Frozen Berries by the Moors

[Alchemist Kitsune]

Cold. The first feeling that seeped through exposed toes as the massive bundle of white fur shifted, pelt surprisingly snow free. StarClan must have been feeling merciful last night. A sleepy, bright blue eye slowly opened as Snowybreeze stirred, a content yawn escaping him as he stretched, feeling oddly at ease despite the dreadfully nippy wind. Mismatched ears perked up as he looked to the camp entrance, his gaze landing upon an all too familiar pelt, a purr rumbling in his throat.

Despite the happiness at seeing his friend standing close by first thing in the morning, a bit of confusion muddled his mind, still half asleep as he slowly rose to his feet. Heading over towards Berrypaw - no... Berryfrost, she had received her warrior name last night - he lowered his head, nuzzling her cheek in his usual greeting. Yes... now that he was more awake, he could properly remember. She'd headed to this side of the camp to complete the ceremony. The silent vigil that was required of a new warrior as the rest of the clan earned a good night's sleep. It just so happened that her vigil had been close to where he kept his own, and he would be lying if he did not admit that he'd been overjoyed for her company. As much as he did not mind waiting for his former mentor's return, it would be dishonest of him to ignore the fact that it got mighty lonesome most nights. Berryfrost's company had ensured no such loneliness. If anything, it had been the best sleep he'd had since... well... honestly, since he could remember. It was nice... to know you weren't alone in the dark of night. He just hoped Berryfrost would have understood how much he appreciated her from the gift he'd given her the night be-

The gift! Oh StarClan help me! I forgot the gift!

Eyes widening ever so slightly as he realized his blunder, the tom opened his mouth to ask her if she was alright when he realized... she wasn't yet allowed to speak. It was a warrior's duty to relieve a newly named cat of their silent guard. He supposed... well, that would be him, wouldn't it? Mismatched ears twitching timidly, Snowybreeze raised a paw and gently placed it on his friend's shoulder, a gentle smile brimming with pride at his once again denmate as he mewed, "It would be remise of me to not inform. It is dawn now. Your vigil is complete. You are free to speak."

-

@Rose - Berryfrost

[Rose]

Berryfrost
She/Her

Sleep. It was something Berrypaw seemed to have taken granted for far way too long, and now she was paying the price. But today, or this fateful dawn, it seemed Berrypaw could drop onto the ground and fall asleep at any given moment. Eyelids fluttering shut for half a moment, the young dame had to shake her head to refrain the drowsiness that threatened to overtake her. Why was she doing this again? It was getting harder to concentrate as the seconds ticked by, and as Berrypaw's now-sluggish brain put the puzzle pieces together, she recalled that - OH! She wasn't Berrypaw anymore! Her name was Berryfrost, after her mother mentor Peachfrost. Well, former mentor, that was.

Half-open, sleepy eyes travel in the direction of a familiar white coat as it shifts, and Berryfrost can't help the fond smile that creeps over her face as her friend stirs from his sleep. As sorry Berryfrost feels for her friend, tirelessly waiting day after day for his long lost mentor, the newly named warrior is still happy that despite not being named a warrior the same day as him, Snowybreeze has still managed to be there for her. He'd been her support, whether he knew it or not, when they'd gotten their apprentice names, sharing that perch at the front of the clan with her. And he was here now, offering her comfort during the dark night she'd sat through even if he'd been asleep.

Mismatched hues tired, but sparkling with newfound joy nonetheless as Snowybreeze drew closer, the eggshell colored molly couldn't help but purr with happiness, returning Snowybreeze's affectionate nuzzle. She almost said good morning, too, but remembered at the last moment and snapped her mouth shut with a barely audible 'eep' of alarm. Oh stars, had she just broken her vigil? But her worry was for naught, as only a few moments had passed before a gentle paw stopped her worrying, accompanied by even sweeter words, despite them being only ones to inform her of her freedom to speak.

"You're a warrior!" Berryfrost exclaimed softly, elation clear in her voice as she attempted to fling her paws around Snowybreeze and draw him in for a hug. Albeit a loose one, because she was a tad too tired to put pressure into her limbs. Mere moments needed to pass, however, before the young warrior realized.. oh dear, she'd mixed up her words, and her cheeks heated with embarrassment. "I- I m-mean, I'm a warrior. You've, uh, obviously already been a- a warrior. C-congratulations by the way. For, um, yknow, warriorship.. is it called warriorhood or warriorship..?"

