#scorchplume

“Nothing,” Scorchplume said with a dismissive wave of her tail. 

“Nuh-uh!” Fogpaw insisted. “You just admitted you were being careful about what you say!”

“No I didn’t,” said Scorchplume in her performatively offended voice. “Those words never came out of my mouth.”

“But-! You basically said that!”

“Did not.”

“What are you hiding!?” Fogpaw groaned. She could tell that Scorchplume was being deliberately obtuse to avoid answering her question. Determined to get answers, she decided to start throwing out explanations and seeing what got the biggest reaction out of Scorch. 

“Is it… bad news?”

“Mm.” Scorch didn’t even glance at her. It probably wasn’t that.

“Okay, it’s good news,” nodded Fogpaw.

“Who said that?”

Fogpaw growled in playful annoyance but otherwise ignored the comment. “Okay, good news, good news… Are you pregnant?”

Scorchplume spluttered and stopped walking immediately. “B-gh-What?!” 

Fogpaw was startled by the intensity of her reaction. “Well, you’re mates with Yarrowshade now, I thought maybe-”

“First of all,” blustered Scorch, “we are not mates-” (“Oh, okay.”) “-and second of all, I can’t have kittens. I’ve been caught by the twolegs, remember?”

“Oh, yeahhh,” Fogpaw frowned. “Okay, so it’s not that.”

“It’s not anything, Fogpaw,” insisted Scorch, resuming the walk back to camp. “You should really just drop it.” 

“But it’s clearly something or you wouldn’t be trying so hard to make me drop it.”

“Fine,” Scorch gave in, and for a split second Fogpaw’s stomach fluttered in triumph, “think what you want! But I’m telling you, there’s nothing important going on today.”

“Wait, so it’s an event?” Fogpaw gasped and Scorch laughed and rolled her eyes. 

“You’re reading too much into things,” she said. 

Just then, they crested the hill into camp and Goldenstar’s voice called out, “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join beneath the Stoneperch for a Clan meeting!” 

Fogpaw gasped again and her eyes snapped towards the Stoneperch where Goldenstar was smiling at them. Beneath it sat Slatepaw, her fur brushed up in excitement, and Fogpaw realized very suddenly what Scorch had been hiding. She looked back at her mentor and found a smug grin across her face.

“Well, we certainly don’t want to miss that, now do we?” she said.

“Oh my stars,” Fogpaw shouted, “I can’t believe it!”

“Volume,” winced Scorch and Fogpaw blushed shyly. 

“Whoops. Sorry.” 

“Fogpaw, come on!” called Slatepaw. Scorch gave her a shoulder shove and sent Fogpaw scrambling down to sit with her sister in the front of the crowd. A few of the cats gathering around chuckled and she couldn’t tell if they were laughing at her but she chose to believe they weren’t. These were her Clanmates, her friends. They wouldn’t do that.

“Can you believe it?” she asked Slatepaw.

“I know, right?” grinned her sister. “We’re going to be warriors!”

“Yeah,” Fogpaw’s smile fell a little bit. She had been thinking about that lately, about what she wanted to be in life, and she had been planning for this moment. She hoped that Slatepaw wouldn’t be upset by what she was going to do. 

She didn’t have much time to dwell on it, however, as Goldenstar began the ceremony proper.

“Well, I think we all know why we’re gathered here today,” she said, smiling down at the apprentices. “Slatepaw and Fogpaw have trained long and hard and their mentors have both reported that they are more than ready to receive their warrior names.” 

Behind them, trying to be quiet but not going unnoticed, someone said, “Careful, careful. You alright?” 

“I’m fine,” grunted a voice that Fogpaw instantly recognized as Ghost’s. She whipped around to see Jagg guiding him down the slope into camp. He winced with every step, leaning heavily on her shoulder as they walked. 

“Dad!” Fogpaw beamed, her tail shooting up to greet him and he gave a pained smile and nod. 

“Focus,” whispered Slatepaw self-consciously, looking sidelong at her as she stayed focused on Goldenstar. Fogpaw laughed nervously and turned to sit upright like her sister. She would have to say hello to Ghost later. 

Goldenstar, at least, didn’t seem upset and continued without issue. “Today, we honor you both and how far you’ve come. I, Goldenstar, leader of RisingClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these two resilient apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn.” 

She hopped down from the Stoneperch to join them in front of the crowd, her head raised nobly, and said, “Fogpaw, Slatepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”

“I do,” they both said, exchanging an excited glance. 

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Slatepaw, from this moment on, you shall be known as Slateheart. StarClan honors your kindness and devotion to your Clan and we welcome you as a full warrior.” 

Goldenstar stepped forward and rested her chin on Slateheart’s head and Slateheart licked her shoulder as the warriors cheered her name. Fogpaw joined them, hoping to cheer the loudest of all. Slateheart blushed and preened under the praise as she stood back, tail swishing demurely over her paws. Fogpaw opened her mouth to congratulate her sister but Goldenstar turned to face her and continued the ceremony.

“Fogpaw,” she said, “from this moment on, you shall be known as Fogstalker. StarClan honors your bravery and conviction and we welcome you as a full warrior of RisingClan.” Purring, she dipped to lick Goldenstar’s shoulder and the crowd cheered again. Floodstrike in particular calling out her new name with enthusiasm. 

Fogstalker turned in a circle to see the crowd’s faces, to smile at her Clanmates. Scorchplume had a warm smile on her face that made her heart soar. Floodstrike, Barleybee, and Sparrowsway were all sitting side by side and Floodstrike grinned toothily as she looked at him. Near the back of the crowd, she could see Jagg and Ghost sitting together and Ghost was even smiling a little, although it looked almost like he was wincing. 

She turned to smile at Slateheart and her sister smiled back and that was when she realized that someone very important was missing. She looked at an empty space near the front of the crowd and tried to imagine her mother sitting there and smiling too but she couldn’t get the shapes to stay in place or look right. 

What did her mom look like again? Surely her face wasn’t exactly like Slatehearts, right? She frowned slightly and Slateheart seemed to realize what she was thinking, laying her tail over Fogstalker’s flank quietly. 

“Well!” Goldenstar’s voice pulled their attention back up to the front, “I know you just got back from training so why don’t you both get something to eat, take a bit of time to talk with your loved ones, and then you’ll start your silent vigil.”

“Wait,” Fogstalker blurted. Goldenstar blinked in surprise.

“Fogpaw!” Slateheart hissed quietly, only catching herself after she had said it. 

Fogstalker wasn’t deterred. “Goldenstar, I’ve been thinking and…” She glanced back over her shoulder at Scorchplume whose brow was furrowed uneasily. “I think I want to be a mediator. Like my mom.” The words felt right as she said them and she nodded confidently as she turned back to face Goldenstar. 

“You’re sure?” Goldenstar asked. “You don’t have to make that decision now, you know.”

“I know,” Fogstalker nodded, standing straighter. “I’m sure. I want to help people like she did. I want to be a mediator.”

“Well, in that case,” said the leader, straightening her own posture, “Fogstalker, you have chosen to take up the duties of a mediator. Do you swear to stand apart from the rivalry between Clans and cats and to strive to resolve disputes peacefully, even at the cost of your life?” 

Fogstalker took a deep breath and nodded. “I do.” The air was scintillating with magic and she could feel it prickling through her pelt. 

“Then by the powers of StarClan,” said Goldenstar, “I place this responsibility on your shoulders and welcome you as a mediator of RisingClan.” 

There was more cheering. Fogstalker couldn’t help but feel like this round of cheers was quieter. She looked around to find Scorchplume and Russetfrond both silent. Even Floodstrike was more subdued this time around. To her dismay, she realized that Slateheart wasn’t cheering either. She met her sister’s gaze in confusion and Slateheart looked away. 

“With that, our meeting is adjourned,” said Goldenstar to the crowd. “You two get something to eat, I’ll come grab you when it’s time for your vigil.” 

“Goldenstar,” Russetfrond grunted, stepping forward. “A word?”

Goldenstar sighed slightly but nodded, beckoning him towards her den with a curl of her tail. As they left, the crowd moved to congratulate the sisters but Fogstalker couldn’t help but lean in to Slateheart.

“Hey,” she whispered, “what’s wrong? Why weren’t you cheering for me? Are you angry?”

“No,” Slateheart whispered back. “I mean… why didn’t you tell me?”

“I don’t know,” Fogstalker shrugged, “I didn’t tell anybody, I was just thinking it.”

“But we’re sisters,” said Slateheart, turning to study her face. “You should have-”

“Congrats you cuties!” Ospreymask interrupted cheerily, butting her head up against Fogstalker’s shoulder, causing her to bristle in surprise. “Your warrior names are so beautiful! I love them!”

“Thank you,” demurred Slateheart, leaning in to touch noses with the pregnant warrior. 

“Yeah…” Fogstalker hummed distractedly. She wasn’t done talking with Slateheart but, already, more people were swarming closer to try and get their attention, pulling them in different directions.

“Wow, a mediator!” Songdust said, “Your mother would be so proud, kiddo.” 

“Yeah?” Fogstalker smiled a little  as she turned to face the elder.

“Yeah,” nodded Songdust. “You’re gonna do amazing.”

Floodstrike stepped in to lay his tail over Fogstalker’s back. “You did it, Foggy. You managed to get a half decent warrior name.”

“Half decent!?” she exclaimed. “My name rules!”

“Agree to disagree,” Floodstrike said, winking to assure her it was a joke. She laughed and rubbed up against his chin. 

“You two should hurry up and eat,” she heard Sparrowsway saying. 

“Oh, right,” blushed Slateheart. “Thanks for reminding me.”

