STS | Whatever Comes Next

[Pumpkinstem]

Once the heightened excitement of the newly-appointed apprentices dies down, Pumpkinstem manages to leave the confines of the warrior's den to go out hunting. Stretch her legs, maybe, despite not wanting to do put in the effort to chase prey around. With leaf-fall's reign softly approaching, it'd probably be best to stock up on prey for the clan, or... something. It's still difficult for Pumpkinstem to think for the clan, but she's slowly but surely grasping the concept of a community, she thinks.

Her icy hues absentmindedly glance to the left of her, and she just barely catches a dark grey tabby pelt before swiftly glancing away. Shit. Pumpkinstem pays no more attention to him, at least physically, before attempting to stay out of his sight. She trudges through camp as she ponders, but as she reaches the entrance, an invisible force makes her linger for awhile. Whatever this feeling is, it disturbs Pumpkinstem enough to stop her in her tracks. With an empty feeling in her chest, she scratches at her fur curiously. Is she hungry? No... Well, maybe. 

Gulping, the molly lets out a nonchalant whistle as she turns her body to get a better look at the camp's expanse... and in turn, a better look at Shrikefrost. Of course, she'll pretend she's not looking at him. A quick glance at the tom, and she'll dart her gaze to one of the dens. And then another glance to him, and then... a glance to the fresh-kill pile. She's so good at this. Eventually, Pumpkinstem grows enough courage to step closer to Shrikefrost, hoping maybe he was distracted enough to not notice her. And then a few more steps closer. Soon enough, she finds herself away from the camp's entrance and now beside the warrior himself. "Hi... Shrike," she mumbles. "So, you know... did you hear Rosestar say that she wanted us to go on a patrol? Together? Right now? 'Cause she told me."

[Shrikefrost]

The last couple days had had their share of excitement. First Redith’s warrior ceremony, (and Orchidchirp, who regretfully, Shrikefrost was painfully unfamiliar with.) and then soon after Emberpaw’s apprentice ceremony. He thought fondly of the she-cat’s delighted expression as he offered her the yellow feather he found. Mossfur was a good cat, and she’d be patient with Emberpaw’s incessant questions, so it put Shrikefrost’s worries at ease. Idly, he wondered where her mother really was. He was busy doing mundane tasks as per usual. He had been a warrior for at least two moons now, but he still found himself cleaning the elder’s den and replacing their bedding every few days. Moss was abundant in green-leaf, but it was beginning to become scarcer with leaf-fall already on their heels.  He should probably cut down on how much he was changing it out.

With a bit of a sigh, the tabby began his way over to the fresh-kill pile, not to eat, but to remove any of the crow-food that had been sitting for too long. He caught sight of a patched orange and white pelt out of the corner of his eye as he passed through camp. Shrikefrost kept his sight focused ahead of him, determined not to look at the other. That, of course, was how things had been for the past moon. He caught sight of Pumpkinstem nearly every day, and there were some days he allowed himself to peek wistfully, but today was not one of those days. It hadn’t made it any easier, of course, and the heavy weight in his chest that he felt whenever he saw her didn’t go away. He grabbed the rotten catches at the bottom of the pile and began separating them out methodically. Had he eaten today? He couldn’t remember. He must have. He didn’t feel hungry. He didn’t feel hungry most days, though. 

Despite his efforts, Shrikefrost continued to notice a certain she-cat just around his peripheral. He wasn’t sure if it was on purpose or not, but if it was some game to Pumpkinstem, he wasn’t going to play it. She had made it abundantly clear to him last time they spoke that she didn’t want anything to do with him. It had felt final, in a way. So Shrikefrost wouldn’t overstep. He stayed at a distance, as much as he loathed it. Except… he wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but he felt like she was getting slowly…closer. His ears pinned against his head, trying to keep his attention focused completely on his task, trying to keep the hairs that threatened to prick at his neck down flat. He definitely felt like he was being watched.

That was until he heard her voice next to him, and he nearly flew out of his pelt. He stiffened as she spoke, not quite turning to look at her right away. Was she mistaking- no, she said his name. Shrikefrost’s brows twitched, and he craned his neck just slightly to make sure he wasn’t imagining it. He wasn’t. He came face to face with Pumpkinstem, and stayed quiet for a few good moments. 

“That so.” he managed, trying his best not to sound strained. It came out less as a question, despite his efforts, and he was already thinking of ways out of this conversation. His gaze flicked down to the carrion at his paws, and then back up to Pumpkinstem. Was she seriously trying to do this? What was she trying to do? Shrikefrost cleared his throat awkwardly. “I didn’t hear that, no.” Should he just play along? It left a sinking feeling in his gut. StarClan, help him. 

His eyes dropped again. Dead, rotting smell suddenly clung to his mouth. “Where’d she say we were supposed to go?” he mumbled, moving to finish his work quickly, only a half eaten bird left. Gross.

[Pumpkinstem]

Pumpkinstem doesn't dare to look at him as he debates on what to say, instead studying the intricacies of the ground. She notes the tone of his voice though, the apprehension despite his best efforts. It makes her angry... but at this point, it doesn't really matter how she feels about the situation. She's here, now, right in front of him.

When Shrikefrost questions her, she abruptly pops her head back up. "Uh." After clearing her throat, she twists her head to gaze out of camp. "Oh, you know... over there. In the forest," she replies, desperately wanting to curl up and die in her current spot. She allows a claw to scrape across the dirt, still not directly eyeing the tom. She seems satisfied with her answer, or lack thereof, for a moment's time, but she soon bites her tongue.

