It had been two moons since the battle between the forest cats and the Darkforest. Thunderclan had recovered from the scars, but some will never be healed. Dovewing's paws carried her heart on a familliar path she had memorized by heart. She sighed as she approached the now empty patch of land by the Shadowclan border.
Of course, how could she expect him to automatically be here? It's been moons now. He's moved on. Her tail flicked. I should too. She turned back to return to camp, longing for the extended night stays she used to have with the dark tabby.
Her pelt bristled as she padded through the forest. Even after the time passed by, every tree marked the memory of the battle. Every shadow seemed to mask a new enemy. She slipped past the guarding Toadstep, nodding as she went. She padded across the clearing to the warriors den and into her nest.
She curled her tail around herself, however she took one last glance at the sleeping shape near her. His striped fur was relaxed as he breathed smoothly. She breathed in deeply, accepting the truth yet again. I should too. She thought before she dozed off in her own thoughts.
Sunlight was just starting to filter into the den as Dovewing began to wake. She stretched and groomed her pelt into place after the night in the forest had ruffled it. When she finished, she padded out of the den, only pausing to blink the dawn's light out of her eyes and yawn slightly.
"Dovewing!" his joyful mew caught her ears as she turned to meet him. Bumblestripe padded up, licking her cheek in a warm greeting. "I picked out a squirrel from the freshkill. I was hoping we, uh, could share it together?"
Dovewing gave a hopeful smile "Of course." She padded beside him letting her fur lightly brush his as they found a spot to eat. He does care for me. Maybe it's time to return the feeling? She forced herself to remain close enough to him as the ate the prey. When they had finished the last of the squirrel, she turned to him and smiled, "Thanks, Bumblestripe."
He let out a soft purr, "I'd do anything for you, Dovewing." Her pelt felt hot. She forced herself to stay calm, and brushed up against him, returning his purr. His warmth calmed her as she pressed closer to him, remembering doing the same with Tigerheart. Although she tried hard to push him out of her mind, he always lingered in the back of her thoughts.
Bumblestripe pulled quickly away and the warmth was gone. "Oh, foxdung! I was supposed to report for a patrol! I'm sorry Dovewing, but I have to go!" He bounced away across the clearing towards Squirrelflight, who's tail was twitching impatiently.
Dovewing sighed and shook her head, getting up herself, she turned to pad away and almost bumped straight into her sister. "So what was that about?" she grinned, mischeif dancing in her eyes. Dovewing felt her fur begin to heat up. "How long have you been there!?" she demanded.
Ivypool smiled, licking her paw nonshalauntly, "You didn't answer my question." Dovewing tried to relax her pelt, "Well, you didn't answer mine either!" Ivypool paused mid-lick, "All I can say is it's about time. He's been mooning over you since you were barely a warrior. Glad to see things finally worked out."
Dovewing swiped at her ear, carefully keeping her claws sheathed "We've been mates for some time now! What makes this so different?" Ivypool giggled playfully, "You started acting like mates this time! Not just two friends trying to have a conversation."
Dovewing hissed in annoyance, only to be interrupted by Squirrelflight. "Dovewing, I need you to join Brakenfur's hunting patrol with Rosepetal and Cloudtail. Ivypool you can join in with Thornclaw's patrol of the Windclan border with Lionblaze." Dovewing nodded and padded off to join Brakenfur, leaving Ivypool to find her own patrol.