Spectrum's Den

Spectrum stopped when they got to a bunch of roots in front of a small hill. "We're here. Well, almost."

He blinked at the group of roots. "We are?" Boots looked around, but decided to take her word for it-it's her den, so she must know where it was.

She laughed at his confusion. "In here." She ducked under the roots, which was a tunnel to a small cave hollowed out in the side of the hill.

He copied her movement, ducking under. "Oh." Boots laughed quietly, looking around. "Well, this is nice."

"You think? Thanks! It's pretty warm in Leaf-Bare and keeps the wind out. But it gets kinda muddy during New- and Green-Leaf, but one gets used to it."

He nodded slowly. "How'd you find this place, anyways? It's very well-hidden."

"Aha, well... One day, I was a little sick and cold, so I hide under the roots. And.. ta da! I found this cave." She sat on top of a rock and wrapped her tail around her paws.

"Oh..." Boots padded around the cave, before coming back over near Spectrum. "I never stay in one place. I guess that's what I'm used to, but always think about settling down one day."

"I used to wander when I was younger, because I was afraid I was being followed because of... well, I don't know. After many years I finally decided to give up and settle down." She sighed. "If you ever need a place to stay, my den is open."

He laughed awkwardly, "Thanks..." This is so different. I haven't felt the least bit like I actually belonged since my- Boots sternly cut his mind off, looking away to avoid the pain shining in his eyes to be seen. He shakes his head and held his lips closed tightly, refusing to let his thoughts pour out through his mouth.

"No problem..." She looked at him carefully, then tilted her head in thought. "It wasn't as awkward as it sounded right? I'm not usually so kind, but I'm trying to be more so lately..."

Boots glanced at her momentarily, "No no, it wasn't. You've been really nice. It's just..." his voice trailed off, hoping he wouldn't have to continue.

"It's obvious you don't wish to continue on about it. Although I'm curious the reason, you don't have to talk about it."

He swallowed hard. "M-maybe... Another time. Today is the worst time for explaining..." the tom sniffed sadly, trying his best not to break out in tears. He was good at holding things in, but his weakest spot was his past-especially because today was the day where his mother had died, and his whole life was changed on that very day.

"It's fine, don't worry about it." She looked at him sadly, then blinked slowly. "Anyway, if you're hungry, I have some kill over there you can eat."

He looked over to the several pieces if prey, and noticed he was a bit hungry. Anything to get his mind off of his past. "A-alright, thank you..." Boots slowly made his way over, and picked up the smallest one: a little mouse. Coming back over near Spectrum he sat back down, and took tiny nibbles at a time.

"No problem." She studied him curiously, head tilted.

When he was a little more than halfway done, he looked up towards her. "You know, no one has been so kind and generous to me for so long." Boots smiled gratefully at her, then quickly looked back down to finish up his meal.

She smiled gently. "It's the least I can do, eh? Most Rouges and Loners can be mean, so someone's gotta be generous."

He nods slowly, "Yeah, I guess so." chewing the last bit of the mouse, Boots licked his white muzzle clean.

Spectrum yawned and pawed at the ground in boredom. "You can leave if you'd like, though in your state, I suggest staying overnight." She flicked her tail.

He blinked at her, "Alright, I guess I'm staying, then." Boots twitched his whiskers.

"Okay then, make yourself at home. There's some extra moss over there you can use to your liking." She flicked her tail.

He nodded, padding over to the moss and taking a clump- about how much he would fit on. Boots spread it out a bit, until the area was big enough for him. "Thanks again.." sitting down in his little bed, he glanced towards her.

"Hmm? Oh, don't mention it. Treat others the way you want to be treated and such. Just do the same for someone some day." She padded to her nest, and curled into it.