#goldentigerfire

To Fireheart's credit, he doesn't immediately swoon, but he is definitely overcome by some typa' feeling. I mean, cats can't really blush, but. . .

That same night, Fireheart lay awake in his nest. He can't get that look out of his mind— the way he acted so nonchalant about it all. He truely was one capable cat. Only minutes later did he catch himself daydreaming while staring at the massive moving form nearby. The rise and fall of that freshly groomed tabby coat, and a flash of glimmering white and red teeth which he could picture so vividly.. This only brought more disturbing thoughts to Fireheart's tired mind. Why was he so caught up thinking about this? It was nothing! Just a glance, just a smirk, just- Tigerclaw.

Maybe it was coincidence, or perhaps Fireheart knew from the very second those amber eyes met his that day. Either way, he found himself talking about it to someone who knew best about . . . this.

"Crush??" Fireheart felt the word roll off his tongue. It almost felt terrifying. "Yeah, vro." Graystripe mewed through a mouthful of vole. "That sounds like how I felt when I met Silverstream. Say, are you going to finish that?" Fireheart pushed the remains of his chaffinch toward his friend. "Why are you acting so- so unsurprised? This is Tigerclaw we're talking about, remember?"

Graystripe looked up from his meal, incredulity in his gaze. He said nothing. "What??"

About a moon later, Fireheart was in the nursery. Goldenflower had requested that he kitsit while she and Tigerclaw had an outing of their own, and he was more than happy to oblige. Now, with the kits snuggled up in his fur, finally asleep after hours of play, he felt content. Well, exhausted, but definitely content. Was this what it was like to be a father?

It was just past moonhigh when a swish of heather interrupted Fireheart's light dozing. Tigerclaw's muscular figure approached, his handsome eyes shimmering, even in the dimness. Fireheart felt Tigerclaw slide into the nest beside him. This could be my chance..!

But as Fireheart went to speak, words did not come. All he could think about was the sensation of Tigerclaw's luxurious fur, and how it was currently brushing along his spine... Perhaps it could wait another day. Why ruin a good thing?

Not long later, Goldenflower padded in silently. Taking up a spot beside the both of them. "Thank you, Fireheart," Goldenflower's soft voice made him feel warm. "I really needed that." Tigerclaw finally spoke up. He sounded gruff as ever, but his words still managed to tickle Fireheart's brain without the need for softened tone. "Our kits are in safe paws. That's all we can ask for."

Fireheart felt a tongue begin to rasp comfortingly over his ear. He wasn't sure whose it was, but he didn't mind. He liked it regardless. If this is how they treat their friends... The thought trailed off, and he pressed himself closer to Tigerclaw's body, feeling his heartbeat. . .

As Fireheart began to drift off, he couldn't help but wonder if some of this was a little more than friendly affection. He subconsciously dismissed the thought. Wishful thinking.