As The Days Pass... (Shizu)

[*Midnightsoul*]

A black-furred she-cat, whose name is Midnightpaw, was settled in her nest located in the apprentices' den. Her paws were tucked under her chest, her fur was neat from her cleaning in the morning, and her gaze fixed upon the den's entrance, light filtering through it, and dabbing in through miniature holes around the den, which really should be fixed. Is there ever anything interesting to do in ThunderClan? I suppose I could find a cat to hang out with, but meh. If that handsome- stopping dead in her thoughts, Midnightpaw's eyes widened, and her tail tip flicked. HANDSOME? Really? What am I thinking? Squirming, the she-cat's pelt burned in embarrassment. I suppose I can't deny that I have a crush on Emberpaw.. Didn't I already go over this in my mind? Gah, I can't remember!

After a few minutes, Midnightpaw was still again, calmed down from her embarrassment. The apprentice let out a sigh that she didn't know was caught up in her lungs, realizing that she missed Emberpaw, having not talked to him for a bit. Though she didn't really know him too well, she couldn't help that weird feeling.. It felt as if Emberpaw was a cat she'd been best friends with since the day she could talk, and he'd left the Clan, obviously restricting their time together.

Mind back in reality, Midnightpaw shook herself, I hope that never happens. Curled claws slid out of their sheathes as Midnightpaw thought with annoyance that her mind had at all made up such a nasty picture. Emberpaw leaving the Clan! Psh. Like that would ever happen... Right?

Midnightpaw glanced around the apprentices' den, noting that some apprentices were still in there. Why, though? It was sunhigh! Then again, why was Midnightpaw still there? "I guess I'll go out for a while.." The apprentice mumbled, standing and sliding out of the apprentices' den, glancing around to see if Emberpaw was there. I'd give anything to hang out with him..

[Shizuka]

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[atrb=background,http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad342/Shizuka_Hyuga/Emberstrikemiddle.png][scrolly:h(224),w(328),sy, c()] ------------------------------ Emberpaw parted his jaws in a deep yawn, then stretched his shoulders. He was sitting in the camp, over near the apprentice's den, but outside under the warm sun, which made his ginger striped pelt seemed to shine as if the combination of the sun's warm glow and his darker orange stripes were flickering like fire. That very morning, he had gone out on an early morning dawn patrol, and he had been up training with Echofire last night, so as a result, this late in the morning, he was rather tired, and looking forward to a nice catnap under the sun's warm rays. But before he could think about whether right here was where he was gonna do it, his stomach growled, persistently reminding him that he hadn't eaten since yesterday evening either. Emberpaw stood up and headed for the fresh-kill pile, passing by the apprentice's den entrance. Then again, he wondered, what Midnightpaw was up to. This morning, when he left for the dawn patrol, Midnightpaw and the others were still sound asleep. But now he wondered if she had gone out or was still in camp. He was a bit sleepy, but he was thinking he'd give anything to get a nice chance to hang out with the pretty she-cat at a time like this when the weather was nice and he had nothing else to do. Emberpaw picked a squirrel from the pile and began to hungrily munch on it, the taste a relief to his exhausted body, and filling him with energy again. ------------------------------ ooc || ~ word count || 257 muse || still recovering, but good enough to crank up a post ;3 tags || Midnightpaw [/scrolly]

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[*Midnightsoul*]

Midnightpaw stood in her nest, stretched, and slipped out of the apprentices' den, eyes nearly automatically searching for, and successfully finding, Emberpaw. "Hey, Emberpaw," Midnightpaw began, padding nervously over to the tom, feeling her skin burn; and the burning definitely wasn't from the sun, "how would you like to take a walk with me today? I'm not too into hunting at the moment, but some time out of camp would be good." After the words were out, the she-cat wondered how she possibly managed to get that many words into her mind, let alone release them to Emberpaw!

Midnightpaw's jaw had to be kept closed by force, and that was hard. Emberpaw's amazing ginger pelt looked even better in the sun! I can't believe myself! Mooning over a tom like this! Ah, well, at least the tom I'm mooning over isn't a mouse-brained fox-heart.. I hope. Nah; Emberpaw's too nice for that. Right? Having doubts about Emberpaw definitely wasn't on Midnightpaw's to-do list, and it wasn't something she liked doing. Right. Emberpaw's awesome! She thought, holding back a purr. What to say next? What am I going to say to him when we take a walk- no, if we take a walk. Oh, please, Emberpaw, don't say "no"! I'm so bored, and hanging out with you would be great! Midnightpaw pleaded silently, claws almost unsheathing, though she just barely managed to keep them sheathed, which must've been a gift from StarClan.

