Closed Thread The More The Merrier [18LR20]

'I am yet to understand my place in this world, but with you by my side, I know things just might be alright'
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Having not been allowed into the nursery since the kitting, Aspenberry had been on edge. She had a sleepless night and felt too anxious to eat, but had forced herself to eat a tiny bird just earlier. The medicine cats had reassured her that the birth had gone smoothly, despite the early date, but she wouldn't feel okay until she saw the new family for herself.

She had just woken up, and swiftly made her way towards the nursery, entering without a sound. Despite her anxieties, she felt some excitement run through her body, and was happy to see herself feel such feelings. For a moment she was surprised to see Bayflower lying next to Beewhisker, but she soon realised they would have been just as anxious as she was, plus they were technically their kits too. 'Hello' she said softly, her gaze brimming with happiness as she saw a healthy and happy Beewhisker, though perhaps looking a little tired. She reached over to carefully press her nose against Beewhisker's, all while giving Bayflower an affection flick with her tail. She kept a respectable distance before peering into the nest to see two tiny balls of fur. A little chocolate point tom, and a tiny, tiny little cream tom who she had almost missed at first. The minute she saw the kits her gaze softened significantly. All the pent up stress from the past moons washed away, they couldn't be more perfect. 'Beewhisker... they are beautiful. I'm so glad to see you are all doing alright.'

Sometimes strength isn't just how you fight, it's about knowing how to stand firm and when to lend a hand. That's where real strength lies.

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While yes, Beewhisker was a little tired, Bayflower and Aspenberry's sleek bodies slipping into the nursery was just what Beewhisker needed to lift their mood even further. The scent of the rabbit Bayflower had grasped in their jaws made Beewhisker's mouth water, and it only just dawned on the warrior that they hadn't had a bite to eat since their contractions had started, but that could wait for a moment, greeting their friends and making sure that they knew Beewhisker was okay was more important.

"Beautiful cannot even begin to describe them, who knew I'd be able to create two little extraordinary kits... And little is right for little Berrykit" They explained, glancing down to the cream colored scrap of fur kneading at their belly, his cream fur marked with tan stripes. Beewhisker soon gave into their hunger and pulled a chunk of flesh from the rabbit at their paws and licking the blood from their whiskers ravenously. "Sorry for giving you both a heart attack, I suppose these two wanted to teach their dam a lesson huh?" They cooed, cleaning the heads of Berrykit and Cedarkit. 

"The brown point is Cedarkit" Beewhisker announced, remembering Cedarprowl, their mentor and their mother's brother who had died not very long ago to a fox along with Tawnyflight, it was a hard thing for Beewhisker to cope with, but Cedarkit would be a sweet reminder of Cedarprowl's sacrifices for Beewhisker's safety. And it was then that Aspenberry's comment on them being alright hit their ears and with little thought, they responded. 

"Piperpaw gave me an earful about hunting while I was pregnant, guess I have a lesson to learn" Beewhisker chuckled, taking another bite out of their much needed prey and letting their kits suckle.

'I am yet to understand my place in this world, but with you by my side, I know things just might be alright'
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Aspenberry visibly flushed with embarrassment as Bayflower mentioned one of the kits being named after he. She had come to accept that Beewhisker wasn't going to change their mind. 'Yes, I am honoured' she briskly said back, aiming a swipe at Bayflower's ear. 'I find it really sweet how you've named the kits after others you care about. A way to carry on other's legacies. Bayflower, are you sad there isn't a little Flowerkit?' she said, teasing back. Despite still feeling a little uncomfortable with Berrykit's name, she couldn't help but feel pride as she looked at the little cream kit.

Looking back at Beewhisker, Aspenberry shook her head with a sigh, 'I told you, so so so many times that you need to rest and take care of yourself. You had me so anxious I thought I was going to get called up to StarClan.' Her laugh was soft, containing a certain fondness. That was all in the past now. Beewhisker and their kits were alive and safe and that was al that mattered. She looked at the little scraps of fur again, too scared to go near them, so she instead glanced from afar, watching as their tiny paws worked hard at their dam's stomach with a glow in her eyes. 

