Oh when it rains, how it pours [c]

Honeylight was… well. He wasn’t even at the gathering, choosing to stay back to keep an eye on camp that particular moon. He has certainly seen the results of the gathering however, and learned what happened during it. He has no idea how to react, how to feel. Their leader had been demoted, there were rumors of war all throughout the camp, and all of this conflict was focused on Windclan. So many of his clanmates were furious, whether it be at Nightstar- or, paw, now- or at Windclan, or both, including Pineblossom.

It was… it was a lot.

The last thing Honeylight wanted was war. He didn’t want to fight Windclan. Everytime he thought about it, Flutterpetal and Adderdawn’s faces flick behind his eyes, and his chest squeezed so tight he felt dizzy with it. He knew Windclan was out of line. He understood the problem. He understood his clanmates' anger. But all he could think about was all the cats, Shadowclan and Windclan alike, that would inevitably get hurt, possibly even die, because of this.

Honeylight wasn’t a fighter. He had long accepted that about himself. He would fight, if that's what Leopardsun or his clan asked of him. He would protect his clanmates until his last breath. But he was not a fighter. He had been in very few battles in his moons. He was no good at conflict. And he was, above all, deeply afraid. He was made for making flower crowns for his friends, for being a shoulder to cry on, and for providing emotional support and strength… These days, a lot of what he was made for was taking care of his little brother.

So he worried, and he tried his best, and he tried to do what he was actually good at. That being taking care of his friends. It’s an old routine, even if it felt very different right now, to scoop up two pieces of prey off the pile after a hunt and seek out Leopardsun. He sought her out easily, instinct guiding him to his best friend's side. Even as so much is going wrong, one thing would never change, and that was his friendship with Leopardsun. He made sure she didn't seem actively busy on his approach, that she had enough time to sit down and grab a few moments of much-needed rest. The weight of the world was on her shoulders right now; the least he could do was ensure she had someone to help hold it for a moment.

“Hey,” He called to her when he found her, slowing down. “Have you taken a minute to eat yet today?” He lifted his prey higher and offered her a smile around his mouthful. “And if not, want to eat with me?”

“No need to apologize,” Honeylight said immediately. “There’s a lot going on.” He set down the mouse in front of her and settled himself down next to his friend, pressing against her shoulder. He knew Leopardsun had been working hard to keep up better self care habits. Honeylight had been too. Most of their meals together lately, before all of this, were out of desire for company over a meal, rather than one of them dragging the other one into eating and socializing, which was good. But he could hardly blame her for letting those habits slip right now.

Honeylight may not like the idea of war or fighting, but unlike the doubts he had in Nightpaw, he trusted Leopardsun completely. If she thought this was the best direction to ensure their clan would be protected, then he would follow her wherever this path leads. He just wished he could do more to take this weight off her shoulders. If all he could provide was a meal and a shoulder to lean on, then he’d do that time and time again.

For a moment, Honeylight just leaned on Leopardsun and gave them both the chance to take a few bites of the food and sit together. Soon enough though, Honeylight nudged Leopardsun slightly and said, “Wanna talk about all of it, or do you want a distraction for a bit?” He offered. He hoped the underlying message was clear too; ’I’m here for you, whatever you need. I’m right by your side.’