“Maybe we can share with dad!” Fogstalker gasped, turning to try and locate him through the crowd.

“I’ll grab you something,” said Barleybee, “go get settled.” 

Fogstalker didn’t need to be told twice. She slipped through the crowd, smiling and nodding as people gave her passing congratulations, and eventually broke away from the throng and bounded the last few tail lengths to meet him.

“Dad!” she purred, moving to rub her cheeks against his “I’m so glad you came! How did you know it was happening?” 

Ghost stiffened under her touch but managed to reciprocate after a moment. “Uh, Scorch told us to come.” 

“Really?” Fogstalker’s chest swelled with excitement. “That’s amazing!” 

“We wanted to be here for your big day,” Jagg smiled. “Congratulations, Fogstalker, a new name is a huge honor.” 

Slateheart padded up to join them then, smiling softly. “Thanks for coming, dad.” 

“Yeah,” Ghost cleared his throat awkwardly and shifted his weight with a wince. “Happy to be here.”

“You’re wincing a lot today,” Fogstalker observed. “Are you feeling alright?” 

“He just has a bit of arthritis,” explained Jagg. “He’ll be okay.”

Slateheart frowned. “Oh, we-” 

“We can have Oddstripe give you some herbs for that!” offered Fogstalker brightly. Slateheart lashed her tail once, gaze sinking.

“Thank you,” Jagg said, “both of you.” That made Slateheart smile a little and Fogstalker gave her a friendly nudge. 

Shortly after, Barleybee brought some prey across camp for them to share. Fogstalker enjoyed the conversation and the food but it was hard not to think about how Slateheart was upset with her. As Ghost and Jagg bid them farewell, sent home with some juniper berries for his joints, and the Clan dispersed for the night, she approached her sister and tried again.

“Hey, can we talk about earlier?” she asked.

“We have to start our silent vigil,” Slateheart said evasively. 

“Right, but we have a second before-”

“Fogstalker, it’s fine,” she said firmly, as if that ended the conversation. “Can we just forget it?”

Fogstalker frowned. “I… I guess, but-”

“Alright, girls,” Goldenstar said as she approached. “Are you ready for your vigil?”

“Yes,” said Slateheart and Fogstalker’s heart sank. 

“Yeah, I guess,” she shrugged.

“Alright,” smiled Goldenstar, although she seemed a bit concerned. “You’ll have to stay silent until the sun touches the Stoneperch, or in the case of emergency. Got it?”

“Got it,” they both said. 

“Good luck,” said Goldenstar. “Your vigil starts now.” She turned and headed back to her den and Fogstalker’s vision was drawn to where Scorchplume was waiting for her. She tilted her head curiously at her mentor as if to say, ‘why weren’t you cheering?’ and Scorch offered her a smile that was hard to read before slipping into the den. 

Fogstalker sighed and began to pace in a wide circle around camp.

“Floodstrike!” she purred. “I was looking for you!”

“You were?” he asked, one brow rising above the other. 

“Yeah,” she nodded, settling down next to him. “Scorchplume said I had to go hang out with people my age and you’re the only cat here that I know.”

“I’m like six moons older than you,” he laughed. “I remember when you were born.”

Fogpaw rolled her eyes. “Yeah, well, Slatepaw isn’t here and the EarthClan apprentices think I’m weird. Besides, we’re close enough. I like hanging out with you.” 

That managed to cheer Floodstrike up just a bit. “Yeah, I like hanging out with you too.” 

Fogpaw beamed. She ran her tongue over one bloodstained paw and started trying to groom the rest of the blood from her fur which was difficult, given how white it was. 

Floodstrike chuckled and started grooming his own pelt. “How are you doing? Like, with the battle and everything.” 

“I’m okay,” she said and seemed to mean it. “I’m really glad Scorchplume let me come help. It was kind of scary but also really exciting, you know?”

“Yeah,” he nodded, remembering the battle where Ospreymask had killed a cat right in front of him. How young and naive he was back then. “It can be a lot to get used to but you’ll get the hang of it.”

“Do you think I’ll get my warrior name for it?” asked Fogpaw. 

“I don’t think so,” he snorted, rolling his eyes. “You’re probably gonna stay an apprentice forever.”

“I’m serious!” she laughed. “I wanna be a warrior so bad!” 

“You’ll get there eventually,” he said, cuffing her ear lightly. “Just be patient.” 

“Floodstrike!” the call made him sit up straighter. Fishtrick came out of the crowd, her own white fur stained with blood and dusted with bits of straw. 

“Fishtrick!” he grinned and jumped to his feet. “How’s Boldmoth?” 

“Her leg is broken,” said Fishtrick with a wince. “Stormwhisper says we probably won’t have to amputate it but it's probably gonna heal crooked.”

“Damn,” he pursed his lips, ears wilting. “I’m so sorry. I was right there, I should have grabbed her.”

“You saved Erminepaw, didn’t you?” Fishtrick twitched her ear. “You can’t be everywhere at once.”

“Yeah, I guess,” he sighed. 

Fogpaw inserted herself into their conversation. “If you want, I can give you a charm to help her leg heal properly!” Floodstrike tried not to wince. 

Fishtrick looked Fogpaw up and down with a scathing quirk of her brow and said, “A charm?”

“Yeah, like an item with a spell in it!” Fogpaw continued, seemingly unaware of the warrior’s disdain. “It’ll help the bones grow straight!” Fishtrick glanced at Floodstrike with a tiny laugh through her nose. 

“She’s just goofing around,” he covered for Fogpaw, wrapping an arm around her neck and giving the top of her head a ruffle with his nose. “Always telling jokes about spells and stuff.”

“No, I’m not,” Fogpaw frowned, throwing his lifeline away. “I’m serious, it’ll help.” Floodstrike wanted to scream. 

“I think I’m good,” said Fishtrick in a way that made Floodstrike's skin crawl with embarrassment. She smiled at him with a look that said ‘can you believe this?’ and he laughed instinctively. 

Fogpaw frowned and looked between them with an earnest, “What’s so funny?” 

“Nothing,” he said quickly. “Uh, why don’t you go see what Branchbark is up to?”

“But I thought we were gonna hang out,” she said, ears falling backward. 

Floodstrike was acutely aware of Fishtrick’s eyes on him as he replied. “Yeah, well, now I wanna hang out with Fishtrick. I’ll hang out with you later.” Even as he said it he felt guilt wriggling in his stomach and Fogpaw’s pained frown only made it worse. 

“Okay, fine,” she said, stepping backwards out of his embrace. “I didn’t wanna hang out with you anyway.” Floodstrike had to clench his jaw to stop himself from apologizing right then and there. Fogpaw turned away and stormed off into the crowd, hunched low, tail twitching. Once she was out of earshot, Fishtrick laughed. 

“Wow, some cats just can’t take a hint,” she said and the guilt in Floodstrike’s stomach writhed. 

“Yeah,” he swallowed. “I guess.” He would have to apologize to Fogpaw later. 

Fishtrick was already moving on. “Did you hear the kittypets are bringing catmint?” 

“No,” he said, frowning in confusion. “What for?” 

“For fun,” she said. “Like, just to roll around in.”

“Woah, no way.” He couldn’t believe it. His dad had always been so precious with the stuff. The idea of using it so casually was alien to him. 

A sudden cheer went up from the southern edge of the crowd and they both turned their attention towards the sound. 

“That must be them,” Fishtrick sat up taller, grinning. “Come on, let’s go get some!” 

“Okay,” Floodstrike said. He still felt hollow aside from the guilt in his belly but he was willing to try and have some fun. Sticking close to Fishtrick’s tail, he followed her through the gathered cats, weaving through the gaps wherever they could until they hit the thick wall of bodies at the front of the crowd. They could smell the heady smell of the catmint now and the kittypets who had brought it. 

The cats closest to them were eagerly waiting for a chance to move forward but, with his height, Floodstrike could see cats peeling away around the edges of the crowd like water parting around a stone. Their eyes were all blown wide and their energy was higher, more unruly. Excitement started to build in the hollow space within him. 

A cat at the front of the crowd caught his eye and he said, “No way, is that my dad?” 

“Where?” Fishtrick reared up on her hind quarters to follow his gaze. 

“There,” he said, leaning in to point with his nose. “It totally is!” There was Oddstripe, laughing with a face covered in catmint particles. Aldertail was leaning heavily on him as they made their way deeper into the clearing.

“Damn!” laughed Fishtrick, dropping back onto her paws. “Get it, Floodstrike’s dad!” He laughed at her phrasing and shoved her with his shoulder. 

“Don’t be weird,” he said, “He’s still a healer.”

“So?” she flicked her tail in his face. “Everyone knows Stormwhisper broke the code with somebody, what’s stopping your dad? It’s not like he’s never fooled around before.” She jerked her nose at him as if to say ‘you’re proof of that.’

Floodstrike grimaced. “Do not make me think about that.” 

“About what?” she smirked, “about your dad getting all hot and heavy with some handsome stranger?” 

“Stop!” he nearly gagged, “What is wrong with you?” She laughed heartily and he couldn’t help but join in. 

“I’m just teasing, Floodstrike, loosen up! You’re too easy!” 

“Yeah, yeah.” 

By now they had reached the front of the group and the smell of catmint nearly burned his nose. There were several kittypets, each with their own little pile of it, making sure that everyone got a good roll but didn’t take more than their share. Floodstrike recognized Wes and Schmidt among them but the rest were all strangers. He and Fishtrick shuffled towards a kittypet with a similar pattern to Fishtrick’s -- all white with a rich, chocolate tail -- a flat nose, and a cobby build. 