"I mean-" the she-cat stutters out, breathing a sigh through her nose. "Okay, fine- Rosestar didn't say that. I lied. I just... I know you don't wanna talk to me, so I thought maybe saying that would get you to actually care. Guess it isn't working, huh?" She can't help but spit out her last sentence, but to quell her growing frustration, she thinks about... something rather stupid. A soft, fragile camellia. One strong movement can rip a petal, or destroy the flower completely. It's hard not to break pretty things, but it's possible, right? She's kept special things safe before.

"I... I'm sorry, okay?" Pumpkinstem mutters, barely audible. But she seems rather solemn all of a sudden. "When I'm talking to you, I never know what I'm saying wrong. And then you get upset, or pissed off, and I'm left wondering what happened. I'm trying, you know that? Out of all the stupid cats in this clan, you're the one who understands me the least. But I want you to. You-" She pauses, judging his reaction for whether she should continue or not. "You're the only cat I want to understand. I don't care about the others, but I'm trying with you, okay? Just work with me."

[Shrikefrost]

Shrikefrost continued to putter away at his task, trying to keep his breathing steady even as Pumpkinstem made a rather accusatory remark. He bit his tongue, movements stuttering only briefly. He wasn’t going to argue with her again. He’d sooner stand up and leave (as much as his entire body wanted to scream the moment she spoke to him) before having another one of their…confrontations. 

He was nearly about to do just that before Shrikefrost heard her slightly strained words. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying not to feel agitated as she apologized. Part of him wanted to put all of it behind him, and forgive her, and another, more bitter part of him wanted to bite out a snide remark and storm off. He knew which option was the mature one, but it didn’t stop the thought from coming to his head. 

Just work with me.

Shrikefrost slowly sighed, and faced her. “You need to offer me the same, then.” he meowed. “I don’t want either of us jumping to conclusions. It’s… obvious we don’t understand each other-“ Shrikefrost broke off, trying his best to look composed. “Can we just… promise to be civil?” It might have been a vain attempt, but Shrikefrost couldn’t think of any other way to even begin approaching the situation.

He was quiet for a few moments. “Apology accepted.” he mumbled. He thought about Poppycloud, and her words. It was hard to say he really did accept her apology, but he wanted to move on. He wanted to be better, even if it felt impossible some days. It was the words he wanted to hear so badly from his siblings. He should…at least try. “And I’m sorry as well.” An unsure squeeze in his chest made him wince internally. “I want to understand you as well.” Would they ever? Part of him was still surprised Pumkinstem approached him at all, and he couldn’t deny the effort that must have took. Was he wrong? Were her words not her attempt at getting Shrikefrost out of her life?

He had simply….assumed.

So much of their relationship was built on assumption. Maybe they could fix that. Or maybe it’d be like that forever. He kept his expression from showing his troubled thoughts, but it hung over him like a dark cloud. Still, he struggled with what exactly to say that wouldn’t end in a hissing, snarling fire of emotions. He settled on: “Do you want to go for a walk?”

[Pumpkinstem]

Pumpkinstem smiles, albeit rather forced. It isn't her intention, although it's hard for her to push her agitation aside. At least he's giving her a chance, she thinks... Rather than pointing any paws or picking through his statements, she nods her head. "Uh, yeah... walks are cool." She grimaces. It hasn't even been that long since they've last spoken with each other... has it?

"I was gonna go hunting anyway, before I... I dunno. I saw you, and I just thought 'why not'. It was spur of the moment, like everything I do." Before she could blurt out something else, she continues her way to the outside of camp, briefly checking to see if Shrikefrost follows her. She mulls over his words, of being civil and forgiveness, but she decides not to comment on them. For both her sake and his.

They trek through the forest, Pumpkinstem taking her usual routes when she's hunting. She internally prays to whatever star spirits are out there to bless her with some prey to chase after, to distract her from having to make idle conversation, but so far nothing seems to happen. Great. As she takes in the autumn air, she gawks back at Shrikefrost from her position up front. "So... what kinda cool, amazing stuff have you been up to lately? Don't bother asking me, 'cause I've just been napping and... stuff." She laughs hesitantly.

[Shrikefrost]

Shrikefrost bites back a sigh, wondering briefly to himself if it was even worth the effort. Why did things have to feel so tense? He knew why. But it didn’t make the thought any more bearable. Getting to his paws, Shrikefrost picked up the rotten prey he’d gathered previously, pausing to bury it right outside camp and then continuing after Pumpkinstem. His nerves were acting up, and it made him feel sketchy, gaze flicking around the relatively peaceful forest as they walked. It was quiet. Not the comfortable, nice silence that Shrikefrost preferred. It was filled with weight and tension that seemed to bleed into his muscles and slowly crush his lungs. He started to almost.. forget it, as he walked. The air was cool and comfortable, a breeze whistling past the branches above their heads and shaking loose some of the browning leaves from their stems.

Shrikefrost startled slightly when Pumpkinstem spoke again, unexpectedly. The tabby forced himself to keep moving forwards, still lagging just barely behind Pumpkinstem. He had been the one to suggest a walk.

