Posts by FLAXENSUN

—— FLAXENSUN ——

Soon to be King

Flaxen's intentions hadn't been to drive the tom off, simply to make it clear that Flaxenglare wasn't sharing ALL paternal rights. He couldn't help but sneer as Valerianfire threw a fit about it, renouncing his kits without hesitation - wow, what a dad! He opened his mouth to scoff, when Firedawn suddenly got up.

He watched her ears droop, her eyes grow so awfully dark. Suddenly, his reason for being upset shifted.

Suddenly, Flaxenglare had a reason to be angry.

Maybe it might've been a noble reason, but the quickness Flax jumped to satisfy this anger was anything but. "Firedawn-" he begins, but then shifts his gaze on the retreating Valerianfire.

Gritting his teeth, the dark tabby runs forward, running to block Val's path before he can escape. "What is your problem?" he spits furiously, tail lashing, "You wanted to be part of these kit's lives, no part of that said anything about names. Now you don't get one little thing and suddenly you want to abandon Firedawn?" he bares his teeth, "don't be a coward. You wanted respect and I gave it to you, but respect is a two way street. " He kept his voice low, as calm as one could be when Val had made firedawn cry, "The kits won't even know who gave them their names, so what's the big deal? How will not naming them change anything about your relationship?" he wants to throw insults, instigate a fight, but it's here Flaxen remembers this isn't entirely about him. His eyes fall to Firedawn, then he refocuses on Valerianfire.

"Firedawn needs -" he swallows thickly, so badly does he want to go back on just being mad, drive Valerian far, far away and figure this mess out between just him and Firedawn, but he knows if he does that it'll hurt his mate beyond anything. "She needs you in this."

"Speech"

—— FLAXENSUN ——

Soon to be King

Flaxenglare's fur bristled more and more as Valerianfire spoke. Flaxensun had stolen HIS happiness? He never had a right to that joy in the first place! If anything, Valerianfire was stealing Flaxen's! Flaxenglare had worked moons on his relationship with Firedawn, on open communication and love - all Valerian did was give her a shoulder to cry on! "When have I threatened you!?" Flaxenglare splutters, incredulous.

Then he goes on to explain his wants, and it makes Flaxenglare laugh, "That's what everyone wants - and you are the one messing that up" He stares at Valerianfire in complete confusion. Was...was he deaf? "Valerianfire, the whole point of this meeting was to get ourselves situated as co-parents. These kits need you in their lives - and you owe it to them and Firedawn to stay" he can't believe this - this awful situation he's in. It's one thing to be forced to co-parent, and it's an entire other to be the one to argue for his competition to stay a part of it. He feels like he's losing his mind!

Mind and heart battle one another as he barrs Valerian's path again. "You wanna play the pity party game? Fine, lets play the game. She's MY MATE you insensitive jerk! the love of my love wrote me off as dead and moons of working on our relationship boiled down to her tripping on your paws and bearing you a damned litter! I'm so sorry I didn't die, that I took what was supposed to be mine and mine alone" baring his teeth, he shoves his face into Valerianfire's, "But unlike you, I'm not allowed to be sad or angry about this mess because I know whatever pain I'm feeling - whatever dung you're going though - Firedawn is going through it and triple. So man up Valerianfire because the only thing that makes you a bad guy in this situation is if you abandon a family you created " He glares at the tom, "all I ask for in this mess is one thing - rights to naming a litter that should've been mine in the first place. After that, you have plenty of free reign in whatever happens with these kits - hell, suggest their warrior names to the leader if you want, I don't care"

He leans in close, making sure Val can meet his amber eyes glare, "You took away my happiness too, Valerianfire. You're taking it right now, in fact. The least you can do is let me have this one thing. The least you can do for Firedawn is to put aside your angst and be the father she's allowing you to be. So be there for her"

"Speech"

—— FLAXENSUN ——

Soon to be King

He watches the tom go, burning with irritation. He doesn’t get one little thing and suddenly it’s the end of the world- Flaxenglare doesn’t understand what Firedawn saw in that ungrateful man. None of this had to escalate had Valerianfire understood he wasn’t the only one hurting here. He spits on the ground, unresolved anger poisoning him from the inside out. But he can’t run off or mope like the others- Firedawn is hurting and he needs to help her. Smoothing down his bristled hairs, the man takes a breath and makes his way after his mate. He doesn’t really care if Valerian ever speaks to him again- maybe someday in the future they could be mature and talk it out- but as long as Val does what he can for Fire’s sake then that’s all Flax needs.