She waved them forward with a wide grin and said, “You two look like hell!” Floodstrike didn’t know what ‘hell’ was but he glanced down at himself regardless, suddenly reminded of all the blood in his fur. 

“The curse of a white pelt,” Fishtrick laughed. 

“Wish I’d been there!” the kittypet sighed wistfully. “I’m Binx, by the way.”

“Cool,” Fishtrick said in the same voice she had used with Fogpaw. “Can we get some catmint now or…?”

“Oh! Right!” Binx shook her head with a bashful laugh and swept a paw invitingly over the buds spilled out before her. “Help yourself!” Fishtrick glanced back at Floodstrike before flopping onto her side to roll in the herbs indulgently. 

Floodstrike felt awkward just staring at her so he met Binx’s eyes again. “You fight much, Binx?”

“Nah,” she shook her head. “I want to though. I think it’s so cool that you wild cats let girls fight just like boys.” 

“City cats don’t?” he asked with a frown. He went over the battles he had seen in his mind, thinking, surely that can’t be true, and realized with a sudden shock that he hadn’t fought a single female kittypet since they ambushed the hunting encampment. 

“Not really,” Binx shook her head. “You’ve really got to prove you’re tough for anybody to respect you as a fighter if you’re a girl.”

“Weird…” Floodstrike’s gaze fogged distantly only for Fishtrick to startle him out of his thoughts with a playful swat to the face. 

“Floodstrike, you’ve gotta try this!” she said, her pupils big and round. 

“Okay, okay,” he laughed, giving her a shove and she batted at him until he surrendered and dropped into the catmint. The smell was intoxicating and he quickly lost himself to the simple pleasure of rolling back and forth in the little pile. When he finally remembered himself and sat up, he shook his head sharply.

“Woo!” he cried, a laugh burbling in his chest. 

“What did I tell you!” Fishtrick grinned. “Come on, I bet you can’t catch me.” 

“Oh, yeah?” he smirked, dropping into a crouch in preparation. 

“Yeah.” She dashed around the edge of the crowd, heading for the Cornerstones themselves and he tore after her, laughing. 

Over his shoulder, he distantly registered Binx calling, “O-okay, bye!” 

He wasn’t concerned about that for long though. He felt intensely alive, like he could run to the city and back without stopping, like he could catch a hundred mice or jump the river in a single bound. Fishtrick seemed to feel the same and she led him all the way up the Cornerstones to the top of the leaders’ perch. He pounced for her tail as they reached the summit, giddy and out of breath, and she sprang back at him, knocking them both off the back side of the structure. 

“Woah!” he cried, twisting to land on his feet and she landed right behind him. 

“Fox-dung!” she hissed under her breath, “I think I twisted my paw.”

“Oh, yikes,” he grimaced and leaned in to sniff at the ankle she held tenderly by her chest. “You need to go home?”

“No, it’s fine,” she shook her head. “It's fine. Let’s just take it easy for a bit.” 

“Alright,” he nodded, “fine by me.” 

Another cheer came from the crowd on the other side of the Cornerstones and Snowstar’s voice barely carried above the din. “Eat your fill! Tonight it’s all on SkyClan!” The crowd cheered again, louder this time. 

“That must be Fernspeckle with the prey!” Floodstrike said. 

“Oh, I’m starving,” moaned Fishtrick. “Let’s go get some.” He nodded and they made their way back to the throng which was now clustered tightly around a cluster of SkyClan cats. Eventually, they bumped into Fernspeckle who had a patch of cobwebs over his eye and a heavy perch in his mouth.

“There you guys are!” he grinned, “I was just coming to find you!”

“Give me that!” Fishtrick purred hungrily and snatched the fish’s tail in her teeth, shaking her head and swatting at his face to make him let go. Floodstrike laughed and flopped sideways against her, too overcome with enjoyment to stay upright. 

Fernspeckle dropped the fish with a mildly concerned smile. “Woah, what’s gotten into you two?” 

“Catmint!” Floodstrike grinned, licking the dust of it from his whiskers. “You should try some.” Fishtrick pulled the perch close to her chest and started greedily picking its flesh from its bones, unconcerned with the mass of cats shifting around her. 

“What,” Fernspeckle laughed, “you guys steal some from Stormwhisper while Boldmoth was getting patched up or something?”

“No,” Floodstrike shook his head, “the kittypets brought a ton for everyone!”

“Really?” Fernspeckle’s jaw hung open in surprise. 

“Yes,” Fishtrick said after gulping down her mouthful of food. “Southern side. Go get some.”

“Fox-dung, okay,” Fernspeckle said, backing up towards the southern side. “Save some of that fish for me!”

“No promises!” Fishtrick shouted after him and Floodstrike snorted with laughter, dropping down to have a few bites of his own.

It wasn’t long before Fernspeckle returned and the three of them started reducing the perch to bones in earnest. Floodstrike had never laughed so much in his life or felt more like he belonged than he did in that moment. He wished that Boldmoth could have joined them but knew that navigating the crowd would likely have been a nightmare for her broken leg. 

He was about to suggest they go visit her when a new voice called his name over the noise of the crowd. 

Gaping, he turned and said, “Luna.” There she was, trying to smile at him despite her obvious nerves. She held one paw close to her chest, glancing this way and that whenever a cat bumped against her or spoke too loudly. Floodstrike blinked a few times, trying to make sure he wasn’t imagining her.

“Who?” Fishtrick yelled, trying to hear him over a group that had started singing nearby. 

“Uh,” that galvanized him into action, “guys, this is Luna!” He hopped up and moved to bump his forehead against hers in greeting. Luna smiled and pressed herself against his side so tightly he could feel her heart thumping madly against his ribs.

“There’s so many cats here,” she said, barely audible above the noise. 

“What are you doing here?” he asked at an appropriate volume as he guided her back over to sit with him and his friends. 

Luna cleared her throat and stood up taller as if she had to in order to raise her voice. “I wanted to see you!”

“Oo-ooh!” Fishtrick taunted and Fernspeckle joined in. 

“Shut up,” he laughed, smacking Fernspeckle hard in the face. He rolled away from the strike and swatted lazily back at Floodstrike. 

“Wow,” Luna breathed, “you wild cats are so rowdy!” 

“You kittypets are boring,” Fishtrick snapped back and Luna’s silky soft fur fluffed up around her. 

“Luna,” Floodstrike said, hoping to move past that, “this is my friend Fishtrick. That idiot there is Fernspeckle.” 

“Who you calling an idiot?” Fernspeckle frowned jokingly. 

“You, moron!” Fishtrick rolled her eyes and swatted at him. Floodstrike laughed, settling down onto his side. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Luna said politely, still struggling to raise her voice. 

“How did you two meet?” asked Fernspeckle.

“She was there when we went to find Songdust,” said Floodstrike as he laid his tail gently against hers. Luna blushed and preened under the touch, sinking down to lay against his side. He purred, struck with how amazing it felt in that moment. He even leaned over to rub his head against hers. 

“Wow,” Fishtrick grinned impishly, “you RisingClanners sure love your kittypets, huh?” 

“Do not,” Floodstrike blurted immediately, then, remembering Luna, added, “I mean- I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Fernspeckle laughed outright.

Grinning smugly, Fishtrick sing-songed, “Floodstrike and Luna down by the river, give ‘em two moons and she will deliver!” 

“What are you saying,” Floodstrike blustered, ears pressed back against his head. Was that a common song in EarthClan or was she just loopy on catmint?

“You know what I’m saying,” she said, leaning in with a snarky wobble of her head. “First Russetfrond, now you. Stars, Goldenstar’s got her own kittypet too, doesn’t she?” 

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Floodstrike dismissed her with an annoyed flick of his ear. 

“Isn’t that weirdo, Fogpaw, half-kittypet too?” she pressed. Floodstrike’s stomach dropped into a pit of guilt again.

“No, just half-city cat,” Fernspeckle said, squinting as if he was thinking very hard. “They’re not all kittypets.” 

“Guys, stop being horseflies,” Floodstrike said, wanting to squirm. “We’re just friends.” 

“Oh,” said Luna, sounding like she was trying to sound unconcerned. “Yeah. Yeah, we’re just friends.”

That caught Floodstrike off guard. “Oh, are we- Did you not-” He searched her face, suddenly worried he had been a jerk and she waved him off with a paw, blushing shyly.

“Oh, no, no, it’s- it’s fine I just thought, since we were having kits together, you know-”

“We’re what?” Floodstrike gaped as his friends hollered wildly at his expense.

“Yo!” Fernspeckle bellowed, holding back laughter.

Fishtrick cackled and rolled onto her back, pointing a vindicated paw at Floodstrike. “What did I tell you! They’re crazy for kittypets out there!” 

Floodstrike tried to tune them out as he asked Luna, “Can we talk for a minute?”

“Yeah, of course,” she nodded and they both stood. 

“I’ll be right back,” he said distractedly to his friends, wrapping his tail over Luna’s back to guide her away. 

“Don’t take too long!” Fishtrick jeered.

“Or do!” snorted Fernspeckle. Floodstrike ducked his head, cheeks burning, and shoved his way through the crowd until they broke out into the chilly woods. 

Luna spoke first. “Oh, Floodstrike, I’m so sorry! That wasn’t how I wanted to tell you, I- I hope I didn’t embarrass you too much!”

“It’s- It’s fine,” he said, trying to force his racing mind to focus on her face. “But, wait, are you serious?”

“Yeah,” she nodded, pursing her lips against the smile spreading across her face. “Isn’t it wonderful?” 

