He moved carefully, picking his way to the nest so that he may lay beside his son with the vibrant flora in his mouth. Stormstar moved as if his son had been made of the most delicate of glass, slowly lowering himself into the nest before he let his thick smoky fur gently brush against the silvered pelt of Bumblekit. "I trekked through the heart of the territory, because not a single flower was perfect enough." The leader explained before gently rasping his tongue over Bumblekit's forehead, to fix a single tuft of hair that seemed to be out of place. His voice was warm and welcoming- already, he enjoyed parenthood so, so much. "Then I journeyed all the way to the Flower Fields, near RiverClan territory. One day, I'll show it to you...I promise."

Stormstar released a soft purr as his son nestled closer into his side like a cold bird chick, and so he continued to groom him. His scattered mind found itself wondering back to the topic of RiverClan and their recent war, and so he silently vowed that he'd do anything in his power to keep his son safe. No harm would come to him, no war would disturb his tranquil kithood. Already the secrets kept from Bumblekit were enough.

The WindClanner perked his ears at his son's sudden request. It made his heart feel heavy that he was already eager to start the day without him, carrying on kitten activities with his foster siblings. But Stormstar did his best to convince himself that some time apart was for the better- Bumblekit needed to satisfy that inner WindClan curiosity, and he needed to get to know his clanmates. He could only hope that one day, Bumblekit and Mapgiekit would foster a relationship as healthy as the one Bumblekit had with Fallowbird's litter.

Another small smile. "Of course you may, son." Stormstar had intended on assessing the queen's kits like the panicking and possessive father he was, but he did his best to hold off. He shouldn't be so judgmental and selective of his clanmates, just because Fallowbird's previous litter had been a little...mischievous with the wolves. The leader had to trust in his clan. "I'm sure Fallowbird's entire litter would love to play with you until your heart's content. She raised good kits, and so they'll continue to be good clanmates to you."

His son, wanted to give him gifts as well? Stormstar felt his chest swell with pride when his son mentioned finding him a beetle, noting that he was already taking up after some of his father's little quirks. "I-I'd really love that, Bumblekit. I would. I bet you'll be a very fine hunter when you're a warrior. WindClan will love you just as much as I love you, but not possibly more..." he trailed off as a purr overtook him. "...Because nobody could possibly love you more than I do."

Nobody but Ravenstar and Magpiekit.

Bumblekit's concern for his father's physical well-being warmed his heart, earning a rumbling purr out of the long-legged leader. "I suppose my legs are a little tired, but knowing that I had a brave little warrior waiting for me back at camp...it kept me going." His words were as earnest as they could possibly get- Stormstar would do anything- imaginable or not- for the little furball that was nestled into his side. As the smoked leader glanced down at his awe-struck son, he couldn't help but wonder how much he'd come to look like Ravenstar. Already, the fragile furball had her endearing spirit and confidence, and it made Stormstar feel prouder than ever.

He hoped his son wouldn't take after himself much...in comparison to Ravenstar, Stormstar felt that she was a significantly better leader and cat. His own parents had betrayed him as a kitten.

No, no- none of those thoughts here. This was his happy place, his sanctuary, a heaven far away from heaven where such demons could never touch him. No...he'd never let such atrocious thoughts grace his son. Bumblekit would be safe...always. And he's make sure that he felt that way.

Stormstar snaked his tail away from his own side so as to wrap it around Bumblekit, and pull him closer as he mentally drifted off into the flower fields. All the color, all the peace...he would see to it that they all enjoyed the serenity of WindClan's sacred flower haven. Together- as a family, with no fear of StarClan nor the code. "Bigger." The leader promised his son, gently nuzzling his forehead with a purr that caused his narrow frame to quake. "Flowers and lush grasses so tall and vibrant that you can hardly see the sky when you look up. And yes...there's many colors- some you have to hunt for, but that makes it all the more fun and all the more unique. It makes those flowers special...so special that only special cats deserve them. That's why I was out hunting for that perfect flower for so long. I-It was made just for you." Ok...perhaps it was a bit of an exaggeration, but Stormstar wanted to feed his son's imagination, to let Bumblekit feel the bliss of childhood without knowing that the fate was entirely against him.

He tried to hold back his laugh at the Briarfish comment- he truly could, but his son's obliviousness was too perfect to resist. Stormstar stole a futive glance in the direction of his den's entrance, so as if to make sure nobody was near, so that nobody could hear. And then finally, "...oh, older than that, Bumblekit."

...Now he was just teaching his son bad habits.

Mossball...the sound of the traditional kithood game made Stormstar's heart soar, reminding him of the few peaceful days he had with his own brother, before consumption claimed his life. Admittedly...the leader was never that great at the game- he had long and awkward legs as a kit (in which he still had to this day), so the others had no problem passing the moss ball between his legs. When it came to a game of tag, however...Stormstar was champion. "I-I'd love to see that." He meant it, full-heartedly. He wanted to be there as a dad. He didn't just want to be that "Windclan leader" over there...he wanted to be a partner, Ravenstar's partner, and be the doting father that both Bumblekit and Magpiekit deserved. Stormstar wanted to attend those mossball games and cheer on his son, and pick him up whenever he was feeling down.

He just wanted to be a dad- why did StarClan think that was so wrong?

Ok, maybe Stormstar's long proclamation about how much he loved his son went way over Bumblekit's head, but all that mattered was that his son understood that he loved him- very, very much. "I'm glad you do. A-And always know that no matter what happens, no matter what you decide to do when you grow up...I'll always love you."

His son's innate loathing towards RiverClan was amusing but equally terrifying for the leader. He didn't want Bumblekit to grow up in a state of war, to have a life where he had to fear for whether or not they'd have enough prey for leafbare. Maybe it was impossible to change the world for him, to make it a better place...but Stormstar would sure as hell try. For Bumblekit, for little Magpiekit, and for Ravenstar. "You'll be all that and more, Bumblekit. I know it- you already are." The black smoke feline purred, slowly relaxing onto his side as his son began to merrily bounce around.

"...B-But you must remember, son...there is not always glory in war. Today RiverClan may be our enemies, but tomorrow...they might be our allies." It was probably too great of a lesson for now, something that would surely fly over his son's head. But he wanted to raise him right. He wanted to make all of WindClan proud of Bumblekit, just as proud as he was. "...Even if they smell like fish." He commented with a soft smile.

"I'm sure you will be, son. So tall that even the trees feel small in your might." That, too, was definitely an exaggeration, but there was no harm in letting his son's imagination run wild. Stormstar merely wanted him to be both safe and happy. "...Maybe even taller than your old man, too." His eyes returned to the flower that he had hand-selected for Bumblekit. "It's all yours."

He was grateful that Fallowbird had willingly taken his son in, despite her own dramas with her mate. And he was grateful that the litter was so willing to accept Bumblekit as one of their own, playing with him and keeping him company when duties prevented Stormstar from doing so. Yet, his heart still sank. Bumblekit did not know of his brother. And while Bumblekit was fortunate enough to have nursery friends, what about Magpiekit? Did DarkClan have any kits for him to play with?

He tried to remain optimistic, focusing on Bumblekit and the happiness he was given. "Absolutely. In fact- I think I overheard the wolves catching wind of your presence...I heard they might be on the run already." As he spoke, the leader had rolled back onto his belly, slowly pressing himself against the stone that lined his den floor. "...after all, who hasn't heard of the mighty Bumblestar?"