A/N

I don't know if ch13 will be on time next Tuesday since I'm becoming very stressed with school and life. Trying to graduate isn't easy.

Brambleflower: Omg you have no idea how worried I was when you didn't review right away, but I'm glad to see you seem to be doing okay. I know wild cats or even outdoor cats raid bird nests for eggs, so I did a little research and thought why not? In leaf-bare it's a sustainable source of protein. Also Cloverwing is just oblivious it's okay lol. Hazelstripe suspects SOMETHING, but Cloverwing doesn't know what to think.

SavvySpirit: Ravenwind was almost Ravenbreeze but it didn't flow the way I wanted, but I knew I wanted Runningpaw to become Runningshadow the second I thought of this story.

Chapter 12: Confessing Hearts

Life was almost normal again for Ravenwind.

"Faster, faster!" Songkit giggled.

Ravenwind bounced around the clearing as his kit sister held onto his back with her sharp little claws. "Do you give up yet?" Ravenwind asked, peering up at her.

Songkit was grinning whisker to whisker. "Never!"

"Guess we'll have to do this the hard way!" Ravenwind growled playfully. He shook his body, pretending to try and shake her off, but Songkit hung on.

"Take that!" Songkit cried, and with a sheathed paw, smacked him on the top of his head.

"Get him, Songkit!" Fennelkit shouted from where he was wrestling with Stormkit.

"Oh!" Ravenwind exclaimed. He fell to the ground. "You've wounded me!"

"Give back the catmint, you evil rogue!" Songkit growled. She was still having trouble pronouncing her r's. "We have to make ShadowClan better!"

"You win this time, Songwind," Ravenwind weakly groaned. He had practically melted when she chose the made up warrior name for herself. Most kits insisted on playing as a leader, but Songkit had decided on naming herself after her brother.

Songkit scampered over to Duskcloud, who was watching intently. "Here you go," Songkit mewed. "This catmint will make you all better and your kits will be strong."

Songkit pretended to give Duskcloud the herb, and the queen pretended to eat it. "Thank you so much, Songwind," she purred. "You've saved us all once again!"

"I'll get you next time, Songwind!" Ravenwind growled, shaking a paw in the air.

Songkit leapt onto his back triumphantly. "ShadowClan always wins because we're the bestest and coolest!"

Songkit was still so small. She was a little over a moon old now, and though she no longer walked with wobbly kitten legs, she still looked like she was barely a week old. The only thing that indicated she was older than she looked was her fully opened ears and kitten teeth growing in.

"It's time for your nap, dear," Sunfall called.

Songkit let out a disappointed whine. "But I'm not tired, Sunfall!"

"I'm sure you're hungry from chasing away that bad rogue," Sunfall purred. "Even the strongest warriors need their rest."

"How come Fennelkit and Stormkit don't have to take naps?" Songkit demanded as she stomped her way towards her adoptive mother.

"Because Fennelkit and Stormkit are older than you," Sunfall reminded her. "They eat prey now."

At four moons old, Fennelkit and Stormkit were close to being apprenticed. They were almost the size of the average apprentice, but both Sunfall and their father, Fernshadow, were both of an above average size. Ravenwind wouldn't have been surprised if the toms turned out to be just as big, if not bigger.

"S'not fair," Songkit mumbled under her breath. Sunfall ushered the kit into the nursery with a heavy sigh.

"You're starting to rub off on her," Duskcloud chuckled.

Ravenwind sat up and licked a paw. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

Duskcloud shrugged guiltily, and Ravenwind smacked her nose. She hit him over the ear. "She better not make my kits as sour as you," Duskcloud mewed.

"Oh, don't worry, Ravenwind meowed. "I can do that all on my own."

"I'd like to see you try," Duskcloud growled playfully.

"Where's your servant?" Ravenwind teased. "Shouldn't he be trying to stop me?"

"Shadeflight is on a hunting patrol," Duskcloud huffed. "Honestly, it's nice to breathe a little bit! He's acting like he's the one who's going to give birth! I think he needs those breathing exercises more than me."

Ravenwind nodded seriously. "Hmm, yes. Do you want me to instruct him through the labor breathing for you?"

Duskcloud let out a sharp laugh. "I'm probably going to be the one who has to calm him down."

"Well, I know he loves you," Ravenwind meowed. "As shocking as it is."

Duskcloud hit him again. "Fox-heart."

"Frog-face," Ravenwind shot back.

