nowhere with you [O]

In spite of himself, Adderkit had let his mother bundle out of the nursery, tutting something about how he and his brother needed to actually meet their Clanmates if they were to become good warriors one day. He wanted to roll his eyes and deny her outright, but it was an argument he would have lost, anyhow. And besides, Flutterkit was supposed to be joining him. That small comfort was enough to quell most of his nerves surrounding his Clanmates, but even with his brother present, anxiety raced down the length of his spine. Their Clanmates were all so much bigger than them, with large paws nearly designed for stepping on little kits, and seemingly no respect for his want for privacy and quiet. But he was good at keeping out of the way, even if "out of the way" was in the heart of their wide, open camp. Pressing himself low to the tough grass, Adderkit eyed his Clanmates through wide eyes. Despite his nerves, he couldn't lie and say he wasn't curious about them- though he couldn't guarantee he wouldn't spit out a flimsy excuse to run away as soon as anyone approached.

Flutterkit's eyes were closed for a moment, as he allowed himself to take in the smells and sounds of camp. A cool breeze swept through his fluffy black fur. He smiled. Honestly... so far, camp was pretty nice. What had Adderkit been so scared of, anyway? Other cats? None had come to talk to them yet. His eyes opened, wide and deep green. "Adderkit, do you feel the wind?" he asked cheerfully, tiny fangs bared in his usual grin. "Isn't it nice? The nursery's comfy, but it's kinda stuffy sometimes. I like this." Eyes darting towards his brother, he noticed that the russet tom was shrinking down into the grass. He walked closer and gave the other a friendly nudge. "C'mon, no one's gonna talk to us if they can't see us. I guess you don't want to talk to them, though?" It was understandable. Sometimes the... bigness of the world was scary. The other cats were all so tall compared to them. But they'd be tall too, someday! And it would be so lonely if they never talked to any other cats. Of course, Flutterkit wouldn't be too lonely. He'd have his brother. But still.... "Don't worry, Adderkit," the little black tom said reassuringly, "I'll protect you." He puffed his chest out slightly, as if to demonstrate his words. Their Clanmates wouldn't bite, though. Would they?

The only gesture to acknowledge Flutterkit's comment about the wind was an idle flick of Adderkit's tail as he bunched himself lower to the grass. He wanted to argue, in part just for the sake of arguing- but his brother did have a point. The air was so much nicer out here than it was in the nursery; fresh and moving. Alive, almost. Looking up, the ruddy tom nodded his head slowly, trying to hide the smile that was growing across his expression and failing poorly. "I know you will. I appreciate it. Today, I don't- I won't stop you, though." Another nod. Even if he spent most of his time sleeping or clinging to Adderkit's side- or allowing Adderkit to cling to him, he wasn't quite sure- Flutterkit was more outgoing than he was. He couldn't force his brother to walk the same shadows that he did.

As if on cue, another voice lifted from behind them. Startled, Adderkit rolled onto his paws and twisted around, downy fur rising to stand on end. But it was only Goldenkit; the familiar sight didn't quite put the little tomkit at ease, but he relaxed a little upon realizing it was only their denmate. The invitation was polite enough, but something in the larger kit's words made Adderkit's ears lower, the soft smile he'd given his brother morphing into a frown. "They very well could hurt us," He protested, whiskers twitching. "It's not that I expect them to. I'm only aware that they could." But still, even as he argued... Adderkit shifted his weight on his paws, glancing towards Flutterkit as if searching for approval- then moved closer, creeping into the soft patch of sunlight Goldenkit had found himself relaxing in. A breeze ruffled his short pelt, but it was hardly cold. The sun's rays warmed him in an instant, and Adderkit sighed, content. He took a moment to look Goldenkit over, as if expecting this to have been some convoluted play against them, before dragging his dark gaze back towards Flutterkit. A bit begrudgingly, he mewed, "The wind feels better here, Flutter. Maybe you should sit with us, too. It's... pleasant."

It was looking to be a nice day. He got to spend time with Adderkit, outside! The wind was so nice... even as his brother said some words of agreement, Flutterkit found himself closing his eyes once more, enjoying the breeze that sang gently in his ears. However, once he opened his eyes, he found his companion farther away. Huh? Where had he gone to? Oh, he was just a few steps away. Edging through the grass, closer to-- Goldenkit, right? The slightly older kit. Flutterkit frowned slightly. He'd been wanting to spend more time with his brother. He didn't like that the other tom was stealing their time... Oh, well. Might as well make more friends while I'm at it. The frown disappeared into his usual warm grin as the small black tom trotted over at his brother's invitation. Once he had, sunlight glinted off of his dark fur, making it shine in an almost mysterious fashion. "Mmm, it is warm," he sighed in satisfaction. Comfortable, he lay down on his back, facing up toward the sun in order to warm his soft belly fur. This was pretty nice.