Expecting

Amberleaf had been trotting back and forth in front of the warriors' den all morning, her ears flat with unease. How would she find a way to say it?

She hadn't even known, and wouldn't, had Shimmerfang not made a comment about it to her a few sunrises ago. She'd thought she was just getting a little hefty, considering it was newleaf, after all...

She nearly leaped out of her fur when a grumpy warrior stuck their face out of the warriors' den, growling, "Can't you find somewhere else to trot? I can't sleep with all that plodding around."

"S-sorry!" she mewed meekly, hurrying away from the den with ants crawling around beneath her pelt. Well, whether she was ready or not, she'd have to speak up.

Just her luck - as she approached the medicine cat's den, a familiar face emerged, his tail lifting as his golden coat gleamed in the sunlight.

"Amberleaf. I hope you're feeling well?" he queried, and she shifted her paws.

"O-oh, I'm fine," she mumbled, lowering her head anxiously. "I-it's just...um...can we talk...?"

Curious, he blinked, but beckoned her into the den.

"Marshpaw is gathering catmint for me, so we'll have some privacy here," he explained, watching her hesitantly enter. "Now, what's the matter? You're always bouncing around camp; there has to be something wrong to make you act like this."

"W-well, I...H-Honeystripe, it's.."

His eyes were soft and comforting, finally approaching her and pressing his muzzle against hers.

"What is it? You know you can tell me anything." He hesitated, before he added, "...are you worried about what the others will think?"

"W-what? No!!" she protested. "I-I already know they know. It's not wrong for medicine cats to have mates. There's nothing to worry about, I promise."

"I meant the kits," he prompted gently, and she froze.

"H-how...how did you know...?" she squeaked, feeling dread creep beneath her skin.

"I'm a medicine cat," he purred, "I've been helping queens kit and forcing them out of their duties for a long time now. I ought to know well and good when my mate is expecting."

"S-so you're okay with it?"

"Okay?" He blinked, as if confused. "Amberleaf, of course. I'm thrilled." His eyes were warm and comforting, and she finally slumped with relief, pressing her muzzle into his fur with a fierce purr.

"I'm so glad," she mumbled, "b-but - what about when they're born...? Don't you have the clan to take care of?"

He licked her cheek softly. "Marshpaw will receive her name at the next visit to the Whispering Cave," he explained. "She's done  a brilliant job, and I'd sleep easy knowing the clan is in her paws while our kits grow. Of course, once they're a little older, I'll have to reclaim my responsibilities...but there's no code saying I can't spend time with them while they're still little," he purred.

Amberleaf felt her anxieties finally melt, her fur flattening as she weaved around him happily.

"I'm so nervous, but...I'm excited, too," she purred. "I hope they're smart, like you."

"Oh, I'm the smart one?" he snorted, shaking his head. "I'd be lucky if they have your energy. I bet they'll be bouncing around, demanding to become 'paws from the moment they're born." His tail flicked against her ear playfully.

"C-can we tell the others?" she asked softly, unexpectedly, and he blinked.

"Well, I don't see why not. They'll be pleased to know we've got new kits, come greenleaf." He urged her to her paws, and she puffed out a breath indignantly; she wasn't huge and tottering just yet!

"Well, they'd better! 'Cause they're coming whether they like it or not," she declared confidently, and he shook his head, amusement and affection in his eyes.

Come greenleaf, she'd be...a mother...!