Say You Won't Let Go[C]

OOC: Follows this topic here

Sootstorm waited anxiously for Ferntwist to arrive. He had asked, no, pleaded, Aspenpaw to ask the she-cat to come and meet him by the patch of heather. He hoped she would understand where he had meant. What if she didn't, and now she's waiting somewhere else by another patch of heather for him? The dappled brown tom paced back and forth, the rose clamped delicately between his teeth. What if Ferntwist didn't like the flower? What if she didn't share his feelings? Butterflies fluttered in his chest, every moment painfully slow. Sootstorm froze as the sound of pawsteps sounded. Anxiety froze his paws in place, and for a heartbeat he considered tossing the rose away and instead making up an excuse for why he had asked to see her here. He could always ask later, after all.

...But if Flutterpetal and Adderdawn's death had taught him anything, it was that time waited for no one. Shadowclan might attack again. A pack of dogs could attack. Ferntwist could suddenly catch Greencough tomorrow. There was no telling what the next day would bring, or the next moon. He could die tomorrow. I don't want to die without any regrets. He knew how he wanted to spend the rest of his life: beside Ferntwist and all their friends, doing the best he could for his clan. Sootstorm took a deep breath, his heart slowing down to a normal pace. He could do this. He needed to do this.