That hadn’t exactly been his first thought. “I- yeah, I guess so- I just- I feel like-” Like she was springing this on him? Like they had both understood that they were just friends? With a sinking feeling, he realized that he had never had that talk about expectations with her like Goldenstar had suggested. “I didn’t realize you felt that way about me.”

“You didn’t?” blinked Luna. “I thought I was being pretty obvious.” She pouted and dragged her paw through the pine needles on the ground despondently.

“Well- I mean,” Floodstrike blushed and smoothed his chest fur down with his tongue, “I knew you wanted to have sex with me, I just didn’t realize you wanted more than that.” 

“Well, of course I do!” Luna looked hurt. “That’s what sex is for, isn’t it? Having kits?”

He puffed up at her tone, extremely confused. “I thought the twolegs- err, your Folk took them away! It’s not like we’re going to raise them together.” 

“It’s still a big commitment!” she said, eyes big and round and glistening with the start of tears. “You made me a woman, you’re supposed to take care of me now!” 

“I what?!” He couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the statement. 

“I thought you were honorable,” she sniffled. “I didn’t think you were some- some ruffian who would use me up and leave me behind!” She was starting to cry now, her expression crumpling with despair and he stepped in to rub his head against hers despite his confusion. 

“Hey,” he said, “I’m not trying to abandon you or anything, I’m just confused, okay?” She pressed her head firmly against his, seeming to take comfort in his touch which was a relief. 

“Okay, I’m sorry,” she sniffled wetly.

“It’s alright,” he sighed. After another moment he sat back and said, “I’m gonna go grab Goldenstar real quick, okay?”

“Goldenstar?” she sniffed hard to pull a bead of snot back up into her nose. “Wh-why?” She fluffed up again, looking suddenly very worried and he shook his head to reassure her.

“No, it's okay, we’re not in trouble or anything, she’s just really good at this kind of stuff -- talking about it I mean -- and I think she’ll be able to help us like… actually communicate, y’know?” 

“Okay…” Luna nodded slowly. She was definitely unsure but Floodstrike was certain that bringing Goldenstar in on the conversation would make everything so much easier. 

“Just stay right here, I’ll be back in a flash.” He gave her one more firm press of his head and then bounded back towards the crowd to try and find Goldenstar. It took a bit of time, some asking around, but he eventually found her lounging near the area where the catmint had been given out with Scorchplume, Yarrowshade, and a pair of kittypets, including Wes. The other was a chocolate tortoiseshell who seemed to have fallen asleep. 

Goldenstar was purring loudly against Scorchplume’s side as Floodstrike approached, Yarrowshade flopped against hers. He almost felt bad interrupting them but he knew he needed her help right now. 

“Uh, Goldenstar?” he asked, hovering closeby. “Can I borrow you for a little bit?” 

Goldenstar paused her purring to sit up and stare at him. It took a long beat before she managed to speak. “Oh, Floodstrike. Sure, what’s up?” She stood, dislodging Yarrowshade who moaned in protest, reaching out for her with his forepaws. 

“It’s Luna,” he said, “she came to see me and I, uh, need your help talking to her.”

“Luna?” Wes’s ears perked, his expression suddenly focused. “Is somethin’ wrong?”

“Um, it’s complicated,” he said, shuffling his paws. “It’s about the stuff we were talking about earlier?” He winced at Goldenstar, hoping she got the message. 

She seemed to, understanding dawning in her massive pupils. “Oh. Alright, sure. I’ll be back in a bit, guys.” 

“Aww, okay,” Yarrowshade pouted, scooting to snuggle up against Scorchplume instead. 

“You big baby,” Scorchplume shoved half-heartedly at his face. 

“I’m comin’ too,” Wes said, rising to his feet. “I need to make sure Miss Luna is okay.”

“Okay,” Floodstrike said, his mouth suddenly very dry. “She’s just out behind the cornerstones right now.” Wes started off towards the forest immediately and Floodstrike glanced at Goldenstar worriedly before hurrying after. 

When they arrived, Luna flushed with embarrassment. “Wes! What are you doing here?”

“I heard you were here,” he said, moving to sniff at her. “Is everythin’ alright?”

“It’s fine,” she said, clearly still a bit upset from earlier. 

“What did you need my help with?” Goldenstar asked Floodstrike, blinking sluggishly at him. 

“Well, you know how you said I ought to talk with Luna about, like… expectations and things?” he said. “I kind of… forgot. And now we’re kind of talking past each other and I thought you could help.”

“Expectations?” Wes frowned. 

“Yes,” Goldenstar nodded, “for their relationship.” She seemed mildly disappointed and Floodstrike felt his shoulders sagging apologetically. 

“Their relationship?” Wes repeated again, this time sounding suspicious. 

“Mhm,” said Luna. “Floodstrike and I are mates now.”

“What?” Wes looked at her in shock before he quickly pivoted to fixing Floodstrike with a stern glare. 

“That’s the problem,” Floodstrike said, “I thought we were just friends!”

“But we-” Luna pouted on the verge of tears again. “We were… intimate. Just friends don’t do that!” She blushed again, glancing at Wes. His presence seemed to be extremely uncomfortable for her. Wes scowled at Floodstrike as if he had threatened her.  

“Sure they do,” Floodstrike felt extremely confused again. 

“I think I see the issue,” Goldenstar sighed. “The city has very different ideas about intimacy than we do so you both have very different understandings of what it meant when you had sex.” Luna blushed brightly at the phrase. 

“Miss Luna,” Wes said, “if this young man took advantage of you-”

“No, no!” Luna shook her head fervently, “It was my idea, I promise!” She reached up on her tiptoes to try and get onto Wes’s eye level. “I practically had to beg him, please don’t be mad.” 

Wes frowned, his eyes twitching over her face for a good long moment before he sighed and said, “Alright. I just wish you’d thought about this more. This kinda thing, it has- it’s not to be done lightly.” 

“So, Luna,” Goldenstar cut back in, trying to smile invitingly, “I’m gonna start by asking you about what you think your relationship with Floodstrike means, then I’m going to ask him what he thinks. I want you both to try not to interrupt the other while they’re talking. I’m going to help you sort things out once you’ve both had a chance to talk, okay?” 

“Okay,” Luna nodded, chewing her lip. Floodstrike nodded too, trying to take a deep slow breath. Goldenstar was here. It was going to be alright. 

“Great,” said Goldenstar, settling down and curling her tail over her paws. “So tell me, when you imagined how things would go, what did it look like?”

Luna sniffled and shuffled her paws and said, “Well, I mean, I thought he was going to be there for me, like a proper mate, especially since… um…” She glanced sidelong at Wes with big wet eyes. 

“Since…?” Goldenstar prompted. 

“Since I’m… well…” Luna looked away, blushing again. 

“Pregnant,” Floodstrike said, just wanting to get this awkwardness over with already. Wes’s scowl darkened again. 

“I see,” Goldenstar frowned too. Now it was Floodstrike’s turn to wilt in shame. “When you say ‘a proper mate’ what does that mean to you?”

“I don’t know,” Luna shrugged defensively, “He’d bring me food, protect me, we’d be best friends. And I’d raise the kits and support him.” She shrugged again. “And, I don’t know, maybe he might eventually come to live with me and my Folk.”

That hit Floodstrike like a monster. “What?!” The idea was borderline offensive! “I’m not gonna be a kittypet!” Luna’s lip quivered and Wes laid his tail protectively over her back, still scowling. 

“Floodstrike, let’s calm down a bit, okay?” said Goldenstar. “Why don’t you tell me what you were picturing?”

Floodstrike shrugged. “Uh, I don’t know,” he said, looking guiltily at Luna, “I thought we were just having fun. I didn’t realize it was, like… serious.” 

Wes sighed. “These things are very serious, son.” Floodstrike balked at the term but Wes continued. “It ain’t honorable to take advantage of a lady like that.” 

“But I didn’t take advantage of her!” he protested, “She said so already!” Goldenstar laid her tail over one of his paws but it wasn’t enough to stop him from getting worked up. How was he the bad guy here?

“You might not have meant to,” said Wes, “but usin’ a girl for pleasure and then leavin’ her t’deal with the consequences on her own, it ain’t right.” 

“Like I said,” Goldenstar seemed to be making an effort to stay the calm one in the situation, “I think there’s been a misunderstanding. In the Clans, there’s no shame in having casual sex like that, especially not shame that falls more on any one gender. Plenty of cats raise kits on their own and are happy to do so. Stars, Ospreymask has been trying to get pregnant for moons and she’s never had any interest in a long term partner.”

“Well, that’s swell for her,” Wes said, starting to bristle, “but it ain’t like that in the city. Havin’ kits is a commitment. Cats who fool around are…” he stopped himself, as if he’d just remembered Luna was listening to him. “It’s irresponsible to treat somethin’ so sacred as a… a cheap thrill!” He twitched an ear to shake off the idea which had clearly unsettled him. 

“Sacred?” Floodstrike was even more confused now. 

“Yes, sacred!” Luna sniffled, “It’s a holy bond! A gift from the Folk!”

“That’s crazy!” Floodstrike laughed in disbelief. 

“Floodstrike,” Goldenstar didn’t manage to interrupt him in time and grimaced. “Let’s be respectful. Clearly this is very important to them.” 

“It is,” sniffled Luna. “I thought you were gonna take care of me a-and our kits!”

“And I’m sure Floodstrike is very sorry that he didn’t communicate his intentions clearly from the start, right?” Goldenstar looked back at him with a prompting nod. 

“Yeah,” he said, feeling like a leaf drifting down the river. “I’m really sorry, Luna.” 

“But you’re not going to step up and do the right thing,” Wes said, a statement more than a question. 

