[SuspiciousMindz]

Originally Posted by Ever

She was thankful when she saw her old nest sitting in the same place it always had. It didn't sink weirdly to her, it actually gave her reassurance that Jaguarclaw was truly her friend. Marbledface had a lot of doubts throughout her life, and she was glad that he was someone that she could always count on. This situation proved that he would be there for her no matter what as well. She didn't need his nest, she felt bad enough for leaving the clan that she would have enjoyed an unlined nest as some meager punishment. The mottled molly wasn't going to complain about the offer either, though some old flame of herself wanted to feel irritated at the offer. She liked to suffer from her own consequences, it was unfamiliar and made her feel weak in a way to have someone take that from her. Marbledface took a deep breath though and settled into his, it was much better bedding than she'd had over the past while and it felt so good. There was the added factor that it was Jaguarclaw's nest, the thought made her pelt flush with heat and her gaze tumbled to the floor of the den in embarrassment.

Though when he asked what she had on her mind she wasn't still sure how to word it. The word sorry floated in the front of her mind and couldn't seem to be dislodged. She just wanted to apologize a thousand times over, even though he showed no sign of anger. She was too reserved and selfish to give up whatever dignity she had left too and reveal that she was too sad and confused, and that she was embarrassed by those emotions so she left. It felt stupid and belittling to admit that in her eyes. The silence was stretching though and this wasn't how she wanted to spend her first few moments back, locked in a silent conversation with the one cat she needed to make amends with the most.

"I just want to repeat how sorry I am... for leaving you like that without any sort of explanation." She took a breath and let her gaze flicker momentarily to his, though she couldn't hold it. This whole experience was much too alien and uncomfortable to her. She'd never apologized nor felt guilty in her life. "I- I want to explain but it was some... private issues. I just- I needed to work through them on my own. I didn't mean to abandon you in the process, I don't want to hurt you." She felt like her father, it sent a bit of rage through her body. She'd abandoned everything she had, selfishly. He might have been able to help her and she hadn't even let her try. The mottled cat couldn't bring herself to look him in the eyes and instead stared at the ground between them. Even though she could admit to herself that he might be able to help her, she couldn't accept help. The instinct to be independent was still so strongly burned within her. Marbledface didn't want him to know how vulnerable she was, in general and to him specifically; it was impossible to hide in her eyes.

Jaguarclaw lowered himself in the older nest. His large forepaws hanging outside the nest and his tail curling beside him, matching that of the arch of the nest. With a small sigh, he lowered his head next. It rested on his paws while his ears continued to swirl around, listening to the sounds outside as well as her speaking. Although, his olives hues remained on her face. Jaguarclaw was merely watching her reactions, wanting to see what she meant and what she didn't. It was a habit he developed, but he never made it obvious to the other cat. To him, it was obvious she meant every word and his gaze traveled to the ground in front of him. He continued to listen until he was sure she was done talking. It took a few moments before he responded merely because he was thinking about their first interaction. Marbledface had been mean to him then, but he only ever reacted with kindness and now here she was, telling him about her problems. When they first met, he never guessed it would lead to this. The black and white she-cat really was his closest friend in his eyes.

Two felines talking on the other side of the warriors den caught his attention for a moment. He had been soaked up in what Marbledface was saying that he hadn't realized they were there. Choosing to ignore them, he lifted his gaze back to her and raised his head up off his paws. "It's okay. Some battles are meant to be fought alone, I understand. I'll always be here for you though," he nodded slowly, closing his eyes momentarily, choosing not to press her into anything. As they opened, they held a warm gaze. "Besides, I can't be mad at you," he gave her a friendly smile, a little bit of his old life coming back into his body. "Or if I did, you wouldn't know because it wouldn't last long,"