Originally Posted by Miss Bliss (Post 567550) Sweetkit heard a voice saying hello. She stopped dragging herself and looked at Skypae. She could see that she was blind. "Hello." , she mewed.

Originally Posted by pomegranate (Post 568188) Ringpaw caught sight of a familiar ash-colored pelt from across the clearing. With a cheeky grin, the tortoiseshell waltzed forward, her face bright and cheerful despite the gloomy feel from the leafbare chill. Flicking her tail, she sat up and began to approach Ashpaw, stretching out her legs on her way over. “Ashpaw!” She called happily, blinking her green eyes slowly. She hadn’t seen Ashpaw around lately, but it was a good sight to see her up and about. “How’ve you been? How’s training?” The calico asked, her whiskers twitching. She was interested to know how Ashpaw was doing in her warrior training. Hopefully she was able to still hunt despite her paw. She smiled, finally drawing near to the apprentice. Fluffing up her neck fur as a cold wind swept through the tall trees around Skyclan’s camp, Ringpaw awaited her friends response.

Originally Posted by Blissy (Post 568521) Sweetkit purred, "I'm getting around even though it's hard, since I have no use in my back legs." , she mewed. The kitten gave her chest fur a couple of licks.

Originally Posted by Dipper (Post 568189) The return of the 'good day' seemed almost too civilized for a cat looking like Grousestar did in that moment, not that Rabbitfluff blamed him necessarily when it was easy to tack on the circumstances and understand how he'd landed himself in this position of... untidiness, of stress and disaster piling until it transformed him into a husk of his formerly cheerful self. It was a depressing thought, but he couldn't remember the last time SkyClan had seen peace with the other Clans surrounding them. Silently, he judged what Grousestar said and wondered if it was intended to be a joke, as per what he'd expect from a cat like Grousestar, but maybe not in this state. "I see," he replied evenly, jaw working but no further noise escaping. "Did you have anyone specific in mind?" Although it was phrased lighter than before, the clinging hesitance remained while he waited to judge his reaction, inwardly evaluate it -- and puff up in surprise and jealousy if Grousestar mentioned he actually did have a choice predetermined. As much as he didn't want to admit it, the flicker of shame crossing Grousestar's expression was about the most heartbreaking thing he'd ever seen, and he was reevaluating his approach, wondering if he should've softened it with something. But it simply wasn't in his nature, and he figured he could curb the damage already done. Grousestar's response had him taut with surprise since he could hardly remember a time Grousestar had ever used that tone with him, or anyone else that he'd seen, and he waited until the anger subsided to relax again; he understood, couldn't count it against him to be stressed. "Yes, yes," he meowed flippantly, a nod accepting the apology, "I realize appearances currently sit at the bottom of your concerns." That was visible. "And I suppose I wouldn't know anything about leading a Clan, but I am acquainted with maintaining a pelt and can at least handle that particular duty for you." There wasn't a lot of room for protest as Rabbitfluff settled beside him and mustered the mental strength to start brushing a tongue over his oiled pelt, matted with who-knew-how-long of neglect.

His weak attempt of a joke didn't even muster so much as a pity chuckle from his friend, making him sigh quietly. I've fallen so far that I can't even seem to joke with a friend. The thought was quickly followed by him trying to focus on Rabbitfluff's question, one that confused him slightly. Why would he think I had anyone in mind? Especially if I look like this. Blinking, he would glance at his paws for a good long moment before deciding on the answer he wanted to give. He would try at his light-hearted nature again, hoping desperately to connect with his friend despite the turmoil he felt inside. "Not particularly. I suppose you wouldn't mind being the one to share it with me?" Still it sounded too formal, too tense, far from the relaxed and easy flow it should have.

Of course his emotions spilled over the edge a little, more than he wanted, and he could read the surprise evident on his friends form. And how he hated it. It was like he was a completely different cat, even Rabbitfluff wasn't prepared for what he would do or say. Guilt gnawed viciously at his stomach and it made his breath catch in his throat. He didn't want to be this cat. He didn't want to become violent and unpredictable, he didn't want to become untrustworthy and unfit to lead. He wanted to make Skyclan proud but everything was so messed up it felt, at least in his mind. It shouldn't have effected him so much and yet it was still effecting him now; would it continue to effect him and change him and make him into something he didn't want to be? He didn't know anymore. Naturally his anger subsided and was then replaced with more guilt for letting it bubble over. It almost nauseated him how quickly the guilt came back, it was as if the anger and the guilt were battling for control, there was no room for other emotions. It was exhausting.

However, despite his conflicting and frustrating emotions, he was still met with surprise when Rabbitfluff didn't seem to mind it at all. He wasn't judging him for it, in fact, he brushed it off as if they were.. Just holding a pleasant conversation. The warrior didn't hold it against him for letting his stronger emotions show their colors. It's what a good friend would do.
Blinking, Grousestar wouldn't move when the smaller tom settled in beside him to begin grooming his unkempt pelt. "Rabbitfluff you.. You don't need to do that..." The words were mumbled and really it was only the vaguest form of protest, the leader wasn't totally against it. Should I feel ashamed that my own friend has to bathe me?
Closing his eyes, the Skyclan leader would sigh. "I don't know how to deal with this, any of it. Ever since.. Ever since I found out that Auroraflame could so easily betray me, and that she thought it was the right thing to do I.. I've felt so alone. So incredibly alone in a clan who doesn't feel the need to follow my orders, even though that's what they swore before Starclan they would do. Is it the other clans that are making Skyclan like this? Is it me?"