Sunhigh, MorningxTwilight

[Icebreath]

The sun was high in the sky. Twilightfur's pelt stood out in the blinding brightness of sunhigh. His fluffy tail swished back and forth, and his fur bristled, uncomfortable in the humidity.

It wouldn't be this hot for very long. Eventually, he knew, a breeze would come, and then a shady cloud would pass by the sun. It's been rainy lately, he thought absentmindedly. He padded out of the warrior's den and into the middle of camp, lying down in his favorite spot - the center of all the action. The tom warrior liked to see what was going on around him. The kits were playing, the elders were grumbling, Spottedleaf would probably be collecting herbs somewhere... the sense of knowing everything around him calmed the elderly cat. He stared back at the warrior's den and the unusual flood of cats in it. Silvertalon wasn't there; he'd go look for his sister later. But wait. Who was that? His ears perked up slightly as he saw Morningleaf.

Ah. Morningleaf. Vaguely, Twilightfur wondered to himself why it was her who stood out to him. She blended in easily in the crowd of cats, and yet she stood out clear to him like the light of day, like a bright morning. He sighed happily, wondering if the she-cat noticed him or not.

(For MorningxTwilight only, unless you want to intrude)

[Mapleleaf]

((I have an urge to roleplay in first person. If you can't understand, I'll edit. Morningleaf's POV))

Sunhigh, the busiest part of the day. Some late sleepers were just rousing, tired out from hunting late into the night for the prey that was seeming to slowly flee from the frequent rains. But today it seemed as if the sun could welcome every creature back to the forest with open arms, its warmth caressing my cream-colored fur. It seemed to fill me with a kind of energy I couldn't explain, it made me happy to just be a cat. Happy to be able to come out of the den and see the happy faces of my kin and friends. Sure, I was in a rut, but it was a warm, comfortable rut that took unexpected turns at times, perks that you had known for so long that you'd forgotten them, and that surprised you when you noticed them again.

Like when I padded into the warriors den to wake up the dew sleepers. I saw the soft gray fur of Sickleclaw, the silent warrior. A pang of pity softened my eyes that had been squinted in the sunlight, and I placed a paw of his shoulder. Shaking it, he slowly roused. For a moment, he didn't recognize me. He mumbled something that sounded like Tigersong's name, and I felt even more pity. Tigersong had chosen her mate in Emberheart, but Sickleclaw would always feel the pain. But he hadn't shrunk all the way back to his former self, he was still happier. I liked to think that Tigersong had changed him for the better in her own way.

Turning, I found myself face-to-face with ice-cold blue eyes. Squeaking in unprofessional surprise, I stumbled back. The eyes softened, and the white cat stepped from the shadows. His ice-white pelt and ice-blue eyes shone as he looked up at the sky, grinning in his I'm-young-but-I-can-be-as-wise-as-an-elder way. "The rain isn't gone for good, but it is nice to have a break from wetness weighing you down."

I smiled, patting his shoulder with my tail as he trotted from the den. Sickleclaw had left silently, and now the den was empty except for a few cats just waking up. My duty done, I turned for the exit. Shadows of cats blocked my vision for a moment as I emerged, pupils quickly compressing into sunlit slits as I blinked, amazed once more by the pureness of the day. It seemed surreal after all of the rain we'd been experiencing.

The cats, who happened to be Mapleleaf and her apprentice, passed from in front of me. A gathering of cats were slowly depleting the freshkill pile as the dawn patrol arrived, paw-sore and hungry. Maybe I'd go hunting later. Of course, I'd probably take Lilyscent and her brother, though he'd be little fun. And maybe...

Twilightfur.

The name seemed to naturally suggest itself to me. The warrior would be a great companion and a fun cat to talk with when the siblings wanted to be alone. My fur bristled as a burst of energy made me tremble at the thought of being alone with him in the forest, catching prey. He was so easy to talk to that I'd probably end up scaring away half the prey with my chattering. Somehow, I didn't think he'd get annoyed.