//end ? ;w;

"Speech"

—— FLAXENSUN ——

Soon to be King

Ready to explode indeed. The darkly clad warrior would stand as relaxed as he could, knowing every strand of tension in his being would add another weight to her shoulders.

But he was angry. He was so unbelievably angry. It was a constant war separating himself from that dark mass of selfishness that begged to call this off.. Announce that Valerianfire was nothing to this family, that these kits were HIS no matter their pelt color. Firedawn was his. She'd always been his. Valerianfire could go trip in a hole for all he cared!

But he couldn't. He couldn't do that because Firedawn needed the support. She needed people who loved her and would support her - even though Valerianfire had said himself he didn't want to do that at one point but sure whatever Flaxenglare would still invite him to the family with open arms.

Angry and overwhelmed. So much of his pride trampled beneath the cruel paws of time. As a narcissist it was a wholly new experience seeing how easily the world had turned in your absence. How quickly cats could move on from you given enough of a replacement. He was less than nothing, though...he was fast becoming a burden.

He'd never felt that before. Never thought he was capable of that feeling.

It sucked.

But while he kept silent through the first part of this meeting, concentrating solely on keeping his tail still and his expression neutral, he knew he couldn't just sink into the shadows. Support her. Support her!

So, rolling his shoulders, Flaxenglare would say, "Thank you everyone, we appreciate it" he twines his tail around Firedawn's, making sure she knows she's anchored. As Wolfpaw and Bramblelight move to comfort his mate, Flaxenglare decides it's his time to speak, "If you have any questions" he can't help but look pointedly at Tansyface, "I'd prefer you ask me now rather than spread any rumors. But to put a few to rest- Valerianfire is just as much a father as I am" the words leave his mouth tasting of bile, "and nothing will be kept hidden from the kits" He wants to mention that his relationship with Firedawn is and will remain monogamous, but he doesn't know how to make it sound like anything besides a insecure boast, she he doesn't say anything at all. Right now it's about the kits and Firedawn.

Nothing else.

"Speech"

—— FLAXENSUN ——

Soon to be King

With everything going on in Flaxensun's volatile life, he'd hadn't had the time to really notice the fact that Tigersparks was now a part of Shadowclan. The man who'd caused the death of one of his mothers and others in his clan. It seems karma had caught up to the hulking beast. He felt no pity for the man, but he also didn't quite find himself relishing in his demise either. He'd seen the way the geezer treated his wife, and while he couldn't get himself to forget the 'mom killer' now branded forever in Bramblelight's name, he could appreciate the changes he was making. There's a lot to be said about how a man acts when it's his time, and Bramblelight - who has nothing left to lose - has shown some surprising colors in his time of illness.

Of course, Flax doesn't actually know it's this man's time - he's no medicine cat, after all. But big cats like him don't always have the perfect health, and typically coughing up blood isn't a very good sign.

The scent of sickness is what drew Flaxensun over to the monster in the shadows. A few moments later, he left and returned with a ball of soaked moss. Laying it down beside the seemingly asleep tom, Flaxensun wonders if his sickness is contagious. If so, should he wake him up and tell him not to spend anymore time with Firedawn? The blood is certainly worrying...But after a moment he decides not to. After all, the man didn't look like he was trying to spread anything - hiding himself up in solitary darkness.

There's not much else Flaxenglare could do besides just giving him water and leaving him to his sleep, so that's what he does. He turns to leave, making a plan to visit Olivenose to come later and check up on the old veteran.