Sometimes strength isn't just how you fight, it's about knowing how to stand firm and when to lend a hand. That's where real strength lies.

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Beewhisker let out a loud purr but turned their head bashfully, though they shook their head briefly. Bayflower's compliment took them by surprise, so they made notes in their mind, though it raced in circled wondering why Bayflower would think they were beautiful, they were simply a tortoiseshell cat with white, the only thing they would think that would have any semblance of beauty would be their eyes, and even they got their eyes from Tawnyflight. "If I was half as beautiful I'd have the toms dropping to their paws" they chuckled

A soft chuckle escaped Beewhisker's throat as Aspenberry gave Bayflower's ear a playful swipe. "Yes yes, I wasn't deaf." Beewhisker added with an attentive ear flick "I suppose I just didn't want to be out of use, and you know how easily I get bored Aspenberry" They replied, giving their tail a flick before carefully twisting their body to clean it, being attentive not to disturb their brood. 

"As for the naming" Beewhisker began, leaning down to press their nose to each kit, Berrykit first, and Cedarkit second. "I think something like that should carry some meaning, so there may be a Flowerkit in the future" Beewhisker added, the flick of their tail and their playful tone revealing at least a somewhat joking statement from the huge tortie. "But for now, Cedarkit and Berrykit will do" 

'I am yet to understand my place in this world, but with you by my side, I know things just might be alright'
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In all honesty, Aspenberry had almost forgotten about Kestrelswipe. The ThunderClan deputy might not ever meet his kits, but that didn't matter when the two had a perfect family right within WindClan. Beewhisker and Bayflower as their parents, and Aspenberry... just there as loving moral support. 'Long furred cats nearly always have a certain elegance to them, plus your pale eyes can be hard to turn away from. Don't underestimate one's beauty' she said with a purr, smiling at both her friends. 'You are cute too Bayflower' she added with a wink, not wanting to leave the feline out.

The little squeak from Beewhisker's nest drew her attention, to which she saw the little chocolate point tom wriggling cluelessly towards her. She glanced up at Beewhisker, giving them a questioning gaze as to if she should return the kit, but when it fell back asleep right at Aspenberry's stomach she felt her heart twinge with something she wasn't exactly sure what was. Something to which she might oneday realise was herself wanting kits of her own. Cedarkit was sleeping against her, and Aspenberry made the choice not to disturb him, instead carefully lying down to curl up around the tiny kit. She gave Beewhisker a glance, asking 'is this okay?' 

Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
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Cloudflare padded softly through the entrance of the nursery, his bright ginger fur contrasting against the dimly lit space. His paws were gentle on the ground, careful not to make too much noise as he balanced a bundle of delicate blue jay downy feathers in his mouth. The soft tufts had taken him quite a while to gather, but for Beewhisker and their new kits, it was well worth the effort.

He blinked warmly, his copper eyes scanning the scene before him. Beewhisker, Bayflower, and Aspenberry were already gathered around the little ones, the atmosphere heavy with contentment and affection. The two kits, tiny bundles of fur, were the center of attention, and Cloudflare couldn’t help but smile as his gaze rested on the little one nestled against Aspenberry.

“Beewhisker.” The red tom called softly, his voice a low purr as he set the feathers down near the edge of their nest. “I thought some soft feathers might make things a little more comfortable for you and the little ones.” His tone was light and warm, brimming with excitement at the thought of WindClan’s newest members.

Stepping closer, he glanced at the kits, his eyes widening with fondness. "They're so small..." He lowered his head a little to get a closer look. He offered Beewhisker a knowing smile before turning his gaze toward Aspenberry and the little chocolate point nestled beside her. "Looks like he already knows who to go to for extra warmth." He added with a soft chuckle.