“The ‘right thing’ is subjective,” Goldenstar frowned. “If there’s something specific that Luna needs, maybe Floodstrike can help with it, but he shouldn’t have to commit to a relationship just because he got her pregnant.” 

Luna started crying again and Wes pulled her close against his side with a defensive glare at the Clan cats. “I’m disappointed in you,” he said, “both of you. I thought you were better than this.”

“Floodstrike was careless,” Goldenstar said firmly, “but he isn’t being cruel. Relationships are messy. It’s an unfortunate situation but you can’t expect him to agree to a commitment he didn’t realize was expected of him.” 

“I guess not,” scoffed Wes. “Come on, Miss Luna, let me walk you home.”

“O-okay,” Luna cried into his shoulder, staring at Floodstrike with the most miserable expression he’d ever seen. Despite Goldenstar’s insistence that he wasn’t doing anything wrong in the moment, his stomach still writhed with guilt like he’d swallowed angry snakes. Goldenstar let out a disappointed sigh as the two kittypets disappeared into the undergrowth. 

“I’m sorry it went down like that, bud,” she said. 

“It’s my own fault for not talking about it beforehand,” he sighed. 

“Well, she should have done the same,” said Goldenstar. “You share the blame equally and you shouldn’t beat yourself up about it. They’re making this into a way bigger deal than it has to be.” 

“Why, though?” he looked at her with pleading eyes. “Why are they so… weird about this stuff in the city?! First they have rules about only being mates with ‘opposite genders’ and now they’re acting like we broke some kind of code just because I don’t wanna become a kittypet or whatever!” 

“I don’t know, bud,” sighed Goldenstar again. “They’ve got some… complicated traditions, to be sure. Come on, let’s go back to the celebration. You’ll feel better when you’re with friends.” 

Floodstrike hesitated. “I dunno. Fishtrick and Fernspeckle are gonna tease me so bad. I think I’m just gonna go home.” 

“If you’re sure…” she said with a sympathetic smile. 

“Yeah, I am,” he said. The break in festivities had left enough room for thoughts about Lakepaw to slip back into his mind and the idea of going right back to pretending like everything was fine just felt wrong. 

“Alright,” she said, rubbing her nose against his ear. “You let me know if you need anything, okay?”

“I will.” He took the long way around the crowd, tail dragging in the dirt. The laughter and celebration around him only served to make him feel more alone. He had no doubt Fishtrick was going to tell every cat she could about the news. He wanted to peel his skin off in embarrassment. 

And he wanted to make Luna understand that it was gonna be okay. He didn’t want her to think of him as some kind of deadbeat like Ghost. He liked her! He just didn’t like her enough to be exclusive or anything. Was that so wrong? Should he at least try it, for her sake?

The thoughts were clouding around his head as he walked through the ferns until a voice shook him from his stupor. 

“Floodstrike? Why are you sad?”

He looked up to find Fogpaw trailing after him. “Oh, uh…” He swallowed and said, “I dunno. Lots of reasons.”

“Oh.” Fogpaw said. There was a pause, then, “Do you want me to walk with you?” 

“Yeah,” Floodstrike said, realizing he did as he said it. He stretched out his tail in invitation and she trotted quickly to affix herself to his side. 

“Man, when did you get so big?” he groaned. 

“I’m almost twelve moons old!” she laughed. “Why does everyone keep forgetting?” 

“‘Cause we don’t wanna think about how old we’re getting.” 

“You’re not that old,” she scrunched her nose in confusion. “You’re barely half a year older than me.” 

“Ew!” he groaned even louder. “Don’t remind me!” 

She laughed again and rammed her head against his shoulder fondly. They walked in silence for a moment, the noise of the celebration fading behind them. 

His smile faded too and he eventually managed to say, “Hey, I’m sorry about earlier, with Fishtrick. I shouldn’t have sent you away.”

“Why did you?” she asked quietly. 

“‘Cause…” How could he say this without hurting her feelings? “‘Cause I’m dumb and I didn’t want you to embarrass me in front of Fishtrick.”

“Why would I embarrass you?” she frowned. 

He grimaced again. “I dunno, Fishtrick just likes to laugh at people and I didn’t want her to laugh at me because I’m friends with you.”

“But why would she do that?” Fogpaw pressed. “Is that what was funny before? Were you guys laughing at me?” 

“Yeah,” he said and cleared his throat to try and get rid of the lump in it. “I’m sorry, Fogpaw. That was fox-hearted of me.” He couldn’t look at her, only on the stones that were starting to replace the undergrowth as they neared the river crossing. 

After a long quiet moment, she said, “It’s okay. I forgive you.” 

He let out a sigh of relief. “Thanks, kiddo.”

“I’m not a kid,” she huffed and he laughed again. 

“Maybe not technically,” he said, “but you’ll always be younger than me and that makes you a kiddo.”

“That’s dumb,” snorted Fogpaw. “If I’m a kiddo, then you’re an elder.” 

“Ew! Do not call me that!”

“Whatever you say, old man,” she smiled innocently and he shook his head with laughter.

“Dammit, your mentor taught you too well.” 

But what did she want? 

The question shouldn’t have been so perplexing but, for some reason, she couldn’t easily find the answer. She wanted Goldenstar, that much she knew, wanted things to stay the same between them. What she had was good, even when she was sinking into paranoia. And she wanted to stay friendly with Yarrowshade. He was her first friend in the Clan, the cat who understood her the most. She didn’t want to lose that. She didn’t want things to change between them. 

Or did she? She had been feeling drawn to him more and more, pushing down strange, affectionate impulses for a few weeks. Their strangeness lied in how completely non-sexual they had been. She was starting to come to terms with her reawakening libido even if she hadn’t been brave enough to actually indulge it yet, but she had no idea what to do with urges to snuggle and twine tails. With Goldenstar, they made sense, she was doing what her partner expected of the relationship, but to have the urge for someone else completely unprompted? It made no sense. She’d never experienced that kind of thing before. 

Interrupting her swirling thoughts, Goldenstar yawned and stretched out over her hind quarters before slumping down against her side again. Scorchplume turned to look at her and found her smiling back. 

“Morning,” croaked Goldenstar in a voice scratchy from sleep. 

“Morning,” hummed Scorchplume, one side of her lips twitching upward in a brief, half-hearted smile. 

“You okay?” asked Goldenstar, shifting into a more upright position, propped up on one elbow.

Scorchplume shrugged. “I guess so.”

“D’you wanna talk about last night?” 

“Not really.” She let her gaze drift back to the ceiling of the den and sighed. “I wish I could just go back and undo it all.”

“I’m sorry.” Goldenstar adjusted herself to face the other way so that Scorchplume’s head was framed perfectly between her forelegs. She gently traced one paw back and forth over the curve of Scorch’s shoulder as she said, “You really didn’t do anything wrong, though. You’re not gonna get in trouble for saying how you feel.” 

Scorch rolled her eyes shut. “I know that now,” she said, irritation with herself creeping into her voice, “It’s more that Yarrowshade’s gonna be all weird around me now and I don’t want to deal with it.” Not only that, but she was going to feel weird around him too.

“Ah…” Goldenstar frowned sympathetically. 

“Like, I can’t unsay that,” continued Scorch, eyes open. “I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with me, it just… slipped out.”

“Nothing’s wrong with you,” laughed Goldenstar, “you have a crush. That’s completely normal.”

Scorch growled in frustration and flicked her tail. Still, here in this quiet, tender moment, insisting that she had no feelings at all felt… harder than it had last night. “This is why I don’t do relationships,” she grumbled. “Things get too complicated. I get fenced in. It’s better to just… mess around with whoever, no strings attached.” 

“Well, if that’s what you really want, you can do that,” Goldenstar said. “What’s stopping you?”

“I-” Scorch sighed, no answer coming to mind. “I don’t know. Nothing works the same as it used to. I hate it.” She groaned and rolled over into a sitting position and Goldenstar wasted no time in grooming the side of her neck. She sighed into it, closing her eyes as she tried to let herself enjoy the pressure against her pelt. She took a slow, deep breath -- let it pull her back to the edge of sanity. 

“Change is scary,” Goldenstar said between strokes. “But I feel like things are better than they used to be, aren’t they? Relationships are a lot of work but they’re also really rewarding. Maybe you should try them.” Scorch twitched her tail. 

“As if I haven’t been trying since newleaf,” she scoffed. 

“And?” Goldenstar leaned around to look her in the face. There was a bit of a flirty glint in her eyes but she did seem genuinely open to hear the answer, whatever it was. 

“And I’m terrible at them!” Scorch groaned, shifting to look at her head-on. “I get cornered, I snap, I panic over the smallest things. It’s a nightmare.”

“But that’s not relationships,” Goldenstar shook her head, “that’s all the shit Razor did to you hanging around like burrs in your fur.” 

Scorch grimaced at his name and shook her head to look at the wall. “Well, Razor’s dead. I shouldn’t constantly feel like he’s haunting me.” 

“Why not?” shrugged Goldenstar, licking her cheek. “That stars-damned fox-heart hurt you bad. Wounds take time to heal, even if you can’t see them.” 

“Ugh,” groaned Scorch. “Stop being so understanding. Why can’t you just tell me to shut up and we’ll be done with it?” She flopped backwards against Goldenstar’s side and shut her eyes tightly. 

“Becaaause,” Goldenstar sing-songed, “I loooove you.” She nibbled at Scorch’s neck teasingly and Scorch couldn’t help but laugh and squirm. 

“Stop it!” she squealed, pushing Goldenstar away until she relented. 