"Coming up with names for your kits?" Hazelstripe asked as he approached. He wore a sly look.

Duskcloud gasped. "Ravenwind, look what you've done! You've tainted your mentor!"

Ravenwind rolled his eyes. Hazelstripe shrugged. "When you spend as much time with Ravenwind as me, you pick up some things," the old tom said.

"Since you asked," Duskcloud meowed with her chin raised haughtily, "Shadeflight and I haven't picked any names yet. Nothing quite feels right."

"Can I name one?" Ravenwind asked, not being serious.

"When StarClan freezes over!" Duskcloud exclaimed. "I'm partial to Hollykit. You know… after mom's sister."

Ravenwind blinked. "That's actually really nice. You should do it."

"I'm sure Junipershade would appreciate it," Hazelstripe said.

"I had hoped these little nuisances would've been born by now," Duskcloud grumbled. "I want to go to tonight's Gathering."

"Knowing you, you'd end up going into labor on the island," Ravenwind teased.

"Maybe so," Duskcloud admitted. "But imagine how dramatic that would be!"

"Too dramatic for my tastes," Ravenwind said. "I'd make Hazelstripe do it."

"Hey!" Duskcloud gasped, but she snickered at the look on Hazelstripe's face. "Oh, you know?" Her eyes lit up like she had a wonderful idea. "I could make that scrawny WindClan cat you like so much do it. What was his name again? Runningpaw?"

"It's Runningshadow now," Ravenwind corrected her. "And besides, he's not all honey and roses as he seems."

"Oooh, does he have a secret dark side?" Duskcloud teased. "Is that why you're friendly with him?"

"I'm just saying he's not a pushover," Ravenwind sighed. "You probably couldn't make him do anything."

"Not many medicine cats are pushovers," Hazelstripe meowed. "I don't think I've ever met one who wasn't firm in one way or another."

Ravenwind stuck his tongue out at Duskcloud. She did it back.

Hazelstripe sighed. "Are you both four moons old?"

"Evidently so," chortled Shadeflight. He smelled of fresh pine and mouse. "Are you hungry, Duskcloud?"

"I'm alright," she purred.

"You should eat something for the kits," he insisted.

"I'm fine, Shadeflight," she sighed. "You need to stop fussing."

Shadeflight gave in, and sat beside her. She gave his cheek a lick, and Ravenwind heard a purr rumble in the young warrior's throat. "Get a den," Ravenwind growled. Duskcloud swatted him with her tail.

Shadeflight pressed a gentle paw over Duskcloud's round belly. His prew grew louder when he felt the kits move. Ravenwind could see the love swimming in Shadeflight's eyes.

"How many are there?" The warrior asked. Fondness dripped from his voice.

"Two," Ravenwind answered before Duskcloud could reply.

Shadeflight and Duskcloud stared at him blankly.

The medicine shrugged awkwardly. "What? I'm the medicine cat. Of course I'd know how many kits she's expecting. I can always tell." He casually licked his paw and swiped it over his face. "Plus, I do her check-ups."

Duskcloud rolled her eyes. "And you complain every time I come in."

"That's because you think every twinge of pain and cramp means labor!" Ravenwind pointed out. "And then it just ends up being gas."

Duskcloud flicked her ears in embarrassment. "Don't you have ticks to remove?"

"Nope," Ravenwind purred. "I already finished elder duties today. Mothpaw is fetching fresh bedding for them. I got all the time in the world to make fun of you."

"Shadeflight, go wound someone so Ravenwind will leave me alone," Duskcloud whined.

"That's called breaking the code, Duskcloud," Shadeflight mewed. She huffed.

Duskcloud raised her chin. "Nuh-uh, only ThunderClan cats are codebreakers. They blur the scent lines all the time."

Ravenwind groaned loudly. "Can we please not do this now?" He knew how much distaste his sister harbored for the snooty clan.

The queen huffed once more. "Fine. But only because you said please."

Hazelstripe, who had been quiet for a while, spoke up. "Ravenwind, why don't we give Duskcloud and Shadeflight some alone time?" It was an offering to get away from the situation.

"Sure," he said coolly. "We should probably get things ready for your kitting."

Duskcloud gave him a look, but then she dipped her head. Ravenwind followed after Hazelstripe. Truthfully, the moment he suspected Duskcloud to be pregnant, he had made sure their stores were stocked full of everything they could possibly need.

