Sootbark is likely the only person Nettlestar would ever admit (to herself) that she enjoys spending time around.
When she was first appointed her apprentice, Nettlepaw already had a reputation of being a problem-child due to Daisystem's treatment--either straight up ignoring her apprentice or just really mean... I don't think Sootbark was the absolutely besttt decision to mentor someone like Nettlepaw but Mothstar had "faith in her" as she was already one of the best Tendrilclan warriors at the time
Nettlepaw planned to just do what she did with Daisystem, be on her own, but Sootbark was actually present in teaching her. She spent time with her making sure she understood what was being taught and how to do. Y'know like a teacher. She didn't get annoyed when she didn't do something correct, at least not like Daisystem did. Nettlepaw did enjoy spending time with her.
So when Sootbark refused to be present during her warrior ceremony, it was heartbreaking. A rejection she never expected.
Nettlepaw wasn't ready to be a warrior. She told Mothstar, someone who believed in Soothbark's ability to teach, only for her concerns to be shoved aside. He was too blinded by coincidences that fell in line, and with his spewed perspective, Nettlepaw was a hero that day. A hero deserves to be rewarded and what do you know? Peachpaw is also graduating early. Two warriors for Tendrilclan! Isn't that fantastic :) !
Nettlepaw never meant to save someone when she ran off. She hadn't actually done anything by the time the rest of the patrol came to fetch the runaway apprentice. She didn't care that she was being made a warrior, at least not like Peachpaw did. But that betrayal she felt from Sootbark's absence really ingrained Nettlehawk's disinterest in interpersonal relationships.
But Sootbark will always hold a special place in Nettlehawk's heart. It's why she chose her as deputy and why she refused to appoint another when she died.