[ @Alchemist Kitsune - Snowybreeze ]

[Alchemist Kitsune]

Seeing his friend's tired gaze suddenly brighten up at his words, Snowybreeze couldn't help but purr alongside her, elation running through the patched tom as he felt Berryfrost's paws fling around him. Her words registering more on emotion than the blunder in them, the massive tom wrapped his own paws around the egg shell colored molly, hanging tightly on to her as he attempted to lift her up, her good mood highly contagious as he heard an audible laugh escape him before he could stop himself. Only a sudden change to her demeanor dampened his mood, concern instantly marring his previously cheery features as the peppered warrior spoke. As she admitted to her blunder, the gentle giant blinked his eyes once. Twice. Suddenly opening his mouth in a silent oh, he shook his head, letting her know there was no reason for her to correct herself. Truth be told, he hadn't even realized there had been a blunder in the first place. Perhaps a better friend would have caught on to that... but Silverpelt above, he'd just been so happy to see her happy!

His face slowly growing warm as he realized his paws were still wrapped around the smaller framed cat, Snowybreeze's forepaws flailed about as he shifted ever so slightly away, trying to give his friend a more respectful distance. True, she had been the one to initiate the hug but... he had lingered on it for far too long! And after not having been paying enough attention to even notice her small err in words! To top it all off, she was obviously exhausted! What kind of friend was he? A dreadful one, that was the kind of friend he was! Gratefully, he had the means to fix it this time. Once he told Berryfrost that the giant nest they had picked for him in the perfect spot was for her, she could instantly fall asleep. And with more than enough room to move! Plus, it had his gift inside, as well! Yes, this was most certainly the way to make up for his rudeness so early in morning!

Whiskers twitching at her question, the tom took one massive paw to his chin before responding, "Warriorhood? It sounds right, I think? Of course, if it sounds right to me, it might just be warriorness or something along those lines."

A rumbling purr escaped the tom at this, knowing full well he tended to be wrong more often than not. Perhaps he could ask one of the other warriors? Then he would be able to answer Berryfrost without doubt! Of course, there was the matter of somehow being able to sneak a question like that into a conversation without coming across as the rudest tom ever, interrupting someone's day just to ask for information he probably should already have known. Not that he faulted Berryfrost for asking. She had been so busy at the end of her apprenticeship! No matter, he would find a way to find her answer for her! But first... the gifts. Eyes shining with unbridled hope as he gazed down at his best friend, Snowybreeze tilted his head questioningly, his paws shuffling with a mixture of excitement and nerves.

"I... I know you are tired but... I have a surprise planned for you, if you would like it? To celebrate your first day in the warrior's den! I... I left it right by... right by your nest," the tom mewed in a soft voice, a light tremor in it being the only hint as to his enthusiasm while he struggled to keep a polite composure. It would not do to be rude and overbearing as he had been just moments ago all over again, after all.

-

@Rose - Berryfrost
| Happy Snowy is so happy he's extra verbose... until he started getting self conscious. |

[Rose]

Berryfrost
She/Her

Fine, despite her little blunder - which now that she thought about, wasn't much of something to worry so much about - Berryfrost found that she hoped Snowybreeze hadn't heard her correct herself, for the feeling of being wrapped in his arms was something she couldn't lose. It was something she wanted to latch onto for eternity, for the warmth bubbling in her chest anxiously simmered with anticipation, causing the young molly to feel even more giddy than before. Apparently, though, speaking of her mistake had been a major err, since her own hurried tone had suddenly caused a belated reaction in the tom-cat beside her, and with a little flailing Snowybreeze had set her down again. Which was fine, really, though Berryfrost's mind instantly missed her friend's show of affection, and her heart seemed to have almost burst with happiness, but she was a warrior now, and Snowybreeze wasn't going anywhere. Well, hopefully, if the stars allowed her to have it her way, she'd stick by her best friend's side and never let him feel down again. If.. that was what he wanted, because Berryfrost really hoped Snowybreeze wouldn't abandon her too, after all this time, but if he wanted his space then she would oblige.

Mismatched hues allowing her to snap back into reality as they latched onto the movement of Snowybreeze's paw, tapping against his chin as he responded to her question. Oh! Her question! She'd been so caught up in worrying that she'd blurted the first thing that came to mind and then rambled on about it, which now sounded idiot but... But as always, her patched friend didn't mock her for it. Somehow, Berryfrost always failed to recall how sweet Snowybreeze was, and every time he did something to prove his caring nature, it made the speckled dame want to hug him all over again. Except, if she kept constantly doing that every time he said something nice, which was all the time, her friend was bound to notice something was off. Sheepishly lifted one of her own paws to draw it over a rounded ear, Berryfrost nodded. "Yeah, Warriorhood is probably what it is."