“I- not much.” he blurted out at first, before blinking and smoothing his fur with a quick lick. “Everything has been… pretty much the same. I’ve been helping Redith train a little more recently. She’s- pretty ripped. Battle training with her knocks me out.” Shrikefrost huffed out what sounded like a breathy laugh. He twitched his whiskers fondly. “And I’ve been checking on that Emberpaw lately. She’s a pawful, but… nice. Has a good head on her shoulders. A little overbearing.” Shrikefrost’s gaze moved to his paws briefly. “Gave her a ‘good luck’ feather because she’s a bit of a worrier, that one. Her mother taught her… interesting stuff as far as I can tell.” Frowning a little, the tom couldn’t shake the discomfort. He felt like he was just filling dead air with meaningless words. Did Pumpkinstem even care? She was asking to be polite, but… She said not to ask about her. Shrikefrost didn’t.

“Other than that, more of the usual. I technically should be leaving the apprentice duties to the… apprentices. But I’m still doing them. At least Gingersneeze seems to appreciate it.” Shrikefrost paused. “I hope. He hasn’t actually said so.” He exhaled slowly, appreciating the soothing murmurs of the forest around them. It didn’t stop his nerves, but it made them more bearable. Maybe talking until Pumpkinstem got bored of him was the best way to do this. Maybe it wouldn’t end in an argument that way. Maybe she’d finally realize she didn’t actually care and run. Shrikefrost’s chest hurt at the idea.

[Pumpkinstem]

Although it doesn’t appear so, Pumpkinstem listens intently as Shrikefrost recalls the past few days. As the tom mentions Redith, she visibly flinches before grinding her fangs together. Hopefully he’d think it’s just the cold air. Something within her chest stirs and aches, like her heart was sore and tired from pumping. But not quite. She can’t be jealous, can she?

Busy fighting against her anxiety-ridden thoughts, she’s barely able to catch what he’s saying about Emberpaw. “Right…” she responds as she figures out what to say next. Don’t mess this up. “Kinda forgot we had new kits… The clan kits that keep popping out are one thing, but we had a group of rogue kits just dumped on us outta nowhere. At this point they all just look the same to me.” She isn’t lying- it’s hard keeping track of the little faces, and especially the names. Suddenly, a laugh escapes her, despite her best efforts to contain it due to the mood. “Actually… that was us not that long ago, was it? A group of random kits not knowing what to do, but we were excited anyway. Now I just feel old and tired all the time.”

Noticing the awkwardness between the two and refusing to fester in it, Pumpkinstem gradually slows her pace until she meets Shrikefrost side-by-side. She isn't sure if this is the best idea or if it'll cure the tension between them, but it's something.

[Shrikefrost]

Shrikefrost wasn’t always perceptive, but he caught the way Pumpkinstem seemed to flinch, and his stomach twisted with some odd emotion. One he couldn’t quite describe. Like an odd mix of excitement and misery. He forced it down deep back into his chest, contempt at himself for feeling…however he did. How horrible did he have to be?

Shaking the thoughts from his head, he focused on what Pumpkinstem was saying next, ear flicking. There was a pang in his belly that he chalked up to anxiety as Pumpkinstem admitted how ‘old and tired’ she felt. Shrikefrost didn’t disagree, but it was almost painful to hear the words spoken aloud. Unable to admit it to anyone but his very own grandmother, he knew how she felt. Life had been very tiring as of late. And they were certainly getting older. “Mh… yeah. Part of the reason I started talking with her. She’s… convinced her mother will come back, but I don’t know of many parents that disappear for moons at a time and come back like its nothing.” Shrikefrost would never say it to Emberpaw, but it had been on his mind. “I just figured… it was hard to adjust to clan life without much direction while we were kits. I wanted to try and give her some pointers to make it easier.” Whiskers trembling, Shrikefrost looked away. Who knows if what I’m doing helps at all. 

He watched with a bit of a nervous twist in his gut as Pumpkinstem slowed her pace to fall in beside him. Shrikefrost peeked a few glances at the other, chest tight. Stars, he felt ridiculous. The unspoken tension between them was palpable, but somehow it felt like it was shifting, just slightly. “I haven’t met many of the other kits, though. There’s… a lot. The nursery is too overwhelming on good days, so I just avoid it most of the time.” He thought of the freshly made apprentices Rosestar appointed today. Would it be odd to get to know the younger generation better? Shrikefrost wasn’t an apprentice too long ago himself.

“It’s definitely weird to think those kits werelike us just a couple moons back.” Even weirder to think that leaf-fall was the season Shrikefrost stumbled into Pumpkinstem, and they started their… journey. It didn’t feel like it had been that long. “I miss being that excited.” He laughed lowly, expression somber.

[Pumpkinstem]

Bumping his shoulder with a light yet playful pressure that's unlike her, Pumpkinstem grins. "We still got some moons left in us! We literally just became warriors like, a few moons ago, I think we're gonna be fine. Who knows, we might get in a scuffle with those rogues Rosestar was talking about. That'll be entertaining." She still isn't sure what to think of that entire situation, despite the several days that've passed since the clan meeting. If she's being honest with herself, it hasn't plagued her thoughts at all.

Her expression softens when contemplating what to say about Emberpaw. "Well, you never know. Just 'cause someone isn't in front of you doesn't mean they're not there. I think it's okay for her to have hope; I'm still like that with Maggie." As she mentions her sister's name, Pumpkinstem studies Shrikefrost for any reaction. Will bringing her up anger him? "Lucky for you, all the kits are getting promoted now. That way you can have the nursery all to yourself." Her whiskers twitch mischievously, and she gains a pep in her step as they walk.