I'll be ready this time, he swore.

"Having three queens in leaf-bare is going to be difficult" Hazelstripe sighed once they were in the den.

"Duskcloud is due any day now," Ravenwind meowed. "But Spiderwhisker's might be lucky enough to be born in new-leaf."

"She needs to be moving around more," Hazelstripe commented. "I'm worried she'll get bedsores."

"She's grieving," Ravenwind reminded him. It was the one thing he had learned to be sensitive about. "She lost her mate."

Hazelstripe looked away. "ShadowClan lost a good warrior." Darktail had been unlucky enough to get caught in a fox trap not long ago. Hazelstripe had been first on the scene, but there was nothing he could have done. Ravenwind knew he wished it had gone differently.

"I'll ask Brightstep to go on a walk with her tomorrow," Ravenwind said. "She might listen to her." The queen had miscarried, and the two she-cats spent most of their days consoling one another or sleeping.

"Hazelstripe!" Sunfall burst through the ivy hanging over the entrance. Panic was written all over her face. "Have you seen the kits?"

Ravenwind stood up. "I thought you put Songkit down for a nap."

She nodded. "I did. I went to get something to eat, but they fresh-kill pile is empty. When I went to check on her, she was gone! And I can't find Fennelkit or Stormkit either. I was hoping they were in here."

"And they're not with the elders?" Hazelstripe asked. Ravenwind could sense his worry.

Sunfall shook her head. "No, I checked there first."

"I'll inform Snowstar to get a patrol looking," Hazelstripe said. "You two go out and search for them."

Ravenwind was on his paws before Hazelstripe had finished his sentence. He heard Sunfall behind him as he sprinted through the snow, her paws pounding as they both ran.

"I've picked up their scents," Sunfall meowed. She sniffed the air. "Songkit's goes cold, but Fennelkit and Stormkit headed this way." She posted her nose ahead of them.

"Go follow after your sons," Ravenwind said. "I will try to pick up Songkit's trail."

"You're not trained for tracking," Sunfall pointed out.

Ravenwind whirled on her. "I have a nose, don't I?"

Sunfall gave him a quick nod and headed in the direction of Fennelkit and Stormkit's scents. Ravenwind could smell where Songkit's trail suddenly cut off. Her little pawprints simply vanished from the snow.

He snuffed at the scattered snow. Tiny claw marks were dug into the snow, almost like she had tried to dig a burrow.

"Songkit!" Ravenwind yowled. He tasted the air. It smelled like old prey and frost. The forest was dead quiet.

The wind blew until Ravenwind could barely feel the tips of his ears. Songkit can't survive long in this! Bare tree branches were heavy with snow held in their brown arms. The slightest movement threatened it all to come crashing down.

Ravenwind stopped and opened his mouth, trying to pick up any trace of his sister. It was in vain. He furrowed his brows and shook his head angrily. He was up to his belly fur in snow.

"Songkit, if you can hear me, say something!" Ravenwind cried into the white abyss.

His ears pricked at the sound of a branch snap. He turned in the direction of the noise, but saw nothing stand out against the bleak of the snow and pines.

"Missing someone?"

Ravenwind's heart skipped a beat as he spun to face whoever had snuck up on him. It was Snowstar. In his teeth, was a very disgruntled Songkit. In her own mouth, was a squirrel.

"That's two heart attacks in one day," Ravenwind snorted.

Snowstar silently dropped Songkit onto the snow. She shook herself, landing on her paws. She spit out the squirrel she was holding. It was clear its neck was broken, and cleanly too.

Ravenwind eyed the prey. "What is this?"

"I caught it!" Songkit boasted. She was shivering.

Ravenwind stared at her, then glanced up at Snowstar, silently asking for confirmation. The leader gave a curt nod. "I found her as she took the kill," he replied.

"You're coming back to camp now," Ravenwind growled.

"No!" Songkit squeaked, and attempted to run off, but Ravenwind was quicker. He snatched her up by the scruff and she thrashed.

"Lemme go, lemme go!" Songkit cried, struggling. "I can hunt good like everyone else!"

"You're not old enough," Ravenwind said through her fur. "It's against the code."

"But I caught something!" Songkit protested.

"Beginner's luck," Ravenwind said stiffly.

The two toms marched into camp, their pelts covered with ridges of snow. It was harder to see against Snowstar's stark white fur. Sunfall was openly scolding Fennelkit and Stormkit in front of the clan. Ravenwind dropped Songkit beside her adoptive brothers.

