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Windclaw stirred awake, blinking his eyes open- just in time to see AdderEyes pacing in front of the warrior’s den.
What’re they doing up so late? He wonders, slowly raising from his nest and stepping over his clanmates. His eyes linger on BlossomHeart, who slept comfortably in her own nest.
He considered waking her, but she’s been staying up late to stay with Adder, she deserves to rest.
He pads out of the den and falls in behind AdderEyes, who continued to pace around the camp, pawsteps rather heavy- audible, due to the extra weight they carried.
It seemed they hadn’t noticed Windclaw yet, simply trotting in wide circled around the wet rock, eyes darting around the camp, Whitescale looked like he really wanted to go back to sleep.
WindClaw followed Adder for a while, padding silently behind the queen while it tracked around in the damp sandy soil. He ended up following them for three whole circles.
What’s this all about? Are they looking for something? Probably not, it’s not looking very well if they are. Did it hear or see something?
“Adder” he finally called, causing the tuxedo to flinch and twist around, relaxing upon realizing it was only Wind behind them.
“What’re you doing up? It’s midnight..” he questioned, keeping his voice low while taking slow steps closer.
Adder drew in a sharp breath, it’s tail twitching and ears swiveling. “I.. I smell a demon, I can’t sleep with one around..” it admitted, stepping closer to Windclaw as well until they pressed it’s own forehead to the warrior’s white-furred chest.
Windclaw hummed quietly. “A demon? Near the nursery?” He questioned, already beginning to step towards the nursery. Whoever originally designed this camp is awfully stupid, putting the nursery so far from the warrior’s den..
AdderEyes walked so close next to Windclaw it was pressed against the taller warrior, black fur bristled.
Windclaw took in a deep breath, maw slightly parted to drink in the scent around the den. There is a faint scent of demon, but it’s not in the nursery.. not in camp, either, it’s from outside the camp.
That’s good, but, that still means there’s been a demon close by. And WindClaw won’t trust a demon around either of his mates—but especially Adder, who’s completely unable to defend itself.
“Come on, let’s get you to bed, I’ll stay with you. I won’t let no damn demon get you” He promised while stepping into the nursery and plopping down around the edge of AdderEyes’ nest, kneading it just enough to make it more comfortable.
AdderEyes stared for a moment, seeming almost uncertain- before it padded over to WindClaw and curled up at his side, paws tucking neatly under it’s belly, they settle their chin over WindClaw’s back.
“I’ll be here, it’ll be ok. A demon won’t try to hurt you, and if one tries, I’ll make it wish it was never even born.” He spoke it like a fact, said it firm enough that Adder let itself believe that was true.
AdderEyes stared at nothing for a moment, before it shifted and pulled one paw out from under it’s body, reaching behind their head—they tug at the clamp of their muzzle until it popped off, and they let the white faux leather slowly slide off of it’s maw, freeing itself from the muzzle.
They place it off to the side, just beyond the nest where it was still easily accessible if anyone else came.
WindClaw watched as they did so, a soft smile gracing his face.
“You’re getting braver.. I’m glad.” He commented, leaning to lick at Adder’s shoulder, slowly moving down to their side then it’s round stomach.
Involuntarily, Adder began to purr, drowsiness coming to them in a slow wave, their eyes began to feel a tad heavy.
“Rest, love. I’ll be here when you wake up.” Windclaw reassured them in a soft, gentle voice, his short tail twitching and thumping quietly. Truthfully, he was very excited and happy that Adder chose to go without the muzzle.
This was one of the few times he’s seen Adder without it—half of those other times were accidental glimpses, the other half were voluntarily but short-lived.
They’re finally getting more comfortable.. that’s good. It’ll be able to rest properly.
Now, WindClaw lets himself rest, settling his throat onto the moss bedding, his eyes briefly scanning every inch they can reach, before he slowly lets himself drift off as well.
I’ll be here for you in the morning