Restless Souls [c]

OOC: This will be before the march gathering, as it hasn't ended yet

Sootwhisker tossed and turned in his nest, his racing thoughts making it impossible for him to fall asleep. He was no stranger to sleepless nights. Usually, he welcomed them, cherishing the time to himself after a full day of hunting, patrolling, and interacting with his clanmates, but tonight was different. The silence seemed suffocating, the walls of the den felt like they were closing in on him with every heartbeat that passed. His mind kept replaying old memories he'd rather have forgotten, and he was helpless to stop it. He just needed some air. He carefully made his way out of the den, trying his best not to step on anyone in the darkness.

The air had a biting chill to it, a welcome change from the stuffy warmth of the warrior's den. The stars glinted overhead, and he imagined his ancestors looking down on him, disappointment clear in their eyes. He'd been trying his best, but he felt as if nothing he did would ever be good enough to make up for the mistakes made by his parents. Finding a spot that was relatively free of snow, he sat down, laying his tail over his paws. He stared into the distance, deep in thought.

Deerleap was having a restless night. she just couldn't get the thought of the invasion of the Forgotten Order out of her head, especially about the part that she didn't help in the fighting. she glanced up as a shape blocked the weak moonlight from entering the den. might as well get up.

outside, Sootwhisker sat on a bare, frozen area with his tail curled around his paws. the moonlight made his grey pelt almost silver in color. he seemed distracted. it was times like these that Deerleap couldn't help but admire the tom.

"Hey," she murmured as she settled down next to him, puffing out her short fur to shelter her from the cold snowy weather.

Sootwhisker startled slightly as Deerleap spoke, his mind having been so preoccupied he hadn't even noticed the molly until she was right next to him. Regaining his composure, he dipped his head slightly in greeting.

"Hey Deerleap. I'm guessing you couldn't sleep either?" He replied with a soft smile. He was grateful for the company, especially on a night like this one. Deerleap had been a good friend to him since he was still in the nursery, though he wondered if he'd ever muster the courage to tell her how he truly felt about her. Everytime the thought crossed his mind, he remembered being abandoned all those moons ago, and couldn't help the sinking fear that Deerleap would do the same.

"yeah..." Deerleap offered Sootwhisker a weak smile, though she didn't tell him the reason. he would probably think her weak if she did. she gazed up at the stars above. could dead cats really be looking down on them. without realizing it, Deerleap had curled her tail around Sootwhiskers. she glanced at the tom. she didn't know what they were. it was obvious they were more than friends... but did they have that kind of bond?

"hey, do you like any cats?" Deerleap prompted absentmindedly.

The question took him by surprise, he felt his fur warming in embarrassment as he looked down at his paws.

"Umm... there is this one cat actually. I've kind of had this silly crush on her since we were apprentices, and after that I guess we were both too caught up in warrior duties to think about mates. But maybe there's a chance now...? If she feels the same that is."

He gazed into her eyes as he spoke, hoping she would catch the meaning behind his words.

Deerleap turned in surprise. her heart felt like someone had clawed it out of her chest. sootwhisker... liked someone else? wait, he said he liked her when they were apprentices. and they were warriors now. her mind quickly calculated all the possibilities. she was the only one.

Sootwhisker liked her? he liked her! Deerleap grinned and replied, "Well, I'm sure she would love to be with you!"