[sleepyyjax]

 

Originally Posted by Zero

Cicadapaw
| He/him | ThunderClan Apprentice (33/100) | #BugFamily @sleepyjax (yup, open to all the bugs in the family!)

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Cicadapaw was half aware of Hornetpaw joining him in the front. Was she as relieved as him? He couldn't tell, not able to read Hornetpaw as well as he could the others. But, Spiderthroat was indeed alive. Clearly hurting, bleeding, barely holding himself up... but alive.

"He should be resting," he huffed mostly to himself, voice rough with frustration as he eyed his father swaying on his paws. Of course, Spiderthroat wouldn’t listen. Of course, he wouldn’t stop. His father had responsibilities, and he'd probably throw himself into fire if that’s what it took. It was an irritating, frustrating, and worrying trait to Cicadapaw currently, but normally, he'd be proud that his father was strong and determined like that.

The apprentice shifted where he stood, the fur along his back prickling with the tension hanging heavy in the clearing. His eyes flicked from his battered father to the patrol list, and then back again. Quietly, hesitantly, he let his fur brush Hornetpaw’s, seeking a bit of comfort and support from his sister - even if he wasn’t sure she’d welcome it.

"You shouldn’t have to step in again. Not like that. Just... just don’t go throwing yourself back in the jaws of those monsters because one of us is scared." It took a clear effort to keep himself from yelling, panicked by the thought of him going back out there in that state. "You said it yourself, we need you here while Bumblestar is down." His voice cracked a little at the end, embarrassment warming his ears, but he didn’t shrink away. He stood firm, still small, still learning, but firm.

Hornetpaw
She/Her | Silver Tongue T1 | 10 Moons | [#BugFamily]
Header: sushisiu

He should be resting - but, no, he's just really strong. He's stronger than those other cats, the ones that had to stay back in the medicine den. That's why he's deputy and they're not. He's different. "Dad's better than that." She shook her head, though not aggressive at all. She spared her siblings that kind of reaction. They were all going through the same thing right now. Anger was for other cats, those outside the family and those who weren't her friends.

Fur brushed her side, and, honestly, it was exactly what she needed. The apprentice bit back tears as she leaned on him. It wouldn't happen, though. She wouldn't cry. If dad was being strong, she'd be strong. Was Dad crying? No! And he was the one in pain. She needed to be cool like him. Her ear swivelled. Beetlepaw. He'd been in an awful state earlier, hadn't he? It was a relief to see him holding himself together. Though, he also wanted Dad to rest. "I think he's the only one who can handle it." Honestly, if it were anyone other than her own brother, she'd have bitten their nose off. Some poor soul would probably face the brunt of her anger later, in the apprentice den, for daring to breathe wrong or something.

Then, Dad was there. In all his glory. For a second, she understood her siblings. He looked so... Pained. He was a mess. No. No, he wasn't a mess, he was powering through. He was being strong, she reassured herself. That's what a strong cat looked like. A real powerful deputy. He bumped head with Cicadapaw who was still on about this resting thing - ugh, really? Sharp words were bitten back, in affection for her siblings, "he's the strongest in the clan, though, he's the only one who can lead." She responded to him with a sympathetic voice, as though she were telling him about the real truth about the world.Then she reached her head out to Spiderthroat, exchanging a head bump. He was still so much taller than them, wasn't he? "Go get 'em, dad." She was enthusiastic, but it did come with a brief sniffle as she held back her teary eyes. "But, don't let them hurt you again. Okay?" The apprentice gulped. Those otters got Miss Bumble good. And even if Dad was stronger than her, getting got twice made the odds of his victory... Lower.