Before anything else can be said, the spotted feline sniffs the air, noting the familiar scent of rushing water nearby. As she passes through the foliage ahead of them, she spots an area that she hasn't been around in awhile. Once caked in snow and frozen over, the lake almost has a different look during leaf-fall. No longer bearing that desolate and cold memory in her mind, she finds herself relaxing at the reflections against the water.

[Shrikefrost]

Shrikefrost feels a small spark of energy at her shoulder bump, and he glances up to Pumpkinstem again with a bit of an amused look. “Desperate for a cat to beat up?” he puffed, whiskers twitching. “I thought we were agreeing on an alliance with them, not a scuffle.” Even as he spoke, his words weren’t serious. If he were being completely honest, the thought of those rogues had all but disappeared from his mind recently. With everything else happening, it wasn’t a reoccurring issue to Shrikefrost. His tail flicked against Pumpkinstem’s haunch. “Might give that warrior-like flare back to life, though. You been practicing your fighting lately? Think you have what it takes?” Shrikefrost cocked a brow at Pumpkinstem, surprised at how quickly he fell back into their usual banter, despite the rocky start. Was he putting too much faith into this?

He couldn’t help the twist of anxiety in his belly as the other mentioned Magnolia. The topic of Maggie was a sore one for Pumpkinstem, and he was worried her coming up would be a reminder of their last argument. Thankfully, it didn’t seem to go beyond that. “Hm, I guess. For her sake, I hope she’s right. She really loves her mom. I wonder if she were to come back, maybe she’d like to stay with the clan as well.” Shrikefrost wasn’t one to judge a cat’s parenting, especially with how little he knew of it in general. He didn’t have room to judge. But from what Shrikefrost understood of Emberpaw’s mother, she was a cat who liked as few strings attached as possible. He was reminded of Orchidchirp and Wolfspirit’s mother, Harmony. Wanderlust outweighing family. Something Shrikefrost understood, but still found confusing. Especially if the cat was a parent.

He brushed the thoughts away, glancing back to Pumpkinstem as they meandered. He snorted at her, resisting the urge to bump her side chidingly. “Oh, ha-ha. I’m not becoming a queen yet.” Shrikefrost mrrowed. “Still need to have an apprentice and be appointed deputy.”

He gave a teasing smirk, before slowing a little as Pumpkinstem seemed to sniff the air. Looking bemused, Shrikefrost’s own nose twitched, and he picked up the heavy scent of water nearby. The faint rushing of a creek not far off filled his ears. He padded after Pumpkinstem as she led them to the side of the lake. The spot was familiar for the tom, somewhere he visited often, but by his companions soft almost awestruck expression, he wasn’t sure the same could be said for her. He realized he was staring after a moment, and quickly averted his gaze, looking to the reflection instead. Shrikefrost stood still for a few brief heartbeats, before settling down at the edge of the water and letting the familiar soothing splash of waves fill his head.

He peered at his reflection, his funny looking nose. Then looked to Pumpkinstem’s reflection, close to his. He hated the way his heartbeat seemed to pick up a little. Why couldn’t he just let a nice moment be a nice moment?

“I come here a lot to think.” Shrikefrost admitted quietly. “It’s almost like StarClan is in the water, on clear nights.” He thought about his grandmother’s soft, soothing voice.

[Pumpkinstem]

Pumpkinstem perks up as the tom speaks, forgetting Shrikefrost was beside her for just a second. His statement perplexes her, the whole StarClan business, but she isn’t sure whether to press or not. She resorts to letting out a mixture of a sigh and chuckle. “Ma told me stories of cats who believed in stuff like that. She always thought it was a load of hoo-ha.” In a characteristic fashion, she sends all of her weight to the ground, outstretching her forelimbs comfortably so that her toes barely dip into the water. 

“I mean, she did exaggerate a lot when telling stories. Even as a kit I could tell when she was faking, but… it was still fun.” The molly stops as she finds herself rambling, taking the moment to eye both of their reflections in the lake. Something within her stirs, a tidal wave of emotion ebbing and falling with every thought she has of him. 

“I missed you,” she blurts out, but she doesn’t seem to be embarrassed to have said it aloud. “Every time we fight over something dumb, it just… doesn’t feel good. To not talk to you for so long.” Pumpkinstem’s nose twitches a little before she clears her throat, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. “I think I’m getting this whole clan business now. Working as a team, or whatever. So if that whole alliance thing doesn’t work out, I’m totally ready to fight to the death. Loyalty and all.” She smiles. “But if that doesn’t work out, I always got you to fight with. You’re like my punching dummy.”

[Shrikefrost]

Shrikefrost glanced briefly to the she-cat at his side as she talked about her mother. For some reason he didn’t expect much different. Pumpkinstem had never shared an interest in the stars, so it only made sense for her not to believe in them. Shrikefrost wanted to tell her about Poppycloud, the words on his tongue, but he refrained. There was a time and place. Would she even believe him?

He watched her settle beside him, his eyes soft. All the discord in his heart from earlier felt lessened, but it still itched the back of his mind. He thought of Pumpkinstem’s heated words. How could he avoid that? How could he avoid hurting what little stability they always seemed to have? It all seemed to change as quickly as the seasons did, leaving a doubtful ache in his chest. Why couldn’t it have been simple?

