First Spark[C]

Gender: Male
Rank: T1 Warrior

Cedatstalk lifted his head at Copperlark approached, his amber eyes softening a bit at the sight of her. They hadn't really spent much time together since she'd become a warrior. Her being busy with her new responsibilities and him still working hard to earn his warrior name. But now, that would change.

He felt awful for letting her go into the warrior's den alone and even worse for not being there when she needed someone. Especially after the mess with her brother, Cloudychase. He hadn't found out until it was too late to do anything and by then, it didn't seem like any of his business anyway.

"Good morning, you ready?" He stood up, his red fur glowing slightly in the early morning light. He'd been looking forward to hunting with Copperlark for a while now, eager to see what she was up to these days.

Hopefully, his friendship with Amberpaw and Shrewpaw wouldn't suffer, though. He wouldn't know what to do with himself if his bird buddies stopped caring about him. Regardless, today was about Copperlark. She must've felt pretty left out these past few moons.

So, the red and white tom brushed his muzzle comfortingly against her shoulder, struggling to find the right words. "How have you been, by the way?" He drew back and looked at her through concerned eyes. "This past moon has seemed...rough on you." He hadn't said to much, had he?

Gender: Male
Rank: T1 Warrior

Cedarstalk leaned away from Copperlark a bit, having noticed the way she jumped when he touched her. He cleared his throat awkwardly and put a little more distance between him and her. He didnt want to make her uncomfortable - more so than he already had anyway.

He looked over her, surprised to see the fear in her eyes. What had she been expecting. Hatred? Anger? He may not be happy with what she'd done, but he wasnt going to condemn her or let their friendship wither.

Though, his worry faded when she started talking finally. He hummed thoughtfully and nodded. "We missed you too, Copperlark. I'm glad one of us is finally in the warrior's den with you." He smiled and added, "Hopefully, Shrewpaw will be along soon too."

She was acting weird though. Was something wrong? Cedarstalk observed Copperlark for a moment before shrugging. "It's good. A little lonely now that I dont have a den full of friends, though."

After a moment, the red and white tom shook his head. "But I have you." He led them deeper into the forest, tail brushing lightly on the ground as they walked.

"I'm sorry, you must've missed us. Well...we have plenty of time to make up for it." The young warrior flicked his ear and stopped, a pleased look on his face. With the stress of everything, a stop at his favorite spot might be a good idea.

Gender: Male
Rank: T1 Warrior

Cedarstalk was blissfully unaware of Copperlark's internal dilemma and simply smiled, lowering his head to nuzzle her back. "Of course, we're best friends, aren't we?" He tilted his head to the side, his gaze soft.

Then, he turned, continuing into the forest. They were pretty close now to his favorite spot in the entire territory - a big rock. But not just any rock, a cool rock! "Before we get to hunting, I wanted to show you something."

The rock overlooked a small clearing filled with tiny white and yellow flowers and the best part, the rock was covered in moss and in a nice shady spot. It was te perfect place to escape the heat of green leaf.

However, Cedarstalk liked it for a different reason. The trees were filled with birds that sang all throughout the day. The songs were sweet and bright - perfect for when he needed some time to himself.

He suspected - hoped really - that Copperlark would like this secret little spot because of all of the little flowers. Though, he wouldnt be surprised if she was familiar with the spot since it was on Thunderclan territory after all.

Gender: Male
Rank: T1 Warrior

Cedarstalk watched Copperlark with baited breath, his chest tight. He didn't know what to say - the scenery spoke for itself. He stared at the other warrior for a moment, watching her as she knelt down amongst the flowers and greenery.

This place suited her. It was like she belonged here.

After a moment, he padded forward to crouch beside her, his gaze fixed on a tiny blue flower. When he finally looked up, Cedarstalk was shocked to see a glimmer of wetness in Copperlark's eyes. He panicked for a moment, afraid he had done something wrong, but her words calmed his rapidly beating heart.

"It is..." He met her gaze, his amber eyes wide. For a second, he wasn't sure if he was talking about the flowers, or her. Then, he blinked and looked away, his ears hot. What was he thinking? He and Copper were just friends.

