ON THE RUN

[batwing]

Had you asked Batwing what she thought she'd be doing that day, it wouldn't have ever crossed her mind to consider herself running as fast as she could through the sparse trees near the RiverClan border, with a mangy beast hot on her paws. She'd gone off to hunt, and somehow this time she'd found an actual dog, rather than Sunstrike. Honestly, she'd prefer the big orange tom to the mangy mutt snapping at her tail any day. Glancing over her shoulder, she caught sight of the brindled pelt and the flash of metal - it's collar. It was a twoleg's dog. It barked in a high, terrifying pitch, but Batwing simply spat and pushed herself further and faster, zipping through the trees towards RiverClan like a thing possessed.

She broke out into the clearing where the Greenleaf twoleg place was, swerving to the right and heading for the lakeshore. She didn't have an exact plan, but the dog was larger than what she could really handle on her own. Panting, Batwing figured she could confuse the dog on the lakeshore, and double back around to get back to camp. She didn't want to accidentally lead the dog directly to her home, though, so she needed to be sure.

That plan was quickly shattered when she saw a hulking male twoleg stand up from a crouched position near the water. Terror surged through her limbs. It had been lying in wait! Waiting to have it's filthy mutt chase her right into it's freaky, hairless paws! It turned to her and shouted something, waving it's trunk-like arms. Batwing hissed, her pelt fluffing out, and turned on her heels. She'd rather deal with the dog than with the twoleg. She could feel the thumping footsteps of the awkward beast moving towards her, but she ignored it and lashed out at the dog, spitting. The dog let out a yelp as her claws scored it's nose, and she was pleased to see blood well up from the wound. 'Ratfang.' Maybe this was it! This oddly-dressed twoleg, with it's ferocious beast, had kidnapped her brother! Perhaps the twolegs knew the Clans were at the lake, and wanted them gone. 'They're going to pick us off one by one!' She thought, darting through the legs of the dog and swiping at it's underbelly. The dog yelped and she felt one of it's heavy paws slam down on her tail. Letting out a screech of fury, Batwing darted away and spun, leaping at the dog again, hissing furiously. "You stole my brother! Give him back!" She yowled, clawing at the dog's hindquarters. It snarled at her, snapping teeth so close to her that she felt it's rancid breath on her face. She couldn't beat the dog alone, and the twoleg was getting closer - if she disappeared too, who would come find her?

Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

Glitch Sunstrike | SUNWING2K17

[Sunstrike]

Sunstrike

TURN YOUR FACE TO THE SUN

    Sunstrike rolled about restlessly in his nest, certainly bothering his clanmates. It was early in the morning, and while the dawn patrol had already made their way out, and having been on both the dawn and dusk patrol the day prior, Flamestripe- StarClan bless his merciful uncle, had decided to let the big tom sleep in, except now, he wasn't. Forcing himself to lay still on his belly, he sighed and slowly opened his eyes. The heat was already oppressive, and the dense collection of warriors pressing against him in the too-small warrior's den only intensified it. He mused to himself if he should find a few apprentices and see if he could get them to get to work on expanding the den for a little more wiggle room. They'd listen, that he was sure of. His hulking size didn't betray his goofy demeanor, and most of what the younger cats ever really saw of him was when he spoke up, sharp tongued, against Swampstar's decisions, and decisions in general. Perhaps it wasn't fear that drove them, but respect? Nah, it was fear. Unjust fear, but fear- maybe just intimidation, he could squash almost anyone in the clan with a swat of one broad paw.

    Masses of sleeping flesh lay all around him, and after a long, frustrated moment, he raised his head. No more sleep, it just wasn't going to happen, not if he begged and pleaded, not if he sacrificed a kit to StarClan themselves. Okay, maybe not a kit. Maybe Firestep. As the name whispered in his mind, a chill went down his spine as well as a defiant shudder. His amber eyes darted to the form closest to him, the small grey tabby sleeping peacefully, or, as peaceful as he imagined his sister could get. She was resting, at least. Automatically, his gaze drifted around the bramble den, searching for the only other cat who had earned his concern, one of the few that had lodged herself in his heart, who's safety would forever concern him. He frowned, doing a double take as he didn't find Batwing. Had she gone on the dawn patrol? No, Thicketwhisker had, Littledrop had, Flamestripe, Antnose, and Ravenfrost. He relaxed, however, as he recalled their encounter just a moon or two before. Her "walks".

    He huffed and quietly rose to his paws, murmuring apologies as he knocked in to sleeping cats and forced his way out of the stuffy confines of the den. Scanning the camp once, silent and sleepy as it was, he confirmed that she was out, and grumbled softly to himself as he made his way towards the thorny entrance and broke out in to the pine forest, the sharp scent easing him with the familiarity of home. His voluntary time with the beautiful she-cat, not counting mandatory patrols and clan meetings, had doubled in the recent moons, now finding himself sharing prey and tongues with her just as often as he did Ferretcloud, much to his sisters contempt. He'd almost find it funny, if not for the malice in her eyes when he caught her staring as he chatting with Batwing. If not for the hate when she caught him staring across the camp at the she-cat strutting around, doing her duties, and he seemed lost in thought instead of focusing on her. It almost convinced him to steer clear of the female that so intrigued him. Almost. Despite their growing closeness, he mused bitterly, she had still not come clean about her "walks", and still insisted that the morning strolls were entirely to clear her head. A sour pit in his belly told him it was something else, and he wasn't entirely certain what it could be, nor did he enjoy thinking about it.

