Stinging Sensation (closed)

Rookpaw was giving herself a thorough washing by the time the sun was highest in the sky. She was sitting near the apprentices' den, quietly eyeing the cats that ducked in and out of the dens. She was hoping to go on a patrol or stroll of sorts, and was scanning the camp for a companion. She wasn't much of a social molly, but she knew the dangers of going into the territory alone. She carefully picked a candidate to go with her. Someone quiet. Someone that wouldn't cause unnecessary stress.

Rookpaw noticed a flicker of dark fur in the corner of her eye. Her eyes were slits as she examined the figure. Aspenpaw? she pondered. She didn't know much about the tom- probably because she hardly ever heard him speak. He was a bundle of mystery. Perhaps she would be able to pull the words from his mouth if they went on a patrol together.

The black apprentice gathered herself onto her paws and strode over to the bundle of tabby fur. How should she go about approaching him, she wondered. She cleared her throat before announcing her presence. "Aspenpaw," she meowed, "would you like to go hunting with me?" What if he declined her offer? He doesn't have a choice, she decided silently, twitching her whiskers.

Aspenpaw, his forest-green eyes squinted against the bright sunlight, ducked out of the narrow entrance of the apprentice's den.  He had just groomed his pelt in the quiet privacy of his nest, pushed back into the farthest shadowy corner of the den, and gazed around for a moment for any sign of outgoing patrols.  Ever since his training sessions with Littlestar had begun, he was eager to demonstrate his skills to the rest of the clan but hadn't been provided with an opportunity yet.  No matter, he thought.  I'll get the chance eventually.

His tail-tip waving back and forth in a casual manner, he was about to start forward to grab something off of the fresh-kill pile, when he heard a voice sound off beside him, calling his name.  His face held in it's usual stoic frown, he turned to see a dark-pelted she-cat around his age bounding towards him, looking inquisitive.  He didn't know her name - he had better things to do than get to know his chatty denmates - but he had definitely seen her around before.  As her request came out, his brow furrowed slightly, and his eyes narrowed.  He did want to go hunting...but proving his skills to a cat who had no pull with the rest of the clan was pointless.  "No."  Being the brusque cat he was, he offered no explanation and turned away, returning to his former plans.

Rookpaw could feel her expression drop. No!? Her tail sliced the air like a claw. He declined! And even after she mustered as much politeness as she could! She was standing there, jaw almost agape in surprise. She didn't hold her surprise for long-- it was wiped away with resentment. No. He didn't have a choice.

As he turned away, Rookpaw felt the fire in her belly ignite. She quickly stepped in front of him, cutting him off abruptly. "Oh, my bad," she began, almost warmly before her voice hardened. "I meant to say, you are going hunting with me." Her narrowed eyes flashed a warning against the slits of her pupils. She didn't have a compelling argument. He'd most likely overpower her if she got too assertive. Then, she had an idea. Rookpaw noticed that the tom was headed for a meal.

She nodded to the fresh-kill pile. "That is, unless you wanted to eat before performing your warrior duties?" She tilted her head almost innocently. "I wonder what Littlestar would say to that?"

He had assumed that would be all, but when the she-cat jumped forward and blocked his path, Aspenpaw couldn't help the surprised flinch that rippled across his skin and took a wary step back.  His vivid eyes blazed with annoyance, and he felt a hiss rise in his throat as she decided it was a good idea to boss him around.  Oh, I am, am I?  What does she think gives her the right to order other cats around, she's not deputy, and she sure as heck isn't leader!  His lip curled disdainfully, and he was about to tell her it like it was, when she made him stop in his tracks.

Oh StarClan...I forgot about that...  At times, he had trouble remembering all the different rules that came with his new rank, such as not taking prey until the rest of the clan was fed; and she had caught him red-handed.  Sure, if she told Littlestar she would probably just let him off with a warning...but Aspenpaw didn't fancy being told off by his mentor.  His pupils narrowing to furious slits, the dark gray tabby tom's claws scratched the ground as he met the black-furred apprentice's gaze, and consented, though his husky voice clearly held an undisguised hiss.  "Fine."  Stepping forward, he pushed roughly past her shoulder, bumping her out of the way as he made a beeline for the camp exit.  "Make it quick."

Rookpaw took the time to revel in his reaction- his eyes blazing with fury and his claws raking the ground beneath him. She'd successfully coaxed him to go on a patrol with her! As if a great achievement, her tail kinked against her back with triumph, trotting to follow Aspenpaw, and ignoring his rough bump into her. She would've fought for the position of leading the patrol, but didn't want to give him a reason to give up on it. She fell in step a few tail-lengths behind him as they exited the safety of their camp.

The small she-cat didn't have a plan. She had no idea where to hunt first. Her pelt grew hot with irritation as she neared Aspenpaw for his opinion. As if Aspenpaw has anything to say about anything. She exhaled softly as she rounded near him. His deadpan expression didn't seem to fade.

"Where should we try first?" she asked. She tried to scent the air to taste any prey on the wind.