Hello, my readers! I'm so sorry for the long wait. I apologize. Technical difficulties prevented me from updating however I am doing my best to get back to schedule. Please accept this chapter as a peace offering.

Enjoy...

Morning sun blinded me as I opened my eyes, blinking slowly. It took me a moment to remember where I was, and when I did, a warm feeling enveloped me. I had had a wonderful night with Foxpaw.

After our conversation, and admission of our mutual attraction, Foxpaw had led me to a small clearing. It was filled with wildflowers of every color and bordered with hedges near as tall as the trees. It was beautiful, and Foxpaw had wanted to share it with me. That was where we had spent the night, and I had quite enjoyed it. Looking around now, I noted that in daylight the clearing was just as beautiful, however not quite as mystical as the previous night with Foxpaw.

Speaking of, I think to myself, where is that ruby tom?

My question is answered when the red ball of fluff himself rolls over and knocks into me. I grunt, and he shoots up, back arching and eyes wide. I giggle.

"W-What?" Foxpaw yelps. I just grin and stand up, stretching. He was so oblivious.

"I think we should head back," I say politely, my mood turning more serious. Foxpaw stared at me before nodding his consent.

"Sure. Whatever you want."

In only a few minutes we were back at our willow tree and after a quick patrol, Foxpaw decided he would go hunt for me and Cloudeyes, even though the old she-cat was still resting with her kits in her den. Foxpaw thought she would appreciate some breakfast after such stressful events. After his departure, I peeked into Cloudeyes' den myself to check on her.

"Cloudeyes?" I mew quietly. The black she-cat was quiet, and I thought she was still asleep. However, a moment later, she blinked open her dreary yellow eyes and yawned.

"Tinypaw...Hello," she murmured. She nudged a kit and snuggled closer before yawning again. "Any news?"

Knowing she was talking about the missing kits, I shook my head sadly. I wanted to get her mind off it, though. "No, Cloudeyes. Foxpaw will be back soon, though. He's getting us breakfast. Be sure to thank him for me, please."

Cloudeyes suddenly bristled. "That tom seems quite infatuated with you, my mouse. And you to him. It's...odd, considering your nature."

"My nature?"

"Yes," she said, a tightness in her tone I knew she only used when she was being strict. "Before, in Shadowclan, you refused to be social and were quiet. You were my little mouse. Lately, now, though, you've been different. I'm not sure what to think of it. I do have a feeling it involves Foxpaw though."

I blush and sit. "Cloudeyes, I don't mean to confuse you. I've grown fond of Foxpaw, and he of me. It's something I've never felt before. I know it's changed me, but it's for the better."

My adoptive mother sighed in frustration before her shoulders dropped in defeat. "I realized that last night."

My whole body stiffened. I had not known Cloudeyes was watching when me and Foxpaw conversed. To come upon our relationship like that must have shocked her.

"Cloudeyes...I'm sorry."

She looked meaningfully at me. "Don't do something you'll regret, my mouse. You are only young."

I nod and stand. "Yes, Mother." I back up a few steps. "I should go find Foxpaw now. He should have breakfast caught by now."

There was no answer, and I take it as a dismissal to leave. Outside, I only need to wait a few moments before my red tom arrives.

"Food," he mumbles through a mouthful of mouse. Then he drops it and puffs his chest proudly. "With colder weather coming in, I thought this and a fattened squirrel I buried a while back is quite a feast."

I try to smile, but it comes out as more of a grimace. "That's more of a small meal with you, me, Cloudeyes, and the kits to feed, along with the Medicine Cat if she ever cones, along with more kits, plus if we join anyone else. But it's a good catch. I appreciate it."

Foxpaw flattened his ears. "I'm sorry. I got what I could find.

Immediately feeling guilty, I shy away. At least he could hunt. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's not your fault. I'm having a bad day is all."

Foxpaw frowns. "I thought today was nice. Especially after last night."

I close my eyes, ready to explain, but shut my mouth. It would be better if Foxpaw didn't know. "You're right. I'm just tired, I suppose. Perhaps a meal would help?"

Foxpaw agrees and we settle with the mouse. A few moments of small talk evolves into a thick conversation.

"I had two brothers, so they told me," I say. Foxpaw's ears perked. "One is Shadedsoul-You might know him?-while the other was not named. He died at birth, sadly. I always wondered who he was meant to be had he not passed."

Foxpaw gives a bitter smile. "I'm sorry for your loss. For your mother, too. I felt the same way when Racepaw died. He...He was my other half, no doubt, and it was hard to accept it. You seem to take grief with a strong head, though."

Curiously, I tilt my head. "What do you mean? I'm barely strong enough to kill a mouse. I'm also too wimpy to stick up for myself."

"You're comfortable with me."

"Yes, but that doesn't mean I take grief well."

Foxpaw sighs softly. "You're stronger than you think, is what I mean."

"I'm not so sure about that."

Foxpaw leans over and nudges my shoulder. "Well don't worry about it. Whenever you aren't able to defend yourself, I'll be there to protect you. Don't you worry."

For some reason, I decided to believe him. I learned later that day, however, that sometimes she-cats, even shy ones, needed to stick up for themselves. Especially when one of the cats they cared for the most was in danger.

Not a great ending and a little short. Again, I apologize. Technical difficulties. Is getting fixed.

Also, I would appreciate it if my readers would send me some ideas for how you would like this story to progress. As you can see in Tinypaw's seemingly dramatic change from shy to factual and explanatory when she doesn't hesitate or stutter when telling Cloudeyes of her and Foxpaw's relationship. I am trying to slow,you but surely develop her into a more independent character and show that she's not afraid anymore, despite her disabilities. Foxpaw is still a bit of a blank slate, but I'm working on it.

Another thing-I'm thinking about making a story about the...previous events to this story. I won't tell you who's story it's going to be, (Clawstar, Foxpaw/Racepaw, Snowfur)but any votes will be counted and will influence if it happens.

Again, ideas are welcome. Reviews are appreciated. Thanks again, and sorry for such a long wait!