    Of course, even as unjustified jealously made his whiskers twitch, he couldn't help but let the thought slide to the forefront. A forbidden lover. That was the rumor that had been spread about her brother, too, that he had run away to the waiting paws of a loner, kittypet, or enemy clan mate. If it were true, could the same be true for her? Same apples from the same tree, it was possible, he supposed. It turned his stomach, however, and he hated himself for it. She wasn't his, merely a friend, and as a good friend, if it was what she truly wanted, even if it were treason against ShadowClan, and even if he was loyal to ShadowClan to his dying breath, couldn't he support her? Sure. Couldn't he support her without killing the undeserving enemy clan tom who she fancied? It was probably best that theory wasn't tested- hair trigger temper and all. Besides, she was his friend, just a friend

    His head shot up, snapped out of his thoughts with a sudden ferocity. He could scent blood, he could scent dog, he could scent fear. Thick and sharp and bitter and absolute. He searched his surroundings, he was near RiverClan territory, though he barely remembered the trek there, the twoleg greenleaf place only a short trip away. Dogs were bad news for most cats, and he knew charging in blindly was a bad idea, though, he would admit it was his first instinct, his blood pumping hotly in his veins. He pick up his pace to a quick trot, ears pricked forward and mouth agape, looking for any sign of who was in danger and if the danger was still present. This all fell apart when he heard the shriek of fury from an all too familiar source. The heat in his veins turned to sharp ice that stabbed through him, threatening to freeze him to the spot even as a red haze dropped over his vision. The dog had Batwing.

    His terror shattered and morphed to anger as he flung himself forward at a full breakneck speed, fur standing on end and burst through the undergrowth hiding the scene from view. A twoleg lumbered across the bank towards his clanmate as she was locked in a fight with a dog, swiping and spitting at it. He would have been proud of her sheer moxie if not for the fear and absolute blinding rage spiking his adrenaline as high as it would go."You stole my brother! Give him back!" Ratfang? Stolen? No, no time for that thought at all. He didn't hesitate, inserting himself between her and the mangy mutt snapping at her with a ferocious snarl. It wasn't a very large dog, larger than him by more than a few hairs for sure, but not big enough to feel like it was in control. The beast hesitated for a split second, seemingly confused, but Sunstrike did not. He launched himself at it's face, claws outstretched and rendering fur and flesh from the beast with every swipe. His teeth sank deep in to it's disgusting, furry cheek until their nearly connected, and it began to shake violently, attempting to dislodge it's fluffy attacker.

    A few shakes of it's head, and Sunstrike was dislodged, though the second his paws made fresh contact with the dirt, he was lunging forward again. The beast swung it's head in his direction as he went for it's throat, and one of it's sharp canine teeth grazed the bridge of his nose, opening a gash that immediately began to leak crimson, but only earning an infuriated hiss from the tom. With a powerful leap, he launched himself at the creatures back, his weight limiting it's movement as he landed square on it's upper back and neck, claws sinking deep and teeth meeting in it's slightly floppy ear. The sound it made was ear splitting and it began to fight in overdrive, pain and rage making it thrash erratically. Just before Sunstrike was certain it would buck him off and he'd need to plan his next blow, sharp fingers of the twoleg paw bit into his scruff and hoisted him up while simultaneously grabbing the collar of the dog.

    There was no hesitation, his vision was hazy with pure hatred and he began to thrash and yowl, claws swiping violently. As the twoleg attempted to reposition it's grip on the warrior, he managed to sink his fangs in to it's opposite hand that had been reaching for him, causing it to shriek, and toss him aside. In the back of his mind, Sunstrike was relatively certain he took a chunk of twoleg with him. His size made the throw lopsided and weird, causing his collision with the tree to be more of a dazing, blunt force blow that left him stunned and staggering to his paws, instead of, at least what he assumed to be, an attempt to snap his spine on the trunk. He forced himself forward again, world spinning a little, hissing and spitting, the metallic tang of dog, twoleg, and his own, blood in his mouth. He was ready to go again- but the dog didn't come for him. The twoleg now was gripping it's collar and dragging the angry beast back from the enraged tom, moving a bit faster as Sunstrike staggered forward to once again attempt to insert his big body between the enemy and Batwing, sides heaving as he glared at them, bracing himself in case the twoleg, or it's mutt, made a move for them again.