Suddenly I realized that I had been standing motionlessly in front of the den, staring at Twilightfur. My skin grew hot under my fur, and it wasn't only because of the sunlight. Ducking my head, I rushed for the freshkill pile, picking up the first thing that reached my mouth.

Oops. It was Songpaw. The apprentice squealed in surprise as my jaws closed on her scruff. I let go without hesitation and the apprentice leapt back in fighting mode. When she saw me, her face turned to confusion. I was about to explain myself when I remembered Twilightfur. There was no way he could have missed that! He would so think I was a spaz!

So, mumbling a sorry, I grabbed a rabbit for us to share. Making sure that I had grabbed prey, I trotted over to Twilightfur, feeling very self-conscious. Surely he wouldn't want to dine with someone like me! He'd probably be embarrassed to be in the same clan as me! But I was already in front of him, standing blankly. Noticing my position, I swiftly fell to a sitting position.

"Uh, may I eat with you, uh, Twilightfur? I mean, I brought a rabbit and I don't think I can eat it all. Unless you don't like rabbit."

Why did just the thought of this tom make me break down like this?

((Wow. A lot longer than I expected. ^^))

[Icebreath]

Twilightfur's eyes widened at his amazing luck. "Oh," he blabbered nervously, rather uncharacteristic of him. "I love rabbit. Rabbit is great!" His yellow eyes glittered with hopefulness. Thanks to StarClan! he praised happily as he trotted closer to Morningleaf. A pleasant heat washed over the tom, feeling unusually nice in the humidity.

Practically hopping with joy, Twilightfur bounced himself next to the dead rabbit. "I really am hungry!" he rambled on heartily. Actually, he wasn't as hungry as he sounded, but having a rabbit with Morningleaf was appealing enough. Quite unlike him, actually. What was going on with him? The weird voice, the lack of hunger. Did he have... feelings for Morningleaf?

The sudden directness of this fact struck him. Was it a bad thing? If it was, then why did he have this feeling of elation? It was all so confusing.

*shotshotshot*

[Mapleleaf]

((1st person again~ :P If this gets annoying just say so and I'll do 3rd person again.))

I smiled nervously and laid down beside the tom, placing the rabbit in front of me. I pushed the rabbit a bit closer to him, quickly taking a bite from the rabbit's flank. Embarrassment hit me like a hammer. Should I have let him have the first bite? Was that something we did? My thoughts were so jumbled and confused that I could have been on fire right then and not even known. It sure felt like it the way I was blushing.

My yellow eyes met his for a moment and I saw myself through his eyes. My fur was ragged from sleeping and my walk through the woods earlier. I had felt restless but the dawn patrol had gone, so I'd gone out to search for some herbs for Spottedleaf. I hadn't found any, but it was nice to walk in the sunlight.

Again, I had forgotten myself while lost in through. I quickly looked down at my paws, breaking my blank stare into his eyes. They were so beautiful, like his own personal suns. They certainly had to brighten everything he saw, or he'd surely run from the sight of me that morning.

Well, at least he was hungry. I doubted he was lying, and the way he was looking made me think that something minor was making him uneasy. Hunger was an easy answer, so I stuck with it, nudging the rabbit closer. "Have a bite," I suggested, proud that my voice hadn't shaken. I didn't know why I felt so jumpy and nervous; I had known Twilightfur for most of my life in ThunderClan. Plus, I was happy to be with him today! I wouldn't have traded him for any cat in the world!

My blush deepened as I boldly thought that, and I was sure it was visible by now. Or at least my body heat was hot enough to be felt in those close quarters. I shifted away then closer, ending up in the same spot. I didn't want to shift away. I didn't want to have Twilightfur think I didn't like him. I wanted him to like me back.

