As Birch Tail sunk deeper and deeper into the dark water everything began to look more blurry, she tried to swim, but her muscles ached and her lungs yowled for air. "No! |She thought desperately.| not like this! I CAN'T die like this!" But her energy was quickly ebbing away and her eyes slowly closed. The lake had engulfed her.
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Birch Tail woke to the feeling of a tongue licking her vigorously, as well as brief whimpers in-between licks. She was shivering from the cold but a warm body was pressed close beside her. As she lifted her head tiredly she met Cedar Furs warm Amber gaze.
"Thank StarClan you're okay!" strong feelings of relief washed off of him in waves. "What happened?" Birch Tail meowed wearily. "You were hunting a vole and then you tripped on a pebble and fell into the lake...oh Birch Tail! I thought I lost you!" He whimpered and Birch Tail gazed into his eyes they were full of concern and relief but she noticed something else spark in them, only for a second.
Her memories flooded back and soon, she felt herself growing hot underneath her pelt even though she was shivering."T-t-thank you so much for saving me" she managed to stutter, her teeth chattering.
"You're freezing!" He meowed while curling around her more tightly and pressing closer to her to keep her warm. Birch Tails heart was beating so fast and loudly she was convinced that Cedar fur could hear it. "He's so-so soft and warm..." she thought while pressing closer to him as well.
She couldn't help it; a purr escaped from deep in her throat. She realized this too late, and they both looked at each other in embarrassment. "Can you walk?" He asked shyly. "I-I-I think so." She stuttered. "You can lean on my shoulder if you like..." he whisper. Birch Tail was glad for his support. As they padded back to camp Birch Tail was leaning heavily on his sturdy shoulder.
She still couldn't process what had just happened.