Cloudflare’s tail flicked behind him, pleased to see such a joyful gathering. Cloudflare made himself comfortable in case Beewhisker or the others wanted to chat a little longer, lowering himself down onto his paws like a pleased loaf, of which he certainly was.

Sometimes strength isn't just how you fight, it's about knowing how to stand firm and when to lend a hand. That's where real strength lies.

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Beewhisker felt a warmth build up in their chest as Bayflower and Aspenberry explained how they thought the dapple queen was beautiful. It warmed them to see how much their friends thought they were beautiful. When Cedarkit wondered over to Aspenberry, Beewhisker's eyes were glued to him as if they were able to watch nothing else but the chocolate kit. When Aspenberry settled down with Cedarkit, Beewhisker's brows visibly furrowed and a frown spread across their face. Cedarkit was still very young, not even a week old, and Aspenberry had no milk for him. They supposed it was just their motherly hormones, but Beewhisker wanted to be as close to both of their kits as possible. But didn't object, if their friend was comfortably, why interrupt them.

Their ears were soon alerted to pawsteps moving into the nursery. Their nose detected Cloudflare, but their eyes remained on Cedarkit, perhaps making sure he was safe. Even though they knew Aspenberry wouldn't harm him, they still wanted their kit close... even if close was with them alone, at least for now, it would have made them feel far more comfortable. Though they didn't neglect a greeting with Cloudflare, an ear flick to ensure that the ginger tom didn't go unnoticed. "Perfect, Cloudflare, you can place them near the nest" They mewed, giving their tail a flick over their paws.

"I've noticed they're always that small early in their life, underestimated just how small they could get" They replied, their voice becoming rather gentle, but still thick with worry. They cast a sideward glance at Berrykit to indicate which kit they were referring to, despite how clear it was to the whole nursery. But their gaze quickly locked onto Cedarkit once more.

'I am yet to understand my place in this world, but with you by my side, I know things just might be alright'
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Before she could say anything, Cloudflare squeezed his way into the nursery too, and Aspenberry could see a bundle of blue feathers hanging from his jaws. She caught his smile as he noticed little Cedarkit nestled nestled into her, and returned the smile affectionately. 'He picked well, though I'm sure he will realise Beewhisker is a much better choice with that long pelt of theirs. Plus, I can't feed the little guy either!' Looking at Cloudflare, she gently tapped the ground beside her with her tail, inviting him to sit next to her if he wished. 

As Aspenberry settled down with Cedarkit, she had noticed the frown spread across the queen's face. She could easily understand exactly how Beewhisker was feeling, and was about to return the kit herself when Bayflower got up and gently returned Cedarkit to his dam, and she flashed them a knowing look. 'Back to your parent you go' she chirped, watching as Cedarkit snuggled back against his dam, much more suited next to Beewhisker than Aspenberry. 

Despite what Bayflower said, she didn't exactly agree, yes, they were plain but if Aspenberry looked at her own father, he wasn't all that different from her father, and Aspenberry thought to her sister, who she had always remembered as beautiful. She was sure Bayflower could do the same. She rolled her eyes at her friend as they spoke, but she appreciated the kind words. Bayflower's heart was just as sweet as her own. 

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

Cloudflare let out a quiet purr as he settled down beside Aspenberry, feeling the warmth of the nursery soak into his fur. His eyes flicked to Beewhisker, noticing the way they couldn’t seem to take their gaze off Cedarkit. He understood that instinct - new kits always brought out such fierce protectiveness. He offered a reassuring glance to Bayflower as they moved Cedarkit back to Beewhisker’s side.

“They’re definitely smaller than I expected.”Berrykit especially was so small. Maybe it had something to do with the time of her kitting. “But I guess that just means there’s more growing to look forward to.” He tried to keep his tone light, sensing the slight tension in the air.