[Shizuka]

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[atrb=background,http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad342/Shizuka_Hyuga/Emberstrikemiddle.png][scrolly:h(224),w(328),sy, c()] ------------------------------ Emberpaw looked over quickly hearing a familiar voice, one that he was very happy to hear, and calling out his name. Meeting Midnightpaw's gaze, he couldn't help but smile pleasantly, although on the inside, he felt like his fur really was on fire from the heat that coursed through his veins in his bashfulness. After recovering from the inner shock that Midnightpaw actually was asking him to go on a walk with her, he replied quickly, hoping that he hadn't been silent too long, and hoping that Midnightpaw hadn't already gotten bored of him. "S-sure. I would like that." He meowed softly with a shy nod. It would be just him and Midnightpaw, alone together! He wondered if Midnightpaw could hear his pounding heart, but couldn't hold back a happy purr. ------------------------------ ooc || ~ word count || 132 x.x muse || dead tags || Midnightpaw [/scrolly]

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[*Midnightsoul*]

He's not replying.. He's not replying! StarClan, let him reply.. Please? Midnightpaw's leafy green eyes widened slightly and she trembled in a fear that the tom wouldn't reply, or would reply with a "no". The fear grew stronger with every heartbeat that was spent in a doubtful, anxious wait for the words that Emberpaw would speak to Midnightpaw, if any.

The she-cat stopped trembling and every doubt and fear that she held a moment ago instantly disappeared as Emberpaw answered with "S-sure, I would like that." Midnightpaw purred, closing her eyes in relief, and to narrow them again, and said, "great! Any specific place, Emberpaw? You can lead." She dipped her head to the tom. Midnightpaw was a follower, much more so than she was a leader, anyway. However, if necessary, she would lead, but unless the orders were ridiculous, Midnightpaw would rather follow.

[Shizuka]

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[atrb=background,http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad342/Shizuka_Hyuga/Emberstrikemiddle.png][scrolly:h(224),w(328),sy, c()] ------------------------------ Emberpaw blinked and meowed shyly. "I didn't have any specific place in mind..." He began, worried that Midnightpaw would be disappointed with his answer, "but, anywhere is okay with me." he meowed, smiling. He stood up, and then realized that he must actually be getting taller, like his father Howlingwind, for the height difference was slightly noticeable now between him and other apprentices. He felt like his heard was racing, and this must have only been the best dream he ever had. But it was real. He wasn't a kit anymore; he could accept reality when it was real. And he had accepted long ago that his feelings for Midnightpaw were real. He wanted to get to know her better, and hoped deep in his heard that she might possibly like him too... Emberpaw began to head in the direction of the camp entrance, sensing Midnightpaw not far behind. For now, he was content just to walk the forest, and enjoy a "date" with his favorite cat in the whole world under the warmth of New-Leaf. ------------------------------ ooc || ~ word count || 177 muse || x.x tags || Midnightpaw [/scrolly]

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[*Midnightsoul*]

"Alright, so just around the territory, then?" Midnightpaw mewed, though it was more of a comment than a question. When the tom stood up, Midnightpaw blinked in surprise as she noticed he was bigger than her. Well, I definitely don't want a mate who's smaller than I am! The she-cat thought, blinking at Emberpaw. Wait, what? The apprentice suddenly wondered what was going through her head, I-I don't even know if he likes me! What if he likes another cat? Fighting back a pout, the she-cat's mind continued to flood with thoughts, no fair! Emberpaw's mine when we're warriors! Midnightpaw thought fiercely.

The black-furred feline followed the tom closely, and upon reaching the outside, where there was much more space, Midnightpaw clung unintentionally to the tom's side, her fur brushing his. Well, even if he doesn't like me, at least I get to walk with him for now. She thought, almost purring. "So, uh.. How have you been lately?" Midnightpaw asked dumbly, trying to make conversation so she wouldn't feel like this whole thing was awkward, but she was failing quite miserably.

[Shizuka]

