As If The First Time [Closed]

Foxfire paced at the entrance of the camp, tail nub twitching as he waited for any sight of Flowerthorn. It...Had been a while since the two had really hung out - he wanted to blame it on the fact that things were different now that he was no longer deputy but...It was a lie. A lie to comfort himself when he knew the truth was that he was avoiding her. He...Wasn't sure why he had been doing so, thought, and that bothered him. Something was...Different between the two, or at least how he looked at her. He...He kinda...Liked her? It was weird to admit it to himself but he was slowly been realizing that how he viewed her, how he felt about her had changed so suddenly and he was scared of it. Yes, that had to be it.

He had been avoiding her because he wasn't sure what to do with these feelings. Things had always been so awkward for them already but to add the fact that he liked her made it confusing enough to hurt his head. But since he had stepped down, he had been getting better. More...Happy with himself, being who he wanted to be and not what was expected of him. It was nice. Really nice. ...And he wanted to try to fix things with Flowerthorn. He knew he wasn't ready to admit his feelings, he wasn't even sure what exactly they were pass the 'liking' part. Calling it anything more...Intense was terrifying. Liking her was simple, a bit more easy to swallow. What followed after that was what scared him, mostly when he couldn't be sure that Flowerthorn felt the same way - he doubted it.

She was...Amazing. She could do better than him. Their friendship was strained and existing - at least he thought it was - but for it to be anything more... He felt his cheeks heat up at the thought, shaking his head. No, no, no. He didn't need to get his hopes up, nothing of the sorts. He wasn't planning to...Act on his feelings, he just wanted to try to make sure they were friends. He had wanted to go out hunting and decided that perhaps it was time to stop...Avoiding Flowerthorn. There was a flicker of movement that caught his eye, finally seeing the she-cat as he perked up. "Fl-Flowerthorn!" he called out, a soft smile working its way across his face. "I'm going hunting d-do you want to join?"

Stars, this was going to be awkward, wasn't it? Was he just suppose to act like nothing had changed between the two? Try to act like everything was normal? He didn't know what to do but at least they weren't just going to be hanging out. Hunting would serve as a distraction. Hopefully,

Brown ears perked up as soon as her name was called. Though she wasn't expecting her name to be called by Foxfire.. He had been avoiding her once again, causing confusion to swell inside her for the past few moons. Wasn't he the one begging for a chance to be her friend again? To hang out with her once again?

She wanted to growl at him to scare him away from her to stop trying to get close to her seeing how he avoided her. She knew he was avoiding her, but why she didn't understand.. What did she do this time? What wrong had she done? But as soon as she looked up at him, she couldn't find it within herself to say no to his request. Yes she was angry with him, but something told her to no say no. To go with him on his hunting trip.

With a silent sigh, she turned towards him, her dull blue eyes landing on his form. "Sure. I have nothing better to do." Despite agreeing to go, she couldn't help some of the bitterness from his avoidance seep through into her words or tone. It was her nature after all.

Foxfire shifted awkwardly on his paws as he waited for a response from Flowerthorn, fear rising in his stomach that he had messed up - that in his avoidance, he had ruined the chance she had so graciously given him. He wouldn't blame her for saying no - he was as confused by his own actions as much as she had to be...And he couldn't explain why he had avoided her, not without admitting how he... But then she turned, agreeing to go with him. He could tell that she wasn't...Happy about it, but the confirmation was still something and he was going to take what he could get. He straighten up, relief flooding through him as he gave a happy nod of his head. "G-Great! Lets go!" he said quickly, turning and padding from the camp before she could change her mind.

Well...He suppose she could still change her mind at any point.

He shook his head, quickly curving his path to head towards the Moonlit Creek. Prey had been plentiful over there recently even with the cold weather and would serve as a great spot. As he walked, he ended up sparing a nervous glance behind him at Flowerthorn. He...Wanted to say something, to apologize for his actions but he already knew the type of response that would get from her. Apologizing was useless, he had to act on it, not say it. Still, he felt terrible - he had wanted to make amends for ignoring her and then had gone and done it again, only this time it had very much been a conscious choice because... His eyes lingered on her eyes, the streaks of brown that circled them and drew his gaze. After a few heartbeats, he jolted as he realized he was very much staring wistfully into her eyes and yanked his attention back onto the path in front of him with a slightly awkward cough.

Stars, he liked, liked her. He wasn't sure where it had started, when he had suddenly realized his feelings had changed but... Oh Stars, he was star-stricken by her now a days, he was going to make a fool of himself wasn't he? He felt like a bumbling kit already and they hadn't even started hunting. A soft huff escaped him as he glanced down at his paws, shuffling through the snow until the two of them drew close enough to the creek. "So! Hunting! I'll...Uh...Meet you back here once we are both satisfied?" he said, coming to an awkward stop as he turned to look at her - this time making sure not to be distracted by her clear blue eyes...By trying to stare at everything but her face.

The pale warrior followed closely behind her partner. Her dull blue eyes staring straight ahead of her focused on the worn path that lead from camp. She cold tell Foxfire was in front of her, just mindlessly following the older tom, lost in her own thoughts. It wasn't until she felt something or someone watching her that she looked up.