Head tipping back so mismatched hues can meet vivid blue ones, Berryfrost lets her undivided attention settle on Snowybreeze as he goes on to speak, eyes widening slightly after a few moments. A.. surprise? For her? She had.. a nest? In the warriors den? Golly, Berryfrost hadn't even thought to move her nest from the apprentice's den yet, but had her friend done that for her? Limbs feeling tingly, whether with exhaustion or excitement she did not know, the young she-cat offers her best friend a smile. "I'd like that." She whispers quietly, gaze shifting towards the warrior's den with slight anticipation. Oh no, she had to sleep in there now, with all those other warriors. Swallowing down her anxiousness, the young molly pushes herself to her paws, gingerly casting a look in the white warrior's direction. Pausing, Berryfrost shifts a bit to nudge Snowybreeze. "You can go first." She laughed softly, tone sheepish, ears flicking with uncertainty. Hopefully she wouldn't trip over someone in the dark and make a fool of herself.

[ @Alchemist Kitsune - Snowybreeze ]

[Alchemist Kitsune]

A beaming smile overtook Snowybreeze's features as soon as Berryfrost gave a positive response to his mention of a surprise. He had worked very hard on getting exactly the right trinkets, so he was certain she would like them! Well... he was mostly certain she would like it. About half positive she would appreciate the sentiment behind each one. Alright... he was hoping and praying to StarClan itself that she would like his gift at least a little bit. The last thing he wanted was to get her hopes up with a surprise and only leave her feeling disappointed with a less than impressive gift.

His smile turning a bit more nervous along with the slight twitch of one mismatched ear, the massive warrior waited for Berryfrost to make the first move, hesitation blooming in the pit of his stomach as his thoughts proceeded to wander about. Her small utterance, however, snapped him back into place, realizing that Berryfrost... probably wouldn't be able to guide them to the nest when she did not even know which nest it was in the first place. Whiskers twitching as a mix of both amusement at his blunder as well as another bout of embarrassment washed over him, the tom slid a massive paw behind his ear, as if attempting to wash away the impending bashfulness before it rendered him a stammering mess.

"R-right, right! So- Um... Yes. Right this way," Snowybreeze mewed, a sheepish smile making his whiskers twitch once more before he turned towards the warrior's den, poking his head through the entrance to ensure he wouldn't trip on anyone's head or tail on the way in.

Despite having been a warrior for quite a few moons now - having somehow gained his warrior name at a mere ten moons - the warrior's den was somewhat of a mystery to him. With the exceptions of that one time Berryfrost had helped him pick his new nest, his sneaking each new gift meant for Berryfrost's own warrior ceremony inside, and the singular night he actually used said nest, the storm outside too risky considering he had already been sneezing prior that day, he never really... entered the den. Much like the apprentice's den, it was a place that he knew he had access to thanks to his rank, but not a place he stayed at. He had considered, of course. Going back to the nests. The cold nights outside were... lonely at best. But then... he had nothing sentimentally attaching him to this den, either. No one to chatter to before going to sleep at night. No friendly faces to say goodnight to. Yes, he had friends within WindClan, but they were all apprentices he'd trained with, not warriors. If he were to be honest, he was afraid of it becoming too similar to his nights spent outside. Of the days spent in the nursery, back when he was young. Well... younger, he supposed. Back to that terrified feeling of being kicked out. Rejected. Being cast out.

Troubled blue eyes turned towards his friend's heterochromatic orbs and instantly the patched tom's worries faded away. It was amazing, really. How just one look from this incredible cat was able to ease all of his doubts away. He'd known for a while, but it never made the feeling any less warm or meaningless. How Berryfrost made WindClan go from just his clan to his home. Gaze gentle and full of affection, Snowybreeze dipped his head, nuzzling his friend's cheek with gratitude. She didn't know his thoughts, of course. He would not bore her with incessant rambling about just how spectacular she was. Not to mention that with how humble the peppered molly was, she would probably flail and sputter until she could find a way to turn his praise for her around towards him. A small purr escaping him at this thought, the young warrior flicked his feathery tail, pointing towards the den's entrance after his initial scouting.

"We should be alright. Just need to use our indoor voices," the tom whispered, his voice surprisingly lighter than his usual, already soft tone as he headed inside.

Eyes taking a moment to adjust, the large warrior raised himself taller if only to get a more proper look around, mindful of the den's ceiling as he did so. Ears perking up at the sight of the nest, Snowybreeze walked carefully towards Berryfrost's new sleeping quarters, keeping himself from skipping forward, his glee hard to contain. It was rare for him to be so happy whenever he was stuck inside like this, yet he refused to give this a moment's second thought. He was here with his friend. His trinket search would finally have a meaning now! Turning around to ensure the smaller framed feline was still behind him, Snowybreeze returned his attentions quickly to the small pocket he'd made in the moss, carefully extracting his gifts one by one, laying a jagged little stone, a pinecone, the smooth stone that so looked like a frozen berry, and the cardinal's bright red feather. Chest puffed out in a rather uncharacteristic surge of pride, he looked down at the collection, displaying them for Berryfrost to see. He was especially pleased with the odd stone from RiverClan's border. While he'd picked it for his own special name for her, it was clear even Twilightstar knew. She really was Berrycool.