"Speech"

—— FLAXENSUN ——

Soon to be King

The sharp, freezing breeze and tormenting thoughts did nothing to ease the irritation swarming over him like ants under his skin. His bad mood would only grow worse when a kitten suddenly screamed into the calm morning air, making a mockery of those freezing to death in this awful weather.

Damn, he's in an awful mood.

Rubbing away his dramatic mindset, the man would squint as he watches Canarysong speak with the girl. They should switch names. 'Canarypaw' fits the raucously chirping girl far better. Turning his focus onto the prey pile, he picks up a frog to bring to his mate. As he passes the two females, he says helpfully, "Not even close," he huffs, but doesn't further elaborate so Canarysong has enough room to introduce herself and her ill fitting name - appearance wise, anyway. "What's gotten you so energetic anyway?" he couldn't tell if he envied it or was just impressed. His yellow eyes betrayed nothing but amber glass.

"Speech"

—— FLAXENSUN ——

Soon to be King

Right behind Firedawn barrels Flaxensun, his usually narrowed steely gaze blown wide with visible concern. Hornetsting, even while Flax was blinded by childish fury, had always been a strong figure in his world. Someone who could rise above the darkness of Bloodclan's unlawful existance and shine brighter than his past. To think this mountain of a figure could be taken, let alone broken, made Flaxen's heart ache. He stands behind Firedawn, letting her creep closer and touch noses while he hung back, drinking in the sight of his kit's grandfather bleeding on the grass. The shock lasts only a moment, and then he's barking orders to a nearby NPC, "Don't just stand there! Go get Oliveslip!" before he turns to those around, "Give him space everyone, he's just come back from..." hell, it would seem, "give him some room to breath, greet him one at a time" It didn't take someone who'd seen Hornet's interaction with the first NPC to know the man would be high on adrenaline. He looked so beaten, he'd have to be dead already to not try to defend himself, even from clan mates. the line between friend and foe was blurry when even a hug could break you apart.

Flaxenglare doesn't come closer, waiting his turn for after everyone follow's flaxen's advice and gives him some space. Though Flaxensun aches to wrap the man in a hug, slap him silly for going missing, it's the last thing on his mind. "Does anyone here know basic first aid?" he asks, eyeing Rainface and the sickly Bramblelight. He especially hopes Bramble gets the message and backs off a bit - even if his sickness isn't contagious, Hornetsting's body is surely too weak to handle even a cough in his direction.

Still, he's not about to drag these cats away from their beloved friend. He just hopes they get the message behind his advice and distractions.

"Speech"

OLIVESLIP

—— FLAXENSUN ——

Soon to be King

In an instant, Flaxensun lunges forward, grabbing hold of Firedawn's scruff and yanking his mate away. He wished he could say he never doubted Hornetsting for a second, but he did - that look in the old man's eye...No, that look wasn't allowed anywhere near his pregnant wife. "You heard him, everyone give him space!" Flaxenglare snaps, glaring at anyone that still lingers in Hornetsting's personal space. Turning his attention to the ivory tom, Flaxen's amber hues flash with concern and sympathy, "You're okay hornetsting, concentrate on breathing" He wishes he could do more to comfort the man, but right now what he needs most is some breathing room. Damn - but how's Oliveslip going to get close? No time to worry about that.

"Canarysong, Stagheart and Blueface, maybe go try and hunt something for him?" he knew, what with not being the most popular in the clan, they wouldn't appreciate him giving orders so he tried to phrase it as politely as possible. Turning to Firedawn he says, "you and I should get him some moss and water, Bramblelight can stay here and keep an eye on him, talk him down" while he doesn't enjoy leaving a sickly cat near hornetsting, out of all of them Bramble looks much less like a threat. He would've left Firedawn, but she's too emotional in this moment and Flaxenglare, for obvious reasons, doesn't want her to be here if Hornetsting should snap.

That thought shakes him.

He stares in concern at the man, then looks to everyone around, "Everyone got that?" he says, hoping each one got the message. As much as they all wanted to be the one to comfort Hornetsting, that was the absolute last thing he needed right now.