1,554 words

batwing

Angry kitty. WHIP THEIR ASSES SUNSTRIKE.

ulla

[batwing]

She was getting tired. Batwing was fast, but it had been a while since she'd been involved in any kind of fight, and that horrendous twoleg was distracting her. She barely dodged the snapping jaws of the dog, and she was too entangled in the fight to run away. Too furious over her brother. Too angry at herself for not being able to protect everyone. Batwing let out ever ounce of fear and rage in each swing of her paw, hissing and spitting defiantly every time the dog came at her with bared fangs. She would either die here, or be kidnapped - but she wasn't going to back down. She was so convinced that this twoleg - or one related to it - had stolen her brother. He would never leave her. Never. They were all they had - she, him, and Tinysong. He would never just disappear - not with another she-cat, not because he was tired of Clan life. Not without telling her. Not without saying goodbye. Her tail ached where the dog had tramped it, and she felt - in her distraction - a tooth of the beast slicing through her ear. Hot fire laced through the appendage, and Batwing let out a cry of anger and pain, leaping back from the dog - and then it was bearing down on her, jaws snapping, the twoleg roaring only a few steps away. Before Batwing could react, she watched as a flash of orange barged between her and the dog, lashing out viciously. 'Sunstrike!' Warmth flooded her chest at the sight of him. They'd been spending a lot of time together, and too many times she'd considered telling him about her suspicions. But she'd been searching for Ratfang on her own for so long, and she was so stubbornly against asking for help. Plus, what if Sunstrike didn't believe her? What if he believed the rumors? It would break her heart, to lose him as a friend. Somewhere, deep down, Batwing recognized that she had more feelings than just friendship towards the tom, but she couldn't think about mates and the future when she had a family to hold together, tooth and claw.

Still, the sight of the tom inserting himself bravely between her and the two beasts before her made her heart stutter. She watched in amazement as he fought the dog, nearly dazed by the rush of adrenaline in her body. When she saw the twoleg creeping closer, and reaching for him, her vision went red and she let out a horrified gasp. "Sunstrike! The two-" But it was too late to warn him, as the creature's paw snatched him up, swinging him around in the air like he weighed nothing. "Let him go!" Batwing hissed, seething, as she lunged forward to sink her claws into the twoleg's legs. Whatever armor it was wearing was thick, and when she scored it with her claws, the twoleg barely reacted, focusing on Sunstrike. She couldn't lose him, too. Batwing would never forgive herself if he was taken because he'd helped her. She couldn't let the twoleg take him - but that didn't seem to be likely to happen, as Sunstrike lashed out at the twoleg and earned himself a quick trip to the nearest tree. Immediately, Batwing dislodged herself from it's odd armor and darted in Sunstrike's direction, fearful he'd been hurt. She didn't seem to have to worry too much about that, though, as he was already heading in her direction, seemingly determined to keep himself between her and the dog, which was now being dragged away. Batwing hissed angrily, turning on her paws and shooting forward a couple steps, every bone in her body urging her to go after the pair and try to find her brother. Her expression was a mixture of anger and agony, as if she were watching everything she loved be dragged away by that horrid twoleg. But she couldn't focus on that now. At least they were leaving.

Focusing on Sunstrike, Batwing gave him a quick glance-over. "Are you okay? Did it hurt you badly?" Inspecting the tom's muzzle where he'd been scratched on the bridge of his nose, Batwing frowned. "I'm sorry. This is my fault." She muttered, leaning closer to gently lap her tongue over the wound, as if she were a mother cleaning a newborn kit. It was important to keep wounds clean - but surely Flatear could handle a couple scratches and a torn ear. Glancing in the direction of the dog and the twoleg, who were now even further away, Batwing made sure they weren't coming back before letting herself relax slightly. Striking amber eyes focused on the huge orange tom, soft and warm. "Thank you." Her words were accented by a soft, nearly-silent purr, leaning in to rub her cheek against his in an affectionate gesture.

Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

Glitch Sunstrike | YAS SUN YAS

[Sunstrike]

Sunstrike

TURN YOUR FACE TO THE SUN

    All Sunstrike could hear was the persistent, deafening rush of blood in his head, ears ringing and world muffled. His muscles were locked tense, and he found himself rooted to the spot as he shot a look that could kill at the retreating predators. The dog whined and barked, straining against it's twoleg as it fought to get it's revenge against the cats, and Batwing, for a moment, seemed just as eager to go after them. An nearly inaudible growl rose in his chest and he nearly reached out to yank her back by the tail and drag her back to camp himself, but she came to a halt and seemed to reconsider before getting far. Good. The twoleg remained adamant as it continued dragging the weaker beast, it's paw tucked close to it's torso and dripping a steady stream of blood in a trail behind it. He knew better than to think this had truly disabled the twoleg in any way, put it out of commission or put it at risk as such a deep wound may have done to a cat, but underneath his berserker like frenzy, he was pleased to watch it bleed, see it's pain. Maybe that was something he had indeed inherited from his father, or maybe it was simply the pleasure of knowing he had won, and he had defended Batwing in the process. 

   "Are you okay? Did it hurt you badly?"  Her voice was muffled, as if he were underwater and she were very far away. His posture didn't change, and he didn't move as if he had heard her in any way. Even as the twoleg and the dog rounded a corner and vanished from sight, he could still smell the metallic tang of blood in the air, the musky stink of dog. Adrenaline continued to flow freely, and his teeth remained clenched so tight, deep under his daze, he could feel the fear they may shatter. He had been in so many fights over the course of his life, as way the way of a warrior, particularly for a clan that once had tended to be so confrontational- it was still expected of them to be the best fighters. Maybe that was what made Firestep so vicious towards his meek sister. Maybe that was what made Sunstrike so vicious in return, his gaze drifting to the splashes of blood strewn throughout the dirt, now being absorbed by the layer of dust and turning to swampy, dark mud. There was, of course, no remorse for the dog, or the twoleg, the deserved it, but the sinking feeling that he could likely shred another cat with the same lack of mercy, with the same berserker's intent. "I'm sorry. This is my fault."