Purring, Goldenstar rubbed her temple against Scorchplume’s and said, “It’s true though. I love you, Scorch. I want you to be happy. If that means you get with Yarrowshade too, then so be it.” She curled her tail around Scorch’s flank and pressed a short lick to her head. 

“You make me sick,” joked Scorchplume to avoid giving a real response. 

“Scooorch,” Goldenstar admonished, still teasing, but there was a serious undertone. She wasn’t getting out of this one. 

“Ugh,” she growled and sank her claws into the moss. “You’re insufferable, you know that?” She glared up at Goldenstar and found a very unimpressed expression waiting for her. “Fine. What do you want from me? Do I need to go jump Yarrowshade’s bones or something?”

“Is that what you want?” asked Goldenstar, raising one brow. 

“I don’t know!” Scorch cried, throwing her paws up helplessly. “I mean… no. Honestly, just thinking about it makes me sick.” She didn’t want to associate Yarrowshade with teeth in her scruff and oppressive heat bearing down from all sides. Even considering the possibility made her stomach flip and churn. 

“Okay, well then what do you want?” Goldenstar gently licked the top of her head to bring her back to herself and she sighed in relief. Despite all of the terror that came with being exposed like this, she realized that it was nice that Goldenstar could anticipate her needs like that, that she was willing to show up for her when she needed it. 

“This, I guess…” she shrugged. “This quiet, easy closeness we have.” 

“Then tell him that,” shrugged Goldenstar. “He’s not going to be mad or push you for more.”

“I know,” sighed Scorch, “it just feels so… stupid.”

“But it’s not,” purred Goldenstar, pressing little licks over her face. “It makes me really happy that you’re learning what you want and how to ask for it.”

“Really?” Scorch tried to find her eyes. “You really don’t mind at all that I’ve got… feelings for your best friend?”

“Nope,” Goldenstar chirped brightly. “Stars, it makes me really happy! Two of my favorite people are going to be even happier than before.”

“That’s crazy,” said Scorch, still unconvinced. “Nobody really feels that way.”

“I do,” shrugged Goldenstar. “It’s not like you’re leaving me for him. What is there to be sad about?” 

“I don’t know,” Scorch shook her head aimlessly. “Won’t you get jealous? Won’t he be jealous of you?”

Goldenstar laid her head overtop of Scorch’s and hummed thoughtfully. “Well, I can’t say what Yarrowshade may or may not feel, but no, I won’t be jealous. You and Yarrowshade spending time together doesn’t take anything away from me. It’ll be alright.”

Scorch sighed tiredly -- far too tiredly for having just woken up. 

“Just do what makes you happy,” said Goldenstar. “Let me know when you change your mind about things but don’t feel like you need my approval. You’re my partner, not something I own. I love you.” 

“I love you,” Scorch mumbled, and she meant it. After a long beat of just breathing and listening to Goldenstar breathe, she asked, “What should I say to Yarrowshade?”

“Tell him what you told me when we got together,” said Goldenstar. 

“That he’s too soft?” she cocked a brow skeptically. 

“No, no,” laughed Goldenstar, “lay out exactly what you want and what you don’t. He’ll do the same and if they line up then you’re good to go.” 

“That’s it?” Scorch scoffed in disbelief. “I just walk up and say, ‘listen up, dummy, I want to do cutesy garbage with you. What do you want?’”

“Sure,” shrugged Goldenstar. “Why not?” 

“‘Cause that’s weird?” 

“Eh, he’s a weirdo. He’ll understand.”

“Ugh,” Scorch groaned and put her paws over her eyes. This entire thing was a nightmare designed to torture her specifically.

“Come on,” Goldenstar chuckled, standing up so that Scorch slid off of her side and into the nest. “Let’s invite him to share breakfast.” Scorch groaned again but with Goldenstar up and about, staying and rotting in the nest was a great deal less enticing than before. 

“Fine,” she sighed, heaving herself to her feet and giving her fur a quick groom while Goldenstar stretched. Once she was done, Goldenstar twined their tails together and they padded out into the sun side by side. 

The early morning patrol had just returned and the freshkill pile was well stocked. Scorchplume realized suddenly just how hungry she was and quickly picked out a starling that smelled appetizing. Goldenstar grabbed a mouse and turned to survey the camp. 

“Wonder where he is,” she hummed. 

“Who?” asked Pantherhaze, sitting a short ways off and grooming between his toes. 

“Yarrowshade,” said Goldenstar. “Seen him?” 

“I think he’s still in the den,” said Pantherhaze. 

“Thanks,” Goldenstar smiled. Scorchplume took a slow deep breath to steady herself. Goldenstar looked at her and said, “I’ll go get him, you find us a spot, okay?”

“Sure,” Scorch flicked her tail, trying to lift herself up with confidence. She could do this. It wasn’t any different from negotiations. Still, her heart was thumping in her chest and her paws felt sweaty as she went to sit beneath the Stoneperch and wait. 

After a few moments, Goldenstar and Yarrowshade emerged from the warriors’ den and came to join her. Yarrowshade was smiling nervously and Scorch forced her own, tight-lipped smile. What did you say to him, Goldie? she wondered. 

“Hey,” she called, trying to sound normal, “How was the rest of the party?” 

“Fine, I guess,” Yarrowshade shrugged. “Mostly, Charredbranch complained my ear off because Greyvoice was flirting with Robinswoop but that’s not important.” He shook his head as he settled down across from her. “How are you feeling?”

Why did that have to be his first question? she nearly groaned. 

“Fine,” she said on instinct, then amended, “Better. Sleep helped.” 

“Yeah,” he nodded, “It’ll do that.” 

Scorch nodded in kind, then slid her starling towards him. “Here. I… I was thinking we could share.” 

“Oh, thanks,” Yarrowshade said as if he’d just noticed the food for the first time.

Goldenstar smiled and nestled down against her side to eat, there but not quite engaged in their conversation. It was clear that she wasn’t going to do this for Scorch. She took a deep breath and then forced the words out. 

“Look,” she said matter-of-factly, “the last thing I want is for things to be weird between us, alright?” 

“Yeah,” nodded Yarrowshade. “Agreed.” 

“Good,” she said, swallowing against the lump in her throat. “I’ve talked about it with Goldenstar and decided that…” she grasped for the words, “I am interested in… pursuing some kind of… arrangement.” 

“Okay,” he said, listening carefully. For now, the food between them sat untouched.

“It would be completely non-sexual,” she said firmly. “Strictly contained to things like nest-sharing and tail-twining. And there would be no labels.” 

“Okay,” he nodded. 

That word was starting to get on her nerves. “And that’s all. What do you think?” 

He nodded slowly a few more times, letting his eyes rove the middle distance between them. “I mean, yeah,” he said eventually, “That all sounds good to me. To be honest, though, I’m not sure that like… something without sex is gonna be enough for me?” 

Scorchplume’s chest tightened like her ribs and lungs were at war.

Thankfully, Yarrowshade continued, “But, like, I totally understand why you feel that way and I don’t want to pressure you or anything. I guess I just wanna make sure you’re cool with it if I end up seeing someone else as well.” 

“Of course,” she said, trying to stop her heart from beating out of her chest. “I’m seeing Goldenstar. It’s only fair.” 

“Okay,” Yarrowshade gave a sigh of relief, nodding once more. “Great.” Goldenstar gave Scorchplume’s shoulder an encouraging squeeze with one paw.

“And you’re not just saying that to appease me,” Scorch clarified, “you are actually interested in being more than a friend to me, yes?” 

“Yeah,” he assured her, brow furrowing seriously, “I mean, I haven’t really thought about you that way since we first met but it’s not a hard adjustment to make. You’re awesome, Scorch. Anybody would be lucky to be with you.”

“Damn right,” she said haughtily, finally feeling like the tension had started to ease. She pulled the starling close and took a bite, once again reminded that she was starving. She took another bite, let herself breathe out through her nose afterwards, and some of the tension started to drain from her body. 

Yarrowshade smiled and reached out to pull the starling back over to him but she sank her claws in and held it in place, making him frown in worry. 

“The bird is staying right here,” she said. “If you want to eat, you’ll have to move closer.” 

Goldenstar gave a purring laugh and said, “Get used to that, Yare. She’s a bossy one.”

“Oh, I know,” he chuckled. “That’s alright, though. I don’t mind being told what to do by a pretty lady.” He bounced his eyebrows at Scorch and she rolled her eyes. 

“Good, because I need you to shut up immediately,” she scoffed.

“Yes, ma’am,” he said, scooting closer to lean against her side and eat. She swatted him in the face and shook her head. Goldenstar had finished her mouse and reclined across Scorch’s back half to sun herself as she and Yarrowshade ate. It was peaceful, being surrounded by the two of them. 

“I told you,” Scorch had purred smugly. “It’s better this way.” She and Goldenstar had snuggled up immediately and he had gladly curled up against Goldenstar’s flank to enjoy the warmth and the rumble of her purr. They had talked with Fawn and Wes about everything and nothing until Fawn fell asleep and Floodstrike had come and pulled Goldenstar and Wes away for some sort of emergency. 

Yarrowshade had wriggled up against Scorchplume and to his surprise, she had allowed it. 

“Mm,” he had sighed, “you’re warm.”

“You’re dumb,” Scorchplume had giggled. 

“Did you just giggle?” he had asked, lifting his head to look at her. 

“Maybe,” she’d huffed, running lazy licks down her chest fur. 

“I like it,” he’d purred. “It’s cute. You’re cute.” 

“Gross!” she’d laughed, putting a hindpaw up to push his face away. “Stop flirting with me! I’m taken!” 

“Who’s flirting?” he’d protested. “I’m not flirting. Are you flirting?” 