When Pumpkinstem spoke again, Shrikefrost looked away, but kept his eye trained on his peripheral. He wanted to look at her. The tabby debated on what to do. Sit down next to her? Keep this carefully kept distance before he ruined it with some bullheaded decision? Neither of them, he thought, were know for their careful decision making.

Perhaps he would regret it later. In fact, it was something likely to happen, but Shrikefrost lay down too, his tail just barely brushing her side when it curled close to his paws. He watched their reflections. Thought. “I really missed you too.” he admitted quietly. “I always miss you when this stuff happens..” Shrikefrost was almost surprised to hear her words, ears pricking a little. He looked at her again, feeling the way her side brushed against his fur just barely. Stars, help him.

“I really hope it doesn’t come to that.” he laughed, more of a low rumble in his chest that echoed from his throat. “But I’m glad…” he debated on saying more, but everything felt so uncertain. He didn’t want to cause more ripples in the water. “Clan life is… hard. But, if it means anything, I think you’ve adjusted pretty well, maybe more than you give yourself credit for.” Shrikefrost gave Pumpkinstem a look, corners of his mouth curling up a little. Her actions hadn’t gone unnoticed, that was for sure. For as much as Shrikefrost tried to keep away, keep to himself, he watched Pumpkinstem some days, and was almost envious of her ability to simply… talk. Or hunt. Or fight. She was a good warrior, even if she wouldn’t let herself believe it. Not something she would admit, but Shrikefrost was almost sure she had her doubts. 

He didn’t mention any of that. Maybe someday, but now it felt like a step too close to something dangerous. “That’s true though. You always have me to beat up if worse comes to worse.” He’d chuckle, whiskers twitching with amusement. “Can’t get your daily allotted beating up a cat hours without me, right?” Shrikefrost gave her a playful nudge. “Just don’t forget that I bite back. Can’t let you go soft.” he meowed coyly.

[Pumpkinstem]

The she-cat raises her brows at his compliment- Is it a compliment? She hasn't exactly compared herself to other warriors, but maybe she is blending well more than she expected. Pumpkinstem scoffs, the edges of her mouth turning upward. "Well, I kinda have to. It stinks pulling my weight, but with the millions of new mouths to feed, everyone's cracking down before leaf-bare. Guess that means me too." She recalls Shrikefrost speaking about his routine of cleaning out dens, and she laughs. "Besides, I'd rather catch prey than clean out old, stinky dens. Why don't you just leave all that work to the apprentices, since we have hundreds of them now?"

Pumpkinstem refrains from flinching as his tail barely presses against her when he moves it. It takes all of her willpower to not comment on it, instead forcing up words contradictory to her thoughts. Luckily, his statement distracts her enough. "You? Biting back? Psh, when?" Her eyes, practically taunting him with intensity, soon shut in contemplation.

With a swift and unexpected movement, the warrior moves up and flips Shrikefrost on his back, pinning him as she stands above. She almost sends them both tumbling in the water- which isn't the ideal outcome- but she seems satisfied with their current position. "You're all bark," she retorts, awaiting his response and taking in his expression. One part of her has always craved the prospect of sparring, no matter the time or place, but another part believes that maybe she just wants to close the distance. Not like he'd know that, right?

[Shrikefrost]

Shrikefrost huffs at Pumpkinstem lightly, nose wrinkling. “It’s just part of routine, I’ve done it so long it just…ends up being part of my day. I still hunt and patrol like anyone else.” He twitched his whiskers with amusement. After a moment, he gave a careful nod. “That’s true though. Leaf-bare makes hunting about a million times harder, so better to get fat and cozy now while the prey is still running.” He said, though he didn’t really adhere to those words. He didn’t eat often even in green-leaf. It probably wouldn’t serve him well during leaf-bare, where the cold would bite into his flesh no matter where he was.

Shrikefrost glanced back to Pumpkinstem when she went quiet, her eyes closed. He didn’t think much of it, simply expecting her to mention being tired, or something similar. “Yep, what you doubt my-“ He let out an embarrassing yelp as he was suddenly knocked over onto his back, pinned down with her face unfortunately close to his own. He felt a flush begin to creep up his neck at the proximity, stomach in knots, before he blinked himself out of his surprised stupor. “Wh-“ he stammered, before his brows knit a little, realizing the playful expression on Pumpkinstem’s face, and her taunting words.

His tail tip twitched. “I can do a bit of both.” he meowed, voice low, before surging up and wrapping his paws around her nape and putting all his weight into flipping her onto her side. He was less broad than Pumpkinstem, but it didn’t mean he wasn’t muscled. And in his professional opinion, he wasn’t a bad fighter either. He pressed his paws to Pumpkinstem’s chest, keeping them there, feeling a bit delirious with excitement, as much as he was loathe to admit. “Feel free to tap out any time, if you need.” Shrikefrost meowed, playfully taunting.

[Pumpkinstem]

Pumpkinstem entertains herself with spar-hungry thoughts before, to her surprise, falling flat against her side. It knocks the breath out of her with a quiet 'oof', and she reacts with an impish smirk when Shrikefrost meets her face-to-face. "Maybe Redith taught you some things," she coos, narrowing her hues when he presses his paws against her chest. With a soft yet firm pressure, she uses her hindpaws to dig into the tom's stomach, launching herself away from his form. Still on her side, her body digs into the grass and leaves a slight trail behind her.