[Icebreath]

Twilightfur's eyes flashed happily at the sound of her voice. He took a bite of the rabbit. The warrior could feel heat prickling the fur on his back. Was that his embarrassment, or Morningleaf's? It really did feel like he was burning.

The tom stared at the she-cat dreamily, and a soaring feeling filled his heart when she made eye contact with him. Her eyes were beautiful, yellow like his but so much more... elegant? They weren't foggy like his were, but mist-free and shiny.

He flinched for a moment. Was he supposed to be staring at her? Did Morningleaf even like him? How would he ever tell her? Sighing inwardly, Twilightfur took a moment to glance at the sky. It was still shining unusually, not a cloud covering the bright sun... the sun was the same color as her eyes. He broke his gaze away and turned to the horizon. And then the trees. And then the dens. And then Morningleaf again. He panicked at the sight of her, her and her beautiful eyes, her and her beautiful fur and face and...

She must think I'm weird! he thought frantically, his tail swishing madly.

Do something. Impress her, the calm side of him replied. Twilightfur thought for a moment, and then before he thought about it too clearly, inched himself closer to the she-cat, his waving tail finally resting by hers.

Oh, StarClan, Twilightfur thought, the closeness making his heart jump. Was it okay for him to be this near? Was he going through this the wrong way?

[Mapleleaf]

I watched Twilightfur look away from me abruptly with a mixture of feelings. Was he mad or shy? Did that stare I had missed shown confusion, longing, disturbance, awkwardness, shyness... or was it just an innocent look? So much could be told from a single action, but it could be that it was simply a subconscious reflex, nothing intentional at all. All in all he was still a mystery.

And then his tail was next to mine.

I nearly fell over in surprise and ecstasy as his tail rested next to mine, so close, but still not touching. I could feel the static of my fur reaching out to his, and his reaching back. We were so close, not touching, each too nervous to continue. It was killing me, but I didn't want it to end. I looked over at him, absolutely certain without a doubt that I was glowing bright red with the heat of my blush, and smiled. I gazed unashamedly into his eyes, hoping that he'd gaze back, unafraid. Hoping that this was the right move.

I refused to think that I was making a mistake.

[Icebreath]

(I feel like changing into Twilight's POV. I dunno. xD)

I froze there for awhile, enjoying the warmth and closeness I was sharing with Morningleaf. Finally, after a silence that to me seemed to last for moons, I looked back into her eyes, her deep, beautiful eyes. I saw her warm smile, her warm eyes, and gave her a faint grin in return. This was so amazing.

I had never understood Silvertalon's love for Blizzardtooth clearly. I thought it was like a sibling feeling, except out of your blood. I never felt the need to fall in love. But I never met Morningleaf truly. I looked over her. She was so beautiful... all I wanted to do was entwine tails with her and share tongues and live in this moment forever.

Could it last?

A purr arose in my throat. I was surprised, as if the purr had a mind of its own. It soothed me, though, and all I could do was stare back into Morningleaf's eyes lovingly. Lovingly?

It dawned on me.

This was nothing like his relationship with Silvertalon. This was different. I loved Morningleaf. I loved everything about her - her eyes, her voice, her personality.

But somehow, I couldn't muster up the courage to voice out all these thoughts. Except for the purr. The purr rumbled in my throat, and I couldn't stop it. I didn't try to stop it. The best I could do was encourage it, this only way to express my feelings to Morningleaf. I felt like pressing my head against her beautiful fur, to whisper out the words I needed.

Instead, I stood there, tail next to hers, rumbling like an idiot. What if she didn't love me, or like me at all?

What if this was all a disaster?

[Mapleleaf]

((1st person just rawkz, Ice. Don't fight it. CX))

When I first heard the purr, I didn't know if it was from Twilightfur or me. My whole body was shaking at the speed of light, so fast that I was stock still. A goofy, contented grin was plastered on my face, and my eyes gazed at Twilightfur's face, unable to move or blink. I was caught in a stupor, half way between daydream and wakeness, caught in bliss so pure it was embarrassing. But with Twilightfur so accepting and close, I was shameless.

