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“This is thyme and this is marigold.”
Sebastian pulls the herbs out of the cleft in the rock and shows them to Kimi, the WindClan Warrior looking at them in interest.
“And what are they used for?” Kimi asks, lazing in a patch of sunlight outside the Medicine cat den, his dark grey fur being warmed by the sun. Sebastian has a moment of staring at him before he clears his throat to explain.
“Thyme is to treat headaches or toothaches, Marigold is used on battle wounds to prevent infection.”
Kimi gives a small hum, his tail swishing back and forth. “You’re very knowledgeable.”
Sebastian gives a pleased flick of his tail. “Thank you. Christian is a great teacher.”
Upon mention of his name, Christian turns to look at Sebastian, his eyes narrowing slightly which Sebastian pretends to ignore. Christian hasn’t liked having Kimi in the camp ever since the fire that had torn through WindClan had meant the WindClan cats having to stay in ThunderClan until it was safe to go home.
It had meant that Kimi was now in the same camp as Sebastian and the older Tom had decided he would help Sebastian with his duties, a ready excuse to hang around together.
Sebastian knew why Christian was worried, but he felt it was better to ignore his mentor. What he couldn’t see wouldn’t hurt him.
Kimi sits up and gives a stretch. “I’m going hunting. Would you like to come with me, Seb?”
Sebastian looks back at Christian and the older Medicine cat shakes his head.
“I think Sebastian needs to stay with me. There are some cats still in need of treatment after the fire.” Christian’s voice brokers no argument.
Sebastian lashes his tail only once, but says nothing to his mentor’s face. Instead, he turns to Kimi and dips his head politely. “I’ll have to decline, but thank you for the offer.”
Kimi nods and rises to his paws, moving past Sebastian so close that their pelts almost touch. The older Tom leans up to whisper in his ear, “meet me after moonhigh, then we will be free of the old idiot.”
Sebastian suppresses a laugh at Kimi’s words and nods, feeling excitement flare through him as Kimi leaves the den.
Christian moves over to Sebastian, disapproval in his gaze. “I hope you’re not developing any feelings for him.”
“Kimi? Of course not.” Sebastian replies, keeping a neutral look on his face. “We’re just friends. That’s allowed.”
“Hmmm having friends from other clans is still frowned upon even for Medicine cats. But I’m watching you, Seb. You know as well as I do that Medicine cats can’t take mates, there are no exceptions to this rule.” Christian flicks Sebastian’s flank with his tail.
Sebastian flattens his ears, glaring at his mentor. “With respect, I’m not a kit anymore. I know the rules.”
“Something tells me you know the rules, but only seem to follow them when they’re convenient for you.” Christian replies, gazing at Sebastian solemnly. “Consider this your warning from me. I hope StarClan can guide you wisely in your next steps.”
Sebastian dips his head to his mentor, but inside his anger is building. What did Christian or StarClan know of his next steps?
“I wish you’d come with me.” Kimi says quietly that night, the two of them staring up at the stars visible in the sky through the trees.
“My home is here.” Sebastian answers, leaning his shoulder against Kimi’s gently. “My duties are to my Clan.”
Kimi gives a sigh and looks at him. “But is your heart with ThunderClan or with me?”
That was the question. It was one Sebastian wasn’t ready to answer. Instead, he licks gently over Kimi’s ears and headbutts his shoulder.
“I love you. But that answer is complicated.” He decides on saying, gazing at Kimi lovingly.
Kimi just gives a huff and looks up at the sky. “If StarClan doesn’t want us together clouds should cover the stars. That should be your sign.”
Sebastian looks up at the stars, willing his Warrior ancestors to give them a sign.
The sky remains clear.
“It’s getting late.” Kimi says gently. “Let’s get some sleep.”
Sebastian nods reluctantly and gets up, walking back to camp with Kimi.
Above them, unnoticed, clouds cover the moon and stars.