The Broken Cat

Chapter 10: The Life Changing Discussion

"What's all this nonsense about Scourge liking Snowy?" Bone scoffed. "I thought we all agreed he was incapable of having feelings."

"Well, that was before he met Snowy!" Mink replied. "Seriously, Bone, you should see the way he looks at her."

Bone narrowed his eyes and angrily clawed at the ground with his claws. "That's exactly the problem," he growled. "I don't think its love your seeing, Mink. I have a hunch he's planning something, and I don't like the looks of it."

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Snowy chewed her food very slowly, letting the rotting mouse sink its way into her teeth. After several long chews she swallowed, wincing as the mouse scraped its way down her throat. While she was in the process of taking another bite, Snowy looked around the clearing. Nero was sitting in the corner by himself, washing his leg. Bone and Mink were arguing by the box Snowy lived in. Jag and Spots were being lazy, sprawled out in the sun. Where is Scourge? Snowy thought to herself. She hadn't seen him since he had killed the black cat, and that was days ago. He must be sitting in his den all this time, Snowy thought crossly. He's going to get sick if he doesn't get some exposure to the sun. Snowy pushed the remains of her meal away from her and stood up. Her hind leg trembled, making Snowy feel like she was going to collapse. I feel like I'm a thousand years old, Snowy grumbled inwardly as she limped her way over to Scourges den. She still didn't know how to react when cats stopped talking as she walked by them, staring at her as if she was going to attack them. Sighing, Snowy pushed her head through the entrance to Scourges den.

"What?" a voice snapped from the right side of the den. Snowy turned her head to look at Scourge, curled in a ball facing away from her. His ribs were showing through his fur, and his usually black pelt had turned a sickly shade of grey. Snowy didn't know what to say as she looked at him.

"Either speak or get out!" Scourge snarled.

"I just wanted to see where you were," Snowy mumbled. Scourges head snapped around as he recognized Snowys voice.

"Yeah, well, I'm in here," Scourge said, making an effort to calm his voice.

"I can see that. Anyway, I was wondering something," Snowy started. Scourges ears pricked up.

"Oh?" he said. "And what's that?"

"It's about the attack on Frostclan," Snowy said briskly, swearing she saw Scourges ears droop very slightly.

"What about it?" Scourge shook his head and regained himself. "We attack on the full moon, which is in two days. What's there to discuss?"

"Well there's a lot of stuff to discuss," Snowy snapped. "For starters, you haven't even bothered to talk to me about this. And second, every single cat out there is freaking out because they don't know what the hecks going on!"

"How many times do I need to explain myself," Scourge hissed. "We are attacking in two days. Do I need to spell it out for you?"

Snowy raised an eyebrow, unfazed by his sarcasm. "Spell it out for yourself, Scourge."

"Maybe I will."

"Maybe I don't care if you do in the first place," Snowy realized their conversation had resorted to a pointless argument, and felt silly.

"Well, I have an idea for the attack," Snowy said, her tone sharp and attentive again. "Would you like to hear it?"

"No."

"I think we should go talk to Frostclan," Snowy said.

"That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard in my whole life," Scourge shook his head in disgust. "I don't get it, I thought you were smart! And now you just run your mouth on every little thing that comes into your head."

Snowys ears boiled with anger. "I'm running my mouth?" she cried. "You're the one with their emotions way out of wack! First you pin me down and start screaming at me, second you ignore me for like, ever. Thirdly, you kill a cat right in front of me and say that you'll do anything for me! And now, its back to the old routine of hating on me like im some kind of worthless kit! Would you like," Snowy paused to take a breath. "To explain yourself?"

To Snowys surprise, Scourge got even angrier.

"I don't know, Snowy!" he screeched, making Snowys ears ring. "How am I supposed to know why I can't be mean to you? I'll tell you this, it would be a whole lot easier if I could!" he shouted again. Snowy stomped up to him and tilted her head back so she could glare up at him.

"You want to have a shouting match with me?" Snowy yelled. "Because let me tell you, Scourge! You will lose."

They stood glaring at each other, eyes shooting out imaginary flames and anger. Then Scourges face softened.

"What?" Snowy snapped as Scourge started to laugh.

"Your face just looked really funny," he snorted. Snowys face flushed red. "Be quiet," she muttered.

"Snowy?" Scourge asked.

"What?"

"I love you."

Snowy nearly threw up the mouse she had eaten moments earlier.

"Don't lose your breakfast," Scourge snapped as he looked at Snowys expression. "Jeez."

"Jeez yourself," Snowy wheezed, feeling dizzy. "Why would you say that?"

"Because I do," Scourge growled. "You said you wanted an explanation so I gave you one."

"Well," Snowy wasn't sure what to say.

"Ever since I saw you I wanted to tear you apart," Scourge began.

"Aw jeez that's great-"

"Let me finish!" Scourge snapped. "You made me want to sink my claws into that pretty little neck of yours. And why? I'm not sure why, actually. I didn't know where such a strong feeling was coming from," Scourge turned away so he didn't have to look at Snowy as he spoke. "It's such a stupid feeling," he whispered. "Because I want to hurt you, but at the same time I want to be with you. I want to feel you next to me when I wake up."

Snowy sat in silence as she listened, not daring to interrupt.

"I want you to love me too," Scourge said at last. "Because no one else does."

"Well, you'd be surprised," Snowy whispered. Scourge just shrugged, still not facing her.

"I'm serious," Snowy persisted. "Everyone wants love, Scourge. You just have to look for it."

"I tried looking, you idiot."

"Well, you looked in the right place," Snowy said, feeling her heart racing. Scourge finally looked up at her at this. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"I love you too, Scourge."