Slowly she lifts herself up, shaking away the dirt that now stains one side of her pelt. "If I knew we were gonna fight, I would'a practiced," she states, taking a moment to catch her breath. "Instead I kinda prepared myself for a word fight, not a fight fight." Rather than think of a clever next move, Pumpkinstem gradually steps closer to Shrikefrost and plops on top of him, forming a cross with her body and his. "I tap out!" the she-cat wails suddenly. "Your muscles are too big and muscular for me... I admit my defeat."

Snorting, she then eyes him up and down mischievously. "Was that the first time a cat's ever been on top of you? You're welcome."

[Shrikefrost]

Shrikefrost grinned as Pumpkinstem pushed away, skidding on the grass for a moment. He crouched low, awaiting her next attack with bated breath, whiskers twitching with anticipation. As she spoke, Shrikefrost snorted. "That all you got? Gonna have to train a bit harder than that if you wanna take on the rogues, Pumpkin." He teased, eyebrows waggling.

At her slow approach, Shrikefrost seemed wary, not excepting the abrupt way she flopped over onto him with a dramatic wail. The tom scoffed from under her, squirming under her weight briefly. He couldn't help the laugh that escaped him. "Really?" he puffed out. "That's- oof- that's it?" Shrikefrost grabbed her side again, trying to wrestle her in the oddly compromised position he was in, tugging at her scruff lightly with his teeth. He was still smiling, even as he (perhaps not in the most earnest effort) attempted to free himself from her weight. 

When she spoke again, Shrikefrost felt his blush grow hotter. Ugh. "What, is it a common occurrence for you?" he'd ask, cocking a brow at her expectantly. "I never let a cat pin me, too good for that." Shrikefrost was playing up his cockiness, tail slapping against Pumpkinstem's face. The warm feeling in his chest felt like it was expanding. It felt unbelievably natural to be laying sprawled out here, jokingly wrestling with his... friend? Too complicated to think about. "Maybe you need a bit more training if it happens to you so much." Shrikefrost smirked a bit.

[Pumpkinstem]

Sticking her tongue out playfully, Pumpkinstem debates on standing back up and continuing the fight, but seeing Shrikefrost struggle underneath her gives her enough enjoyment to stay. "I'm already down here, I'm not gonna get back up," she finalizes, before his tail hits her face and catches her by surprise. Rather than stay on top of him, she rests her haunches on the ground while facing the tom, a satisfied grin on her face.

"I'm the one who does all the pinning," the she-cat states proudly with a wink, a paw on her chest amid flexing her leg muscles. "I can name at LEAST three cats I've been on top of so far." Pumpkinstem can't hide her growing smirk, quietly acknowledging how her words may be construed. She stifles a laugh, and although she doesn't care whether or not Shrikefrost judges her for her childish humor, she still doesn't want to break that easily.

Toppling over on her back, she takes the moment to bat Shrikefrost's face with her large tail, then gazing up at the stars above. Tonight is nice... Maybe it would've been less nice if they spoke during any other day. Why tonight? Why tonight, of all nights, can they get along? She keeps these thoughts to herself, the concerned expression hidden from view, or so she believes. Maybe tomorrow they'd hate each other again, so right now she'll bask in the moment.

[Shrikefrost]

Shrikefrost pushed himself to his paws after Pumpkinstem sat back, his fur ruffled and scruffier than usual. He gave his chest fur a few quick licks, trying to smooth the fur there even a little bit. He didn't even bother with his messed up back fur. Shrikefrost peeks back up at her with a raised brow, trying to ignore the sudden jab of... jealousy? StarClan, he needed to get ahold of himself. Instead he gave another coy smile.

"Oh? Three whole cats? You've been around, then." He mrrowed, shifting back on his haunches just slightly. "I guess I'm the first cat to best you, then." He swatted her tail as it attempted to smack him in the face, a playfully indignant look following the action. He hesitated, unsure if he should lay down as well. Following her gaze, Shrikefrost looked up at the sky. It was quiet for a few moments. Different from the quiet before. Comfortable. Shrikefrost's tail came to wrap around his paws, relishing the moment while it was here. They always passed so quickly, catching them in the moment felt difficult sometimes.

A distant owl's hoot made Shrikefrost's ear twitch, and he looked to the side for a moment. The sound of the lake's gentle waters lapping at the shore caught his attention again, and he closed his eyes. He didn't have much to say now, the residual buzzing from their little spar still humming throughout him. Shrikefrost snuck a glance at Pumpkinstem, hoping she wasn't looking. He was just curious, that was all.

[Pumpkinstem]

Almost as if the stars were telling her to drift off into sleep, Pumpkinstem lets out a yawn as she continues to stargaze. She hears Shrikefrost, but she doesn't bother interrupting the quiet motions of the lake and the occasional wilderness sounds of the forest. She's alright with letting the silence overtake them, because it isn't actually silent for her. She's the only one holding up conversation though, within her mind.

The molly can't help but unearth some hard-to-process moments, particularly the last conversation they had with each other. Some words and statements she can't recall, while others stick out sorely. She's had plenty of time to think about it- which she has, but some memories perplex her more than they've been doing recently.

"Shrike-" Pumpkinstem manages, heaving her body up once more to sit down and properly look at said tom. "The last time we talked, you said you liked me. Did... you really mean that, or did you say that to make me stay?" For once, she holds no accusatory connotations. Just words, now out in the open. She wants to follow up with something, but she doesn't know what.