“I’m not flirting,” she had said, placing an affronted paw on her chest. “I never flirt.”

“Liar-,” he’d gasped. 

“How dare you?” 

“You are such a liar!”

“You can’t prove anything,” she’d shaken her head and wrapped her paws around his neck to hold him close. He’d wriggled even closer to her beating heart and purred loudly. 

“That’s alright,” he’d concluded. “I still like you even if you are a filthy liar and a flirt.” 

She’d rolled her eyes and sighed, “Ugh, I can’t believe I love you.” 

And then, before he could process what was happening, she had lurched to her feet, dropping him into the dirt unceremoniously, and said, “I, uh, I have to go. I’ll be right back.” 

And so, now, there he sat in total confusion, watching as her tail disappeared quickly into the woods. What had just happened? Yarrowshade frowned at the woods for a long minute, then groomed his ears for a lack of something better to do. 

Eventually, Goldenstar returned, without Wes or Floodstrike, looking tired. When she spotted him, she asked, “Where’d Scorch go?” and furrowed her brow in concern.

“No idea,” he said, “We were just joking around and then suddenly she jumped up and ran off like she’d seen a ghost.” 

Goldenstar’s tail tip began to twitch as she stepped up close to him. “What were you joking about?” 

“Uh, she giggled and I said she was cute and then we were like, ‘I’m not flirting, you’re flirting’ and I called her a liar and we were like ‘that’s okay, I love you anyway,’ and then bam, she was gone. Dropped me right in the dirt.”

“Weird,” Goldenstar rumbled uneasily. “I’m gonna go see if I can find her.”

“Should I come?” he asked, already starting to stand. 

“Maybe?” Goldenstar shrugged. “It’s hard to know with her.” She flattened her mouth in a half grimace. 

Yarrowshade pushed himself up against her side and said, “Come on, let’s go get her.” 

Together, they padded out into the woods where she had disappeared, leaving the party noise behind. Despite his worry, Yarrowshade couldn’t help but notice how peaceful and serene the forest was that night. It was kind of amazing, how every bush he passed instilled a sense of awe. Even the act of following Scorchplume’s scent felt profound, like how special was it that he was capable of doing such a thing? He considered mentioning the thought to Goldenstar but she seemed very concerned and he didn’t want to look stupid.

Besides, she was probably concerned for good reason. Scorch’s scent only got more and more distressed as they walked and the path led them aimlessly into EarthClan’s territory instead of back towards the border. 

“Something’s definitely wrong,” said Goldenstar. “What could have spooked her so badly?”

“I don’t know,” Yarrowshade shook his head. “I didn’t see anything.” To be fair, he hadn’t been paying much attention. He racked his brain for something he had missed and came up short. 

It wasn’t much longer until the scent trail led up into one of lower-hanging trees where a ginger tail could be seen trembling against the brittle, brown leaves. Goldenstar glanced at him, then hopped up into the nook where the trunk forked in two. 

“Scorch?” she called softly and Scorchplume gasped in fright, nearly launching herself out of the tree. Yarrowshade’s stomach lurched as she scrabbled back onto the branch, leaves rattling. The fear scent was powerful, even from the ground. 

“Scorch, what’s wrong?” Goldenstar asked. “What happened?” 

Scorch shifted her weight on the branch, swallowed thickly, and said, “I’m sorry, I- I didn’t mean it, I promise-”

“Woah, woah, woah!” Goldenstar soothed, starting to make her way onto the branch. “You’ve got nothing to apologize for! It’s okay.” Yarrowshade followed her to the tree trunk to try and get a better look at Scorch’s face. She was crying, eyes red and puffy. She looked at him and seemed to search his face as if he held the answer to some sort of desperate question. He frowned worriedly. 

“Are you alright?” he asked stupidly. “Did something happen?” 

Scorch’s brow furrowed as well. “You… you didn’t hear me?” 

Yarrowshade squinted in confusion. “Hear you say what?” 

Scorchplume held her breath and glanced at Goldenstar warily. There was a long beat of silence, then Goldenstar gasped in realization and Scorch flinched at the sound. 

“Oh, stars, you said you love him,” Goldenstar said. “Were you afraid I would be angry with you?” Scorch swallowed and lowered herself against the tree branch which was answer enough in itself. 

“Wait, what?” Yarrowshade blinked. “Why would she be angry about that?”

“I… I don’t know,” Scorchplume said, glancing away, but it didn’t sound genuine. 

“Because-” Goldenstar hesitated and looked at Yarrowshade for a beat. “Because you didn’t mean it in a friendly way, did you?” 

Yarrowshade felt like he’d been slapped by a fish. “What?”

“I didn’t mean it at all,” Scorch said with a swish of her tail. “It was just the catnip talking.” 

“Hey,” Goldenstar climbed further up into the tree, lowering her voice, “it’s okay if you did. You know that, right? I’m not going to be mad if you have feelings for someone else. I’m not like Razor, I’m not gonna punish you or anything. You’re safe.” 

Scorch couldn’t seem to look her in the eye, couldn’t seem to find the words to respond. Goldenstar slowly made her way up to where Scorch was perched and gently pressed her nose to Scorch’s ear, finally pulling her out of the shell she had withdrawn into. Scorch closed her eyes and leaned into the touch, looking pained. 

“I’m sorry,” Scorch breathed miserably. “I feel so fucking stupid.”

“You’re not stupid,” Goldenstar purred reassuringly. “You’re just scared and that’s fine. It’s not your fault he was terrible to you.” 

Yarrowshade still couldn’t process what was happening. Did Scorchplume really have… feelings for him? A dizzying rush of butterflies came up through his stomach at the thought. Every interaction with her in the last few months was suddenly filtering through his mind in a new light. How long had she felt that way? How many signs had he missed?

After a moment more of quiet whispering, Goldenstar and Scorch turned back to look at him and he focused suddenly. 

“Hey,” he said, then kicked himself. ‘Hey?’ That’s what you went with?

“Look,” Scorch said, turning away uncomfortably, “I didn’t mean to… I don’t even know if ‘love’ is the right term, it just… slipped out.”

“It’s alright,” he said quickly, “We don’t have to talk about it, we can just-”

“No, no,” Scorch sighed, “It’s… it’s fine.”

“Just to be clear,” cut in Goldenstar, “I’m totally fine if we’re not exclusive. If you wanna pursue any kind of relationship with Yarrowshade, you have my blessing. I mean it.”

Scorchplume shook her head. “I don’t know what I want. Everything is so fucking confusing now -- after him, I mean… I never used to struggle with this stuff before.” She gave herself a few licks over her shoulders to try and lay her fur flat and Yarrowshade winced in sympathy. He could tell it was really bothering her, the lack of knowing. 

“That’s alright,” Goldenstar said, twining tails with her. “You don’t have to know. Why don’t we go back to camp? It’s been a long day for everyone, I think.” 

“Alright,” sighed Scorchplume tiredly. “That’s probably for the best.” With a few quick hops, they came down from the tree together and joined Yarrowshade near the roots. 

“You should probably check with Russetfrond before you disappear,” he said to Goldenstar.

“Mousedung, you’re right,” she grumbled. “Do you wanna wait here or…?” 

“I want to go back to camp,” Scorchplume groaned. 

“Alright,” Goldenstar nodded and gave her a few licks to wipe the tears from her face. “I love you. I’ll catch up with you in just a sec.”

“Mm,” was all Scorch said, leaning into the touch. 

“Do you want me to come with you or should I go back to the party?” Yarrowshade asked. He definitely didn’t feel like he had the right frame of mind to go back to the party but he wanted her to have the choice. He could always wait for a few minutes and then head home on his own. 

“I don’t care,” Scorch shrugged, tossing her head and running a paw over her ears. “You’re an adult. Do what you like.” 

Goldenstar gave Yarrowshade a look over Scorch’s shoulder, something between pity and frustration. He offered a lopsided smile and a shrug in response. 

“Well, I’d like to walk back with you, if that’s okay,” he said. 

“Sure,” she glanced cooly at him, clearly trying to feign indifference, and he couldn’t help but sigh. 

“I’ll see you soon,” Goldenstar said and gave Scorch a gentle headbut before she took off briskly towards the Cornerstones. Scorch stood still for a beat and then turned and headed into the woods without a word. Yarrowshade huffed another sigh and hopped a step forward to catch up with her. 

“Hey, look,” he started awkwardly, “I… I know this is complicated but can we talk about… y’know?”

Scorch side eyed him coldly before returning her gaze to the path ahead. “There’s nothing to talk about. The catnip made me say things I didn’t mean, end of story.” 

“Can you stop lying to me?” he scowled. “Like, I get it? But it’s not helpful.”

Scorch’s whiskers twitched and she opened her mouth for a second before shutting it firmly. He had a feeling that whatever she had stopped herself from saying would have been cruel. Maybe he was pushing too hard. 

“Sorry,” he sighed again. “I just… I didn’t realize you felt that way.” 

“I don’t,” Scorch growled through gritted teeth. “Can we please just drop it? It was a mistake. It won’t happen again.” She closed her eyes, looking like she had a terrible headache. 

Yarrowshade’s ears fell backward. “Alright,” he said tiredly. Maybe he ought to go back to the party. He knew in his head that this was more about her and her damage than it was about him but it was hard not to feel like her shame was because of some fault of his own. 

“I think I’m gonna go back to the party,” he said eventually, slowing his pace. “I’ll see you around, yeah?”

“What a terrible way to die,” he said, voicing her thoughts. 