As soon as she did Foxfire turned his gaze back to what was in front of him. Was he staring at her? Was he concerned because she had zoned out. She tilted her head slightly confused as to what was going on, or what he was thinking.

Once they had stopped she had noticed that he was looking everywhere but her? If he didn't want to do this, if he didn't want to be out here with her then why did he even bother inviting her? He was still somewhat avoiding her even now. She couldn't help the small growl that left her. "Yeah thats fine." She answered shortly. Quickly she turned away from the tom and went off to hunt, leaping into the trees in no time at all despite her small nature.

Foxfire watched as Flowerthorn disappeared into the tree branches, a heavy sigh escaping him. "Good going, Foxfire," he muttered to himself, collapsing into an awkward lay in the snow. He hated this. Not...Well, not this. He loved to get the chance to hang with Flowerthorn again, to try to make amends. He hated...He hated how awkward he felt. He wish he could just explain everything but he couldn't even start to guess how Flowerthorn would react to it all. Why kind of tom would he be to just admit that he was ignoring her because he liked her? Besides, she didn't deserve something like him. What good had he ever been to her? He groaned as he rolled, perhaps being a little over dramatic - mostly that his short fur wasn't enjoying the snow he was gathering. His gaze focused loosely on where Flowerthorn had skillfully disappeared, taking a quick second to swoon at how quickly she could move despite her small size before he rolled onto his paws. "...Right, hunting."

He did his best to shake the snow from his pelt, shivering as he quickly regretted his decide to roll around in despair over how much of a fool he was being. Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid. He gave a heavy shake of his head as he set off across the ground - still preferring to hunt on the ground than in the branches. His fear of heights was almost gone, rarely did he feel the crippling aspect of it but... Being brave didn't change the fact that he couldn't balance well. It was better to stick to the ground than to risk a bad jump and another tumble. He tasted the air as he glanced around, gaze settling on a flicker of movement. Or at least, he swore he saw one. He came to a stop as he stared at a pile of snow, eyes narrowed until he realized that there was a dove sitting there - its white feathers easily blending in with the white landscape of the snow covered floor. He dropped into a crouch, stalking forward towards the nearly invisible pray before he made his leap.

Luckily, the closer he was, the easier it was to tell the dove apart from the snow - easily springing forward to pin it to the snow. With a quick swipe of his paw, the bird fell still and he huffed happily. A good start to this hunting trip. He gently picked it up, glancing around for some place to hide it for now. Hopefully he and Flowerthorn could bring back a good pull and make up for having to suffer through the awkwardness he was bringing.

Foxfire succeeded to catch a dove, costing 5 stamina. (+2 to hunting roll due to location)

Foxfire:
80/80 HP
235/240 SP

The member 'Honey Badger' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 1

Flowerthorn didn't really know what was going on with the tom. First he wanted to make it up to her and then he avoided her again until now? She wasn't too sure on what to think about this whole thing. Her mind easily reminding her of everything. The echo, the shadow never seemed to leave her even as the time since she became a warrior grew. Doubts still lingered in her mind, anger still remained.

She trudged along the tree branches only slowing and silencing her footsteps when a scent drifted cross her nose. Her blue eyes scanned the branches until she saw the familiar feathers of a robin. The pale warrior dropped low, creeping closer and closer until she was close enough to pounce. Despite the robin's attempt at getting away, it still fell to the warrior's teeth, and claws.

Flowerthorn attempted to catch a robin: Successful , -5 SP

Flowerthorn:
195/200 SP

The member 'Reaper King' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 5

Foxfire had just stuffed the dove underneath a tree root when a cracking sound caught his ear. He froze, mouth opening to taste the air as he glanced behind his shoulder. An unfamiliar scent wafted through the air, a shape shouldering its way into view. It was large, red-ish fur with darker tips and a white underbelly. The tom blinked, sparing a glance down at his own pelt as he dimly realized what he was fighting. ...Huh, he really did look like a fox. That note, for as calm as it was, was quickly replaced with fear as a growl ripped its way from the true fox's throat. The warrior's gaze snapped up to stare at it, taking a step back only to bump into the tree and realize that he was cornered.

He swallowed, watching as the fox started to approach slowly and carefully. "F-Flowerthorn!" he cried out, sparing a glance toward the branches above, praying that his friend was somewhere nearby. He took a couple steps forward, eyes watching the fox wearily before he turned and leapt - paws streaking the tree behind him. He could hear the sound of crunching snow - of the fox darting after him and he pushed off with all of his might. With a skillful spring, he twisted his body and landed paws first right on the fox's face, claws digging into its fur in an effort to find a grip. The fox yipped in surprise as it reared backwards, shaking its head widely back and forth in an effort to dislodge him.

Foxfire did his best to hold on, but his grip failed him and he was thrown into the base of a nearby tree. He hit it hard, a gasp escaping him as he crumpled to the ground followed by the faint plopping of snow landing around him and some even dusting his pelt - having been shaken from the lower branches by the force of his hit. He shook his head, trying to gather himself as he found his paws and shakily stood up to see the fox approaching once more. His fur prickled across his spine as he arched his back, hissing as he tried to figure out what his next move would be.