    He felt the rasp of her tongue over his muzzle and jerked hard, head snapping in her direction and sending drops of crimson flying. Everything locked back into crystal clear focus, and just like that it was over. His adrenaline crashed, though the pain of his injuries was muted, his tolerance for it sky high. His body visibly relaxed, and a deep sigh rose from his chest, a mixture of relief and exhaustion. He was tired now, but his grin was genuine as he cocked his head at Batwing, blood dripping freely to earth at the angle. "Your fault? No, maybe more like, seventy-five percent your fault, that's not nearly as bad. Besides, that's probably the most excitement I'm going to get for moons. Maybe I'll get a neat scar out of it, make me more appealing to the ladies. A real bad boy."

    Sunstrike shrugged a shoulder nonchalantly, "Besides, now that dog knows better than to come around here, next time, I might just have to kill him.." Well, at  least it wasn't another clan cat he had to kill in some sort of faux jealous rage that would have been entirely unjustified and uncalled for. His smile faded and he began to scan her body, inspecting her closely for any wounds inflicted before he had swooped in to save the day, but was pleased when he didn't see any aside from her nicked ear. Seeing as she seemed to be standing and moving fine on her own as well, he safely assumed there were no internal injuries to be concerned over either. When his roaming, inspecting gaze returned to her face, he found her wide amber eyes locked on him intently, and his heart thudded awkwardly in his chest, warmth flooding his body and easing him, soothing all the raw places the rage and adrenaline had scorched. "Thank you." Her voice was soft and genuine, and she leaned in ever so slowly, brushing her cheek against his in such a tender gesture his skipping heart ached. His ego at tearing up a dog was completely numbed and in it's place, for now, he felt such a grand relief that he had gotten there in time.

    But now, he felt he deserved to know what was up. He leaned back into her touch, not wanting the contact to end, a low purr starting in his own chest, disappointment stinging him as she pulled back all too soon for his liking. He attempted to mask the emotion with a bemused curiosity. "What were you doing out here, anyway? Trying to get eaten?" His whiskers twitched and he took an involuntary step closer to her, wanting to feel her warmth despite the greenleaf heat, but desperately trying to play it off as being a little unsteady on his paws after his collision with the tree- not that he wasn't uncertain he wasn't. "Out on a walk again? And what was that about Ratfang? Batwing, I-"  He huffed and frowned. What was he going to say? I deserve to know because I saved your life? I deserve to know because I have so many more feelings for you than what I think you feel for me? I deserve to know?  He deserved nothing. Not the knowledge she was reluctant to share, not her feelings, and if she hadn't told him thus far, why now? Maybe because he had saved her, maybe because she was now putting herself at risk, and he could not have that. "I'm your friend, Batwing. You can tell me, what's going on?"

1,053 words

batwing

I love how nervous about his feelings he is.

ulla

[batwing]

Batwing's concern faded to a soft burn when she caught that familiar grin on his face, her sharp gaze noticing when he relaxed. She'd been anxious that he was angry at her for being reckless, or that he was hurt worse than what she could see. She couldn't help but laugh at his commentary, already the weight of guilt on her shoulders lessening. Sunstrike had a way about him that made her feel better. She couldn't address her feelings for him - didn't ever give them much time, simply too preoccupied with thoughts of her missing brother and broken family to give any to the small package sitting on the shelves of her heart. But as he spoke, warmth flooded her chest, and for a moment Batwing wished she didn't have a missing brother to find and a sister to keep close. She wanted to be reckless with him. He made her feel that way. As if every step was some exciting adventure. "Oh yes, scars are the way to go. Us she-cats just can't control ourselves when we see a good battlescar or two." She purred, gently swatting his ear. His comment about the dog made her give him an exaggerated nod, deep and solemn. "Oh yeah, we sure showed him. He won't be coming around here anymore, not even if his Twoleg drags him."

Of course, Sunstrike wasn't stupid. Batwing wouldn't feel the way about him that she did if he were - and she watched his expression change, harden. He was about to ask her things she didn't want to answer, and as he stepped closer to her, his words weighed with curiosity and yearning, Batwing wanted nothing more than to lean into him and let all of her worries and hardships fall from her mouth. Hearing someone else speak Ratfang's name only made it more real - he was gone. She couldn't pretend he'd gone out hunting (which she had tried to do, in the first few days). But now she had no escape - she just had to go and yell stuff about her brother. And that only reminded her of how certain she was that the twoleg was a part of his disappearance. It had to be. Amber eyes flicked in the direction of the two beasts, though they were long gone. Perhaps she could wait here for them to return, and follow them back to wherever they went. But how long until the Twoleg returned? Or had they actually scared it off for good? Stomach tight with anxiety, her ears twitched as Sunstrike finally spoke again, her friend. Friend.