"Speech"

—— FLAXENSUN ——

Soon to be King

The second he was called upon Flaxensun would be there. The young man barrels into camp, dizzy with concern and excitement. His thoughts flash treacherous to their first pregnancy - so many tiny kittens refusing to take their first little breaths...But just as quickly as the despair set in, a swell of emotion overtook him as he recalled the miracle that was little Morningkit. This litter, no matter how frought with stress and hardship, would bring to the world many little bundles of hope. No matter what tensions resided between him and Valerianfire, he hoped the man would make his appearance soon, too.

"Firedawn" breathes her darkly clad knight, pushing his way into the nursery. He's glad he's the first to arrive, because the little squeal of joy that escapes him at the sight of their first born was rather embarrassing...then again, who gives a rat's tail? It's his kitten! He wonders what personality this one will have, if they'll get along with Morningpaw and Wolfshine. Grinning from ear to ear, he curls up around his mate, smothering her tired face with kisses, "You got this," he hisses encouragingly into her ear before grabbing the kitten and clearing it off as quickly as he could.

It's here that he's shaken by the memory of his breathless little ones, and the panic that suddenly rises from his chest makes his own breathing suddenly labored. He grooms the kitten's mouth, making sure it's airways are clear - c'mon little one, please breathe, please!

"Speech"

—— FLAXENSUN ——

Soon to be King

Flaxenglare was never one to keep secrets from his kits - he believed doing so would only cause them problems. After all, his moms had been honest with him about his surrogate dad, and both of them had loved him enough to never really care that the man who helped birth him wasn't in his life. The same respect would be given to Bunnykit - if she ever asked him, even now while she was still innocent and naive, he'd be honest with her: you're adopted. But just as quickly would he follow that painful truth with: that doesn't change the fact that we love you, and we're so happy to have you in our lives.

Adoption was a weird thing to Flaxensun, though. Honestly, he didn't really like kits. Sure they were cute but they were irritating at the best of times, and at worst they were petulant brats who deserved a good cuffing but, of course, that wasn't ever his place to do. Having a wife like Firedawn, so quick to attach herself to anyone that even remotely seemed in need of a mom, meant that he was destined to be an adoptive father. For the most part he expressed annoyance with that idea, but the second he came into the den to find little Bunnykit snuggling into the wall of ginger, brown and cream fluff - well, Flaxensun was absolutely hooked.

And like any other dad wrapped around the little finger of his daughter, the second he saw his little one squeak in protest at a stolen pine needed - he knew he couldn't let it slide. In an instant, the man says he'll catch up later with the cats he'd been conversing with and not-so-casually rushing out of camp. No one was going to ruin his children's fun, mother nature or not!

The man searched around the forest ground outside, gathering a mouthful of needles, a couple of pine cones and plenty of moss that he was certain any little girl would love - plenty even for the rest of the litter to enjoy. Half-way through his scavenger hunt, though, Flaxensun reflected on this rather excessive attempts to appease his kits. Sure it was endearing for any dad to do these sorts of things, but the level of which he went about it felt odd to him.

In reality, it was almost borderline obsessive. Multiple factors played into this little shift in Flaxensun's parenting attempts. Some reasons born from nightmares of his time...away from the clan. Others were simply because...he didn't really have anything else to do anymore. It would seem his time away had cost him dearly when it came to clan connections. He'd spend all his time with Wolfshine and Morningpaw if he could, but both were too young to be caught dead constantly fraternizing with their lonesome old man. Firedawn, too, while always attentive to his needs was a sociable butterfly and the inside jokes she shared with others made him fade into the background of any conversation he was in.

Time would surely heal this confounding awkwardness he now had around his fellow Shadowclanners, but in the meantime...

"It's against the code to play with food, Bunnykit" the well known hard ass states as he looms over his little one. An impressive feat, being able to say a whole sentence with a mouthful of various knick knacks. He drops the pine needles, cones, moss leaves and twigs before his fluffy kitten and smiles warmly, "How about you pick one of these instead?"

His tail waves back and forth, hoping the newest addition to his family likes the gifts - even if it's just one.

