I need someone to rely on.. Open

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Medusa was right, at least in a way. The leader hadn't been keeping himself properly fed, mainly out of a worry for his clan as a whole. In the back of his mind, Rhinestome knew that one feline eating from the prey pile probably wouldn't change things all that drastically. However, that logical part of him tended to simply disappear when he sat within camp, staring at the dwindling pile of prey within the baskets and imagining the mouths that would go unfed if he chose to partake. Usually, his stomach would stop feeling empty at that point, and would instead be filled with a sense of guilt. The tom winced at how easily Medusa managed to pick up on the ragged edge to his voice, brought on by days of coughing and holding back bile. His sickness grew worse the longer that he ignored it, but he dreaded the thought of going to the medicine cat. Vaas would surely notice how underweight he was, and then there would be no way for him to avoid eating any more. With a quick shake of his head, Rhine quickly reassured, "I'm fine, I promise... it's just a small bout of sickness, honestly. It's no surprise, given the weather we've been having. I've been eating just fine." As if to demonstrate, he pulled the mouse that he had brought for himself over, taking a hearty bite of it. His stomach instantly seemed to react, grumbling in a way that was almost grateful.

The scent of another approaching caused Rhinestone to lift his head after that bite, pale blue gaze searching through the trees until he spotted Foamkit moving forward. He opened his muzzle, intent on scolding the similarly sick boy for being out of camp, but then he heard Medusa's name fall from the other's lips. Pausing, the leader only managed to let out a sigh, taking another large bite of his mouse before he spoke, "Hello, Foamkit... he really is truthful, you know. He's missed you. Not that I don't understand." Medusa had legitimate reasons to avoid Palmclan's camp, but that didn't stop himself and others from missing her dearly. Her kindhearted nature and toothy smile was enough to keep them going on bad days, and he knew that Foam had almost seen her like another figure. He hoped that, at some point, the hybrid would be able to conquer her fears and return, so that they'd no longer have to worry.

NEVER OPENED MYSELF THIS WAY
LIFE IS OURS, WE LIVE IT OUR WAY

— Reggan