#suncat challenge

For my first suncat, i got this handsome fellow who i nicknamed Bear (so i could differentiate him from other suncats) and his guard, nicknamed Pepper. Ever since he was a kit, Rusty, despite being scolded for it, often strived very hard to get the attention of other cats outside of being seen as "just the suncat". He'd sneak out to hunt(doing so resulted in getting his tail bitten by a fox at 6 moons), despite Pepper's objections, he tried to engage in conversation with others, he tried to make friends but..it never really went anywhere. The only one he'd been able to successfully gain companionship in was Pepper, who return ended up crushing on him hard, despite knowing how short his time with Rusty would be.. Rusty's life as suncat was very boring and lonely outside of him and Pepper's friendship which he latched onto hard. Despite his grim situation, Bear was somehow always able to keep up that chipper and goofy attitude of his. Even when his life started deteriorating and he got worse and worse as Sun Eve approached.. Pepper never left his side and ended up confessing his feelings in a fit of tears, acting much more emotional then their literally dying friend who comforted them and admitted he felt the same. He died at 12 moons. After his death, Pepper refused to see the new suncat that had succeeded Rusty and spent many days laying in his nest or snapping at others, refusing to forget about his dear friend and feeling..conflicted about the circle as a whole.. (sprites & info below)