He was much more than that, even if she couldn't admit it to even herself. Her sharp gaze moved back to Sunstrike, and they softened as her ears pinned to her head, something akin to shame rolling across her features. She'd had him worried about her, due to her obsession. Batwing hesitated, sighed, and then paused again. How could she even begin? "Our clanmates don't know anything." She finally huffed, her expression nearly wounded. "Ratfang was- is - loyal. He wouldn't run off with some other cat and he would never leave without a good reason." Sighing once again, Batwing settled down and curled her tail around her paws, her gaze on the ground between them, as if she were too frightened to meet Sunstrike's gaze. "I've been spending all of my free time since he disappeared trying to find him. I'm a decent tracker, and I thought...I thought I could find him. But it's been so long, and..." Her amber hues moved once more, once again following the path of the twoleg and it's beast. "I thought maybe, since it tried to grab me and you, that the twoleg was trying to catch us. Maybe it took Ratfang, far from here where he doesn't know how to get home."

Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

Glitch Sunstrike | my feels tho

[Sunstrike]

Sunstrike

TURN YOUR FACE TO THE SUN

    Her gaze seemed far away as she stared off in to the distance, after the twoleg and it's dog. Sunstrike's gaze followed hers, staring off in mute silence. They were gone, that he was certain of, though his straying gaze was one of anxiety. If they came back, if they hurt her, he'd murder them, no hesitation. His eyes flicked back, inquisitive, and found her focus shifting as well, seeming to absorb his questioning after a moment. Tension began to roll off her in ways, and he could see the walls go up for a moment. It stung, though he'd never admit it out loud, and didn't want to admit it to himself. He saw it as a lack of trust, or perhaps they weren't as close as he assumed- at least, she certainly didn't share any of his feelings, if the idea of friendship wasn't enough to trust. Her ears laid flat and the shame on her face made him change his mind on those fears, as she obviously wanted to share and didn't know how. He momentarily opened his mouth, trying to find the words to soothe her, even if it meant telling her that she didn't need to share with him if she wasn't ready. The war in her eyes killed him as she attempted to grasp her words, as she tested them and avoided some. Finally, she spoke, "Our clanmates don't know anything."

    Confusion swirled in his orange eyes, brow furrowing. Don't know anything? About what- Ratfang? Of course, her brother, the whole topic. Did she truly feel they were all wrong? He was about to ask her to specify, but she continued without any more prodding on his part- she was ready to share, that was apparent. "Ratfang was- is - loyal. He wouldn't run off with some other cat and he would never leave without a good reason." Of course that what it was. She believed the clan was wrong in their assumptions that he had deserted ShadowClan- and his family. His expression gave nothing away as he listened to her, and thought intently on his own experience with the rumors. He had trained with Ratfang on several occasions before the tom vanished without a trace, and had generally liked him, as much as he liked anyone in his clan. He had always seemed strong, amusing, a good cat to have on your side, and absolutely in love with his siblings- tha'ts why when he left, the murmurs had turned so vicious. What sort of cat with honor would leave his clan, his family, without even a goodbye? The kind of treasonous traitor who found an enemy mate or wanted the soft life of a kittypet. The rumors had been toxic, a ThunderClan she-cat there, a RiverClan tom there, the false ones where cats had claimed that he had run with his tail tucked like a dog in to the waiting paws of a twoleg who pampered him, or that he was leading a band of rogues, plotting the downfall of the clans.

    Sunstrike had stayed out of it. He was not one for rumors and gossip, and he found the practice cowardly. He was, and always had been, a cat who spoke his mind, loud and proud. He didn't shy away from his opinions, and was more than happy to tell you his every thought, regardless of the potential retribution. Those who skulked in the shadows and whispered things they assumed without thought, or had heard from the ramblings of an elder with a vendetta against life, he found them weak, pathetic- so when the rumors had started, he simply listened, perhaps made his own internal theories, but never shared- he'd never know, after all, perhaps no one would. Now, however, as he stood close to this she-cat, who now sat and stared at the ground as if she couldn't dare meet his gaze, he realized exactly how much the rumors must have hurt her, and hurt Tinysong as well. This was their brother, who they were scared for, and instead of taking their fears to heart, comforting them, helping them, the clan had labeled Ratfang as a traitor or a coward. How would he have felt if Ferretcloud had disappeared and people had mocked her as the cat who couldn't take ShadowClan life? He'd shred them. At least Batwing had shown her restraint and quietly decided it was her problem, and quietly conducted her own searches. Every. Morning. This dawned on him harder than the realization that she believed he was out there, in danger. She had gotten up every morning that he could remember, and wandered out searching for him. Could he imagine anyone searching for him so tirelessly, for so long? Admiration swelled in his chest as he watched her. She was so... determined.

