LAND OF SURPRISES. [harmonypaw]

[( finchpaw )]

FINCHPAW,

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The surprisingly strong breeze that drifted off from the seemingly endless lake that stood before him was tinged with an icy chill. A chill that went deep into his very bones. The small ShadowClanner stood, his fur being buffeted by this unseen force and simply observed his surroundings. The clearing was empty, though this gladdened the apprentice's heart. How he despised the other clans. Their mere presence served to make him feel ill. The strong scents that came in waves off their ragged pelts was overpowering. However, he knew this clearing would not be deserted forever. This area was too widely known about and used by all four clans. He was surprised to discover that, deep down, curiousity was growing within him.

The reeds that grew around the edges of the lake in great clumps seemed to whisper to Finchpaw, as he sat, still staring into the silence and empty, untamed lands. He found his paws were moving and his heart was pounding. He moved closer and closer, now he was past the two fox - length boundary markers. He was now standing in ThunderClan territory. His heart seemed to be galloping in his chest, the thumping so loud he was sure it was raise the whole rival clan. For a moment, his eyes gleamed; what an adventure! The sensations flowing over him were at their peak, filling him with a reckless energy. Then the triumph vanished and he became more focused. In this stage, he seemed more dangerous, more of a real threat, despite his size and age. He was a force to be reckoned with, eager and defiant, he would spring at any enemy that came within his waiting paws reach.

Should he go further? It was a tantilizing idea, however he could not become careless. He began to think of himself as something of a spy. In his mind, he could justify his presence in their clan; though he knew they would not like it. His paws moved him along, until he was standing just under the shadow of an oak tree. He marveled at the difference that lay between both the pine and oak. While the slender pine tree provided a much darker atmosphere, suiting the gloomy aspects to his personality, the oak had a suprising magnificence that lightened his heart. For a heartbeat he stood, looking up. And then the moment was gone, and he was alert again, listening for all sounds of noise around him. It was likely he would meet a patrol, and what a meeting it would be! The reality of his disadvantage hit him hard. He made to back away, yet his paused barely moved, giving the oak behind him one last glance. He would capture its warmth in his aloof heart forever.

[Harmonypaw]

Harmonypaw

I'll keep you my dirty little secret,
Don't tell anyone or you`ll be just another regret,

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She moved elegantly her paws placcing themselves perfectly in line as she walked calmly. She had left the patrol as it headed back to camp, stating that she wanted to hunt for the clan, which was true, but more importantly she liked to watch the sun come up over the lake. She loved to watch it rise and blot out the stars as it came over the water. She flicked her ears and smiled to herself there was something on the wind today. Something new and exciting. As she rose up over the rise just before finding the lake before her. She flicked her ears and smiled as the sun sparkled off the water flashing in different colors of the morning. Red, gold, pink and blue. She sighed taking in the beauty of it as it chased the stars from the sky. She loved her clan. They had the most beautiful views, the strongest warriors, and the most compassionate leaders. She wanted nothing more than to serve her clan. As she looked out over the territory her heart soared watching the wind blow through the forest and across the clearings. Tasting the sweet scent of leaf-fall. The tang of dead leaves at her paws. The crunch and rustle of prey moving through the forest. She smiled and lifted her head to look in the branches of the trees nearest her. She watched a squirrel move jerkily down from it's nest in the hollow of an oak tree. It watched her tenitavely before dashing across the forest and making a brilliant leap into the arms of a waiting Hazel tree. She flicked her tail and turned back to the lake. There was enough prey for her to catch on her way back to camp. Just one more look...one more scent of the lake.

She opened her mouth and took a deep breath and froze her mouth hanging open. On her tongue was a taste so foul, so awful it could only be one clan. Shadowclan The word flew through her mind and she scowled slightly closing her mouth abruptly. She scanned the lake shore finding the pelt of a cat moving slowly away from the lake, away from the two fox-length barrier. She dug her claws into the ground but did not at once race to fight the tom. She thought through the situation why he could be there and settled on one fact. She didn't know and wanted to find out. Her curiosity got the better of her and she loped off down the slope to meet him. As she approached she raised her tail in a sign of greeting. Her bright hazel eyes dancing with curiosity as she stopped in front of Finchpaw. "What are you doing here?" She asked bluntly, tilting her head to one side and staring at him openly. Her eyes shone with curiosity and interest, nothign more. No malice, no challenge. She was looking only to learn information. She spoke again her voice as soft as a feather, and just as delicate "My name is Harmonypaw. This" She said sweeping her tial behind her to indicate the territory, "Is Thunderclan. I can tell you are from Shadowclan. Is there trouble in your clan?" Her question was honest, but she figured that had their been trouble she wouldn't have seen the young tom slinking away from the lake, he would have been racing toward camp. Still... perhaps he was nervous. She sat down wrapping her long luxurious tail around her paws and blinking at him sweetly.

My dirty little secret,
Who has to know?

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(Lyrics credit to All-American Rejects "Dirty little secret")

[( finchpaw )]

F I N C H P A W ,

A scent; it washed over him, tainted so strongly with the scent of ThunderClan he simply knew it must be one of them. Not long after, he noted a she – cat. Surely she was not much older than he, although he could not be sure. He was sure ThunderClan were a scrawny lot; this could well be one of their lesser warriors. A smirk played upon his face, contorting his features into a well – known expression for those that spent more than a little time in his company. He ducked a little out of sight, unsure of how this threat would react to his presence. Naturally, he did not expect a very positive or welcoming response; however, there were varying levels of negativity. He hoped she would decide to talk; talking was easier.. when he was in the wrong. Finchpaw could not help but admire the graceful stride with which she stepped. It was so appalling to find himself thinking in this manner, that he hissed into the air, cutting off the sound as it filled the air around him.

