Username: wolfpack12
Cat Name: Rowanheart
Clan: CrescentclanRank: warrior
Gender: tom
Age: 33 moons
Prompt: wip
Some would consider Rowanheart's open displays of affection, as being either odd or in some cases, disturbing. But for his clanmates, it is just one of the many things that they love about him. The reasoning behind his affection, is due to the fact that he was never shown any as a kit. Therefore leaving him slightly touch starved. Causing him to become incredibly shy and anxious when around others. Surprisingly, out of everyone, it was Mistflight who was the first to discover his condition. Which led to her informing the rest of her clan about the situation. At first, they were hesitant to show him such open affection. Until it was pointed out to them, that Rowanheart probably didn't know what affection truly looked like. Since then the tom has shared quite a few intimate moments with his clanmates, each one making him feel accepted by his new home.
His main way of showing affection, is through either head butting, comforting or rubbing his cheek along someone's shoulder. However, it often takes a lot of his courage to even approach someone, due to his anxiety and fear of being rejected. Because of this, he often tentatively approaches someone and once close enough would gently bump his head against the other's shoulder. Only when the affection is reciprocated would he then start to gain confidence, and rub the side of his head against the other's shoulder with more enthusiasm. Which is his shy way of showing affection towards those he trusts.
However, there are times when he can overcome his anxiety. Such as when one of his clanmate's are in need of comforting. It doesn't matter what may have caused it. Something within Rowanheart just simply snaps, and he is at their side within an instant. Often either gently rubbing the side of his head against them, or simply resting his head on their shoulder in a comforting manner. Allowing those he comforts to know that not only do they have his silent support, but that he was also there for them as well. Often bringing a small smile to his clanmates faces. Considering that this was how he showed affection and reassurance to those who needed it the most.
Another way he shows affection, is through small kind acts and gifts. Often either going out of his way to leave a piece of prey next to an ill or injured clanmate, or simply gathering some moss to make a mossball for kits to play with. He even willingly goes out of his way to find herbs for his clan's medicine cat, Mistflight. When it comes to gifts, he would make sure that they were meaningful. Such as leaving certain types of flowers next to the nests of those who were homesick, and collecting shells at the river for those who have taken an interest in them.
Rowanheart's favourite way of receiving affection, is through grooming. Especially when someone grooms him between the ears. The reason behind this, is because it helps reassure him. Keeping his mind calm, and distracting him from his self doubt. In fact, half of the time he's often dragged off by one of his clanmates to join a grooming session. Especially if they see him struggling with his anxiety. Which in turn allows him to feel safe and secure, when surrounded by those he trusts.
He also enjoys it, when his clanmates nuzzle and cuddle into him. A level of intimacy that allows him to feel loved and happy. Especially when he is either cuddling with those he cares about, or simply sharing a few nuzzles with his clanmates. Mainly because it lets him know that his clan care about him, and that he is no longer alone.
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