Snowstar's gaze was brutal. "What were you three doing out there?" The leader demanded. "I know you know it's against the code." Fennelkit and Stormkit shrunk down, but Songkit kept her chest puffed.

"It was my idea," Songkit said boldly. Though she was confessing, she didn't look like she regretted it.

Snowstar's eyes narrowed. "Explain yourself."

Songkit gulped a little. "I heard Sunfall say there wasn't any food. I know the Clan needs fresh-kill. We only wanted to help."

Snowstar's lip curled. "You could have frozen to death out there!" He yowled. Both Fennelkit and Stormkit dropped to a crouch, but Songkit stood her ground.

"We're sorry, Snowstar," Fennelkit muttered.

"We're not!" Songkit growled. Her brothers shot her looks. "Well, I'm not!"

Ravenwind smacked himself. StarClan, I really did rub off on her, didn't I?

The defiant kit continued, meeting Snowstar's gaze evenly. "We did it for the good of the Clan! The code says to defend your clan with your life. Hunting so we starve counts, doesn't it?"

"You're leaving out the part where it says you have to be at least six moons old to do so," Snowstar growled.

"But I caught something!" Songkit protested. "Shouldn't that mean something?" Her head remained unbowed and Ravenwind recognized the rebellious spark in her eyes. It was in his own.

Snowstar's haunches relaxed and he let out a heavy sigh. "Your heart is good, but your actions were wrong," said Snowstar coldly. "I'll let Sunfall decide your punishment. If I find you've ignored the code again, I won't be as lenient."

Songkit never wavered. "May I put this in the pile?" She asked. This time, her tone was respectful.

Snowstar thought for a moment before dipping his head. "You've already caught it, and we don't waste prey."

Songkit grinned and scampered over to the empty fresh-kill pile and deposited her catch. Though he was impressed with her skill, Ravenwind had only felt such fear one other time before.

"See to it the kits are warmed up," Snowstar said to Hazelstripe. The older tom picked up Stormkit and Sunfall grabbed Fennelkit. Ravenwind was about to pick up Songkit, when Snowstar spoke to him.

"Ravenwind," he meowed. "Come see me in my den when you're finished with her."

Feeling anxiety creep in, Ravenwind nodded. Snowstar turned tail and disappeared into his den. He scooped up Songkit and once again, she fought back wildly.

When he set her down, she made a break for it. "Not so fast," Ravenwind growled. He he;d her down by the tail. "You're freezing!"

Songkit huffed and slumped down on the ground. Ravenwind had her immobilized. He swept his tongue over her cold, fluffy fur over and over. Songkit grumbled every time.

"Quit your bellyaching," Ravenwind growled. "You brought this on yourself."

Songkit produced a pathetic hiss, but she was silenced when he drew his tongue over her ears. "I'm not cold anymore!"

"That's not for you to decide," Ravenwind meowed. "Which one of us is the medicine cat?"

Songkit frowned, giving in. She let out a low grumble. "You."

Ravenwind sighed quietly when she finally stopped struggling and let him wash her clean. Her little body felt so cold, even with the thick, fluffy fur she had inherited. The second he released her, Songkit bolted.

Sunfall blocked the tiny kit from leaving the den. "And where do you think you're going?"

"Sunfall!" Songkit squeaked in surprise.

"I think you've had enough excitement for one day," growled the queen. Her sons trailed shamefully behind her as she grabbed Songkit by the scruff. She was carried up wearing her miffed expression.

"Snowstar said he wants to speak with me," Ravenwind mewed.

"I'll plan your vigil," Hazelstripe said seriously.

"Ha ha, very funny," Ravenwind grumbled. He pushed his way past the ivy tangles and made his way towards Snowstar's den.

Ravenwind announced his arrival with a hushed mew. "Enter," came Snowstar's voice.

He nosed through the lichen drape. Snowstar was sitting up in his nest. Ravenwind sat on the smooth floor. The medicine cat tried to read his leader's expression, but the great tom's eyes were cold and steady as always.

"Songkit displayed some very impressive hunting skills today," Snowstar meowed.

"I didn't show her anything," Ravenwind replied quickly. Does he think I taught her something?

"No, I thought not," Snowstar rumbled. "Your talents don't lie in hunting." Ouch. "I suspect she may just have a natural talent. But if she can't learn to respect the rules, that talent has no place in ShadowClan."

