Dreams and Nightmares [p]

[Thistlefang]

Once his posture was decent, Thistlefang made his way over to Sunheart's head. He tried to push his ears up. "And don't fold those back. It makes you look like a dog."

[Galelight]

Sunny's ears did go upwards.

Though they seemed to be folded forwards now. The insides of the ears were still obscured, it still managed to achieve a submissive look. He was tempted to bow his head, but he suspected Thistlefang might be unhappy about that.

[Thistlefang]

Thistlefang continued to mess around with his ears, trying to get them just right. He took a step back when he was finished. "Okay. Now I want to see you walk."

[Galelight]

Sunny slightly inclined his head as his ears were only slightly floppy in a more neutral position.

"U-Uhm... Okay..." He began walking, but his steps were small and his tail was held low to the ground, twitching uncertainly. His eyes kept darting between Thistlefang and the ground before him.

[Thistlefang]

Thistlefang shook his head at Sunheart's poor attempt. "Longer strides. Focus on what's ahead. Lift your tail higher." He couldn't believe this. 'Didn't your mother ever teach you to walk correctly?'

[Galelight]

Sunny cautiously tried taking long steps, as he walked back towards Thistlefang.

He tried to keep his eyes focused on where he was walking, as his tail twitched uncertainly upwards. His confidence had left him a long time ago... He'd been a stuttering nervous mess for a long, long time.

[Thistlefang]

A very faint, almost proud smile crossed his muzzle. "Better. I think Fadingnight would be happy with that." He stayed in his spot, eyes trained on Sunheart as he came near. 'I didn't know he was so submissive.'

[Galelight]

A hopeful glint entered Sunny's ocean blue eyes.

His stance becoming the slightest bit more relaxed, his ears properly perking up. His tail raising as he managed a shy smile. "You really think so?"

[Thistlefang]

"I know so." He said, beginning to pad back to the warriors' den. "Think you can sleep now? If you keep this up tomorrow I'll give you a special treat." He murmured, knowing good and well that the "special treat" was probably just a piece of prey. He yawned.

[Galelight]

Sunny didn't say anything at first.

".... I don't think I can sleep. Not peacefully. It's always nightmares." That was true. Moon's very existence was a nightmare in of itself. 

[Thistlefang]

Thistlefang stood in the entrance and faced him. "What can I do that'll help you?" He asked, slightly feeling like he was dealing with a kit. Still, he'd be open to anything as long as it meant he'd get his rest.

[Galelight]

Sunny shook his head.

"You can't do anything." His voice was apologetic. He sighed and light pawed at the ground. Maybe it would be better if... If he didn't sleep in the warrior's den. The more he thought of it, the better it seemed for everyone else if he kept his distance.

[Thistlefang]

Thistlefang marched over to him. "Then go in there and try to sleep. I'll wake you up if you have a nightmare. Just try." He urged, hoping Sunheart would obey. Every minute they stayed out here was another minute of sleep lost. 'But I don't have to train Swanpaw anymore, so maybe I'll just sleep in.'

[Galelight]

Sunny shook his head with a sad smile. 

"It's fine.... I think..." His eyes moved to the camp entrance. "Maybe I can go for a walk. Maybe it'll help."

[Thistlefang]

Thistlefang shook his head. "No, that won't help. A walk always makes things worse." He argued, continuing with a frown. "You should really get to bed."