Foxfire used Leaping Bound on Wild Fox, dealing 10 damage and costing 10 stamina. Wild Fox is pinned for one turn.

Wild Fox is no longer pinned.

Foxfire:
80/80 HP
225/240 SP (-10)

Wild Fox:
80/90 HP (-10)
280/280 SP

Flowerthorn lifted her head, her ears flicking as her name was called. It was urgent, bordering panic and it was certainly Foxfire.. Despite her conflicted feelings she raced along the branches, forgetting that the robin still hung in her jaws. The shaking weight in her maw doing nothing to distract her from her goal. As soon as she arrived to where the other warrior was she froze.. A fox..

She dropped the bird into a hook in the tree she was currently in before jumping out of the branches landing squarely on the larger creature's back. She wouldn't let Foxfire get hurt no matter what. Skyclan still needed him even if he wasn't deputy anymore.

Flowerthorn used Sky Drop dealing 12 damage, -15 SP

Foxfire:
80/80 HP
225/240 SP

Flowerthorn
60/60 HP
185/200 SP

Wild Fox:
68/90 HP (-12)
280/280 SP

Foxfire couldn't deny there was a moment of panic at the sight of Flowerthorn falling as his attention was brought upwards, a forgotten fear of others sharing the same fate he had on his first day of apprenticeship. But quickly his fears settled as he realized it was a purposeful drop as the smaller she-cat landed on the fox's back. He swallowed past the fear that lingered as he darted forward to lend aid, ducking his head as he slide beneath the fox's belly. He turned, raking his claws across the fox's stomach before he kicked out at the ground to roll free.

But the fox was faster than he had been expecting. As the warrior tried to roll to his paws to stand up, the sharp pain of teeth sinking into his leg caused him to yelp. The fox had managed to turn and lunge at him even with Flowerthorn on its back and with a mighty yank, tossed him across the clearing. Foxfire hit the ground hard, scattering snow as he was sent rolling but managed to catch his paws beneath him and halt. He grimaced as he straighten up, glancing at his injured leg. "I-I'm fine!" he called out. As annoying and painful as it was, he had suffered a worst injury before. He could still fight and he wasn't about to let Flowerthorn deal with this fox on her lonesome. With a grunt, he scurried forward to return to the fight.

Foxfire used Half-Turn Belly Rake on Wild Fox, dealing 15 damage and costing 20 stamina.
Wild Fox used Iron Bite on Foxfire, dealing 30 damage and costing 20 stamina.

Foxfire:
50/80 HP (-30)
205/240 SP (-20)

Flowerthorn:
60/60 HP
185/200 SP

Wild Fox:
53/90 HP (-15)
260/280 SP (-20)

Flowerthorn dug her claws into the Fox's back, hanging on the creature for dear life even while it moved from Foxfire's attacks and countering against her friend. She let out a growl trying to get the Fox to focus on her so that way it would leave the tom alone. She couldn't have him getting hurt anymore.

She quickly jumped off the Fox's back to get clear, and to remain safe while she could before charging in to attack the Fox once again. Her front claws slashing at the the fox tearing at it's fur and skin.

Flowerthorn used Rending Front Paws dealing 13 damage, -25 SP

Foxfire:
50/80 HP
205/240 SP

Flowerthorn:
60/60 HP
160/200 SP (-25)

Wild Fox:
40/90 HP (-13)
260/280 SP

Foxfire did his best to steer clear as Flowerthorn grappled with the fox before she leapt free. Its attention shifted to follow her, causing Foxfire to take the opening. Despite the pain in his bleeding leg, he surged forward and jumped onto the fox's back - taking Flowerthorn's spot as he dug in his claws and batted at the fox's head to pull its attention from Flowerthorn. It shifted beneath him, attempting to throw him off but his grip was better here with the longer fur across its back, refusing to budge from his spot for the time being.

Foxfire used Leap-and-Hold on Wild Fox, dealing 13 damage and costing 10 stamina. Wild Fox is stunned for 2 turns.
Wild Fox is stunned this turn. 1 turn remaining on the stun.

Foxfire:
50/80 HP
195/240 SP (-10)

Flowerthorn:
60/60 HP
160/200 SP

Wild Fox:
27/90 HP (-13)
260/280 SP

The member 'Honey Badger' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Effect Dice' : 6

The pale warrior wasn't going to let up on the dangerous creature. If they even so much as gave it an opening it would strike at them, hurting them, or worse killing one of them. She couldn't have that. She couldn't let Foxfire die. As soon as her friend had pinned the Fox she raced forward. Rearing up her brown and white paws before slamming them both down on the Fox's head.

Flowerthorn used Upright Lock dealing 14 damage, -25 SP

Foxfire:
50/80 HP
195/240 SP

Flowerthorn:
60/60 HP
135/200 SP (-25)

Wild Fox:
13/90 HP (-14)
260/280 SP