His tail lashed. Though he knew Snowstar was right, he felt inclined to defend his sister. "She's still very young," Ravenwind said firmly. "She'll learn in time."

"I trust you will make sure she does," Snowstar said.

Ravenwind eyed him. "Why not Sharpheart? He's her father, not me. Or Sunfall. She's the one raising her."

Snowstar seemed to have expected him to say such a thing. He curled his tail over his forepaws. "We both know your father wants nothing to do with Songkit. Maybe he will in the future, maybe never. And Songkit already knows Sunfall is not her mother. If she's taking after you, Sunfall will have very little power over her actions."

"You're asking me because she listens to me," Ravenwind said.

Snowstar dipped his head.

Ravenwind narrowed his eyes. "You do realize I can't control if she's like me, right?"

"I know that," Snowstar said. "If she follows the code loyally, I do not see any problem with how she behaves otherwise."

Satisfied, Ravenwind dipped his head. "I'll make sure she understands."

"Good." The leader sounded pleased. "You may go."

Ravenwind turned and padded back to the medicine den.

Hazelstripe feigned surprise when he returned. "Oh, Ravenwind! You're alive."

"Wow, you're full of laughs today," Ravenwind meowed wryly. The tabby shrugged in response.

When the sky turned black and the cold full moon made the snow glow, Snowstar left his den to address the clan. Ravenwind slipped into the mass of his clanmates. He saw Duskcloud watching jealousy as Shadeflight joined the group of cats attending the Gathering. Snowstar dipped his head once Shadeflight had trotted over, and turned to lead his clan out of camp.

Ravenwind preferred to walk in the back. Call it paranoia, or whatever, but knowing no one was behind him put him at ease. No absent father to glare at him, or sisters to look at him with expectant trust, despite him orphaning them both.

I don't have any friends in this clan, he thought, hardly even sour over the thought. Ravenwind had the respect his position entailed, but nobody pretended to like him. Runningshadow doesn't pretend anything. That's what's great about him. He's earnest. And sweet. And handsome. He never expects anything of me as a brother or a medicine cat or a prophet. He just wants me for me.

His thoughts of Runningshadow carried him weightlessly to the gathering island, like he was walking on clouds. The stones to the island glided beneath his paws. He even passed a few of his clanmates in his hurry. If the stars were good, he'd get to talk to Runningshadow. Alone. An idea of what he'd say was already forming in the back of his mind, and as he surveyed the crowd of cats, he felt a sense of nervousness rise up in him.

Runningshadow made him happier with their limited conversations than any interaction he'd had with clanmates. Duskcloud was… Duskcloud, delightful and atrocious of a molly she was, but Runningshadow was a safe spot in the shade. His name was fitting. Fleeting, but secure. Hurried, but familiar. My Runningshadow.

I love him. Ravenwind thought. It made him giddy. He felt just as little and excited, like Songkit was toward the rest of the world. I love Runningshadow.

And I want to tell him.

"Where's WindClan?" Ravenwind demanded of Shadeflight.

His sister's mate shrugged, looking back over his shoulder. "Probably taking their sweet time. For cats gifted with speed and agility, they sure do love to take their time."

"No need to be so crass," Ravenwind told him crassly.

Shadeflight looked at him as if he had sprouted wings and told him he was taking flight to find StarClan.

"Useless," Ravenwind told him, and pushed past. ThunderClan and RiverClan had arrived, with SkyClan arriving just as ShadowClan swept the clearing. He bumped into one of the fishy-smelling apprentices on his way to the medicine cat seat.

The calico she-cat yelped and looked up at him with wider eyes than a kitten. She quickly noticed the herbs decorating his pelt. "Sorry, erm, your Wisdom!"

"My Wisdom?"

"Eh- Medicine Cat? Mama said to always respect messengers of the stars." The young apprentice lowered her head and eyes.

Your medicine cat didn't kill your mother, then. Ravenwind pushed the thought aside. My mother wouldn't want me thinking about that. Think about Runningshadow instead. He'll be here soon, and then you can tell him- tell him-

He realized he was still staring at the poor she-cat. "Eh. Don't let anybody tell you what to do, kit. You're your own cat." Ravenwind brushed past her, looking back to scent for any whiff of the moor every few pawsteps. At this rate, I'll be an elder before he gets here.

