Hello again! I managed to finish changing the format to this chapter so you guys will have something to read. I'm still searching for suggestions and it would be great if I can get some. So read, review and please add in your ideas!
Chapter 12
Before Leafbare…
"Jaypaw, we need more catmint. I know our supplies are good, but I don't want grenncough going around like last year" Leafpool said.
Jaypaw shuddered at the memory.
"Ok, but who will I take? Brightheart is out hunting with Cloudtail and Sandstorm" Jaypaw said.
Leafpool took a moment to consider all the possible cats.
"Take Lionpaw. He should learn what catmint looks like anyway" she said.
Jaypaw nodded, and set off to find his brother. He could hear him chatting loudly with Cinderpaw. She was purring at some parody he made.
"Lionpaw, Leafpool wants you to come with me to help look for catmint" Jaypaw announced, interrupting their conversation.
"Ok. I'm coming" he replied.
Lionpaw murmured something to Cinderpaw and her blue eyes widened. She then pushed him with her front paw purring,
"Get out of here you lazy furball!"
Lionpaw flicked his tail teasingly at her, and followed Jaypaw out of camp.
"What are we looking for again?" Lionpaw asked as they padded through the forest.
Jaypaw wasn't paying attention. Even though he had managed to stay away from Cinderpaw, he had noticed that Lionpaw and Cinderpaw have been getting really close and for some reason that he could not explain, it disturbed him greatly. Am I jealous? Jaypaw shook the thought away. He did what had to be done, even if he had hurt Cinderpaw in the process. I can't go back anymore…
"Jaypaw! I asked what herb we are looking for!" Lionpaw said loudly.
"Catmint" he said absent-mindedly.
"Are you ok? You aren't usually like this" Lionpaw looked at him, concern flashing in his amber eyes.
"Of course I'm fine!" he snapped.
They settled into silence, until they reached the deserted two-legged house. Jaypaw began gathering the delicate leaves, and Lionpaw followed his example.
"So what were you and Cinderpaw talking about?" Jaypaw asked casually.
Lionpaw shot him a surprised look. This is the first time Jaypaw showed interest in the gray she-cat.
"I was just imitating Berrypaw and making some jokes about him" he replied.
"Oh"
"They were pretty funny" Lionpaw said.
This could be my chance to find out about Jaypaw and Cinderpaw!
"Cinderpaw seemed amused" Jaypaw said as he bit a stem of catmint.
"Yeah…I've noticed you've been…avoiding her" Lionpaw said hesitantly.
"I've been busy" Jaypaw replied waving it off.
Lionpaw narrowed his eyes at the medicine cat apprentice and didn't say anything.
"Whatever you want to say, you'd better spit it out" Jaypaw said, not even looking up from his work.
Lionpaw blinked and remembered that Jaypaw had his own special power.
"What went wrong with you and Cinderpaw?" he inquired.
The gray tabby cat froze, and a pained expression crossed his face briefly before settling into its usual scowl.
"Why do you want to know?" he asked carefully.
"Because she gets quiet and miserable whenever she sees you!" Lionpaw exclaimed.
"I did what I did for my own reasons" Jaypaw growled.
"Did it have to do with Starclan?"
"No!"
"What happened then?"
Jaypaw snorted and turned his back to him.
"I could never take the place of what you were to her! Don't you even care?" Lionpaw demanded angrily.
Jaypaw's muscles tensed and Lionpaw was afraid he went too far. Jaypaw turned to face him.
"You don't know what I gave up for her!" he said trembling in rage. He glared at Lionpaw and continued, "I would have done nothing to hurt her!"
You did hurt her though" Lionpaw pointed out.
"Not as bad as what would have happened!"
"What would have happened Jaypaw?" his brother asked softly.
Jaypaw didn't answer.
"I just want to know so I can help you. I am your brother, aren't I?" Lionpaw said.
All the anger drained out of Jaypaw. He wearily faced the golden tabby again. He looked seasons older and his blind eyes seemed more heavy and dark.
"I'm sorry Lionpaw, but this is my secret to keep"
Lionpaw, who was about to protest, took one look at his brother and nodded in understanding. I know what it's like. Heatherpaw and I…
Lionpaw brushed the memory away. He had chosen to become a warrior and that's where he would stay.
"It's fine Jaypaw. I understand" he said simply, "But, if you ever do want to talk…You can tell me, ok?"
Jaypaw numbly nodded his head, and the two brothers picked up their load and trodded back to camp.
Author Notes
This chapter was hard for me to write and it was pretty short. I was originally going to have Jaypaw confess, but it doesn't seem like Jaypaw to break down and tell his brother. So give me those fabulous reviews and suggestions. It will take a while for the next chapter, so be patient. Thanks so much for your support and I'll be off!