    And, having assumed that the twoleg was involved, he had seen the little black she-cat ready to fight it and rip it apart, just if it meant saving him in any way. "I thought maybe, since it tried to grab me and you, that the twoleg was trying to catch us. Maybe it took Ratfang, far from here where he doesn't know how to get home." The swelling of pride turned to an ache. He hurt for her, he really did, he ached think she had felt such pain in Ratfang's absence, but had seemed to generally cheery regardless. He wanted to comfort her, wanted to step in to her and wrap her up in his immense fluff and just shield her from the world, but his paws stayed rooted to the ground, and stiffly, he sat down and wrapped his bushy tail around his paws turning his head away and staring off in to the trees again- no longer searching for the twoleg. The creature hadn't smelled of cats, it had smelled of fish, and more often than not, this time of year he could find dozens of twolegs fishing like RiverClan cats right here along this very bank- regardless, he could understand her need for answers, and he couldn't help but want them now, too. For her sake.

    There was a long, silence pause, the air still thick with her tension, and the stench of blood, adrenaline, and dog. A wiser cat would have sat there thinking about how to answer, carefully concocting a wise, measured response in order to balance making her feel better but also dash her hopes. Sunstrike was not a wise cat. He turned back to her with a determined nod. "I can't tell you that that twoleg took your brother, and he didn't smell of kidnapped cats, he smelled like he's been rolling in RiverClan's garbage- however," He let his words hang in the air as he moved to the spot directly next to her, giving in and leaning against her smaller frame in both a friendly and comforting gesture, carrying the weight of his emotions in the simple action, "What I can tell you is we'll do what you want. If you want to go after it, we'll go.." He hesitated, wondering what he was roping himself in to, but regretting none of it, "But whatever you decide, I'm with you. Ratfang was a good cat, he deserves to have his name cleared- but I'm not doing it for him."  He was doing it for her, and to a lesser extent, for Tinysong. They needed this. He gently ran his tail along her spine affectionately, "Even if that means going farther than any cat has gone before. We'll go- together."

1,261 words

batwing

Sonmanymuchfeels.

ulla

[batwing]

Batwing didn't know what to expect. As she spoke, Sunstrike stayed silent - stayed away from her. Was he disagreeing with her silently? Would he report to Swampstar that she was wasting her time and shirking her responsibilities to search for a cat that everyone else had damned as a traitor? She'd been too stubborn, too angry at everyone, to share her thoughts and plans with anyone. But then Sunstrike showed up, and he didn't tell her that her brother was a traitor, or judge her for her personality. He was kind, and funny, and he made her feel as if she wasn't in an almost constant state of disarray. The lithe black she-cat suddenly felt very exposed, as she spoke, and what began as a feeling of tight anxiety turned into soft embarrassment, her eyes staunchly refusing to move up to meet the tom's gaze. She wanted him to comfort her - and even more so, she wanted to bury herself in his thick fur and hide from the world. A random thought, but nonetheless true.

The silence choked her. 'He doesn't agree with me. He doesn't believe me.' The anxious, negative thoughts rang out in her head, and she began to tense, waiting for him to laugh, or yell. Her amber gaze flicked up to find him staring off, not even at her, and she felt her heart sink. 'He's going to tell me that I'm being silly.' When the giant orange tom turned his gaze back to her, and nodded, Batwing's ears pricked, surprise evident on her face as the tom spoke. "I can't tell you that that twoleg took your brother, and he didn't smell of kidnapped cats, he smelled like he's been rolling in RiverClan's garbage- however-" And here, he moved over to her, and pressed his side against hers. Her relief was so apparent that she nearly collapsed against him, but instead she simply pressed her side into his in response, her anxiety eased by his presence. Her heart felt like it was being squeezed between two boulders, unyielding and almost painful - and she didn't know if she wanted to cry or fling herself atop the tom.

Whatever you decide, I'm with you.

I'm not doing it for him.

His tail along her spine was like a lightning bolt through her heart. Her amber eyes were wide and sharp, still feeling a sense of shock that someone was believing her, and not only that, but Sunstrike was also down for anything she decided to do in order to find him. "Even if that means going farther than any cat has gone before. We'll go- together." Her emotions warred across her face - gratitude, affection, determination, sadness - until she leaned forward and butted her head against his shoulder, rubbing her cheek along his pelt as a loud purr vibrated through her chest. "Thank you, Sunstrike." She said, pressing her nose into his fur and closing her eyes against the sting of tears. She'd been alone in her searches - too worried for Tinysong to involve her - for so long that simply having someone to understand her and agree with her was like a slap to the face. "I'm so happy you believe me." She murmured, her voice thickened by his fur. He was right - though - there was no cat scent here but faint border smells, her own, and Sunstrike's. Surely if the twoleg had been involved in catnappings, he would have smelled like cats. Her anger in the moment had been too much for her, blinded her from that fact, and she couldn't help but think how Sunstrike was really good at keeping a level head.

Pulling back slightly, but still pressed into him as if he were the only thing holding her up, Batwing blinked back tears and took a deep breath. 'Don't go breaking down now.' She chastised herself, reeling her emotions back in and clamping down on them. "You're right, though, about the twoleg. It was hopeful thinking. But as soon as I get a solid lead, I'll let you know." Reaching up - because he was easily twice her size, Batwing pulled his head towards hers with a paw, rubbing her cheek along his jaw and chin in an affectionate gesture. Releasing the tom, Batwing hopped to her paws, reaching out to playfully - and gently, as she didn't know how badly hurt he could be - swat his ear. "You did look really cool fighting that dog, though." She purred, soft amusement glittering in her gaze.

Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

Glitch Sunstrike | im not crying UR crying

[Sunstrike]

Sunstrike

TURN YOUR FACE TO THE SUN

    Emotion flashed across Batwing's face in such rapid fire that Sunstrike found himself unable to keep up. He noticed her trepidation melt in to shock, joy, perhaps a touch of grief buried deep in her eyes. It was the joy there that undid him however, heart thudding almost painfully as he shared her emotion, eternally pleased that he had said something, done something, that was so simple to him but seemed to have meant the world to her. When she leaned in to him hard, rubbing her face against his shoulder, he thought he just might melt under her touch, seep down into the ground like all the blood spilled, and be absolutely content with that fate. He did, however remain solid, upright, and a purr burst forth from him, matching and then drowning hers out. "Thank you, Sunstrike." He felt her turn her face to the shoulder she was rubbing against, and press her nose to his thick pelt, burying her face in the soft ginger pelt, like she was smothering herself, trying to climb inside him, in to his warmth and comfort. Frankly, he wouldn't protest against that either, if he could bundle her up and tuck her inside his form like a protective shell, he absolutely would. Of course, this was an impossible notion, and the little she-cat would always be exposed to the harshness of the world, regardless of what he did, though he knew at that moment, even from the moment he had dove for the dog, that he would give his life for her, even if all it did was keep her alive, keep her going.

    But looking down at her, nestled against him, he knew he didn't have his intense feelings because sheneeded him, she didn't, and that was the truest thing he knew. Batwing didn't need his help, she didn't require his strength to keep going. She could do it all on her own, as she had for moons, with or without him. He was more than aware that, if fate hadn't fallen as it had today, if he hadn't come across her and the dog, if he hadn't heard her desperately yelling her brother's name, she never would have told him, even if she had, and he was sure she could have, gotten away from the beast and it's twoleg."I'm so happy you believe me." The purr continued deep in his chest as he spoke, "Absolutely, sweetheart, not a problem. I mean, I've always known our clanmates had to be wrong, they're wrong about a lot of things" She finally pulled her head back a fraction, but mercifully, didn't extract herself from his side. He wrapped his tail around her, gathering her closer despite the space she had created. "For example, Thicketwhisker, Wrenfire, Ravenfrost and Thornfoot have all accused me of being an arrogant,loudmouthed,bother. Clearly they're wrong, right?" He cocked his head with a long suffering sigh, shaking it sadly as if he was afraid all of ShadowClan were mousebrained. At the very least, they said those things as if they were a bad thing! If Batwing could tolerate him, clearly it wasn't all that bad. When he glanced back down at her, she was looking back at him with liquid amber eyes, and he prayed to StarClan that those tears were the good kind, the happy, emotional kind, and not the fresh-opened-wound-about-her-brother kind.

    "You're right, though, about the twoleg. It was hopeful thinking. But as soon as I get a solid lead, I'll let you know." He grinned, opening his mouth to respond to the affirmative, when her paw raised and hooked around his neck so suddenly he was caught off guard. When he felt the gentle pressure tugging him down, he didn't fight, dipping his head in close. His breath caught in his throat and burned there as she rubbed her face against his, fur tingling where she touched. It was a simple gesture, affectionate sure, but to most cats just a friendly show of gratitude- to Sunstrike, however, it meant the world. His heart thudded against his ribcage and he was briefly reminded of the time a little bird got itself caught in the apprentices den, back when he was still just little Sunpaw with a chip on his shoulder and a vendetta against the world. The brambles, so tightly woven, had trapped the creature, and the simple minded beast couldn't seem to find the exit. The apprentices had watched and laughed, and eventually killed the little bird, it was prey after all. He wondered if, given the chance, his heart would find it's way up and out of his throat and fly away, permanently seeking this affection from this particular she-cat, or if it too would eventually still inside him, dead and broken. 'Without her,' the usually loudmouthed tomcat internally voiced one of the few things he was terrified to ever actually say out loud,'it certainly will.'

    He closed his eyes and returned the gesture nuzzling her cheek until she broke all contact, pulling away suddenly. His thrumming heart plummeted and he frowned, quickly shielding the expression and swallowing hard. He straightened, clearing his throat and squashing his disappointment. He knew, of course, they couldn't stay like that forever, but it was such a precious, rare moment to him. Never before had Sunstrike met a cat who met his level of passion and excitement throw for throw, many of the other warriors rolled their eyes when he suggested mousebrained schemes and adventures, apprentice's entertainment they called it as they continued about their duties, while the big male, forever a kit at heart, went on his adventures alone. In the past moons, however, he had truly gotten to know Batwing, and knew without a shadow of a doubt that she would be up for whatever he suggested, but would she ever be up for him? He had never been much of a heartbreaker, too caught up in his sister and her safety, that he rarely thought about his own happiness, the emotions pouring through him alien, foreign and exciting, but he was utterly unsure if Batwing shared any of those feelings. He was a good, loyal friend, but could she ever see him as more? Could he be more? Or would Tinysong always be her main priority, as he had always assumed Ferretcloud would be for him. Now he wanted that freedom from being his sister's rock, her tether, and he wanted to belong to Batwing. If they found Ratfang, would she ever have need for him again, or would she be absolutely content to stick with her newly renewed family, and expect him to do the same? What if- "You did look really cool fighting that dog, though."

