Thunder's back warmed in the sun. he purred with delight as Tall Shadow padded up to him, rubbing his muzzle against her cheek and entertwining his tail with hers as she sat down. his mate's sweet pine scent drifted into his nose, her eyes sparkling with fondness.

"hunting?" she mewed. the tom nodded and got to his paws. Thunder swiftly padded across the camp, excited to be going out. he hadn't visited the forest in a while- he and Tall Shadow had been to wrapped up in each other to go hunting. he was glad that the two of them had finally aknowledged that they had feelings for each other, but he longed to eat something that he had caught, not something that a clanmate had worked hard for only to give it to him.

"wait up!" Tall Shadow panted, clearly out of breath as she tried to catch up with him.

"what's wrong?" Thunder asked.

"I'll tell you when we go hunting," she mewed, slowly padding out of camp. Thunder followd his mate, his mind scouring the possibilities.

what if she's sick? with greencough! or... or what if she is in love with another cat? what if Moon Shadow told her that she shouldn't trust me?! what if-

"I'm assuming your wondering what's going on," Tall Shadow meowed, as Thunder nodded.

"well..." his mate started, "the truth is, I'm expecting your kits!"

Thunder's eyes widened. "k-kits?" he stuttered. the she-cat nodded, her eyes shining with joy. the tom purred and licked the fur between her ears. but in his head he couldn't erase an image of Star Flower's glowing, beautiful face shining in the moonlight. how will I take care of my own kits? he thought. I'm barely twelve moons old! Gray Wing is old enough to be my Father, and even he doesn't have his own kits yet!

"thunder?" Tall Shadow mewed. "a-aren't you happy?"

"of course! why wouldn't I be?" he replied.

Tall Shdow's eyes narrowed. "maybe because you don't love me as much as you say!" she growled. "I bet you wish I was Star Flower!"

"don't be ridiculous, of course I love you!" Thunder told her. but his mate had already walked away.

the orange, muscular tom sighed. he definatley loved Tall Shadow, but he couldn't Stop from imagining a sleek, ginger head and the Words that could come from her mouth;

they were supposed to be our kits, Thunder!