Should Be, Would Be (o)

OOC: takes place shortly after Hate Me So))

Maybe, just maybe, Nightstalker caught wind of at least part of the conversation between Marshmallow and her mother, Soottail. He didn't wish to butt in on familial conversations, even if they were horrible, but at some point, a line had to be crossed. Shadowclan was a family unit and should behave with at least tolerance at worst. But, Nightstalker was the deputy, the deputy with the emotional experience of a dead, wet, rat. Swiftheart, or Basilbloom would be much better suited for these kinds of deligations, but alas, it fell to him. Nightstalker padded over to the prey pile himself, at least keeping his distance for the time being before he also grabbed a frog himself and settled next to Marshmallow silently.

"I-" Nightstalker started roughly, uncertainty colouring his tone. "I can't say that I completely understand the feelings that you are experiencing." Still stiff, the young deputy dipped his head apologetically as he stumbled and fumbled through his words. "But I can say, that no cat should be speaking to you like that. Not your mother, or any cat." A harder, more steely tone took over for him, confidence brewing. "You do not have to think of her as a mother. You are not obligated too. There's a saying I've heard 'your friends are the family you choose.' It does not have to be anymore than that." Nightstalker was not fond of Marshmallow, ever since her actions had caused his mouse-brained brother, Loudnose to get hit by a monster, and he was sure he'd never forgiven her for that, but she did not need to have his forgiveness to be treated like how any cat should. She was punished for it, and time and time again afterward, she did not need him to continue that trend, despite his own feelings.

"I can speak to Soottail. I've the power to do so, as this clan's deputy. I didn't hear all of the conversation, but I cannot stand by idly while she is actively making clan life, and clan bonds so much harder to deal with." Nightstalker huffed, allowing some frustration and anger to present itself. Perhaps Marshmallow would find safety and comfort in it, that he himself would get worked up about it. "Your feelings as a cat, as a warrior, and a clanmate are valid and worthy. I wish that you could have found safety and confidence in reaching out about it sooner before I forced you into the situation to do so. And I apologize that I, as your deputy, have failed to curate that environment for you, and I hope that you can forgive me for it." Nightstalker mewed, dipping his head humbly before regarding the she-cat with a hardened gaze.