At Bayflower’s comment, Cloudflare grinned. “Mentorings a satisfying duty, Bayflower. I'd think you'd take to it well - and Brightmaple's kits are precious. I’m sure Heatherkit could keep you on your toes.”

Cloudflare shifted his attention to Beewhisker, his voice softening as he spoke directly to them. “It won't be long until they’re scampering around, getting into all sorts of trouble.” He let out a warm purr, as he settled himself. His copper eyes gleamed with affection as he glanced back at Aspenberry, offering her a small smile as Cedarkit was returned to Beewhisker as if to suggest that the spotted she-cat might have to have her own kits to cuddle with them like that.

Sometimes strength isn't just how you fight, it's about knowing how to stand firm and when to lend a hand. That's where real strength lies.

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When Cedarkit was placed by their belly, Beewhisker pushed their forehead affectionately against Bayflower's head. Though they would have done the exact same with Aspenberry if she weren't too far away for them to do so. "I've met more boring cats" Beewhisker meowed, turning to Bayflower with a beaming grin, their fangs poking out of their lips. "You sired my litter didn't you?" Beewhisker cooed, deep down, they knew that Bayflower didn't sire the litter, but they had managed to convince themselves that wasn't true, if they were able to change their mind, they would ask Bayflower to sire their litter any day. Maybe that day could still come, but from what Beewhisker knew, Bayflower was against siring a litter, at least for now.

"They may be small, but I can bet you all the fattest rabbit in the fresh kill pile these two will be great warriors" Beewhisker purred, puffing out their chest with pride, no matter how tiny the kitten, if Beewhisker had anything to say about it, these kits were going to be loyal and loving cats, they were going to make sure of that. They began to chuckle at Cloudflare's comment, "Who knows, I might send them your way, you've got interesting stories don't you Cloudflare?" they mused, clearly poking fun at Cloudflare in a playful manner. 

Beewhisker then gave both of the little toms a good grooming as they felt their breathing ease and the two little kits drift into a silent sleep. The warriors could chat as they pleased and the kits couldn't hear them, Beewhisker supposed that was the good thing about it being this early on, they didn't need to worry about disturbing the little ones just yet. Only sharp movements and sudden disturbances would make them squeak with surprise, and even that barely did much to disturb the sweet toms.

"I'm just glad I could help out the clan in more ways then just hunting and defense, I'll try not to get used to the free prey though" Beewhisker gave a short shrug and a subtle snort of laughter "Not like I can make any promises"

'I am yet to understand my place in this world, but with you by my side, I know things just might be alright'
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'Small is perfectly fine anyway, I'm sure they'll grow up nice, big strong, and if not, instead small and speedy, perhaps even able to outrun me' she added with a wink, admiring the little scraps, particularly Berrykit, who she had her doubts about. He was healthy and thriving, but just be looking she got a little feeling that he just might not grow as normal. No matter what though, WindClan would raise him well and so so proudly. 

'Bayflower, you've been desperate for so long I'm starting to think I might have to convince Fawnstar to let you have Fallkit just to keep you still. The right cat will be given to you when the time is right, I promise.' She noticed the little look Cloudflare gave her, and she raised what would be an eyebrow, before giving him a little glimmering glance back. Maybe, not yet, but it was definitely something she had hidden at the back of her mind. 'You wanting your own Cloudflare? Too bad you can't just have them. Perhaps you should start being all sweet with Doveflight or something.' She joked, though her gaze lingered on his for just a moment more than needed. 

'Beewhisker, you can eat all that you want, at this point, you deserve it more than anyone really' she purred. Soon enough, their kits would try prey too, and if they were anything like their dam, they would be hungry eaters too, which brought a smile to the deputy's face.

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

Cloudflare let out a deep purr, feeling the warmth of the moment wash over him as he listened to the familiar banter between Beewhisker and Bayflower. There was something undeniably heartwarming about seeing his Clanmates so invested in their new kits.