"H-hare. I mean here! Oh StarClan, I meant here!" the tom began in hushed tones, feeling the same embarrassment flush over him once more over his misspoken word. Excellent time to display his clumsier nature. Why must this always happen whenever he was nervous? Surely the nerves alone were bad enough?

Taking a deep, calming breath, the tom refocused. This was not about his nerves. This was about Berryfrost. And the amazing cat that she was. He might not be good with words, he was fairly certain his blunder here made that perfectly clear, but... just once, he needed to get through without making a completely fool of himself. Not for himself, but for her. Because she was worth the perfect welcoming gift, the smallest token he could give in gratitude for Berryfrost just being... well... Berryfrost. He knew how lucky he was to have her in his life, and he wanted her to know in a way that hopefully she would accept.

"This is the jagged rock. The one we found. That day on our special trinket patrol," the tom purred, gently prodding it forwards with one massive paw, the motion much more delicate than its massive size would hint at being capable of. "Life as a warrior. It isn't perfect. There are ups. And downs. But every day is unique. And wonderful. Especially by your side." Affection clear on his eyes one more, the tom closed them after these words, a gentle, content smile gracing his face. He could feel the heat reaching his ear tips, but frankly he decided he did not care. Instead, he turned to the other gifts before him, placing a paw by the small, perfectly round pinecone. The one that had looked like a tiny wooden flower. Found at the place where he'd had his very first assignment as an apprentice of WindClan, and the first place where he had ever bonded with another cat, where his friendships with others had begun to take root and grow.

"A pinecone... from the Whispering Wetlands. It was were I started. My journey to being a warrior. And sitting here... with you. With this I hope. To pass my own fortunate beginnings. The ones that promised a certain future. Maybe small... but... in time, a mighty tree to weather any wind. Just like you have and will."

Shifting his focus on the precious, oddly perfectly round pebble he'd found by RiverClan's border, he placed his paw on the almost clear, see through berry. His frozen berry. The one he'd found and thought so perfect for his friend. For his Berrycool friend. Again a smile lighted his lips, amused and delighted at the wonderful coincidence that had been her given name. Once more, he gave the timeless, frozen berry of a pebble a gentle push forward, directing it towards his friend.

"I-I found this one. In Sedgewater Valley. It reminded me of you. Because you will forever be. My berry coolest of friends. Or... I guess... my frosted berry friend, now?" a purr escaped him once more, amused by his own little joke. "It's... it's meant to symbolize home. Because you are home. And with this little berry... I hope you remember. Whenever you see it. You are loved. By those who live here. Who's days become brighter. Just because you are near."

Turning his attention to the last gift, he pawed at it gently as well. Afraid to destroy the admittedly most delicate of the gifts, Snowybreeze gave up with his paws and instead dipped his head down to pick it up, the bright red cardinal feather contrasting heavily with his snow white fur. Carefully, the tom stretched forward, softly placing the most eye catching of his gifts in front of the molly before him before raising himself once more. The feather was certainly striking, eye catching against his friend's egg shell colored pelt, but not even with its bright colors and beauty could it compare to the molly he had just gifted it to.

Eyes widening slightly as this thought crossed his mind, the massive warrior raised a paw to his ear once more, attempting to wash away the bout of bashfulness that was threatening to take his determination away. No, not yet! He owed her the full gift. He could go hide in shame at his realization later. Hide at the fact that somewhere down their journey together his best friend had somehow turned into more than just a friend. Hide in shame that he had dared even fall in this way... when he was a barely adequate friend as it was. And hide at the fact that he had somehow been too dense to realize until now... Or at least too dense to admit to himself the feelings he'd had for some time now, he was certain. No matter... he would work on ridding himself of those later.

"Thi-thi-this I f-found on Thunderglade..." Snowybreeze mewed, nerves breaking him into a stammer at last, the sudden awareness as to why he felt butterflies in his stomach whenever she was around, or why his face seemed to flush at a simple greeting turning him into a bit of a wreck. Shaking himself slightly, the gentle giant took a deep breath, willing himself to calm down. He'd been doing so well! Or at least... so well for him! Surely he could hold on just a little bit? "To remind you... tha-that the horizon... is... is endless. You just... have to see. K-keep your eyes open. B-because the world gets... gets just a little bigger. Every day. With every... with every choice you make."

There. He'd done it! He'd given her his gift. And found out something dreadful about himself as well! That part he could have probably done without. Snowybreeze could only hope. Hope that his beloved friend would like the gift... although now that he thought on it... oh dear... he might as well have just shouted from the Breezerock, couldn't have he? How he'd begun to feel? Even before he'd accepted it... it was clear his heart already had. Perhaps she... she wouldn't take offense? Or if the stars were kind enough... maybe she wouldn't even notice? Take the gift as the friendly token he'd originally meant it to be? His paws shifting nervously, the maine coon mix turned his eyes towards them, suddenly afraid of hearing her response.

