Forgive and Forget

The moon shone high in the painted midnight sky, only a sliver: the size of a claw mark. The colors were splashed upon the night, shedding eerie glows across the ground beneath. Stars cast starshine, illuminating a single pelt, who sat stiffly under the protections of thorns and brambles. She was alert, ears pricked, scanning the area around her at every small sound and movement. She was reminiscing the Gathering in which her dau- no, Leafpool's daughter had revealed their true parentage and the lies that she had told. Now she asked herself, was it really worth it? It was the same question her former mate had asked her, the last words he said to her before turning his back on her.

Yes.

Perhaps if things had been different, Hollyleaf would not have fled into the tunnels and died, Jayfeather and Lionblaze would not despise their former motherly figure, the secret would be safe, and she would be alright... with Brambleclaw.

With Brambleclaw.

The words echoed in her mind, bouncing on and off. It almost made her dizzy thinking about the statement. Yet, she couldn't help but sigh unhappily at the truth in the words. She wanted to be with Brambleclaw so much, it hurt. The rustle of some leaves made her turn abruptly, disturbing her thoughts. A dark tabby tom met her emerald gaze, uncertainty in his eyes. "I thought you told me you never wanted to talk to me again." the ginger she-cat mewed dully, her tone flat.

"Did I say that? No, Squirrelflight. I told you I couldn't trust you anymore." Brambleclaw stated, taking it to himself to examine each dark brown hair on his paws as he sat down.

"You know what I mean," Squirrelflight hissed, though a trace of hope stayed in her voice.

Her former mate smiled, looking back up at her, the old tenderness back in his expression, and Squirrelflight stared, unable to comprehend what to make of the feat. "But you're still the same Squirrelflight I loved and cared for when we were raising our kits."

Squirrelflight looked at him blankly, before shaking her head rapidly and meowed, "They're not our kits."

"Yes, I know that. But, it feels so wrong... saying that they're your sister's." Brambleclaw sighed, looking as if he were an elder, tiredness seeping into his gaze. "I still love you, all the same. I forgive you."

Squirrelflight's eyes brightened noticeably as her former mate touched his muzzle to her's, embracing her as before, and relaxed, taking in all the comfort he gave her in the simple touch of a nose. "Thank you."

"But," Brambleclaw rose up, "you still haven't answered my question. Was it worth it, lying to me and our kits?"

Squirrelflight narrowed her eyes, flinching at his words, and cuffed him around his ear. "Yes."

"Idiot," the tom chuckled, before turning around and padding away.