At Aspenberry’s teasing comment, Cloudflare's copper eyes lit up, his whiskers twitching in amusement. “Me? Sweet with Doveflight?” He echoed with mock surprise, a paw lifting dramatically to his chest. “I don’t think she’d appreciate a big, clumsy guy like me too much." He winked playfully at Aspenberry before meeting her lingering gaze for that extra moment. The thought of having kits of his own briefly crossed his mind, but he brushed it aside for now. That was a bridge he'd cross when the time was right.

Turning back to Beewhisker, he flicked his tail thoughtfully. “I think Bayflower’s right, though. You deserve the extra prey as much as we can. You’ve brought two strong kits into this world..” He nodded, his voice steady and full of confidence.

Cloudflare’s gaze softened as he looked at the two sleeping kits, so peaceful curled up at their dam's side. “And if they ever want stories, I’ll gladly share a few. They need to know how to laugh at a warrior.” He added with a teasing grin.

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 a snicker escape them as Aspenberry and Bayflower shared playfully teasing banter, they placed on of their paws on their chest and let out a gasp, flicking their head away from the two "My closest friends! Fighting like dogs! It's almost too much to bare!" they false whined, failing to conceal their laughter, resting the white tip of their tail on Aspenberry's tail for some sort of contact with the she-cat and placed a free paw onto Bayflower's front paw, smiling lovingly at the both of them, though to ensure Cloudflare didn't feel left out, the loving queen gave the ginger tabby a friendly nuzzle to include him.

"Berrykit growing up compact and swift wouldn't surprise me, but last I recall I won all those races" They teased, flicking their tail playfully over the WindClan deputy's muzzle. "Maybe I'm just hard to catch up with, even with a swift and noble deputy such as yourself" Beewhisker's tone with Aspenberry had a playful indignation as they curled their hind paws around their kits it ensure they had warmth to have a comfortable sleep. If Beewhisker had been a sleepy kit, they would have wanted to be in the shade and the warmth if they were going to sleep. 

Beewhisker then noticed Bayflower continue to refer to themself as plain and they huffed lightly, not clear if genuine or playful in this sense. "Bayflower, looks don't matter to me, and they shouldn't to any cat, if you're pelt is black who cares? I wouldn't be bothered if your pelt was the color of freshly fallen snow, it is you I chose, not your pelt, you" the large torbie explained, giving Bayflower an affirmative nod to further the confidence of their statement. 

At the mention of prey, Beewhisker's mouth began to water and they recalled the rabbit that had been dropped in front of them, taking another ravenous bite from it, savoring the flavor and licking their whiskers clean. "StarClan I'm famished, I hadn't eaten since yesterday morning" they meowed, letting out a soft, breathy chuckle "Suppose I was just too busy with something" The dappled feline meowed, nodding to their brood that had nestled into their fluffy but full belly. They thought about what Cloudflare said about stories and gave a nod of agreement "As long as those stories don't include sneaking out of camp and causing mischief that is" 

'I am yet to understand my place in this world, but with you by my side, I know things just might be alright'
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Still a little tired from not waking up all that long ago, Aspenberry let out a yawn before resting her head sideways on her paws, giving her friends a sleepy gaze. 'There wasn't actually any races, Beewhisker here just likes to think they somehow beat me in a race once. I say otherwise.' She snickered, before closing her eyes. She wouldn't fall asleep, but simply listen to her friends chatter as she rested. 

She peeked an eye open as Cloudflare mentioned he was clumsy, and she flashed him a grin. 'He doesn't lie, Bayflower. Clumsy is definitely a good word for him. I don't mind though, the clumsy ones are cute' she said, giving Cloudflare a wink before thinking back to her duties. 'If you want to go onto a patrol together you should have just asked earlier, that's something I can easily do. Really I just tend to separate you three as I trust you the most, particularly with leading them.'