"Speech"

—— FLAXENSUN ——

Soon to be King

"Ill lead a patrol to Bloodclan and thunderclan" Flaxensun says, coming over with interest. Of course he'll take the more dangerous clan to patrol - knowing his wife he needs to be there when she inevitably tries to take the more difficult areas. Damn he loves that selfless girl. As he says it though, he suddenly wonders if his part in leading the patrol might be what actually brings Firedawn into it...w-wait - did he just play himself?

Trying hard not to stress out in front of his leader, Flaxensun sits down before her, bowing his head politely. Briefly, he wonders if any patrols had been sent out for him when he'd gone missing. The thought is one laced with dread, especially considering his fading presence in Shadowclan. To learn that no one besides his family even attempted...well, it would explain some things, he supposed. Shaking such childish thoughts away, Flaxensun adds, "and ill join any patrols that need members"

"Speech"

—— FLAXENSUN ——

Soon to be King

People pissed him off.

Flaxensun flashed back to the time when he was a 'paw, looking up at warriors who deemed him and his opinions irrelevant simply because of diffrent ranks. While most of his opinions were rather unfounded thanks to a blinding arrogance, he'd matured enough to make some arguably proper decisions. When facing a cat clearly having a panic attack with everyone so focused on their own needs to hug and cradle the man, CLEARLY someone needed to step up and order for some room until a professional was on the scene.

Flax would've been more than happy to join everyone in crowding around Hornet and cooing his own concerns and loving "I miss yous" but unlike those around him he knew what certain stress did to cats. How it made reason and logic fly out the window as you were convinced enemies lurked behind even the most familiar of faces.

He could understand Rainface's (whom he had accidentally mispronounced the name of thanks to not being very familiar with her yet) irritation with him taking charge, but Tansyface's attitude just pissed him off. With Briarstar also neglecting Hornetsting's very obvious agitation, Flaxen's faith in his high positions was growing more and more shaky.

In a fit of frustration, Flaxensun snaps back, "Got a better idea on how to make everyone back off and still feel useful!?" he spits back. Sure three cats on a patrol was in fact excessive, but at least he was giving them some idea of what to do rather than just return to camp, sick with worry. If Tansyface had been here faster, maybe Flaxensun wouldn't HAVE to give orders!

Her sarcasm pushes him over the edge. "Eat a tick Tansyface" Flaxenglare hisses, his concern over the tense situation quick to shift into rage. Did no one get he'd just been trying to help? No, of course not, because the higherarchy and feelings mattered so much more than logic with these people. Fine, wasn't like he was vying for a spot in the lime light - if they thought they could do a far better job then let them...as long as Hornetsting was okay it really didn't matter to Flaxen who was giving the orders.

Understanding his presence here was clearly unwanted, Flaxensun follows his own advice to gather some moss. He shoots Hornetsting and Briarstar a final concerned look, praying to starclan no one does anything stupid, before he runs off to get some water for the ivory tom.

"Speech"

—— FLAXENSUN ——

Soon to be King

Flaxensun would look up, beaming when he saw his daughter. He knew his first born must be nervous of being replaced- even if it wasn't a commonsense thing between litters, the look on her face spoke volumes. But he wasn't too worried - nothing would or could replace the miracle that was his first born. But the panic in his chest only increases as Firedawn looks up at him, breathing out in exhaustion, "Just a little longer, just a little longer" he coos, wishing desperately he could take this pain away from her. He switches between grooming the kit and grooming his mate's ears, wishing to starclan Oliveslip would hurry up.

When Antpelt pushes her way into the den, Flaxensun very nearly bites her head off. He's about to roar at her to get out needy kit or not, but Firedawn welcomes the child anyway. Flaxensun tries to still his pounding hard, to push aside the mental whimpers of -is there enough milk? Will olive put enough attention to our other kits? - and focus on his wife's logical decision. He still gives a deadly glare to Antpelt as she leaves, before focusing back on the kits. As quick as it all started it's over, and Flaxensun is practically in tears. "Look at that! A whole litter of kittens - you did it Firedawn, you did an amazing job" rubbing his head against his mate's, he covers her in kisses before focusing back on the kits. All squirming and mewling and breathing. They're okay! His wife is okay!

