Young Friends [c]

Honeypaw

Honeypaw had heard the commotion surrounding Swiftheart’s kitting, of course he had. He had tried to stay updated from afar, not wanting to get in the way or disturb Swiftheart in any way. But after a few days of waiting, he just couldn’t take it anymore. He wanted to check on Swiftheart, and meet her kits!

He hadn’t been in the nursery for quite some moons. His mother had returned to warrior duties shortly after his apprenticeship, and while Honeypaw occasionally chatted with or played with the kits, it was usually when they were running around outside the nursery. He couldn’t help the unconscious purr that rose within him at the warm, comforting smells of the nursery and the sound of mewling kits as he entered. He looked around until he spotted his friend, and he smiled before carefully approaching Swiftheart.

“Hi,” He half-whispered, not wanting to disturb the other queens or any of the sleeping kits. “I wanted to come see how you were doing.” He gave her a warm smile. “Is it okay if I sit with you?”

Honeypaw

Honeypaw smiled warmly and settled down next to Swiftheart, in the spot she indicated with her tail. He purred, quite happy to hear that Swiftheart was doing alright, and he smiled down at the little bundles of fur curled against her belly. “They’re beautiful, Swiftheart.” He told her softly. He continues to keep his voice down and just loud enough for Swiftheart to hear, contrary to his normal boisterous tone. “They’re lucky to have such a wonderful mother.” He wrinkled his nose happily at her and giggled softly.

“I don’t blame you for being tired. This seems exhausting.” Honeypaw said. “Send for me if you need anything at all, okay? I’ll make sure to bring you some good catches.” He grinned. Then he tucked his paws underneath himself as he considered her question.

“I’ve been well. I’ve mostly been spending time with Iceheart since the gathering, and I’ve  been excited about your kits and getting to meet them.” He chuckled. He tilted his head. "What are all their names?"

Honeypaw

Honeypaw bent his head down a little bit so he could examine each of the kittens closer in turn. He repeated each name in his head to be sure that he would remember it later, amber eyes filled with warmth as he watched the sleeping kits snuggle up to each other.

He turned his attention back to Swiftheart, resting his head on top of his paws, and giggled softly at her joke. He nodded seriously. “I’ll try to find one,” He promised, determined to find the best rabbit he can and bring it back to Swiftheart.

“As for news… Forestpaw actually just became a warrior! His name’s Forestbreeze now. Hmm… I’ve heard whispers that Frostedpaw and Rosepaw are both due to be warriors soon, though I dunno for sure. As for news… Honestly, there hasn’t been too much going on. Things have been good for Shadowclan lately. Nice and peaceful. Aside from the gathering of course, but you saw that disaster.” He shook his head, then smiled. “I think we’re doing pretty good for ourselves.”

Honeypaw

Honeypaw was still trying to think of news to tell Swiftheart when he realized she’d fallen asleep. He paused, then chuckled softly. He rose to his feet and stretched carefully, making sure not to disturb her or any of the others in the nursery. Then he leaned down and gave Swiftheart an affectionate lick to the top of her head. “Sleep well. I’ll go find you a good rabbit.” He promised in a whisper, smiling before he padded out of the nursery.