sometimes i need to hear your voice [C]

Wolfpaw was asleep. His flanks rose and fell softly with the breaths he drew. He did not stir much in his sleep--at least for right now. Occasionally he would thrash as if tormented by something, but right now, he only looked peaceful. There was something kitten-like about his appearance, an innocence brought to him by unconsciousness. Silverhawk had watched him grow, had seen Wolfpaw as nearly a warrior in his own right, but lately it was difficult to look at him as anything other than a kit. He seemed so small, looking down at him now.

Silverhawk squeezed his teeth together. His tail lashed back and forth across the den floor. Then, deciding he couldn’t stand to look down at his brother anymore, he raised his head to search for the cat positioned on guard duty with him: Pineblossom. There was a frustration growing towards her that was impossible to ignore, but it was not insurmountable. Pineblossom could be forgiven for turning him over to Leopardstar’s mercy, agreeing with his demotion. Forgivable offenses. But only because it was her. Silverhawk’s eyes rested on her, and he did not know what to think about first. Everything with Bubblebeam, everything with Wolfpaw--two subjects divided into too many to count.

Eventually, Silverhawk shut his eyes. He sighed and looked down again. Wolfpaw’s forepaws flapped through his bedding, and then he went still again. In response, Silverhawk’s tail lashed one more time. Then his mouth opened and he was terribly unsure about what would come out. ”I’m sorry,” were the words. His voice was low and gravel-lined at the edges. His eyes narrowed, brow furrowed, and he shifted his weight around between paws. Quieter still, ”I didn’t know about any of this. I should have.”