Ashfur jumped up, his fur on end. Squirrelflight's green eyes followed him.

"Squir-Squirrelflight?" He leaned forward and looked into her eyes, hardly daring to breathe. He couldn't believe it... "Is... is it really... Is it really you?"

She purred. A little raspy, but it was there. A promise. Between the both of them. That she was there. And she would get better. "Did you really think you could get rid of me that easily, Ashfur?"

His hind quarters dropped the ground as his eyes widened with hope... before a thought popped into his head. "Did... did you just... hear... all of that...?" He shuffled his paws.

She grinned and tilted her head a little from side to side, "Just a little bit." She pushed herself to her paws, wobbling. Ashfur dashed to her side, but, getting back to herself, she snapped at him, "I got it!"

The spotted grey warrior backed off as she got her land legs. Then she glanced over at him and smiled. Flicking her tail, she allowed him to be her leaning post as they headed for the entrance to the den. His confession far from forgotten, but put aside for more important matters. They emerged into the sunlight and time stopped.

"Squirrelflight?" Firestar bounded down from his den, as Sandstorm cried with relief and raced past him to smuggle her daughter, "My baby!"

Brightheart looked up from where she was mourning the lost of her friend in surprise, then relief. With Cloudtail beside her, they bounded over to join the crowd surrounding Squirrelflight. Brackenfur and Rainwhisker was talking excitedly with Sorreltail about Squirrelflight's amazing ability to escape death. Dustpelt sat as close to his old apprentice as Firestar and Sandstorm would allow him. Honeypaw, Spiderleg, Cinderpaw, and Thornclaw had went out on Border Patrol. Ferncloud, Icekit, and Foxkit were near the Nursery looking out with relief and the kits - excitement. Hazelpaw and Berrypaw were on a Hunting patrol.

Longtail and Mousefur approached Squirrelflight slowly, their faces showed relief that they wouldn't have to bury another clanmate.

But everyone parted when A low voice spoke up from behind everyone, "Squirrelflight?"

She didn't even have to look to know the owner of the voice. "Brambleclaw."

Squirrelflight sensed Ashfur stiffen and wished she could comfort him. But she couldn't. She couldn't do anything but stand there as he made his way to her.

"I-I thought you were going to die..."

She blinked and lowered her head as Ashfur stepped in front of her. "Well, as you can see... she didn't. And she won't."

Brambleclaw wasn't dumb. He heard the ring of possession in the grey warrior's voice. Everyone else did too. And suddenly, everyone else had something to do. Sandstorm and Firestar licked their baby on the head before going to tend to the "OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS" they had to take care of. (NOT THAT WAY READERS. NAUGHTY.)

Dustpelt mewed farewell and as he passed her, whispered so low that only she could hear, "Good luck kid."

Cloudtail bid his uncle's daughter (COUSIN) farewell while Brightheart's eyes twinkled.

The elders winked at her. "I wish I were you," Mousefur mummured good humourly. "I remember the good old days when I was younger," Longtail tapped his tail over Squirrelflight's shoulder.

Brambleclaw's gaze slid from Squirrelflight to Ashfur before dipping his head in defeat... "I love you, Squirrelflight. And I always will."

The big tabby turned and walked away. Leaving Squirrelflight to gaze sadly after him.

Ashfur glanced at her and back at the deputy. His mind warring with his heart.

"If you want him, go after him."

The red she-cat's eyes widened, "But-"

"I won't stop you."

The grey spotted tom wasn't aware he was holding his breath until Squirrelflight smiled at him and gave him the cocky look he'd come to love, "Now that's not fair." She fake pouted, "I like your take charge attitude."

And his breath came out in a loud, happy purr as he realized that she'd picked him over Brambleclaw.