[Shrikefrost]

Shrikefrost's words being met with silence was welcomed, but he did continue to glance over to her a few times, letting his gaze rest a bit longer each time. She didn't seem to be paying attention to it, so he didn't make an effort to stop. It was easy to feel indulgent right now, anyways. 

Gently rolling water was one of the most soothing sounds Shrikefrost could think of, and he could feel himself lulling into a daydream state. Eventually, he snuck another look at Pumpkinstem, and was met with her pushing to her paws. He quickly looked away. Her next question caught Shrikefrost off guard, and he stiffened, feeling the nervous twist in his gut return. 

Should he deny it? Say that it was just a spur of the moment exclamation during their scuffle? Was that all it was to Pumpkinstem? He flattened his ears slightly in shame. It was no use hiding his feelings, ultimately. He knew, however it went, that they'd surface in some horrible, ugly way even if he lied now. Still, the question sent his heart pounding. Perhaps Pumpkinstem would laugh, and tell him that she had just been kidding the first time. That she didn't actually like him, and he was making a fool of himself. But the question had sounded so earnest. Simple.

Ah well, what else could he lose? 

"I meant it." He admitted, voice so quiet it was almost inaudible. Shrikefrost looked out of the corner of his eye to Pumpkinstem again, feeling his face burn. "I do like you." His stomach tied itself into knots as he acknowledged it. Unspoken, it meant he had deniability, but it was out in the open now. To be fair, it had been before as well. "I wanted you to stay as well, but I wasn't lying. You make me all..." He shook his head, trying to stop himself from saying too much before he regretted it. "You know."

He didn't know what else to say, chest tight with anxiety. "What about you? Did you mean it when-" Shrikefrost shrugged a little, finding it hard to ask. He expected the worst, but couldn't quite stamp out the hopeful feeling that wormed its way into his heart. He really was about to be the biggest fool in the clan, huh?

[Pumpkinstem]

Pumpkinstem isn't sure what to expect from his impending answer. Her heart skipping a beat with each time he took in a breath, she prepares for... something. Good, bad, neither, both, whatever may come of it. Then Shrikefrost speaks, and she sits up rigidly, a juxtaposition from her usual slouched demeanor. Even when he admits the truth, she can't seem to pinpoint how she feels. Not about him, per-se, just about how he feels.

"Oh." That's the first thing that came out of her mouth, and she immediately regrets it, losing eye contact with the tom. "That's cool." How is she supposed to respond even? Maybe by answering his own question. "You know me, I'm not gonna... say something and then turn around and be like 'didn't mean it!'. Well, I guess if I'm joking around, but- I wasn't."

She clears her throat from all the pent up anxiety in her chest, wanting to close the slightest bit of distance between them, but not wanting to look weird. "So... yeah. I don't know why I feel this way, or what to do, or... if it really means anything. But I like to be near you, even when you're pissed off at me, so I guess that means something. But I..." Pumpkinstem hesitates. "It's weird because when cats usually talk about lovey-dovey stuff, it's about one cat. Just one. What do I do when it's multiple cats? Am I just not sure?"

Her face contorts into frustration and a hint of embarrassment. Why did she even admit that? Why did she just monologue about her love life? This is stupid.

[Shrikefrost]

Shrikefrost tries his best not to wince when all she says at first is a simple 'oh'. He didn't expect much, but it still sent icicles of fear through his chest. Disappointment, maybe. But as she continued, Shrikefrost turned his head a little, as if confused. 

So she wasn't joking. She really did mean what she said. And Shrikefrost hadn't been joking either. It meant...neither of them had been joking. The thought was stuck in his head, as Pumpkinstem spoke, like a broken record. He liked her, and she... reciprocated? Shrikefrost tried not to think about the way his heart fluttered in his chest, biting his tongue. 

He wasn't entirely sure how to answer her question, and even more so, was surprised that she'd said it at all. He sat in a bit of a dumbfounded silence, before shaking his pelt briskly to pull his mind from its grooves.

"I- I don't know either." he admitted, his face feeling hot. He knew Pumpkinstem liked other cats. The thought made his stomach twist, regardless. "I... think... its normal to like multiple cats. I- at least... I didn't think it was just one cat you have to like." He gave a painfully unsure shrug. "I'm sorta.. in the same spot. It's just- its confusing." Shrikefrost had to focus on steadying his breathing a little. 

He looked back up to Pumpkinstem briefly, unsure what to do. His body stood stock still for a few moments, mind racing. Should he approach her? Would she leave if he did? He liked her. He liked another cat too. He really liked Pumpkinstem. Maybe it was her eyes. Or something about how funny she was. Or maybe it was because she made his chest hurt unlike any other cat.

"Can-" his voice broke, unsure. Shit, his heart was hammering. StarClan, help him.

He tentatively took a few steps forwards, watching to see if Pumpkinstem would back away. "We don't need to do anything about it. I'm... okay with that, if that's what you want." Shrikefrost couldn't stop the anxiety from coming though in his voice.

He forced down the tremble in his next words. "May I?" While not asking directly, it was clear what he meant, pausing only a few whisker lengths away from Pumpkinstem.

[Pumpkinstem]

Without much of a warning, Pumpkinstem initiates contact by pressing her nose up against his. A few seconds it might've been, though it felt like hours for her, so she has trouble ripping away. When she does though, she's stuck there grinning like a fool. "I kinda wasn't listening to half the stuff you said," she admits. "But that's what you wanted, right?"

