Bearclaw Valley I'd never want once from the cherry tree

maybe @Ancelin? when you're feeling better <33 ; tag for mention

The morning air was brisk, biting against his fur as Cole moved steadily along the ridgeline, his sharp golden eyes scanning the horizon. Bearclaw Valley stretched out beneath him, quiet in the dawn's early light, though his thoughts were far from peaceful.
Dark feelings churned in his chest, heavier than the frost that clung to the rocks beneath his paws. He'd been on edge for days now, and the quiet of his scouting wasn't doing a thing to settle him. Instead, it gave his mind room to wander, and wander it did—to two faces he couldn't seem to shake.
@Nephele and @Winslet.
Two young women, so different and yet, somehow, both lodged deep in his thoughts. He huffed, the sound low and bitter, his breath misting in the cold air. What kind of fool was he? A man his age, caught up in thoughts of girls with bright eyes and kind hearts. He knew better. Or at least, he should've.
Stupid man, he muttered under his breath, ears flicking back in frustration. He should've been focusing on the patrol, on ensuring the safety of the pack. But instead, here he was, letting feelings he'd no business having weigh him down.