Not Ever Change

Takes place just after Graystripe returns.

ThunderClan had just returned home after the Gathering. As the rest of the cats headed for the camp entrance, Firestar deliberately fell behind. He wanted a quiet moment with his old friend apart from the expectant stares of his Clanmates, apart from the pressure of leadership. Graystripe stopped beside him, and Sandstorm, with a knowing gleam in her eye, led Millie into the camp.

Sudden fatigue swept over Firestar, and he sagged against the bramble barrier.

"Are you all right?" Graystripe meowed, flicking his tail in concern. Firestar felt a rush of affection for the gray warrior. Graystripe was visibly exhausted from his long journey through the mountains, yet his only worry was for his leader.

"The whole Clan held vigil for you," Firestar murmured. "Everyone assumed you were dead. They all spoke of your bravery, your sacrifice. No one mourned more than me. I thought you were gone forever." He gazed into the amber eyes he knew so well. "But you came back."

Graystripe purred and pressed his pelt against Firestar's. "Of course I came back. Someone's got to keep you out of mischief."

"You're the one who always got me into mischief," Firestar retorted with a mrrow of laughter. Graystripe batted him playfully with his paw, protesting, "I only went along with your ideas."

Firestar sighed fondly, memories playing through his mind. "Two apprentices with nothing better to do than get into trouble." He leaned into his friend's solid frame, burying his nose in the thick gray fur. "Promise me, Graystripe," he mewed softly, "that whatever happens from now on-no matter how different things are here-that our friendship will not ever change."

Graystripe butted him lightly with his head. "Of course it won't, you stupid furball," he

replied.

Together, the two of them walked through the thorn tunnel into ThunderClan's camp, their pelts brushing, purring loudly enough to wake a sleeping kit.

The End