Forbidden
Moonpaw lay still in the apprentice den, restless and anxious. She strained her ears to hear if anyone was awake, but all she could hear was the steady breathing of her friends, Squirrelpaw, Spiderpaw, Shrewpaw, and Whitepaw. She breathed a sigh of relief and quietly stood up. She gently shook the moss from her pelt and tiptoed out of the den. Glancing around cautiously, she took a small step forward. The camp was silent. She quickly and quietly stalked out through the gap in the brambles and into the forest. She breathed in the welcoming scents surrounding her. She scented a faint trace of mouse, but hunting would have to wait. She had more important things. She padded silently through the dark forest, pausing every few steps the check that nobody was around. As she finally approached RiverClan territory, she stopped and looked around.
"Mintpaw?" she whispered hoarsely. "Are you there?"
"Moonpaw?"
She heard his soft voice whisper, and she nearly cried out in relief.
"I was beginning to think you'd never come!"
Mintpaw stalked out of the bushes, careful not to make any noise. She felt herself grow warm with embarrassment; she knew she shouldn't be here, but she had to see him!
"Sorry, I had to make sure nobody was following me."
"It's fine, I was only joking!" He let out a soft mrrow of laughter.
Moonpaw sighed and sat down next to him. She snuggled up against his warm fur and buried her muzzle in his pelt. "I'm so glad to see you, Mintpaw!"
"As am I." He sighed deeply. "But…"
"Yes?" Moonpaw asked quickly. She was concerned with the sudden sadness in his voice.
"I'm worried, Moonpaw. It just doesn't feel right, you know, meeting here with you. I mean, I love you, I truly do, it's just…" he broke off awkwardly.
"I know, you're breaking the warrior code and you feel disloyal. I do to, and it makes me feel awful. But I just can't bear to be without you, Mintpaw. I love you!" she looked down at her paws.
"Hey, it's okay!" he nuzzled her. "Hey, you know Graystripe, right?"
"Yes, he's our deputy…" she looked up at him.
"He used to meet with Silverstream, Crookedstar's daughter. And it was because he loved her." He said comfortingly.
"And look how that ended…she died."
"Ah…yes…" He looked at a loss for words for once, and he glanced away awkwardly.
"Well, the gathering is soon, I'm pretty sure I'll be going. Will you?" He asked, trying to change the subject.
"I don't see why not."
"Then we'll meet there. But try not to act to suspicious."
"I won't." She promised as he stood up.
"I have to go now, I've got training in the morning. See you later!" He meowed, and raced off towards the river bank.
Moonpaw sighed nervously as she watched him go. What have I gotten myself into?