Fox-dung and mouse-bile... StarClan help me... I think I messed up.

-

@Rose - Berryfrost
| Full disclosure. This was not how I intended this post to go. It was meant to be one hundred percent platonic. But then the more he spoke the more I realized even he wasn't that dense. |

[Rose]

Berryfrost
She/Her

It was harrowing, even those few split seconds of worry, because maybe she'd overstepped by suggesting Snowybreeze go first. Maybe she'd said the wrong thing, though Snowybreeze was no doubt too kind to admit it, maybe Berryfrost had acted rudely with her best friend. But as always - really she should kick herself every time she misjudged Snowybreeze, which unfortunately happened a lot - the cinnamon patched warrior just stood and gestured them onward with a few simple words.

Exhaling with relief, and offering the tomcat a quiet, genteel smile, Berryfrost matched his pace as she followed him to the warrior's den, paying barely any heed to her tired body when it protested at the movements. This was Snowybreeze, and she would give all her time to this tom. Scarily enough, Berryfrost would give her life to this tom if the times called for it. Stepping forward as she reached the den to look into the warrior's den, the speckled molly had been letting her eyes adjust to the dark when.. when suddenly she felt Snowybreeze's cheek rubbing against her own, and an automatic was purr elicited from her. Returning the affectionate nuzzle, the smaller warrior gingerly stepped inside the dark space as her friend did. Indoor voices, okay. She could do that.

Gaze glued to the ground as Berryfrost carefully stepped over wayward paws and tails, the young damsel nearly bumped into her best friend, but stopped herself in the nick of time as he called out softly. Gaze darting upward with surprise - she had not realized she'd been so close - Berryfrost was efficiently distracted when Snowybreeze began drawing things.. out of the nest. And all at once, she knew what the gifts were. Or she could guess, and it made her want to melt with gratitude. How well Snowybreeze knew her, to know that the easiest way for her to grow accustomed to this new den was to similarize it to the other. Heart thrumming loudly in her chest, or was it in her ears?, for she could literally hear it pounding, at these lovely gestures, the young molly's gaze softened with every item Snowybreeze brought out.

That was not all. He'd put thought into the gifts, had put effort behind it all, giving her the nest she'd picked out for him and then bestowing these impossibly sweet words upon her. The words she wanted to repeat back to him. He deserved to hear them, after all, more than her.

He'd gotten her gifts, as a celebration.

And every time he showed her one of them, her heart melted more.

Every time she felt that impossible-to-ignore attraction form all over again.

First he brought out the rock, the one from the day they'd spent out in the territory after Snowybreeze had been given his name. Every day was unique. But if the stars would allow Berryfrost her way, she'd want to wake up with Snowybreeze a stagnant companion in her life. Gingerly picking up the jagged stone, Berryfrost lifted it up, pressing it against herself as the tom began explaining the next trinket.

A pinecone. She'd hadn't had one of those, or even thought of taking one for herself on the few times she'd been there. But now this pinecone held meaning, and anytime she went to Whispering Wetlands and saw one, it wouldn't be pinecones drawn to mind, it would be Snowybreeze.

And the next? A clear pebble. One that caused Berryfrost's eyes to widen with awe. It as something unlike all other she'd seen before, and the young lady lifted the item as well into her arms, delicately cradling the objects she'd been gifted. Oh, how she loved them! Aiming a shy smile at Snowybreeze and his wondrous words, Berryfrost whispered all that she was able to. "Frosted berry friend, now and always."

Almost at the point of cooing over her new trinkets, the slim, fluffy pale female only turned her attention back when her cinnamon patched friend leaned over to lay a feather at her paws. A scarlet red feather, a cardinal feather, that was so appealing to the eye and yet... All Berryfrost could see was the significance behind it. The love and care that had been put into these items. She didn't pick up the dazzling feather, no, in fear of damaging it on accident if it was put aside everything else, and instead lifted her eyes to Snowybreeze.

"You didn't need to get me any of these." She whispered softly when he was finished, gaze watering with emotion as Snowybreeze shifts his vision to the floor. He looked so nervous, so ready to think that Berryfrost wouldn't love all these trinkets he'd spent time looking on, when in reality she wanted to cradle them forever and never let go. But beyond that, beyond these sentimental gifts, Berryfrost knew that she'd trade all her belongings in a heartbeat if it meant seeing Snowybreeze happy. "Really, you're the best gift I've ever been given. A-and I-" the young molly pauses a moment, swallowing the stammer as her vision blurs for a moment with uncertainty. "I c- could never have asked for a better friend."

