I shouldn't be afraid, to take the time to feel okay [c]

Honeylight needed to get out of camp. He needed to spend time with a friend, take a deep breath, stop thinking about war and death and fighting. He needed to not be by himself, because the moment he was alone he got far too much into his own head. It was a little too much for him, and he knew a cat who would likely be willing to just go out with him right now.

Honeylight approached Swiftheart in a jog, bumping shoulders with her in greeting and giving her a bright smile. “Hey, Swiftheart, you free?” He asked, tilting his head to the side. “I wanna go on a walk, do you wanna join me? We can go hunting or just walk around together! I need some fresh air, and it’s such a nice day, don’tcha think?”

Honeylight broke into a huge grin as Swiftheart not only agreed, but rushed to get the flower crown they had made together a little bit back. He broke into a delighted purr, happy to see the pink and yellow blossoms he had chosen for her adorning her white fur. “Absolutely!” he purred, rushing into the den as well to retrieve his own crown. He situated it on his head as he came back outside, grinning at Swiftheart once more. “Now we look stylish for our trip,” He said with a giggle as he fell into step beside her.

He took a deep breath of fresh air as they walked outside the camp. He looked at Swiftheart beside him and smiled. Swiftheart had been one of the first cats he met that wasn’t his birth mother, and she’d been his friend ever since. He was grateful to have a friend like her, able to match his cheer and energy and meet him halfway. She always brought out that playful, cheery side of him, something he desperately needed right then.

Bounding ahead of her a few paces, an idea popping into his head. Crouching down in front of her with a playful grin, his flower crown becoming askew from his running, Honeylight said, “Remember when we used to play tag together when I was a kit?”

Honeylight gasped dramatically. “Stars, I think you’re right, I’ve been it this whole time!” He said with a very serious nod, before he burst into giggles. His eyes lit up. All his worries melted away as he leapt back to his paws and chased after Swiftheart. “I guess I’ll just have to fix that then!” He said, laughing as he went. When was the last time he played like this? It’s been so long since he just stopped thinking and played. It felt good, freeing. He felt like he could do this forever.

Catching up to Swiftheart, Honeylight bapped her tail before turning and running again, laughing all the way. “Finally-- you’re it!”