Honeypool brushed past him, her honeysuckles bobbing and swaying around her like she was a flowering tree. "It's good to see you, Ravenwind!" she purred, bluebell blue eyes surveying him in that vaguely intrigued way she always managed to look. "You seem to be in a good mood… how's Duskcloud?"

"Fatter than a mouse in green-leaf. Do you know why WindClan is taking their good-old time getting here?" Ravenwind didn't give her more than a sniff and a once-over.

"I'm proud of your medical assessments. You've grown so fast." Honeypool paused to copy his gaze to the crossing stones. "Looking for Runningshadow? He might have stayed in his den tonight, given how much that recent outbreak took out of him."

Ravenwind instantly felt the flowering in his chest wither. "It was two quarter-moons ago," he huffed.

Honeypool's eyes were on him still; he could feel them. He vaguely wondered if Hollypaw had felt the same gaze on her when Honeyheart was stalking her kill.

"Though, he might make it just to see his friends. Some cats value cats in other clans as much as they do their clanmates."

Ravenwind finally looked at her. "Do you always sound so disapproving and creepy when you give SkyClan advice?"

Honeypool dipped her head, looking at him with the same amusement a queen watching her kits held. "My clanmates trust me with things, and I haven't had too many complaints. Last time I did, I told the cat that he was welcome to dig up Toadcroak if he wanted a second opinion."

Ravenwind actually laughed at the comment. More than his usual dry snort. "Stars above, you're just as terrible as my sister."

Honeypool flicked her tail over his in a you-know-it gesture. "The trick is saying something blunt, but making it sound like you're giving them a compliment. Instead of saying your sister is huge from growing kits, I would say that Duskcloud is looking as healthy as a feasted mouse."

"I prefer to be straightforward. You just sound evil." Ravenwind snorted Oh, how proud Hazelstripe would be of him for socializing so much in one night.

"I get it from my mother. Though, I have more sense than either she or my father did." Honeypool paused, her gaze turning even softer as she looked at him. He hated her for looking like Junipershade in that moment. "Be careful, Ravenwind. I know you aren't as mouse-brained as you let others believe."

He suddenly remembered all of his misgivings about SkyClan's medicine cats. She has the audacity to be so sweet and calm while manipulating me.

Ravenwind didn't need another cat who meant well behind a shroud of greenery and false smiles. "Maybe not the only thing you got from your mother."

Honeypool didn't even flinch. "You're more original than that," she said, and disappeared into the crowd. He'd have to see her again soon enough, but he tried to believe that glaring at her retreating form meant that he won.

Then the scent of moors and night wind hit his nose. His head shot up to look over the crowd, but a clump of burly RiverClan cats blocked his sight. Joy and trepidation intertwined around his heart once again.

Ravenwind caught sight of the WindClan leader, Sparrowstar. Her fur was fluffed up against the cold. "You're late," he heard Snowstar growl.

Sparrowstar dipped her head. "Apologies, Snowstar. We were held up." She did not elaborate further.

Ravenwind saw the brown and white form of Runningshadow join his fellow medicine cat at the edge of a nettle clump. He heard Owlstar call the Gathering to begin, and his heart sank. Maybe I can still talk to him afterwards.

Ravenwind slunked up beside the WindClan tom. He looked a bit frazzled. He offered him a small smile in greeting. Runningshadow gave him a tense smile back. Is something the matter? He wanted to ask, but Owlstar had begun speaking.

"We chased a hungry fox out of our territory," she announced. "We warn the other clans to stay vigilant. Morningfoot has delivered her kits, Firekit and Hawkkit. We hope they will grow into strong warriors of ThunderClan one day. That is all."

It was then Ravenwind noticed Milkpool was missing. Fallowleaf looked exhausted as well. He wondered if she was still sick. Instead of addressing the topic of her missing medicine cat, Owlstar nodded for Snowstar to speak next.

"Leaf-bare has been lucky for ShadowClan," Snowstar went on. "Though we've had heavy snowfall, finding prey has not been a problem." That's not true, Ravenwind thought bitterly. If it was, Songkit wouldn't have snuck out.

"We have two new queens, and we expect healthy kits to be born come new-leaf," Snowstar meowed. "Other than that, ShadowClan has nothing of importance to report."

Alderstar spoke next. "I'm pleased to announce my son, Mintpaw, is here with us tonight."

Runningshadow glanced across the clearing to see the grey and white tom. He looked ever confident as the other four clans turned their eyes on him. Ravenwind briefly remembered the young tom from his time in SkyClan.