Tail twitching awkwardly, Cedarstalk reached for the little flower he'd seen earlier and plucked it from the soil. Usually, It was Copperlark giving flowers away, but today, it was his turn. Somewhat clumsily, the red tom leaned closer to Copperlark and carefully placed the blue flower in the fur beside her ear.

Pleased, the young warrior admired his work, a gentle smile on his face. "It looks good on you." He paused, hesitated, then continued. "I don't know what this flower symbolizes...but to me, it's perfect."

Gender: Male
Rank: T1 Warrior

Cedarstalk looked into Copperlark's eyes, his amber gaze glimmering with emotion. He wasn't entirely sure what he was feeling, but it felt familiar. Once, he'd thought that this protective, warm sort of love was reserved for Shrewpaw, but now...he knew he had to be wrong. What he felt for Shrewpaw was just friendship - this was something more. Copperlark, being here with her, made his chest all fuzzy and weird and his heart felt like it was pounding like the pawsteps of all of Thunderclan.

A purr rose up in his chest at her silence and he squashed it down, concern filling his gaze. He dipped his head shyly then shrugged. It's the truth..." Then, she continued, and his heart lifted. He reached forward, brushing his muzzle over hers, his whiskers twitching with amusement over her shock.

"Hey, it's okay flower girl." He'd never imagined this. Was it possible that she could feel the same way? Oh, but what would Shrewpaw think if she found out he was padding after her sister? Would their friendship be the same?

Looking at Copperlark now, he didn't really care what it took. It was like they were meant for each other. Their relationship was so much more than just being friends. She was always there for him and he would always be there for her. As long as Starclan would allow it that is.

"I..." Cedarstalk hesitated, his pulse racing. "I like you. A lot..." Somehow, this was more frightening than anything he'd ever experience. He was more afraid now than he was when that racoon had attacked him and Acornstem when he'd first become an apprentice. Which was really saying something.

Gender: Male
Rank: T1 Warrior

Cedarstalk peered down at Copperlark, his amber eyes brimming with emotion. The emotions running through his mind and body were completely new to Cedarstalk. He had never felt so wanted and happy in his entire life. His mom had died so early and even his father hadn't loved him enough to stay - maybe Copperlark would? She wanted to be with him, right? She was here, curled up beside him after all, wasn't she? A stab of concern ran through Cedarstalk, but he pushed it away.

He deserved this, he deserved to be happy with a cat who would stay. So, the young tom resolved himself not to ruin it with the paranoid worries that often plagued his mind. He loved Copperlark and she loved him - that was all he cared about or needed to know. So, with a purr rumbling in his throat, Cedarstalk rested his head atop Copperlark's, enjoying this rare feeling of closeness.

This feeling, this joy and contentedness...Cedarstalk could only remember feeling this way as a very small kit. They were fleeting little memories that slipped like water between his claws until they were gone completely. Already he had forgotten the smell of his mother and the color of his father's pelt.

Those memories were gone now, but there was still time to make new memories - happy ones - here, with Copperlark. Cedarstalk would let Starclan strike him down before he gave up this new chance at happiness.

Gender: Male
Rank: T1 Warrior

Cedarstalk basked in Copperlark's comforting embrace, savoring this rare moment of perfect contentment and happiness. He was suddenly so happy he had brought her here. If he hadn't - if they had just gone hunting - this may never have happened. Copperlark would still just be another one of his friends and he would still feel like he was missing something.

Then, Copperlark's voice broke the silence, and he lifted his head, curious. That was...a good question. What was next? What should they do now? What did this make them? The young tom cleared his throat nervously, a shaky smile on his face. "Uhm...I don't know." He paused, uncertain. A-Are we mates now?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Cedarstalk flinched and squeezed his eyes shut. Mousebrian! He was such a mousebrian! What if Copperlark wasn't ready for that? He didn't want to pressure her by dumping all of these feeling and expectation on her at once! He panicked and leaned away, frantically backtracking.

"I-I mean! We don't have to be mates - not if you don't want to! I don't want to force you into anything! I just thought that...I dunno...that it seems like that's...uhm...the next step?" His words slowly lost their strength the longer he talked until finally he trailed off into silence, his amber gaze locked on his paws.