Everything will be okay.

He helps clean them off and open their air ways before nudging them into the crook of their mom's belly. His only boy howling his life much to the joy of his father.

Or...one of his father's.

The little boy with his creamy tawny fur is what shakes Flaxen back into reality. Brown and red don't mix to provide that dilute color...the only way he could get that color would be if...

He looks over towards Valerianfire, his heart squeezing. He wished things could be different, that he could be as selfless as Sorrelstar and be open to other types of love even if that means more partners.

But he just...he couldn't. Was it so wrong of him to just was a monogamous fairy tale with only Firedawn? Was he truly so selfish? The man looks down at his first tom kit and wonders if this really is his first or just another dream Valerianfire had taken from him. His perfect family...

Flaxensun closes his eyes, gritting back a wave of misery.

"We should name them" he whispers softly. Closing his eyes, he opens them to look over at .valerianfire. , "Help us" As much as he loathes sharing his family, what's done is done. As much as he's drowning in his lack of control over this situation, Valerianfire is still a dad here. Flaxen was...wrong for telling Val to stay out of naming the kits. He should help.

"Speech"

—— FLAXENSUN ——

Soon to be King

Once upon a time Flaxensun had wanted to be leader. Where that ambition went, he wasn't certain, but he honestly didn't mind. Instead of being competitive with his fellow clanner, he had plenty of time now to spend with his mate and kits. More than ever, in fact, he would pick time with his family over earning brownie points by taking extra patrols and what not. Today would exemplify that fact as the young father returned from a hunting patrol to quickly drop all his wares and make his way to his daughter, her snow why pelt an instant eye catcher. He'd quicken his pase when he saw his girl fall from the rock. But by the time he'd arrived Bunnykit-or, rather, Bunnystar was sitting up, completely fine, and making demands of her clan. Flaxensun slowed his pace, letting the panic seep from his wary paws and fall behind each step.

She was...she was so adorable.

He would nod along as she made her announcements and formed her new traditions, trying as hard as he could not to let the smile on his face reach critical cheek-strain. "We do have an ant infestation, surely the great Bunnystar will help her clan get rid of the swarm?" Flaxen says, glad Larkpaw swayed any plans of leaving camp. "Maybe gather up a patrol of your siblings? I'm sure they'd love to support you" he adds with a purr, looking over his shoulder towards the nursery. He pictures his little ones scampering after each other, chasing ants and having a hoot.

He always cries at the thought.

"Speech"

—— FLAXENSUN ——

Soon to be King

"Ill tell you about the code later" he tells his little one, knowing that talk would take more than a few minutes and, seeing all the cats approaching, he doesn't want to prevent his girl from getting to know those around. He watches as she talks first to Larkpaw, sensing the girl's sadness and trying her best to comfort her. It would've put a smile to Flax's face if he hadn't already been grinning.

His attention, though, would briefly fall on Larkpaw. He didn't know the girl very well, so any comfort he might offer wouldn't really mean anything to her. Still, it bothered him how badly she was taking her father's death. It was like all the life had been drained from her...But this wasn't an ailment that could be healed with some leaves and a few words. He wondered if the apprentice had any other friends, close friends, that could help cheer her up - or at least be there for her in such a strenuous time.

He was about to offer something - anything - to the orphan when his own little one suddenly hid under his legs. Concern and protectiveness immediately flared up within the man, and the grin on his face was switched to a frown. Amber eyes flashing, he'd look up at the cats approaching. Here was a parent's biggest dilemma - should he follow his protective instincts and tell everyone to give his kit some space? Or should he give her some tough love and force her out of her comfort zone before she becomes too dependent on him?

Thankfully, his girl is far braver than she first seems and she ventures out without the need to push. He watches her peek out of her shell, feeling a swell of pride as she overcomes her anxiety. "Dont worry snowflake, once you get to know everyone it won't feel so big" he tells her, before swiping her ear affectionately with a lick.

"Need me to play at your side kiddo or do you want to go off with them?" he asks, curious to hear what her decision might be.

"Speech"