[':~:']
Darkflame stared after Flickerflight as she sprinted away, not willing his paws to move yet.
The fur on his back still spiked in the air as he let a deep growl rumble in his throat.
How dare she just run off like that! Doesn't she realize that I love her? Why is it so hard for her to see that? the massive cinder-gray tabby thought bitterly as his claws flexed rapidly.
Slowly he began to pad back to camp, breathing deeply. In his distraction, he tripped on a root.
"Mouse-dung!" he cursed loudly. Licking his paw, he composed himself and picked up his pace.
In front of the gorse tunnel, Darkflame pushed his way through.
Darkflame caught a glimpse of Flickerflight sharing tongues with Petalcloud.
He had always envied Petalcloud's relationship with Flickerflight, and couldn't get his head around why the two of them couldn't be like that.
Why can't we just have a conversation like that? he thought bitterly, simultaneously realizing their conversation was likely about him.
Ignoring the she-cats, Darkflame spotted Brokenshade sitting alone.
Nonchalantly, Darkflame shuffled over to him.
An otherwise normal-seeming glance was exchanged, along with an ear flick signifying it being safe to speak.
"Alright, so what are we doing tonight?'' Darkflame whispered to his friend.
"Training, as usual- maybe Nightshade'll finally give us some information," Brokenshade muttered.
Darkflame scowled, flexing his claws.
"Well, what's the matter with you? You had a thorn in your nest or somethin'?" Brokenshade purred.
"It's Flickerflight. She needs time, so she can decide if we should be mates." Darkflame mewed drily.
"Oh, you're having troubles with a she-cat? That's cute." the brindled tom teased.
'Shut up, will you?" Darkflame hissed.
"Hey, hey, get your tail out of a twist. Once our plan comes to fruition and you're leader, she'll probably come around, hm?" Brokenshade murmured, still teasing.
But will she come around? Hmph. Darkflame thought bitterly.
The gray tabby sighed. "I suppose I'll stay the course."
Chapter 2 done! (And for those inevitable questions, yes, Darkflame's and Brokenshade view on how she-cats and mates work is(and will be)..skewed, but it's meant to be that way to further story progress. I am writing them in a close-minded, egotistical way purposefully- since that's how they act.)