And then, everything just collapsed. The affection she felt for this patched warrior, both friendly and other. The weakness in her body, begging for rest after functioning so long. The throbbing sensation in her heart, both hurting with the fear of rejection and wanting to burst with happiness. The stress she'd felt the day before, that if she wasn't finished with her apprenticeship before turning thirteen moons, Peachfrost or Fallownose might feel disappointed. The scab on the underside of her forearm, that had started itching a while back like crazy, as if there were ants crawling all over it. It all piled onto her shoulders, until Berryfrost could do nothing but let out a quiet sob, drop the items she'd been holding, and then bury her face into two, upturned paws lifted off the ground. She only felt utter humiliated now, if anything, crying in front of the cat she so wanted to impress. "I'm s-s-sorry." She stammered after a moment, words blurring together as Berryfrost attempted to wipe away... whatever this was. Whether it be a meltdown, or a panic attack, or whatever someone wanted to describe it as. But for Berryfrost, it felt like neither. Even that single sob and those few tears had helped a.. a.. tightness that had been building in her chest for the past few moons. And letting it loose now, being able to do so in the midst of a very occupied warrior's den and still feel like it was only Snowybreeze that her world revolved around, that just punctuated how special he was to her. So whether Snowybreeze knew it or not, he'd been the cat to help her out of her shell since apprenticehood. But what good was anything if she kept all this to herself?

Breath shuddering with anxiousness a moment, Berryfrost squeezed her eyes shut. She had already broken berry law, and would probably do it again with her next few words. "I really really like you and I just hope... I hope those tears didn't insult you because I wasn't crying at the gift I- I just- Maybe I cry too much but sometimes I miss everyone. I miss my mothers, both Shiningmoon and Skyleaf. I miss Tawnypaw, I miss whoever my father was supposed to be. But when I miss all of that, all I have to do is find you and-" She paused, almost having added 'And nothing besides you exists anymore'. But the small sense of propriety and logic in her brain stopped her. It was no use bombarding her best friend with all her faults this dawn. He would probably just feel obligated to humor her if she told him about her feelings, which both was heartbreaking and made her want to somehow dare herself into saying it. Instead she continued with what she'd been saying before. "A-and. Snowybreeze, you've been the best friend I can ask for since that meeting where we were apprenticed. You're the reason I felt brave enough to find Peachfrost and ask her to give me my hunting lesson, and now I have a caring mother. You're the reason - because you didn't laugh at my trinket-collecting ways - I felt bold enough to speak to Fallownose when he caught me playing with a feather, and now I have a loving father."

Her words were jumbled, tumbling one after another in a hopeless mix of confusion and helplessness. What if she'd really really really upset Snowybreeze? Then Berryfrost would really panic. A breath, here, and then Berryfrost went on. Her voice had thankfully evened out by now, and so had her heart, thrumming at a calmed pace. "You're special to me too, I hope you know that. I care about you, about what you think, even on all the little trivial matters. I hope.. I hope you know that." Forcing herself to pry open an eye after a moment, the young she-cat gently swept up the gifts she'd been given, hugging the forevermore to be treasured items to her chest. And then, a meek whisper, this one tentative and hopeful. "I really really like the gifts, thank you." For even if she'd somehow managed to scar sweet Snowybreeze with her absolute idiocy, she'd no doubt care for him and cherish always. Shifting forward, Berryfrost began gently arranging the trinkets back into the nest, letting her paws do the work as she waited for a reply.

[ @Alchemist Kitsune - Snowybreeze ]

[Alchemist Kitsune]

Relief. Heartbreak. These were two honestly conflicting emotions going on within Snowybreeze right now. On one paw, hearing Berryfrost admit her love for the gifts, her feelings for him, how he was her best friend! He... he could ask for nothing more. Not that... not that he would ask. But if he had dared to, well... this was it. The perfect morning for Berryfrost's transitioning into the warrior's den. With him sneaking into the apprentice's den while she slept and bringing her left over trinkets that remained to her new home. On the other paw... he knew. He was her friend, her best friend, and nothing more. His feelings for her would not be returned, as well they shouldn't be. She had not asked for him to feel the way he felt, and he would not burden her with it.

Deciding to focus on the positive aspects of her response as opposed to the negative connotations for his own, evidently selfishly imposed feelings, the massive warrior turned his gaze upwards, attempting a small, shy smile. He had no intention of leaving Berryfrost on a whim simply because the peppered warrior did not return his feelings. He could never do that. He cared too much for her. And if friendship was what his beloved clanmate required of him, then friendship was what he would forever provide. Or at least... these had been the thoughts running through his head until he noticed something wrong. Something horrendously wrong. Oh StarClan... he really had messed up, hadn't he?! He had! For Berryfrost... his wonderful friend Berryfrost was crying! Sobbing! Had... had he hurt her feelings somehow?