It was time to take a risk. Time to bridge the hair-width gap between our tails. Every step may bring us a step closer to death, but every risk makes us stronger. It was now or never. I didn't hesistate. I didn't stop to think. I leaned over and I licked his ear, twining my tail in his.

Oh StarClan, let this be the right choice!

((Sorry its so short... ^^;))

[Icebreath]

(Eheh, mine have been short too, so it's okay. ^^)

I felt my stomach jump, my heart stop. Oh, StarClan. Was this a dream? I felt the rough rasp of Morningleaf's tongue over my ear, her tail on mine. My heart went from stopping to beating like a rabbit's. This was... a dream come true. Amazing. The sweet scent of Morningleaf, my true love, enchanted me. Lured me. I rasped a tongue on her fur, hoping I wasn't putting her on the spot.

But no. She made the first move. It was a practically an invitation. I pressed my head against hers, and the only thought running through my head were of pure serenity.

"Morningleaf," I whispered hoarsely, my voice laced with indecision and tenderness. Should I tell her? Surely she knew. But was she waiting for the words to come out of my mouth? Or was this simply a normal session of sharing tongues? Maybe she thought we were just friends, and she had no idea about my feelings.

"Morningleaf," I blurted again. I had to tell her. I had to.

And yet I couldn't.

[Mapleleaf]

((Since they are talking now, the posts can't be too long so shmeh. XD))

I purred in delight as he licked my fur back. I was accepted. He didn't hate me for putting him on the spot like that. The risk was over. He didn't hate me. He had licked me, his tongue so full of tenderness and care, as if he wanted that same tongue to form the words that thrashed to escape from his heart. It was as if I were singing aloud to the whole world. Twilight licked me! Twilight likes me! The most beautiful moment in the world was now. My body was so alert, I felt every part of his body as if it were my own. I was so in tune with him. I felt his nervousness, but I was beyond that emotion. I was practically slap-happy.

"Yes, Twilightfur?" I responded, the innocent words practically bursting with my feelings. It was kind of strange, I was never one to over-exert myself. I had always been rather proper, never demeaning myself and looking down on those who had been ears over tail in love. But now I couldn't help but pity them for another reason. They could never feel anything compared to my love for Twilightfur. And they were missing out.

[Icebreath]

It was time. I could say it! I know I could. I opened my mouth in what I hoped was a courageous way and prayed to myself that the words would come out confidently.

"I l-l-l-yooook," I choked.

What I meant to say was I love you. But I choked right at the word "love."

No, no, no! It wasn't supposed to go like this. I tried again. "Morningleaf, I..." There we go again. Couldn't say the L-word. I decided to try a different path.

"Morningleaf," I whispered shakily, "Ever since... well, I have this sort of, er, feeling for you."

Whoa, that sounded weird. A feeling could be anything from the L-word to cannibalism.

I dearly hoped that things would play out right. Just let her play the next move before she claws me or something. What if she claws me? I thought frettingly.

I must be getting paranoid.

*shot for shortness*

[Mapleleaf]

((XD Its so much more personal in 1st person. I lurv eet. =D))

I looked at him and almost laughed my head off. I was elated. I was ecstatic. I knew what he had tried to say. I was insane. I was mad. But I knew that he loved me. And that was enough for me. I couldn't believe that he couldn't say it. I was past nervousness. It was as if StarClan had lent me the words and strength so that I could effortlessly love him. It was too great, but I dared not say it wasn't true. If it wasn't, I'd die.

I licked his ear almost instinctively, oblivious to my surroundings. I think there were a few cats staring, but what did I care. The whole forest could know I cared Twilightfur. There was no shame in me. How could I be ashamed to admire the most amazing cat in the forest so much? His dark, glossy fur that so contrasted mine. His beautiful, sunny, dandelion eyes. His lovable demeanor that made me want to run through a field of beautiful flowers. I couldn't think of any flower more beautiful than the one in front of me. I licked his ear again.