"SkyClan is saddened to share the news of Vinestep's passing," Alderstar meowed. "She served her clan for many moons, and she will not be forgotten."

Many cats bowed their heads in respect for the deceased elder. Her name sounded familiar to Ravenwind, but he was not the social type, and thus, could not put her name to a face. Hazelstripe looked especially downtrodden. They must have been good friends...

Sapstar spoke next. Her deep voice silenced the hushed murmurs that had begun to spread at the news of Vinestep's death. "This last snow-fall has frozen the river. Though prey is short, rest assured RiverClan stays strong." Ravenwind surveyed the RiverClan cats. Their pelts had lost their usual glossiness.

Sparrowstar was last to speak. "WindClan is recovering well from the meadow saffron poisoning. We have Runningshadow to thank, who received his full medicine cat name at the Moonfall last half-moon."

Runningshadow turned his head away at the attention of the other clans staring at him. His paws were fidgeting, and he looked much more antsy than usual.

"We were lucky to have no casualties, and hunting has been good on the moors," she announced. "That is all WindClan has to report."

Around him, cats began to drift around the clearing to mingle once more. Ravenwind turned to say something to Runningshadow, but the WindClan tom had disappeared. Hazelstripe had joined a SkyClan elder in conversation, while the other medicine cats wandered to their own devices.

He was about to taste the air for where Runningshadow's scent had gone, when he felt something tug his scruff. He was pulled back into the undergrowth with no warning, fur brushing through the bramble thicket.

Ravenwind whirled around to hiss at whoever it was, only to find Runningshadow staring at him with round blue eyes. The WindClan medicine shushed him.

"Follow me," he whispered. He crept away, ears and tail lowered. Ravenwind followed his scent into the darkness. He smelled the sharp scent of ivy, and he saw the outline of Runningshadow in front of him brush the ivy aside to reveal a little alcove in the rocks.

The bright moon shone silver dappled light into the shadows. Ravenwind's eyes slowly adjusted. His heart was pounding so loud he could barely hear his own thoughts. There was barely enough room for the both of them in that little space. He's so close!

"I wanted to- to talk to you," Runningshadow whispered. He sounded nervous.

"Then talk." Why am I so nervous now?

Runningshadow was silent for a heartbeat. Then, he took a deep breath. "Do you remember the first Gathering we were at together?" Ravenwind nodded. "The question you asked me that night… it's plagued my thoughts. You've been a constant living in my mind ever since."

Ravenwind forgot how to breathe. The blood in his ears was roaring. He got lost in Runningshadow's eyes. He was certain his heart was going to burst through his chest.

"Truthfully, I've been lying to you," Runningshadow said softly. "I've known the answer since the night you asked me. I told you I didn't know, but I lied. I do know."

Ravenwind was wrapped up in the gentle sweet smell coming from Runningshadow's vanilla leaves. It was mild but intoxicating. He dared not interrupt him, for fear of losing the moment.

"I like toms," Runningshadow whispered. So quiet, if they were further apart, he wouldn't have heard. "One tom in particular."

Ravenwind's heart was a lump caught in his throat. StarClan, let it be me. I'd give anything to have it be me. I don't care about the rules. I only care about him.

"Ravenwind, I- I think I'm…" Runningshadow trailed off, and then shook his head. "No, I know. I know I'm in love with you. You're the only one who makes me feel this way. I love you, Ravenwind."

His heart stopped. He forgot Runningshadow couldn't read his thoughts for a moment. The WindClan tom was staring at him with an air of desperation.

"You're a toad-brain, you know that?" Ravenwind whispered. "You beat me to it. I was planning on telling you tonight, too." He leaned forward and rested his nose against his ear fur. He felt Runningshadow shiver against his warm breath.

"Telling me what?" Runningshadow asked quietly.

"You know what," Ravenwind murmured. He was breathing in the scent of vanilla and wildflowers on his fur.

"I want to hear you say it," Runningshadow mewed. Their mews were barely breaths.

Ravenwind drew back and stared deeply into Runningshadow's eyes. Three words and we break two codes, he thought. I couldn't care less.

"I love you," Ravenwind breathed. He pressed his nose to his cheek. "I love you, Runningshadow. I could say it a hundred times and it wouldn't be enough. You're all I want."

Runningshadow returned the soft touch. "You have me."

A/N

In conclusion, I'm soft.