[odessa]

alderstep
he/him
thunderclan
russet tabby w/ white paws, green eyes
---

Alderstep blinked at Rabbitchatter's explanation. He hadn't really realized how lonely the former loner could have been before clan life. It felt odd to have a moment of sudden understanding of the other warrior. And then shame pricked at Alderstep's pelt uncomfortably. It also felt wrong to know how Rabbitchatter compensated, to pull together an idea of the cat's life without asking. But sometimes Alderstep noticed things, especially what made cats tick. And his endless question of why the fellow tom was so kind had pestered him so much that of course, the russet tabby analyzed him. Always trying to figure out why Rabbitchatter was bothering him. Well, not always, it was the majority of the morning.

The tom blinked slowly at the amber-eyed tom, noticing how he tried to think, maybe like him? Well, Alderstep didn't know for sure. Maybe Rabbitchatter was being ever vigilant for any more moss. A tiny bit of amusement passed into the warrior's eyes, finding his thought funny. No, probably not. He dipped his head subtly, trying to say without speaking that he would let go of the nickname "argument." It had been more of a diversion, anyways.

Alderstep brought his paw to his mouth, gnawing on his claws absentmindedly as he tried to consider his options. One; run away, which would just be embarrassing and mouse-hearted. Two; spill his guts, which would make him very vulnerable. Or, three; beat up Rabbitchatter, which honestly wasn't an option and more of a fleeting thought born of momentary panic. Alderstep supposed his only true option was a modified Two. Besides, he hated when other cats didn't get what he was saying. Even if he was too often vague.

Time to put on his front, then. "No, I-" Alderstep lashed his tail in frustration. "It's hard to explain," he said, then proceeded to do so. "You're supposed to work and not care and move on and other fox-dung. Y'know, normal clan cat life." The warrior supposed detaching himself from his confession would help make it easier. He wasn't too sure, though.

@wren