"This is the best thing... the best thing that could be happening," I uttered these whispers without thinking, almost as if talking to myself. I thought they were merely thoughts until I saw Twilightfur's eyes focus on my mouth for a moment when I said them. I realized that I was blushing, and I looked at a paw. I imagined I could see the redness underneath, but I didn't care. There was a beautiful tom next to me who loved me.

"Twilightfur. I-"

I stopped. He was right. It was hard to say out loud. It was total commitment, though not in reality. It was so strange. I knew I meant it. With this odd surge of emotions that had just hit me, maybe I wasn't thinking clearly. Maybe this was just a dream.

But Twilightfur wasn't a dream. This feelings weren't a dream.

"I love you, Twilightfur, warrior of ThunderClan. I love you with every ounce of my being. I have loved you forever, but I was too foolish to realize it until now. All those wasted moons; I will be glad to spend the rest of my moons with you."

I don't know why I said it. They weren't even my words. Or maybe they were. I was too confused. Everything was hot, burning like the sun in his stunningly luminescent eyes. His voice was like real poetry, embroidered with the love, nervousness, and all things Twilightfur. I wanted to join him, have me be a part of his being and his voice. I wanted him to be a part of my voice. I closed my eyes, savoring the scent I would never forget, never cease looking for, and never stop loving. Twilightfur's.

((Lol, Morning and Twilight. I just noticed that they were times of day. XD))

[Icebreath]

((...wow. I never noticed that. *uses that*))

StarClan, I could sing. My heart thumped like mad, and I could feel my fur prickling. "You, Morningleaf," I said, trying to sound as sincere as she did. I was sincere, of course, but my shaky voice expressed doubt. I wasn't doubting my love, but my capabilities of telling her that. I hoped she didn't misinterpret them.

"You, Morningleaf," I said again, "You are, like, the light in my darkness. The morning that comes after the twilight. For so many seasons now, I have... gone through my life without truly completing my day. Because..." I struggled to find words. "Because there is no day without the morning. Without the morning my life is incomplete. I've been living in the shadows for so long." My eyes blurred, getting watery with emotion.

Wow. I don't think I'd ever said a speech this long. I hope I didn't sound too casual when I put in the word "like" in there.

"And you are the morning," I finished.

No. I wasn't finished yet. I had to say it. I thought I could hear a screeching echo around me. Say it. Say it now!

"You are the morning," I croaked. "I love you, Morningleaf."

[Mapleleaf]

((Aw! I wanna huggle Twilight and steal him from Morningleaf. *does so* *mauled by Morning* Owie... ;~;))

I wanted to squeal with happiness. He loved me. I had known this before, but never had I dreamed that I could be happier than I'd been a few moments before. He had confirmed it. He had given the most beautiful speech I had ever heard. It was amazing.

I slid closer to him until our pelts were touching and laid my head on my paws. "It would take forever and more for me to say how much I love you. It was all so sudden, but that only makes it greater. I love you Twilightfur. Those words are so feeble and overused, but nothing else describes how I feel. I feel how you must feel about me now, only ten times greater."

*shotshot*

[Icebreath]

Hey. My speech wasn't so bad, I guess.

I felt a bit more like myself, bubbly rather than serious. Still, I was a bit wary - what did she like better, my normal side or serious?

I pressed against her and said nothing for a while, analyzing the possibilities in my head. Hmm...

"Morningleaf," I said cautiously. I heard my voice - it wasn't nervous, but it was laced with feeling and emotion. I hope it sounded okay. "I love you. I really do. I wish that we could walk together forever, here in ThunderClan and someday in StarClan." Okay. Breathe. My heart filled with emotion, and I hoped I wouldn't get teary. "Morningleaf," I murmured, "Will you... will you be my morning? Will you be my mate?"

((Bleh, it's a bit short...))