Instantly his paws started flailing in the air, eager to wrap around her and comfort her. Tell her everything would be alright. That he would fix whatever he had done wrong! That he would get it right next time! But if he had been the reason she had started crying then... wouldn't that just make her more uncomfortable? Wouldn't that just add insult to injury? He couldn't be so overly familiar, even if it was Berryfrost! Not when there was every possibility he had done some horrendous offense and hurt her to the point of tears! But then how could he help her? What could he do in such a situation to make everything alright? And why was she apologizing?!

Wait... she was apologizing? Snowybreeze's incoherent flailing stopped, his paws frozen in midair as he stared at her with a bewildered expression. Obviously he had done something bad! Something dreadful. She should never apologize for his blunders! If she felt the need to do so, then he must be an even worse friend than he'd thought. Stars! He didn't even deserve the title of friend, let alone best friend!

Paws still frozen in midair, Snowybreeze blinked down at the petite molly as she began explaining, her first words causing the familiar fluster to warm up his face and the butterflies to flutter madly in his stomach. Remaining quiet as his friend continued to speak, the patched tom's eyes grew gentler in understanding. She... she felt overwhelmed. Because there were so many cats missing. So many cats she loved gone. He knew that feeling far too well. The eternal wondering if they would be proud if they could see him now. If they would still love him if they were around. And if they would... why had they left in the first place? It was a torment. And Snowybreeze had only had to experience it once! True, his parents were gone but... he'd never known them. It was hard to imagine being loved by someone you'd never seen. But those who remained burned forever in your memory? Those were an eternal plague, a strain, a stress as one could only hope the best for them while wondering if he would ever see them again, whether in this world or the next. And for Berryfrost? For Berryfrost that number was monumentous. Far higher than a cat her age should have ever lost. He'd meant it before. His words. She could weather any storm. Because she had already shown she'd always survive it. And she always will.

A genuine smile tugged at the tom's lips now, gentle and admittedly mildly amused. Because he'd been right. Here was Berryfrost, taking her day and somehow making it about him. But then... was he expecting anything else from this wonderful feline before him? No, of course not! She was... really too kind. Too sweet, and far too giving. Despite himself, the tom bent down and wrapped his previously frozen paws around his friend, a soft lick placed upon her head. He had no words to describe how wonderful she was. Well... no more left. He'd said his piece, after all. Hopefully because of this she would forgive his silence. Perhaps even understand the emotions, understanding, and awe he was trying to send over with this embrace he gave her now.

"You know..." he whispered, a small hint of mischief on his voice as he kept his paws wrapped around his friend. "Normally... there would be. Infractions placed. For breaking Berry Law. Especially on such. A special day." A purr escaped the tom as he nuzzled his friend's head before softening his grip, allowing her room to leave if she so pleased. "Gratefully. Today is. Berry Day. And the coolest berries. Get a free pass. And a much needed nap!"

Finally releasing his grip on the smaller framed feline, the massive warrior bent and patted at the nest. It was her nest now! He would make sure to go for her missing trinkets as soon as she fell asleep! Make for an even better surprise once she woke up in the warrior's den for the first time. True... the nest had been far too big even for him but... maybe it would just give her some space for her trinket collection. For when she found more memories to add.

-

@Rose - Berryfrost

[Rose]

Berryfrost
She/Her

She was a fool. Like always, a blind fool for not seeing it sooner. Every time she spoke to him, Berryfrost was aware of what a special cat Snowybreeze was. Of what a rare, caring soul she had found inside this gentle giant. But every time she overlooked him, refused to share her feelings, both happy and sad, with him in case they would come across as overbearing. In case that all she would succeed in doing is scaring him away. But Snowybreeze had shown her time and time again that he was everything and more than she'd ever asked for in a friend.

Lifting a slender paw to wipe away the rogue tears the lingered on her cheeks, the speckled molly gladly buried herself into her best friend's embrace. She loved him, painfully, embarrassingly so, and yet again Berryfrost could only bite her tongue and say nothing. She was a coward. A coward who was too terrified of her own feelings.

Clinging to the cinnamon patched warrior as he delivered a comforting lick to the top of her head, Berryfrost let her tense limbs relax. Maybe she should forget about it all. Should cast away her worries and doubts and anxiety for these few moments. Tilting her head back to look at the tom as he began speaking, Berryfrost felt a humiliated heat streak across her face, because oh no; for one thing she had broken Berry Law, and for another, all these cuddles were melting her heart and spoiling her to bits.

"Nap." She repeated softly, exhausted brain nagging at her and repeatedly repeating the word. Nap. Oh yes, she needed to sleep. Maybe all of this had been a fever dream. Or maybe she'd had this crazy outburst due to not sleeping. Whatever the case was, Berryfrost's mind and body begged her to go pull out of Snowybreeze's welcoming limbs and lay down in her nest, but her heart wouldn't let go. So she remained, sitting quietly in place until her friend had finished speaking.