She watched as Bayflower brought back an ever bigger piece of prey, and a purr rumbled from her throat in amusement. Bayflower was already doing an excellent job at taking care of Beewhisker, as a friend and as a sire. The two kits couldn't be luckier with who they had taking care of them. She laid her head down again, tail flicking in content as the warm, milky air wrapped around her like a hug.

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

Cloudflare’s purr deepened as he observed the playful banter flowing between Beewhisker, Bayflower, and Aspenberry. The light-hearted atmosphere warmed him like the afternoon sun, and he couldn’t help but chuckle when Bayflower teased about being left out of the races. “If there was a race, I swear no one told me either. Seems like there’s a secret racing club I haven’t been invited to. And no, Bayflower, I definitely don’t hate you.” He added with a mock-serious tone, his copper eyes sparkling. “You’re the heart of our mischief, after all.”

He caught Aspenberry’s playful wink and her remark about his clumsiness, and his whiskers twitched in amusement. “Well, if being clumsy makes me cute, I’ll take that as a compliment.” His tail flicked with exaggurated grace.

As Beewhisker settled in with the fresh hare, Cloudflare nodded approvingly. He gazed fondly at the two kits nestled close to Beewhisker, and for a moment, the idea of having kits of his own lingered in his mind again.

“And don’t worry, Beewhisker. I’ll save the more exciting stories for when they’re a bit older. Can’t have them learning all my tricks just yet.” He leaned back slightly, his tail curling around his paws.

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 eyes gleamed with playful mischief as they nuzzled the two tiny kits closer to their side, keeping them snug and warm. "Oh, Bayflower, I didn’t know you’d be interested in such a high-stakes race! Next time, we’ll have to set up an official one and make sure you’re there to trip over all the obstacles with us" they teased, a purr rumbling in their chest.

They glanced down at Cedarkit and Berrykit, the small kits dozing peacefully against their fur. Their smile softened as they continued, "You know, maybe I’ll have these two be the judges. I’m sure they’ll be fair… as long as they get to nap between rounds."

Beewhisker’s gaze drifted toward the prey that Bayflower had brought back. Their stomach growled softly, and they let out a light-hearted sigh. "You’re too good to me, Bayflower. With all this food, I’ll be rolling around camp instead of racing." They grinned, the humor dancing in their eyes as they took a small bite from the hare. "But I’ll never turn down a meal shared with friends."

They looked around the nursery, their gaze resting fondly on Aspenberry and Cloudflare. "We’ve got quite the team here, don’t we? Strong, smart, and just the right amount of clumsy." They shot Cloudflare a playful wink. "I think the kits are in great paws. We might not have races every day, but we’ll make sure they grow up knowing how much they’re loved. And who knows, maybe they’ll be faster than all of us one day."

Beewhisker’s purr deepened as they leaned back comfortably, still keeping an eye on the kits. "I’m just glad we get to be here for them. And, well, for each other too. You all make this nursery feel even warmer." They closed their eyes for a moment, breathing in the familiar, comforting scent of their friends and family. "I wouldn’t trade it for anything."

Beewhisker parted their jaws in a yawn and plopped their head on their paws. Their eyelids began to feel heavy as they gazed at the friends they have made in WindClan. They hated to fall asleep on them, but they were getting tired, and by the looks of things, their kits were too. "Sorry to do this to you everyone, but could I just get some time to nap for now? I'd like to have a rest with my kits if that's okay" 

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

His copper eyes softened as he nodded in agreement with Bayflower. “You’re right, Beewhisker, there’s no need to apologize. You deserve all the rest you can get.”

With that, Cloudflare rose to his paws, careful not to disturb the peacefulness in the nursery. He stretched out, his muscles rippling under his thick ginger classic tabby and white pelt. “I should see about getting a hunting patrol together..."

Turning back to the group, Cloudflare dipped his head respectfully. “If you need anything, you know where to find me." He gave the two kits one last fond look before quietly padding out of the nursery, his tail flicking in farewell.