Dovewing

Why are you still in my thoughts and in my dreams? I thought I moved on from you…but I guess I haven't. Dovewing stared at the sky as she sat in camp, her tail twitching and thoughts clouded with that one cat: that one handsome, caring, wonderful ShadowClan tom that she still hadn't moved on from. Why, Tigerheart, why do I still love you?

The pale gray she-cat was snapped out of her own little world as her Bumblestripe approached her, sitting beside her.

"Hey, Dovewing. What's wrong? You seem a little out of it today."

"Wh-what? What do you mean? I'm perfectly fine," she announced, her heart falling inside. I know I love you, but I can't. I mean…Bumblestripe…would be crushed. I couldn't do that to him. Is it bad that I really, really want to?

"Well, you did miss Squirrelflight calling you for a patrol, you know," the tom stated with a purr, smiling at her. "Come on, we're going hunting with Birchfall, Rosepetal, Cinderheart, and Lionblaze."

"Oh…um…can you tell Squirrelflight I'm not feeling well? I…my stomach is hurting. I think I hate something bad."

Concern flitted across Bumblestripe's gaze. "Yeah, okay. Are you all right? Do you need me to stay with you?"

"N-no! No, thank you Bumblestripe. I think I just need to rest." Dovewing stood up, heading towards the warrior's den.

"Are you sure? I could keep you company!"

Annoyance prickled at the tips of Dovewing's pelt. Why couldn't he just leave her alone? She flicked her tail dismissively. "I'm fine. I just don't feel up to hunting today." She kept her thoughts to herself, the thoughts that she needed to see Tigerheart, and needed to see him now.

Once comfortably settled in her nest, she twitched her ears and closed her eyes, listening hard for the retreating paw steps of the patrol. Finally, she would be alone, where she could have her thoughts in peace. But…it wouldn't be peace. She knew this, and her heart longed to be back with Tigerheart, talking and being in love with him. Dovewing sighed, opening her eyes. That was it. She was going out to see him now. However, with the patrol gone and ThunderClan thinking she was ill, she would have to sneak out.

Peering outside of the den entrance, Dovewing tasted the air to check for any signs of cats heading her way. It looked as though no one was paying attention to her, since everyone had their own things to do, and had their own business to take care of. She drew her attention to Sandstorm, who had retired to the elder's den as the shock of Firestar's death had left her unable to attain to her duties. But she didn't have time to grieve with the elderly cat; she had her own things to do.

Padding quietly past the elder's and medicine cat's den, Dovewing held her breath and squeezed her way into the dirtplace. As Blossomfall was guarding the entrance, there was no getting past her. Out of worry, Bumblestripe had probably already told the entire Clan about her "illness," even though they had probably ignored him anyways. He was always rambling on about her in some way or other, about some accomplishment she had made or something amazing she had done. It was sweet, in a way, but also really irritating.

Once out in the forest, Dovewing crept around the trees and brush to avoid Blossomfall's scent range. Obviously the warrior she-cat wasn't paying attention or she was distracted with something else, as the sneak around her was easy and not a problem whatsoever.

Picking her way over the undergrowth Dovewing broke into a run, streaking across the forest and to the marshlands. Once at the border of ShadowClan, she let her senses explore, shutting her eyes and hoping to see Tigerheart approaching, alone. Suddenly, the camp opened up before her and she saw it. Blackstar was talking to Rowanclaw, but she couldn't hear as his words were quiet. She searched around the camp and saw a few mewling kits in the nursery-Kinkfur must have birthed already. Eventually she found him; Tigerheart was talking to Dawnpelt, and she could barely make out what they were saying, but she could still hear it.

"So," Dawnpelt was saying. "Tigerheart, you and I both are getting older, with each season that passes. Don't you think it's about time you settled down with the she-cat of your dreams?"

Tigerheart sighed. "Dawnpelt, I've told you before that I haven't found that cat yet. There's no one in ShadowClan that I could even think about being mates with."

"Well, what about…Applefur? She seems to like you."

The strong tom sighed again. "No…she's just not right for me. Look, can we talk about this later? I want to go for a walk. I don't know…I could lead a one-cat border patrol or something."

"I could go with you," his sister offered.

"No. I think I just want to go alone."

"Okay. Be safe, all right? Do you promise?"
Tigerheart purred. "I promise. Don't worry, I'll be fine. The Clans have been closer than ever since the battle with the Dark Forest. Besides, most cats are still recovering. I doubt anyone would pick a fight with me."

"Fine. Come back soon, then."

"I will!" Tigerheart called.

Shaking her head, Dovewing snapped herself out of ShadowClan. "He's coming this way!" Butterflies appeared in her stomach and her paws started tingling. "I can…see him." So, she backed into the bushes to wait for him, to wait for the one she truly loved and never would stop loving. She waited for Tigerheart.

It seemed like moons passed for the eagerly waiting Dovewing, but finally she could hear his pawsteps. Though he was a strong and heavy cat, he trod lightly on the marshlands, his pace swift. However, his nose twitched and he paused at the border.

"Who's there?" The muscular tabby tom called, his voice in a growl.

Dovewing took a deep breath and appeared from behind the tree she had been taking refuge in, and Tigerheart's face changed. It wasn't surprise, joy, fear, or desperation…but sort of like a mix of all of them. "D-Dovewing…" he stammered. "What are you doing here?"

"Tigerheart…" Dovewing trailed off, taking a step towards him, but not going any closer. She sighed and stared into his eyes, his brilliant amber eyes. They were fierce like a tiger, but she really knew him. He was soft, and gentle, like a kitten. "I still have feelings for you, okay? I always have. I've never stopped loving you and even though we're not in the same Clan, I want to be with you."

"Well," Tigerheart began, his voice and gaze not changing. "I do too." With a soft smile, he stepped towards Dovewing and nuzzled her. Warmth spread through the she-cat from her head to the tips of her paws, and she shivered at his touch. "I've missed you, Dovewing. Back when you were Dovepaw. I don't know why we ever stopped seeing each other."

"Me neither. But Tigerheart, I can't stay. Bumblestripe and the rest of the hunting patrol will be coming back to ThunderClan soon. They'll be wondering where I am. But, can I see you tonight? At the gathering island? No one will suspect us, since that place is always filled with the scents of cats."

To her pure delight, the dark tabby nodded. "Of course. I'll see you tonight, Dovewing. I love you."

His words sent another shiver through her spine. "I love you too, Tigerheart. I always have."

As the tom padded away from her, she watched him leave, a smile seeming to be permanently planted on her jaw. As soon as she could no longer see him, she, too, turned around and headed back to ThunderClan, racing back through the trees to beat the patrol back. She would see him again tonight. That was too great to express in words. I love you, Tigerheart. I really do.