    Her voice and a gentle swat to his ear had him snapping back to the present, blinking several times as if rising from sleep, a day dream as it were. He inhaled deeply, pushing away his thoughts and fears, smothering them as far and deep as he could until he was once against entirely focused on the now energetic and playful she-cat, and his golden eyes glittered with the same amused mischievousness. With a stretch, he rose to his paws and began to strut around like a big, furry rooster, head high and tail waving behind him like a banner, "Oh, I know." He waltzed to her side, keeping his head high and cocking his head to peer down at her out of one eye. "Batwing, dear, get with the times. Everything I do looks cool. I'm a cool cat. It's that simple, really." His mock seriousness dissolved in to a lopsided grin and he jerked his head back towards camp, or at least away from their current location, "Come on, then, let's scram before that mangy mutt or it's friends come back to kill the mood. One battlescar is enough for today, don't want to lose an eye and look like Firestep's ugly mug. Won't win any she-cat's hearts that way I'm afraid." He doubted he was winning anymore hearts today anyway.

1,386 words

batwing

I feel like I write like a trashy romance novel author

ulla

[batwing]

Warmth flooded her as he pressed her close, his fur like a warm, fluffy cloud. For a moment, she wished she could simply dissolve into him - she felt entirely safe pressed against the large tom's side, and she thought she'd be quite happy to stay there. For just a moment, she wasn't worried about Tinysong and fretting over Ratfang. She didn't think about her issues with her father, or her duties to her Clan. There were no worries. No problems. It was just her and Sunstrike, his warm pelt smelling entirely like home and safety. Batwing didn't want to pull away, or break the moment. His purr felt like it cut straight through all of the worries in her mind, making her feel content. Happy. When was the last time she was truly, entirely happy? She couldn't remember. But Sunstrike made her happy - he made her want to run and laugh and play. It was important, as a grown cat, to know what her responsibilities were. But was she really responsible for Tinysong, who was also grown? Or Ratfang? But who would look after them, if not for her? 'But that's not your job.' A rebellious voice muttered. But she knew, no matter how much she wanted to just throw everything away and spend all her time curled up with Sunstrike, that she had other things to do first. She couldn't complicate her life further - couldn't ask more of Sunstrike if she couldn't give him her all. And plus, who was to say the tom felt anything but friendship for her? He was a fairly straight-forward tom, Batwing considered, and that meant he'd probably have already said something.

His words jerked her out of her thoughts, and she cracked a grin and a soft chuckle escaped her throat at his musings. "Oh yes, clearly they're all mouse-brained, thinking those things." She teased. And sure, Sunstrike was fairly arrogant, and loud, but she'd never considered him a bother - even before this newfound closeness they had. He was funny. He'd always been the one to make her laugh, even if he'd never intended his jokes for her strictly. And he cared for his sister in the same way that she cared for Tinysong and Ratfang, and she respected that quality about him. He was fierce, and strong, and good. He was so very good. "They obviously don't see you the way I do." She finally added, and though she meant to say it lightly, it came out with the force of all of her emotion behind it, which was only reinforced by her amber gaze locking with his. Heat prickled beneath her pelt, and the tears in her eyes began to burn, and for a moment there was a stark feeling of sadness in her chest. No matter how she felt about Sunstrike, she had other things to accomplish first. The fear that, if he even harbored the same feelings for her as she did for him, he wouldn't wait for her to finally be ready for him, stung.

When he rubbed his own muzzle against her cheek, she felt her heart would probably burst. She tried not to look at him as she pulled away, her heart racing in her chest - so loud, she thought he might hear it if she wasn't careful. 'What are you doing, Batwing?' She chastised herself, trying to remain focused on the task at hand. She had to find Ratfang - and with Sunstrike's help, maybe they could find him faster - and she had to make sure her sister didn't disappear, too. She had other things she was responsible for - whether she'd placed that responsibility on her shoulders herself, or by her Clan. She couldn't spend time on a crush - no matter how un-crush-like it felt. It felt a lot deeper than that.

Luckily, Sunstrike seemed to bounce back as easily as Batwing did - in a moment they were like they usually were, joking with one another. Yet another thing to add to her list of reasons why she enjoyed being near him so much. Scoffing, Batwing shook her head and chuckled. "I think you need to cool off, cool cat." She remarked, tail flicking back and forth as if she were considering pouncing on him. "I still almost got the jump on you when I thought you were a dog, so if you're a cool cat, I must be the coolest." Batwing teased, amusement dancing in her gaze. His next comment made her flick her ears dismissively, as she trotted past him, swishing her tail to flick his chin with her tail-tip. "I dunno, there's something about a scarred tom that makes you feel like he could protect your kits. You might be just too pretty, Sunstrike. If you want, I could beat you up again, help out a little." She purred, glancing at him over her shoulder as she trotted back in the direction of camp. With a wink and a laugh, she took off, sprinting away into the forest.

Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

Glitch Sunstrike | i mean u do