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[atrb=background,http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad342/Shizuka_Hyuga/Emberstrikemiddle.png][scrolly:h(224),w(328),sy, c()] ------------------------------ Emberpaw nodded. "Yeah...that would be good." he meowed, nodding. He began walking with his tail tip curled happily, and walked through the gorse tunnel to the territory beyond, and he felt his heart metaphorically skip a beat, feeling Midnightpaw standing so close to him. He welcomed her presence, and the feel of her soft shiny black pelt brushing his fiery pelt. But he wasn't sure if he had the guts to tell her something like that...yet. He wished he could tell her all of his feelings, but he had always been the quiet type. To suddenly change, would just be plain weird. But for now, he enjoyed letting Midnightpaw do the talking, like he always did, letting the other cats do the talking. He loved listening to her beautiful voice, and to get a chance to walk with her, alone, was a miracle, it seemed. Thank you, Starclan! he prayed, remembering to thank Starclan for these wonderful blessings, in the hope that Starclan might continue to bless him like this. At Midnightpaw's question, he blinked. Maybe Starclan really was favoring him! It seemed like the wonderful things he had always dreamed of were all coming true! Just the thought that Midnightpaw actually wanted to hang out with him, when she could easily go ask some other tom to hang out with her. No, I can't assume that she even likes me! What if she was turned down by all the other apprentices and cats, so her only choice was to resort to hanging out with me? What if she actually isn't happy to be with me? Realizing that the silence was stretching, he thought he at least should answer her. "I've been good." he replied, smiling. That's all I can say? He tried thinking of something else to say, before Midnightpaw got bored to death of trying to have a conversation with him. "Even though Echofire's been sick, he's still been able to teach me some things..." He meowed thoughtfully. Looking at Midnightpaw, he asked "So, how's your training with Tigerstar been going? Echofire said that I'm almost ready for my first assessment." He meowed, hoping to hear that Midnightpaw's training was going well too. Maybe we could become warriors together! And then we could sit vigil together! he hoped. ------------------------------ ooc || ~ word count || 379 ^^ muse || good tags || Midnightpaw [/scrolly]

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[*Midnightsoul*]

Just walking. No pressure in hunting or fighting, and it's just Emberpaw and I. Could this get better? Midnightpaw thought happily, taking a deep, content breath of the crisp air. "Glad to hear that you've been good." The she-cat muttered in embarrassment, feeling stupid for it after, really now? He may just think I'm a mouse-brain for saying that, but I can't say I blame him, considering I think that right about now.

Midnightpaw's ears perked when the tom started talking again, and she glanced warmly over at Emberpaw, blinking at him with vivid green eyes. "Sick, huh? That's horrible; I hope he gets better!" Clearing her throat, Midnightpaw added, "I-I uhh.. I don't really pay much attention to Clan gossip, but I believe it since you're telling me. That's quite nice of him to train you despite his sickness, though." The apprentice's tail tip flicked, and Midnightpaw looked down at her paws, "Tigerstar hasn't trained me since the beginning of apprenticeship." Midnightpaw looked back at Emberpaw with a spark of happiness, which normally would've been probably a bit of envy, "that's great! When you become a warrior, I'll be the loudest cat in the Clan to shout your name." DID I JUST SAY THAT OUT LOUD? IT WAS MEANT TO STAY IN MY HEAD! Midnightpaw screeched in her mind, pelt burning. She looked away from Emberpaw and slid her claws into the ground nervously, he probably has his eyes on another she-cat you idiot! But that doesn't mean I can't like him... Or does it?

Midnightpaw's mind began to whirl again, and she honestly hated it and wished it would stop. Why can't love- is this even "love"?- be simple? How come we don't get taught on how to deal with this stuff? Does every older cat just expect us to figure it all out on our own and find a way based on who we are? The apprentice sighed, well, if they haven't taught us yet, I suppose it's just what we have to do. Take a stand and figure it out as you go; just like a lot of things in life.

[Shizuka]

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[atrb=background,http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad342/Shizuka_Hyuga/Emberstrikemiddle.png][scrolly:h(224),w(328),sy, c()] ------------------------------ Really? Midnightpaw believed in him just because he said so? It warmed his heart a little to hear that, that at least someone cared to trust in his word when ever he did speak. Since he was known for being a quiet one, it sometimes seemed like older cats never took him seriously. When Midnightpaw explained to him that her mentor, the leader, Tigerstar, hadn't trained her at all since apprenticeship, Emberpaw's eyes widened in shock. "Not at all?" He meowed in surprise. "I mean, I believe you, it's just a shock..." he quickly explained, feeling his face go warm in embarrassment. Aww...I thought we would get to become warriors together, since we were apprenticed together. He thought sadly. No, I can't be selfish! Midnightpaw has been really nice to me! he scolded himself. "Really? ...Thanks." He meowed, and smiled gratefully to Midnightpaw. ------------------------------ ooc || ~ word count || 144 ^^ muse || ehh tags || Midnightpaw [/scrolly]

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[*Midnightsoul*]

"Y-Yeah.." Midnightpaw said with a flustered look. "Tigerstar has trained me once or twice, but I haven't even seen her in a few moons, sadly." The she-cat sat down and licked a paw before drawing it over her face and giving Emberpaw a happy glance. "Y'know, Emberpaw.." Midnightpaw began in a not-very-confident mumble, before forcing herself to speak up, and unintentionally spoke quickly, "you're the best cat I know. You're.. You're like..." Can I say it? Perfect? Midnightpaw hesitated for a few moments, I can't. Not yet. "You're very cool." The apprentice ended uncomfortably, looking down at her paws before flashing Emberpaw a quick look from her green eyes, then looking around at the territory, feeling her neck fur rise and the whole of her pelt blazing in what seemed like an eternal fire. I swear, if Emberpaw has his eyes set on another she-cat, I'm going to rip his eyes out of his head. The feline thought darkly, hating the possibility that Emberpaw might like another cat.