When at last - though it felt too soon - Snowybreeze drew back, Berryfrost shifted over to the large nest and (oh. she hadn't noticed quite how big the nest was) slumped on the ground, head resting on her outstretched paws. Oh, she really was sleepy, but she shouldn't fall asleep in Snowybreeze's presence! How rude that would be of her! Fixing heterochromatic eyes on the warrior before her, Berryfrost stared blankly a few moments before her brow wrinkled with concern as she recalled something. "You sleep outside, alone?"

[ @Alchemist Kitsune - Snowybreeze | This is so not late ]

[Alchemist Kitsune]

Snowybreeze's whiskers twitched as he felt his heart skip a beat at Berryfrost's singular word responding to his offer. His dear friend looked... exhausted. Between the feelings she had no doubt bubbling up, the insecurities due to those she'd lost, and the vigil from the night before, he was quite frankly impressed the speckled molly was still standing. He still remembered the days after Deadmoon had disappeared. The mess he'd been. How he'd begun to close himself off from his clanmates, seeing little to no more point in getting close to anyone ever again. The pain of heartache was simply not worth it. If it had not been for the small molly, he would have never crossed that hurdle, never gotten over his fear of letting himself care. Had she suffered the same doubts and misery for each cat gone? He certainly hoped not, he could barely bear the thought of his friend going through such pains.

A small purr escaping him as the eggshell colored warrior curled up in her new nest, the tom took to pawing around at the admittedly dried out moss and feathers he'd used to fluff out the sleeping area, hoping it had remained comfortable enough since the last time he'd been here. Once newleaf was upon them and new moss began to grow, he'd surprise her by clearing up her nest and adding all new moss. That should make it much better... although, judging by how quickly she'd slumped down on the nest and placed her head on her paws, Snowybreeze could only hope that it was still an acceptably comfortable nest. Sensing her gaze upon him, however, the patched tom quickly lifted his gaze, a curious look upon his face. There was concern etched on her brow, making the massive tom uneasy. Had... had he done something wrong again? Gratefully, there was no time to fall down his usual rabbit holes of thoughts, her question being quick this time.

You sleep outside, alone?

This question having caught the white furred tom by surprise, he found himself blinking silently for a second, uncertain what had prompted Berryfrost to ask. No doubt her exhaustion had her thinking about nests! Tilting his head curiously, Snowybreeze knew what his answer was, but for the first time he wondered if there was something strange about his sleeping choice. True, it had been a matter of necessity at first, the need to wait for Deadmoon a much higher driving force than the need for a good night's sleep. Then it had simply remained as such... his vigil never ending. There was of course also the fact that he... didn't really have any warrior friends prior to Berryfrost being named, making the idea of going back into a den to sleep feel like even more of a betrayal to his former mentor. Here he would be, choosing to sleep among others he barely knew - true, clanmates he cared for, but did not truly know - while she was no doubt striving to get back to them.

He had also never truly considered it too much different to when he'd slept in the nursery. He'd been alone then, as well. The stone he'd used to lay on was really far more uncomfortable than the compacted ground of the camp, even if it did snow. Realizing he'd simply been staring instead of responding - eep - the maine coon mix provided a small, gentle smile, making sure that his friend would not think him mad for her question before providing a simple nod. There was a curiosity still lingering at the back of his mind, wondering what had prompted her, but with the exhausted look in her eyes he figured it might be best to let her sleep for now. He could always ask if the subject came up again in the morrow.

-

@Rose - Berryfrost
| |

[Rose]

Berryfrost
She/Her

Her question is met with no opposition. In fact, Snowybreeze gives her the answer willingly. Weary, mismatched gaze resting on the tall tom-cat's face, Berryfrost only offers a slow blink in return as he nods. It took her a moment to break out of that silent reverie. She was staring, though it could be excused for exhaustion. Oh, why had she asked the question in the first place? Right. Gaze traveling back to the nest underfoot, Berryfrost began speaking, voice hesitant. "I could always drag this nest outside." She murmured, paw shifting over the woven moss with care, as if it were the most fragile object in the world. "It's so cold out there, and this nest is so big I'm pretty sure if we split it into two parts it'd be big enough to make two separate nests..?" Despite her earlier confidence in the words and behind the thought, now the speckled molly merely ends up doubting herself. There were so many reasons Snowybreeze could deny her suggestion, the scariest being that he didn't want her company, or that she was unintentionally being overbearing. Seven skies, what if she was being presumptuous? Turning expectant heterochromatic eyes back to her Clanmate, the smaller feline anxiously awaited an answer. She genuinely wanted to help, not to ward him away from waiting for his mentor, but to offer him some sort of support or comfort. Snowybreeze deserved better than to sleep on the hard, unforgiving ground.

[ @Alchemist Kitsune - Snowybreeze ]