I don't give up, but I do change plans | A warrior cats AU

: It's Noticeable :

Snake stretched and sat up. It was still dark out, but that was good for him.
Snake climbed out of the nest. Clear Sky got up as well. The two toms touched muzzles and left the den.
Snake leaped down from the tree while Clear Sky stayed up there, of course. The grey tabby limped across the clearing and sat down outside his nest. He acted as though he hadn't spent the night with Clear Sky.
Blossom slid out of her den. “Ooh I'm third up.” she mewed excitedly. Then she paused. “Weird that you two are the other ones up. . .” she gave Snake a teasing look.
I regret telling her we're together. Snake rolled his eyes. “Blossom if you say anything I'll take your tongue.” he growled.
Clear Sky was watching them. “Snake did you tell her?” he asked, his eyes narrowing. He didn't sound that upset though.
Snake shrugged. “Kind of.” he was going to explain but then Thunder left his den and Snake shut his mouth.
Blossom turned to Thunder. “Hey.” she greeted him in her usual energetic tone.
Thunder dipped his head to her. “Good morning.” he yawned.
Snake licked his shoulder, realizing Clear Sky’s and the kits’ scents were drenching his fur. He then began nonchalantly grooming himself. Acting like he wasn't trying to get rid of evidence.
Blossom snorted with amusement and Snake ignored her.
Shut up! I'm trying to keep this a secret! Snake had a real reason for keeping this relationship a secret. Not many cats trust me yet, and they're still wary from the Star Flower. . . Incident.

After patrols were sorted Snake was left to watch the kits. He had basically been appointed the kit watcher.
The three bundles of joy were energetic as ever.
Ember watched from outside his den, he was also looking at Lightning Tail. The mostly black tom was lying outside his own den. Which was only a few tail lengths away from Ember’s. The three toms were the only adult cats in camp. Probably a contributing factor to what Ember did next.
Ember rolled onto his back and turned to Lightning Tail. “So you like Thunder right?”
Lightning Tail seemingly choked on nothing. “P-pardon?!” he stammered.
Ember shrugged. “I’m just asking a question.” he meowed casually.
And I've seen how you look at Flower. But I don't just randomly bring that up. Snake held his tongue. He wasn't going to insert himself into this conversation. It was more of a want to know the answer than anything. He had also briefly wondered what feelings the two young cats had for each other. . .
Lightning Tail’s fur had bushed out in shock and embarrassment. “Why does it matter to you?!” he was getting defensive.
Ember shrugged again. “I like to know who's together. If you don't want to answer that's fine, but I was just asking.” he explained.
Lightning Tail’s fur flattened a little. “Right-right. Well we aren't together. I mean Thunder’s still grieving over Violet.” he had dodged around the question.
Ember noticed this convenient way Lightning Tail had hid his answer, but he didn't press farther. He seemed to have found his answer.
Snake sighed. Ember didn't try to pry too far into cat’s personal lives, but sometimes he did.

Later that day Snake was on an afternoon patrol with Thunder. Apparently Clear Sky wanted the borders checked again.
Except I know the real reason is he wants me and Thunder to spend time together. Eh whatever he's my son. Now saying that felt like it was crossing some boundaries.
Snake could tell Thunder was upset. “Hey you ok?” he broke the silence.
Thunder looked up at Snake, he looked tired. “Yeah. . . Fine. . .” the ginger tom muttered.
“Hey I know it's hard to be back. . . And you lost your mate too. . .” Snake laid his tail across Thunder’s spine.
Thunder kept his gaze fixed on the ground. “I really miss Violet. . . And living here only worses how I feel. Clear Sky doesn't even care. He treats me like I'm a troublesome kit, or his enemy. But I'm his son! He can never be in the wrong! No he just always has to be right! Do I even mean anything to him?!” he cried, despair coming full force through his words.
Snake shook his head sadly. “I don't think Clear Sky even knows he's in the wrong half the time. I can't tell if that makes it better or worse.” he had already decided he was going to have a talk with Clear Sky about this, Snake was probably the only cat he would listen to.
Thunder looked up at Snake. His gaze was unreadable. “He cares more about you than me. If anything about him is confusing. Then that is certainly it. I just don't understand why he trusts you so much. He acts like you’re his mate or something.”
Well have I got news for you. . . Snake bit back the words. “I. . . Well I mean I did risk my life to protect Dew Petal.” that was the only response that wouldn't be jeopardizing his secret.
Thunder narrowed his gaze in thought. “Still. . . It is weird. Actually on that note, are you still planning to kill him?” it was more a question of curiosity than suspicious.
His tail flicked. “What?! Of course not! Why would I ever- oh wait. . .” Snake realized he had let something slip.
Thunder looked completely dumbfounded by Snake’s reaction. “What are you hiding?” he stumbled a second later. Probably not thinking much about his response.
Snake froze. “I’m not hiding anything! I just. . .” am in a relationship with your father that I can't say anything about, because I don't know how you'll react! He finished silently.
Thunder looked more suspicious. “Ok then. . .” he sounded a little curious. “I’ll check this area and you can check down by the river?” then he changed the subject.
Snake nodded. “That works.” he limped off in the direction of the river.
River Ripple’s territory. I like River Ripple. He's a nice cat. Well spoken too, unlike his father and brother. Well his sister isn't exactly badly spoken I suppose. Snake’s thoughts were interrupted as he heard a tail swish across leaves. He looked up, the elegant silver tabby tom known as River Ripple was standing on the other side of the border. The long furred tom was watching Snake with his emerald green gaze.
“Hey Droplet.” Snake greeted him without an ounce of respect. He and River Ripple were equal as far as saving each other’s lives went.
River Ripple had the same idea for a greeting apparently. “It has been some time, Scale.”
Snake nodded. “I believe you were still known as. . . Completely forgot what your name was before. I've always called you Droplet.” he shifted. It was funny to think he didn't even know one of his kit-hood freind’s names.
River Ripple didn't reply to this, he had a serious look in his eyes. “I do believe I understand why you are still residing in SkyClan. If it is your wish to try and talk some sense into him than please be my guest. Just don't get yourself tangled up in something you can't understand.”
My move at the gathering is really not helping my situation is it? Snake flicked his tail. “I don't know what you're talking about.” he lied, finally realizing what a stupid move that had been in the grand scheme of things.
River Ripple only gave Snake a look he probably hadn't used in moons. He seemed to only use it when someone he was close to said something stupid. “So your father would say if I asked him where he goes at night.” where his only words before walking off.
Mhm. . . Why do I suspect i know what's going on more and more every single time Pink Eyes is brought up? Snake sighed. Life was so confusing right now. But I have a mate and kits, my relationship with my father is fixed, I live close to one of my siblings, I'm not being persecuted for being distracted beyond my control. And I have a friend. My life is going well. . . For the first time since I was a kit. I'm happy with my life. I love it in fact. Snake looked up and smiled. Even with all his losses, he still had so much. His life had problems sure. Yet he was not in shambles.

An:
The only thing I can really say is,  PINK EYES WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!