Shimmerpaw sat outside the apprentices' den, her gaze fixed on the medicine den. It was the first half-moon meeting since Sageheart's death. Ravenpaw hadn't been himself since it happened. He'd carried out his duties and helped cats when they needed him like any good medicine cat, but his normal flirtatious behavior seemed to be gone. He only every stuck around long enough to do what he was needed for. Any other time, he spent alone either gathering herbs or sorting them in the medicine den. He wouldn't even talk to her. Shimmerpaw always brought him prey just to make sure he was eating, but he only every said a quick thanks before going back to whatever he'd been doing, acting as if Shimmerpaw weren't there.

"Hey," Fernpaw came over with Graystep not far behind. "Has Ravenpaw left yet?"

Shimmerpaw shook her head. "No, he's still in his den."

"Has he gotten any better?" Graystep asked, concern shining in his eyes.

"No, he still won't talk. I don't know what to do," Shimmerpaw answered with a sad sigh.

"I never thought I'd say this, but I miss Ravenpaw's flirty attitude," Fernpaw admitted, lowering her head.

"Yeah, it's not the same without him," Graystep agreed. "Do you think he'll ever feel better?"

"I don't know," Shimmerpaw replied.

Movement at the entrance to the medicine den caught her eye and they all watched as Ravenpaw padded out, heading towards the camp entrance. His head was lowered and his tail dragged the ground as he left camp.

"He doesn't look any better," Fernpaw meowed. "I wish there were something we could do."

Shimmerpaw thought for a moment before getting to her paws. "I'm going to go walk him to the border. Make sure he gets there ok. Can you tell Rippleheart where I've gone?"

"Of course," Graystep nodded.

"Thanks," Shimmerpaw quickly ran out of camp, seeing Ravenpaw not far off. "Ravenpaw!"

Ravenpaw stopped, turning to face her as she ran up. "What is it?" he asked.

"I just thought I'd walk you to the border," Shimmerpaw answered. She shuffled her paws, unsure of what Ravenpaw's response would be.

"Oh. Alright," Ravenpaw turned and resumed his trek with Shimmerpaw staying close to his side.

For the longest time, neither spoke. Shimmerpaw wanted to say something, but she wasn't sure what she could say that would make him feel better. Everything she thought of felt completely useless. I don't even want to think about what losing a mentor must feel like. I know it shouldn't affect me too much since I'm not supposed to get so attached, but I know I'd feel the same way Ravenpaw does if it were Rippleheart who had died.

Shimmerpaw took a deep breath. "Ravenpaw, I know this has all hit you really hard," she began. "And I can't imagine what you must be feeling right now. If I were in your position, I don't know what I'd do. But I just want you to know that you can always come talk to me. You're my best friend and you've always been there for me. If you'll let me, I'd like to return the favor. And it's not just me who's worried about you. Fernpaw and Graystep are worried about you too, and I know Specklespirit and Spiderwatcher are concerned too. But we won't push you if you're not ready. When you are, though, we'll be here."

Ravenpaw didn't move his gaze from the path in front of him, but Shimmerpaw knew he had heard every word she said. They continued on in silence until they reached the border where DarkClan's medicine cat, Hawkbird, sat waiting.

Hawkbird dipped his head to Ravenpaw, narrowing his eyes when he saw Shimmerpaw. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Just walking Ravenpaw to the border. I'm not coming any further, I promise," Shimmerpaw assured him.

Hawkbird glanced around. "Where's Sageheart?"

Ravenpaw shut his eyes and looked away. Hawkbird seemed to get the message, bowing his head. "I'm sorry. She'll be missed."

Ravenpaw remained silent, only nodding slightly in response. "Well, we should get going. We have to get to the Moonstone," Hawkbird meowed, gently.

Shimmerpaw stopped at the border, dipping her head. She hesitated, her gaze lingering on Ravenpaw a moment longer before looking back at Hawkbird. "Take care of him, please?" she requested.

"Of course," Hawkbird replied, resting his tail on Ravenpaw's shoulder. Shimmerpaw dipped in head before turning and heading back to camp. She got back just as the first stars began to come out. She glanced up, wondering if one of them was Sageheart. I hope Ravenpaw gets to see her tonight. Shimmerpaw sighed before going to her nest in the apprentices' den, knowing she had a long day of training ahead of her.

The next morning...

Shimmerpaw padded into camp behind her mentor, Seedwhisker and Ruskclaw. They had just returned from the dawn patrol, and Rippleheart told her to get some fresh-kill and relax for a bit before he took her out hunting later. She padded over to the fresh-kill pile, meeting Graystep and Fernpaw on the way.

"Hey, you want to share this rabbit?" Graystep offered, motioning to the rabbit at his paws.

"Sure," Shimmerpaw followed the two as they headed over to the apprentices' den, settling down outside it to eat.

They were just finishing up their meal when the camp entrance rustled and Ravenpaw appeared. Shimmerpaw studied him, noticing how he held his head and tail high. Shinestar and Rippleheart went over to him.

"He looks better," Graystep commented.

"Maybe he talked to Sageheart," Fernpaw suggested.

"I hope so. He really missed her," Shimmerpaw replied.

"You think he'll ever be like he was though?" Fernpaw asked.

Before anyone could reply, Ravenpaw padded over to them. "Hey," he greeted. "Shimmerpaw, would you mind coming with me to gather some herbs? Rippleheart said he wouldn't mind if you came with me."

Shimmerpaw dipped her head. "Of course." She got up and followed him out of camp.

They were silent until they reached the river, where Ravenpaw sat down. Shimmerpaw sat beside him, waiting for him to speak first.

Finally, Ravenpaw spoke, "I'm sorry for the past few days. I know I've worried you all. I just really missed Sageheart. I still do, but she's in StarClan now. She'll never truly leave me."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Ravenpaw," Shimmerpaw meowed. "You had every right to be upset. She was your mentor. She shouldn't have had to leave you so soon. But I'm glad you're feeling better."

Ravenpaw smiled. "Thanks Shimmerpaw. I don't know what I would do without you."

"I'll always be here for you, Ravenpaw. No matter what anybody says, you're my best friend. That'll never change," Shimmerpaw promised, pressing against his side.

Ravenpaw smirked, the usual spark returning to his eyes. "Thanks gorgeous, but it's Ravenstripe now. Sageheart gave me my full medicine cat name."

Shimmerpaw smiled and shoved him with her paw. "Alright then, Ravenstripe. Congratulations. You deserve it."

"Thanks," Ravenstripe got to his paws, stretching and shaking out his pelt. "Well, how about we put those beautiful blue eyes to work finding some herbs?"

Shimmerpaw rolled her eyes as she followed him through the trees.

Hope you all enjoyed! Please R&R :)