around those paws."

Beewhisker made it look so effortless, the way they cared for their little ones, even if it did remind him of his lofty dam and her high expectations of him. He wondered if she would have approved of him now that he was a senior warrior, watching over WindClan.

At the mention of involving Bayflower and Aspenberry, Cloudflare’s ears perked up. "That sounds like a plan. I’m sure Bayflower will be on board, and Aspenberry’s always up for a bit of adventure as long as she's not too busy with Fallpaw." His tail flicked thoughtfully as he considered the idea. "We’ll have the kits exploring the best parts of WindClan territory in no time."

He gave Beewhisker an appreciative glance, sensing how much they valued having help. "Just let me know when you’re ready, and we’ll make it happen. But in the meantime, how are you faring - Is being a queen everything you expected it to be?" Cloudflare rarely had the opportunity to ask them, and the last queen to take to the nursery since Brightmaple had been Skyeyes.

Real strength isn't just in fighting, it's knowing when to stand firm and when to lend a paw.

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Beewhisker’s purr rumbled through the air, their eyes alight with humor as they gave Cloudflare a playful nudge. "Hey, no promises about those paws! You trip over your own paws enough without me around" they teased, their grin wide. Their personality seemed to brighten even the dimmest moments, a spark of mischief always in their gaze.

When the conversation turned to Bayflower and Aspenberry, Beewhisker’s tail flicked happily. "Oh, they’ll definitely be on board! Bayflower’s always up for something fun, and Aspenberry? You just say the word ‘adventure,’ and she’ll be there before you finish! Well, from what I've seen of them" They laughed, imagining the kits darting around the moor with their newfound babysitters. "WindClan kits exploring the moor with the best warriors? Sounds like a day they won’t forget."

At Cloudflare’s question about being a queen, Beewhisker’s ears twitched thoughtfully, though their easygoing demeanor remained. "Well, it’s been... different" they admitted with a chuckle, their usual bubbly tone softening just a little. "I thought being a queen would be, you know, all naps and little purring bundles of fur. But those kits have more energy than a rabbit being chased across the moor! I swear I can’t keep up sometimes." Their whiskers twitched with amusement, though there was a glimmer of sincerity in their eyes.

"But it’s fun. Exhausting, yes, but fun. And it’s not like I’d ever turn down a bit of excitement" they added with a wink, their plump frame shifting slightly as they leaned in closer. "Plus, I get to eat even more without anyone questioning it!" Beewhisker joked, their tail flicking. "But honestly, I’m grateful for the help. You offering means a lot, Cloudflare." Their smile was as bright as the full moon, warmth radiating from their very being. "Just make sure you keep up with me" they added with a playful flick of their tail. "Can’t have you tripping over yourself in front of the kits!"

Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
⤝ ⥈ ⥈ ☁ ⥈ ⥈ ⤞

"Tripping over my own paws is a habit I haven’t quite outgrown." He glanced toward Beewhisker’s kits with a fond look, imagining them darting across the moor in the near future. It was a good thought, one that felt right, even if he wasn’t entirely certain about his role just yet.

Beewhisker's enthusiasm about getting Bayflower and Aspenberry involved made Cloudflare visible relax The idea of having the whole group together for an adventure, watching over the kits, sounded like a day filled with laughter and excitement. Maybe even some wisdom.

The way their voice softened when they admitted it wasn’t all easygoing brought a deeper understanding to his expression. He respected their honesty. "I can only imagine." His gaze was thoughtful.

The nursery with Beewhisker’s laughter and the peaceful energy of the kits made Cloudflare feel at ease. He didn’t mind stepping into this role, even if it felt unfamiliar. For now the idea of helping Beewhisker and spending time with the kits was something he could look forward to. "Miss your warrior duties - Maybe hankering for any prey in particular?"

Real strength isn't just in fighting, it's knowing when to stand firm and when to lend a paw.

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Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
⤝ ⥈ ⥈ ☁ ⥈ ⥈ ⤞

Cloudflare chuckled, shaking his head with a playful sigh. "Let's not focus on rabbits - they're slippery enough as it is." His tail flicked with a bit of self-mockery, recalling how many times he’d stumbled in pursuit of those elusive creatures. "Voles and mice are enough for me."

His gaze was warm as he met Beewhisker’s. "These little ones have a way of making everything brighter, even when prey isn't running so well." His voice grew softer, reflecting the sincerity of the moment.

Then, with a glimmer of mischief returning to his eyes, he leaned in slightly. "I think you'd be best suited to teaching them how to hunt after rabbits. You’ve got the bigger paws after all. I’ll handle the slower stuff."

Real strength isn't just in fighting, it's knowing when to stand firm and when to lend a paw.

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Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
⤝ ⥈ ⥈ ☁ ⥈ ⥈ ⤞

Cloudflare let out a soft laugh, shaking his head with mock disbelief. "Rabbits or not, don't come crying to me when I'm tripping over every pebble." There was soft amusement in his eyes.

He followed Beewhisker's gaze to the kits. A part of him wondered how they might end up growing up. If they'd favor one parent or the other, and what kind of cat theyd ultimately become - but that was a long ways off.

Cloudflare’s grin widened as Beewhisker laid down the challenge. "Fine." Came his outward huff, not really much for the compeition itself, but if it made Beewhisker and the kits happy then he must do what he must! "I don’t plan on going easy on you, either."

"It's been a nice visit, but I should head out. Hunting has been a but rougher lately. Animals have been tucking deeper into their burrows. I might end up going back out before dusk to see if I can catch any stranglers." Cloudflare moved to exit the den, smiling over his shoulder as he awaited one final farewell or quip from them.

Real strength isn't just in fighting, it's knowing when to stand firm and when to lend a paw.

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Beewhisker let out a playful huff, a bright smile stretching across their face as she watched Cloudflare. "You best be ready then, ‘cause I’m not going to go easy on you!" Their pale blue eyes sparkled with mischief, their enthusiasm infectious as she imagined the kits scampering around them during the hunt.

"Just don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the sneaky ones!" they added, their tone light and teasing. "If you trip over a pebble, I’ll make sure to keep a good laugh in store for ya!"

As he moved to leave, Beewhisker felt a flicker of disappointment at the thought of him going, even if it was just for a while. "You know where to find me if you need a partner in crime, or just someone to share a meal with. I might have a few tricks up my sleeve to help you catch those tricky prey."

Their heart warmed at the thought of their budding friendship, a connection that felt like a comforting thread woven into their life. "Good luck out there, Cloudflare! I’ll be cheering for you! And don’t forget to come back and tell me all about your adventures, alright?"

With a cheerful wave of their tail, they watched him exit the den, the sound of the kits' soft purring filling the air as a reminder of the joy and love the kits brought into Beewhisker's life. Beewhisker glanced down at the kits, their own purr rising in their throat as she gazed lovingly at the two. I'll protect you always