As if disproving her previous statement, she decides to respond to Shrikefrost anyway. "I... I don't even know what I want. You know how I am though- I don't wanna..." She sighs. "I don't wanna get in anything official with you- with anyone, not just you. I like you, but... we're friends too."

Hesitantly she gazes up to him, secretly pleading that this wouldn't lead to an argument, or Shrikefrost's feelings getting hurt. How is he gonna react to this? "You know what'll be fun? Just... keeping this a secret. Nobody'll even know! It's like we're living two different lives, one as friends and the other as..." The molly eyes him up and down, perhaps expecting him to fill in for her. She decides to chip in anyway. "Smooch buddies? We can be smooch buddies, or... more, if you're wanting that. It doesn't matter to me."

[Shrikefrost]

The moment Pumpkinstem surged forwards to press her nose to his, Shrikefrost felt like all the air had been punched out of his lungs. His fur rippled along his spine momentarily, feeling an electric fervour strike through his bloodstream. When she pulled back, Shrikefrost was fairly certain his face was radiating warmth, cheeks flushed pink under his fur. He was thankful for how dark it was, for once. He cleared his throat, nodding. “Yes- that’s, yeah. What I was hoping for.” he returned Pumpkinstem’s grin, perhaps a bit more meek.

Shrikefrost listened as Pumpkinstem continued to talk, still feeling a bit delirious from how much pent up anxiety seemed to suddenly turn into pure endorphins in his brain. He focused his attention back on the conversation, the words ringing in his ears for a few moments before he felt like they really made sense. For once, he was pretty sure they were on the same page.

“That…sounds good to me.” Shrikefrost meowed. There was almost a sort of… thrill to something like this. It made his stomach twist again. In camp, no one had to know. They’d be friends, like they always were, and they’d talk like friends, have their usual banter. But alone, they could be…smooch buddies? The name made Shrikefrost laugh softly. The secrecy of it was definitely alluring, for some odd reason. “I don’t really want anything official either, so it’s.. good. I don’t mind some secret…smooches.” Shrikefrost’s face burned as he spoke. Indulging without the strings attached. It was a good idea. Definitely.

The tabby leaned in a little again, still finding it a bit odd to be so…intimate? “What would ‘more’ look like?” He’d ask, voice lower. His tail swept close to, not quite touching their paws, still unsure what Pumpkinstem was really comfortable with. Would touching her like this be too much? It all felt like uncharted territory, for both of them, Shrikefrost assumed. Still, he couldn’t seem to pull away too far after their nose touch.

[Pumpkinstem]

Similar to the tom, Pumpkinstem feels lightheaded over the touch. As brief and insignificant it seemed before, she feels something within her change. Whatever it is, it lingers in her mind longer than she likes. Never before did she think she'd ponder over any touch involving Shrikefrost, or any other cat for that matter. No, that's just stupid... but now it's different. Now it's a memory she'll keep safe, locked and kept away except for moments where she's by herself. Can even the strongest of cats, both physically and mentally, be overcome by this feeling?

Before long, Pumpkinstem realizes the conversation's focused on her again, this time with Shrikefrost still rather close to her. She doesn't mind, after all she initiated it, but what lengths are they willing to go? She knows deep down she doesn't really care; live life to the fullest, and she's a grown cat now. But what about him? "Whatever you're comfortable with, I guess," she manages aloud, glancing up at him with a contemplative look, before moving in close as possible, her paws up against his and her head resting in the crook of his neck. "Tell me if you don't want to."

Without waiting for him to respond, she wraps one of her paws around the tom's neck and pulls him to the ground with her, face-to-face with an encompassing smirk before she gradually shifts underneath him, forcing him to stand above her.

[Shrikefrost]

The closer Pumpkinstem crowded against, Shrikefrost, the more flustered he got, feeling his stomach doing flips. It was a struggle to act collected like this, swallowing sharply. Feeling Pumpkinstem murmuring against his throat was something he could almost consider dizzying, much less the actual implications of it.

His tail came to wrap closer to them before he felt himself being dragged down, and, StarClan above, manhandled by Pumpkinstem. Her words seemed to be delayed in Shrikefrost's brain as he struggled to keep his quickly disappearing composure, and- ah, feelings he was struggling to comprehend were rising up too. 

It was a lot for the tom.

"I-" he breathed, heart hammering in his chest. Unable to really put what he was thinking into words. His brain felt a bit too much like goo. Instead, he decided to stop being silly and follow in Pumpkinstem's steps. Pressing his nose to her neck, he started grooming the fur there, positioning himself so that he was almost directly overtop of her.

"I want to." He ground out between licks, feeling a little delirious. Pulling back just a little, he looked directly at Pumpkinstem. "Is this okay?" His voice was lower again. He needed to be sure. Just...in case. Assuming things was often how he got himself into trouble, after all.

[Pumpkinstem]

The spotted she-cat raises a brow at Shrikefrost from her position below. "I'm the one who pulled you down here, you idiot. Yes it's okay!" she retorts, agitated at first, but immediately her smirk begins to grow. She can't help but chuckle despite their predicament... What if she can't take this seriously? "Maybe I should be the one on top, just to make you stop talking," Pumpkinstem teases, her tail wrapping around his before she pulls him closer to her once more.

Their noses touch briefly before she whispers to him, her words rushed and antsy. "Unless you're wanting a fight, I suggest you shut up now." For once, she takes her own advice and silences herself, lying down openly and awaiting whatever comes next that night.