Private Thread Two Bodies Are Warmer than One

'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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It was at this sunny area of camp that Aspenberry was found. She was due for dusk patrol later on, and was taking the time to snooze in the sun while she could. The sunlight was weak and felt like nothing compared to the experience of greenleaf, but she was grateful for it nonetheless. A deep sleep is what Aspenberry had been in, savouring the light while it lasted. She was lain out on her side, though her head rested on top of her white paws, eyes shut and unmoving.

It was only until Cloudflare was beside her that her senses began registering, her eyes fluttered open to see the red pelt of her friend. Sun made Aspenberry sleepy, and she was still half asleep, so instead of waking up she reached out a paw, attempting to drag Cloudflare in beside her as she mumbled something about sun and sleep.

Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
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Cloudflare let out a soft chuckle as Aspenberry’s paw gently reached out to pull him closer. Her half-asleep mumbling and relaxed demeanor made it hard to resist. He settled down beside her, tucking his large frame in so as not to disturb her too much. The warmth of her fur and the lingering sunlight made the moment even more peaceful.

“You’ve got the right idea.” Came his hushed whisper, voice really just for her, his tone light as he rested his head on his paws, feeling the tug of fatigue from his earlier hunt. The tom, eyes half lidded, swiped his tongue over Aspenberry's ears.

Cloudflare stretched his limbs out lazily, allowing the quiet of the camp and the company of his friend to settle over him. It was rare that they got moments like this - to simply relax without a care in the world. He closed his eyes, letting himself unwind beside Aspenberry, enjoying the simple comfort of their shared warmth and the sun's rays.

'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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She was glad Cloudflare gave into her pull, settling down beside her. The fur of another cat was exactly the sort of extra comfort she needed. She could feel herself drifting off already, but she didn't want to completely ignore the bicolour tom. Building up some strength she lifted her head up to rest her chin and head over Cloudflare's neck, snuggling a little into the soft, downy fur of his scruff. 

'I miss when I could do this whenever... it's too cold nowdays, and I'm always so busy too.' She murmured, before taking the time to flatten some of Cloudflare's fur with rhythmic licks, although she quickly gave up as the sleepiness washed over her again. 

Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
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Cloudflare smiled softly as Aspenberry nestled into his fur, her warmth seeping into his skin. He let out a low, contented purr as she rested her chin on his neck. The gentle rise and fall of her breathing was comforting, and it reminded him of simpler times when they weren’t so weighed down by their duties.

Her murmur about missing these moments made him pause, his gaze softening as he thought back to their easier days. "Yeah." He agreed quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I miss it too. Seems like we’re always on the go now... but we can still find moments like this."

As she began grooming him, even if only briefly, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. He knew Aspenberry well enough to recognize when sleep was pulling her in, and he didn’t mind. Letting his own eyes flutter closed, Cloudflare sighed softly, savoring the peacefulness that had settled between them.

"Let's rest easy." He whispered, his voice barely a breath as he relaxed fully beside her, the weight of their responsibilities lifting just for this quiet moment together. Poor Fallpaw must have been running the deputy ragged this past moon.

'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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Was she super tired or just taking advantage of a nice opportunity to rest, Aspenberry wasn't really sure. Her role as deputy along with mentoring Fallpaw was taxing, but nothing Aspenberry found debilitating, and she still had her own personal time too. Perhaps it was just the bad weather, or maybe she just had a really bad sleep last night. Either way, she was quick to fall drowsy again as she rested against the warm body of Coudflare, a closeness she didn't share with him all too often. 

'One day we will be old and retired, then we can do this everyday. For now it's up to us to take care of everyone else' she said quietly, that conflict she always battled bubbling up inside her yet again, but she pushed it away. She wouldn't ruin this moment. She would live in the now and not dread and long for the future simultaneously. 'Rest easy...? Mmmm, alright if you say so' she replied just as quietly.

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

Cloudflare’s purr deepened as Aspenberry nestled against him, her warmth providing a sense of comfort that had become rare in their busy lives. He could feel the subtle weight of her words and he respected her for pushing through it all.

Her quiet musing about them one day retiring together brought a small, soft smile to his face. He didn’t often think about the distant future, but Aspenberry’s words made the idea seem - nice. His voice a low murmur, almost like a promise. "You and I."

His tail gently draped over her as he shifted slightly to get more comfortable, a sign that he wasn’t planning to move anytime soon. He knew they’d both wake up soon enough to the demands of their duties, but for now, they'd sunbathe while they still could.

"I say so..." He purred with a playful note, his tone soft but teasing as he let his eyes close again. "And I don’t make the rules often, but when I do, they’re usually good ones." Cloudflare let out a contented sigh, his muscles relaxing fully against Aspenberry’s frame.

'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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As Aspenberry lay there, half asleep and snoozing, her thoughts drifted to something unexpected. She was comfortable right now, in a place where she could speak her thoughts freely without much anxiety. She peeked an eye open, looking at Cloudflare once more before she considered her next words. 

'Cloudflare... I know this is random and perhaps uncharacteristic, but... what would you think of starting a family? It's not something I want right now, but I thought that maybe you would be interested when the time is right.' Seeing Beewhisker with their kits had stirred something deep within the spotted she-cat, and while she had no idea when she would actually want this, she wanted to know if Cloudflare did too. It was an easy choice. He would be a loving father, and any kin of his would turn out wonderful. He was one of Aspenberry's best friends too. 

She turned her head away with a soft laugh, hoping she hadn't surprised her friend too much. She just wanted to put it out in the air, get an idea of what it might be like. 

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

Cloudflare's purr remained steady as Aspenberry's words drifted through the comfortable haze of half-sleep. Her question, soft and unexpected, blended into his dreamy state, and for a moment, it felt like part of a pleasant dream - one filled with warmth, sunlight, and peace.

His mind conjured images of little kits tumbling across the moor, their laughter mixing with the rustling mossballs. Aspenberry was there, always close by, her sharp gaze softened with affection. And he... he was there too. Watching over them all, content and full of love. It felt like an extension of the perfect calm they shared now.

A lazy smile spread across his face as he murmured, voice thick with that half-dozed contentment. "A family... you and me, our kits... sounds like a dream come true."His tone was wistful...distant. As if he were still caught in that serene vision.
"One day... when the time is right, I’d like that."

'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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Hearing Cloudflare's response sent a surge of warmth through Aspenberry's body. It was exactly what she wanted to hear. 'Would you be willing to share the caretaking? With my duties I think an active sire would be good, plus they will be yours just as much as they are mine. If these kits ever come to the world I want them to have a father who is completely part of their life.' She felt as though she knew Cloudflare well enough that he would absolutely say yes. Other than loving them unconditionally, being apart of their lives was the only thing Aspenberry would request of a sire, and she knew Cloudflare would provide. 

'Thank you, Cloudflare. It's really nice to have your support' she said softly as her smile grew the tiniest bit wider.