[Shizuka]

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[atrb=background,http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad342/Shizuka_Hyuga/Emberstrikemiddle.png][scrolly:h(224),w(328),sy, c()] ------------------------------ "I wonder if she's busy with something...I wonder what it is." Emberpaw commented, his deep voice calm and easy, but thoughtful. Seeing Midnightpaw stop and sit down, he sat down as well, and wrapped his tabby striped tail around his big white paws. His amber eyes widened in surprise. The words "You're the best cat I know." echoed in his mind several times. Really? He thought happily. Midnightpaw never lied about things like this. She spoke what was on her mind. He could only believe in her words, and accept them, and treasure them. He didn't even notice that Midnightpaw had paused mid-sentence for a few moments. Smiling warmly, a deep purr rose in his throat, and he looked down at the ground in embarrassment, since he was unable to hold back his purrs of joy. Looking back up at Midnightpaw, he shook his head. "I'm not really all that great. But thanks. I really mean it." He meowed, gratefulness in his words. He realized that with no other cat had he ever talked this much. It was a surprise, but also a good thing. He had so much to say that he wanted to tell Midnightpaw. Now, if only he could find the guts to tell her how he felt about her; at such a time, would he be glad, or regret it for the rest of his life? ------------------------------ ooc || ~ word count || 231 ^^ muse || ~ tags || Midnightpaw [/scrolly]

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[*Midnightsoul*]

"Who knows?" Midnightpaw looked up at Emberpaw with a worried gaze and shrugged, sighing after. "It's sad, but there's nothing we can do but move on." Blinking, strength returned to Midnightpaw's green eyes, and she licked her paw nonchalantly.

Tail drooping, Midnightpaw tipped her head slightly to the side, "what do you mean? Don't bring yourself down like that, Emberpaw! You're great, and if any cat ever tells you otherwise, let me know.. I'll teach them not to insult you." Ears flattening to her head, Midnightpaw crouched and hissed playfully, lashing a paw, claws sheathed, of course, out at Emberpaw, trying to gently hit him.


After a few minutes of messing around, Midnightpaw stood back up and looked away from Emberpaw, wondering what in the name of StarClan she was doing acting like a kit in front of the tom she liked! Now he'll think that your maturity is fake. It's not, though... I've not played around like that since I was a kit, and even then it was rare for me! Flicking her tail tip, the she-cat licked her flanks a few times each to try to hide that she was embarrassed, but it was probably no use; Midnightpaw felt the embarrassment she felt in the air around her. "I uhh.." The apprentice looked over at her peer, wondering if he had minded or not, "feel like an idiot for acting like a kit just then." Midnightpaw mewed quickly, clamping her mouth shut quickly after in realization that she'd said the words aloud.

[Shizuka]

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[atrb=background,http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad342/Shizuka_Hyuga/Emberstrikemiddle.png][scrolly:h(224),w(328),sy, c()] ------------------------------ "I guess..." Emberpaw sighed hesitantly, unsure if he should push the matter or not, and eventually deciding to agree with Midnightpaw that there wasn't much they could really do. Emberpaw purred as he gently rose a big paw and playfully defended himself from Midnightpaw's paw. "Thanks." he purred, smiling gratefully. He wasn't against playing and enjoying one's self, but he didn't do it as often as a playful cat should, so at first he was hesitant about going along with the game. He did know he had to be very gentle, since he was larger, and naturally heavier than Midnightpaw. His tail flicked and curled enthusiastically as he playfully tried to catch Midnightpaw's smaller, more agile paw, his claws sheathed safely in his paw. But it seemed like just as the game ended, both cats then reverted to their mature mind set, and fretted about how kit-like they had just acted. Emberpaw looked shyly down at his white paws, realizing that he had just shown a playful side of him that he had not shown to anyone else but his sisters. But hearing Midnightpaw say that, he realized that she felt the same way, and he felt a bit relieved. "U-uh it's alright." He meowed, looking up. "I kind of...lost myself there too...sorry." He tried to smile, even though his face showed he was still feeling a bit shameful about his childish behavior. ------------------------------ ooc || ~ word count || 233 ^^ muse || good tags || Midnightpaw [/scrolly]

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