“No kidding.” She swallowed, eyes drifting back upward. “I think that was harder to watch than Razor’s death. The way he was screaming…” She shuddered and let out a slow breath between her teeth. 

Russetfrond leaned in to press his bloodied flank against hers. “But we did it. It’s over now.”

“I guess it is,” she said in disbelief. “Thank StarClan. I’m so sick of war.” She sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder and he grunted which meant he agreed but didn’t want to say so. 

“Well fought,” Rudy’s voice pulled her back to attention as he approached. “I have to admit, it was a lot easier with you lot around.”

“We were happy to uphold our end of the agreement,” she said, subtly reminding him of his own half. “Now the city is free from tyranny and our peoples can be at peace.”

“Mm,” Rudy seemed unimpressed but didn’t disagree. “We’re going to go back and spread the news. You wanna come?” 

“I’m honored,” she said, “but I think we’ll have to pass. The paths of your city are still strange and confusing to us.” 

Rudy laughed and said, “Right. Well, we’ll see you, then. Don’t get any ideas about encroaching on our territories though, we’re allies, not buddies.”

“Understood,” Goldenstar said seriously. Russetfrond grunted as well. 

With that, Rudy turned and said, “Alright, boys, let’s head out! Take the bodies to be buried but leave Sardine for the Folk.” A rowdy cheer of agreement went up from his supporters and soon they had vacated the barn with their prisoners. 

“We should go too,” said Orangestar, crossing the barn towards her. 

“Agreed,” Goldenstar nodded, raising her tail and her voice, “Let’s head back to the Cornerstones to celebrate before the twolegs can find us.” 

“Here, here!” cheered Snowstar, her fur a streaky pink mess. “Prey is on SkyClan tonight. I’ll send Fernspeckle and Robinswoop to fetch something for everybody.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Orangestar said, eyes wide at the offer. 

“I want to,” Snowstar said. “We fought hard. We deserve a fitting celebration.” There were several cheers among the crowd. Goldenstar swallowed, unable to fully agree with Sardine still hanging above her like an omen of death. She turned and headed for the door with Orangestar and Russetfrond close on either side. 

“If it’s alright with y’all,” Wes said, stepping out of the crowd with a polite dip of his head, “I’d love t’join you in the celebration. I could even bring somethin’ as a thank you for the invitation.” His smile was so earnest that Goldenstar couldn’t bear to turn him down. 

“I suppose that’s alright,” she said, glancing at her friends. “We won’t have any interest in kittypet food, though.” Russetfrond grunted in firm agreement. 

“Not food then,” Wes nodded. “I could bring toys? Or catnip perhaps.”

“Catnip?” Orangestar’s brows shot upward. “Like, the herb?!” 

“Yeah,” Wes nodded. “I think my friend Fawn has a patch in her garden. I don’t care much for the stuff but I know lots of cats use it when they’re lookin’ for a good time.” 

“Recreationally?” Goldenstar stared in confusion. “You don’t need it for coughs?” 

“For coughs?” Wes frowned, seemingly daunted by their reactions. “Nah, we’ve got our Folk for that. ‘Sides, there’s plenty to go around.” 

Goldenstar couldn’t believe her ears. “Um, yeah, sure,” she laughed. “Why not?” Russetfrond scowled but didn’t protest. 

“Great,” Wes smiled in relief. “Is it alright if I invite Fawn as well? I’d hate t’take her catnip and run.”

“Yeah, of course,” nodded Goldenstar. “If she’s a friend of yours, she’s a friend of mine.” 

“Sounds good,” said Wes with a polite little dip of his head to each of them. “Where’s this ‘Cornerstones’ at?” Goldenstar paused, unsure how to explain, but Songdust inserted herself into the conversation and came to her rescue. 

“I’ll show him the way,” she said. 

“Thanks,” nodded Goldenstar. “Stay safe.”

“Will do,” said Songdust. 

“I’ll make sure nothin’ happens to her, Miss Goldenstar,” Wes said seriously. 

Goldenstar laughed and shared an amused glance with Orangestar. “I know. We’ll see you there.” Songdust nodded and flicked her tail against Wes’s leg and together they headed off towards the city. 

Russetfrond growled uneasily. “I don’t like it. We shouldn’t be showing kittypets to the Cornerstones.”

“It’ll be fine,” Goldenstar said, bumping reassuringly against him. “And besides, if there really is enough catmint to go around, we can keep some for our herb stores. Just imagine! Fully stocked catmint for leafbare!”

“Maybe we can trade for some every leafbare!” Orangestar purred in excitement. “Think of how many lives we could save!” 

Russetfrond grumbled in reluctant agreement. “I guess this Wes cat seems trustworthy enough.”

“He is,” Goldenstar nodded. Then, knowing a task would put him more at ease, she said, “Could you make sure everyone gets to Cornerstones safely? I don’t want anyone getting left behind.” 

“‘Course,” he grunted with a serious nod.

“Thanks,” she purred, butting up against his shoulder. “I’m gonna stop at camp and meet you all at the Cornerstones.” 

“Sounds good,” Orangestar nodded. “StarClan light your path!” 

“You too,” grinned Goldenstar and then she took off trotting through the grass towards home. The chilly night seemed lighter than before, the wind gentler. As she neared the camp, she ran into Barleybee and Sparrowsway who were strolling home with tails intertwined. 

She kicked up her pace to close the distance with them and called out, “You two not going to the festivities?” 

Barleybee smiled with embarrassment as they both turned to face her, saying, “Not tonight. It honestly just sounds tiring.” 

“As long as you’re sure,” Goldenstar said, looking them over. Barleybee was missing several of her cardinal feathers and Sparrowsway had a slight limp on his left side but neither one was particularly injured, which was a relief. Her mind made a few quick jumps from that thought to the next and she added, “How’s Floodstrike doing?” 

The siblings exchanged a worried glance. 

“I’m not sure,” said Sparrowsway grimly. “He’s still all worked up.”

“I told him revenge wouldn’t make him feel any better,” Barleybee sighed, her frown deepening. 

“Yeah, but you know he doesn’t listen,” said Sparrowsway. Barleybee chewed her lip, gaze drifting into the middle distance. 

“I’ll have to check in with him,” hummed Goldenstar. “Thanks for letting me know.”

“Of course, Goldenstar,” Sparrowsway said with a slight smile. “Have fun at the Cornerstones tonight.”

“Oh, I’m sure I will,” she said, realizing they didn’t know the news. “Wes says he’s going to bring enough catmint for everyone to use some.”

“What?” Sparrowsway’s brow furrowed at the absurdity of the statement. “Like, just for fun?” 

“Mhm,” she grinned. “Apparently the kittypets are practically swimming in the stuff.”

“Weird,” Barleybee laughed, rolling her shoulders as if an uncomfortable prickle had run down her spine. “Kittypets are so strange.” 

At this point, they had reached the crest of the hill and descended into camp together. Pantherhaze, Oddstripe, and Alderrtail sat together in the entrance to the nursery, sharing tongues while Slatepaw and the kittens slept within. When Oddstripe spotted them, he perked his ears and leapt up to meet them, eyes wide. 

“Is everyone alright?” he asked, looking his kits up and down. “Do they need me at the barn?” 

“Everyone’s fine,” Goldenstar assured him. “No casualties and only one serious injury in EarthClan. We’re going to the Cornerstones to celebrate if you’d like to come.”

“The kittypets are bringing a bunch of catmint,” Barleybee whispered in amazement. 

“They are?” Just behind Oddstripe, Aldertail brightened. “Just for anybody to use?”

“Apparently,” Goldenstar laughed. 

“Oh, that’s amazing!” Oddstripe gasped. “Will there be any left over? I’d love to have some for the herb stores!” 

“We’ll have to see,” shrugged Goldenstar. 

Aldertail shuffled her paws and asked, “Um, would it be okay if I came to the Cornerstones?” 

“Of course,” Goldenstar nodded. “Everyone is welcome.”

“Okay,” she sighed in relief. “I just didn’t know since I wasn’t at the battle or anything.” 

“We’ll go together,” Oddstripe smiled and she blushed profusely. 

Across camp, Scorchplume emerged from Goldenstar’s den -- from their den -- and padded quickly to meet them. 

“How did it go?” she asked with bated breath. 

“Perfectly,” Goldenstar smiled, pressing a few licks to the crown of her beloved's head. “Sardine is dead and we didn’t lose a single cat. We’re going to the Cornerstones to celebrate and the kittypets are bringing catmint for everyone.” 

“Really?” Ospreymask popped out of the warrior’s den with a bright smile on her face. “Is everybody going?”

“Seems like it,” Goldenstar said. “You’re welcome to come.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” purred the queen. “You coming, Pantherhaze?” 

He shook his head, still sitting near the nursery. “I think I’ll stay with Slatepaw. Catmint doesn’t really affect me anyways.”

“Oh yeah,” Goldenstar frowned, remembering the time they had gone herb gathering as apprentices and everyone but him had been sent home for getting too carried away. “Well, let me know if you guys need anything here, okay?”

“I’m sure we’ll be fine,” Barleybee smiled. “You guys go have fun.”

“You’re not coming?” Oddstripe asked. 

“We’re too tired,” Sparrowsway said. “I’m sure Floodstrike will be there though.” 

Scorchplume pressed close against Goldenstar’s side and said, “We should start going if we want to get there before the catnip runs out.”

“Oh, yeah?” chuckled Goldenstar, twining her tail with Scorch’s. “I didn’t take you for the type.”

“Well, it seems you don’t know everything about me,” smirked Scorch. “I used to be quite the party girl.” Goldenstar couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement in her belly at the thought. 

“Ooh,” she purred, “I think I’d like to see that.”