She saw him, as he knew she would. The look on her face seemed to reflect her irritation, but was she going to be as furious as he thought?! It was hard to judge, her claws seemed to be digging into the ground; a bad sign, if no other. However, her hazel eyes seemed to reflect curiosity, rather than hostility. Taking care not to let any sentiments show in his own eyes, he observed her up close. She seemed to be highly interested in him, though he could be simply interpreting her incorrectly; she was a stranger to him. Her pelt of black and orange and white was somewhat entrancing; unconsciously, he straightened his stance. She began to speak, almost immediately, and it seemed from her tone that she really was just curious. Her next statement, however, changed his attitude.

Trouble?! Those foolish ThunderClanners always had the nerve to assume that they were going to be of assistance. The question, no matter how politely phrased, put him on edge; made anger flow through his veins. ’There is no trouble,’ he hesitated before speaking, gritting his teeth with the words. Then, with the very next words he spoke, all resent had faded from his tongue. ’I – I just came to watch the sun rise,’ he tried to make his voice sound a little bit sheepish, mixed with innocence. ’The colors, you see, they’re so much prettier.. over here..’ He did not offer his own name, as she had done; better to conceal as much information as he could. He would be surprised if she acknowledged the lie, however she had a look of innocence and simplicity that he was rather glad of. The way she was blinking so sweetly seemed to further settle these qualities about her.

He looked out over the horizon and the colors he observed were indeed magnificence. It was in this moment he realized there was an element of truth in what he had told her. The array of colors that made up the sky had never really caught his eye before. Now he reflected, he doubted he had ever forced himself out on a dawn patrol. It was a sobering moment for the ShadowClan apprentice; he really was a lazy cat. He remembered where he was; what he had done with sudden clarity and stiffened. Why did he keep allowing his thoughts to wander?! More than a little frustrated with himself, he shot a glance at the ThunderClan she – cat sitting a little way from him. Why had she not attacked him, yet? Surely that was the brave, bold ThunderClan way. His eyes now narrowing, he made no move to leave her territory, yet he did not advance.

[Harmonypaw]

Harmonypaw

When we live such fragile lives,
It's the best way we survive

Her ears flicked forward giving her an even more inquisitive look. The trees up a ways on the shore rustled in the soft leaf-fall breeze, there was a chill coming down in the wind, and Harmonypaw fluffed her fur out against the slight chill. She looked up at the sun rise again and smiled. She could tell the tom wasn't being entirely truthful, but she didn't really care. He didn't look threatening. The colors in the sunrise as they erupted over the lake and crept up the shore spilled over her pelt and lit her eyes. The hazel in her eyes seemed to flash and shift like the water on the lake. She waited calmly for him to take in the sun-rise and turn back to her. His lack of name gave her a hint as to his desire to conceal information, but she wasn't going to let that happen. She was to curious, to nosy, and far to manipulative. Dancingbreeze sure was rubbing off on her. She looked down at her chest and gave the fur there a few quick laps with her tongue before looking back at the tom. Her eyes locked into his mischief playing in their churning hazel depths. She wanted to know more about this tom. And she would find out.

She stared into his eyes, almost the same color as the sky and smiled lightly, almost flirtatiously. "What's your name Shadowclanner?" She asked again tilting her head, and blinking at him. "I was always told that shadowclan cats were sneaky, and fox-hearted. But you don't seem that way at all." This was true. She had always been taught about the cunningness, and isolation of Shadowclan, along with Riverclan cat's being lazy and mousebrained, and Windclan cats being weak, and unorganized. In her innocence she never thought that these things could be incorrect, but this tom was clearly not sneaky, for he had not been hidden well when she approached, nor did he seem Fox-hearted, he didn't seem to be trying to confuse her with words, or lie to her. He seemed to be closed off which intrigued her even more and made her desire to find out as much about him even stronger.

She knew of course that the likelihood that he had really come to watch the sunrise was slim as a whisker, but it wasn't often that she had met other clan cats. She had yet to be to a gathering and her training so far consisted more of manipulation of toms than of battle moves and clan boundaries. Not to get her wrong. She loved Dancingbreeze like a sister and she was a great mentor, but Harmonypaw wanted to learn everything there was to learn and as quickly as possible. She looked back up at the rising sun and spoke softly, almost to herself. "The colors are beautiful aren't they? I wonder why no one else has ventured here to watch the sunrise. I try and come out at least a few times a moon." She sighed dreamily and blinked at the sky before turning back to him.

I go around a time or two,
Just to waste my time with you

[( finchpaw )]

F I N C H P A W ,

He could see curiousity in her eyes, her perked ears, her fluffy fur. It was written all over her and yet he was doing nothing to deter the rapidly progressing situation. It was when a smile lit up her face that he knew he was lost. Hopelessly lost. And disgusted by himself. The wind that had forced her to fluff out her fur only succeeded in making her look even more adorable as she stood there, framed by the towering oaks. He did his best not to look directly at her, oh try he did. It was her question that brought him back, saved him from himself and his own newfound desires. It was that simple phrase that alerted him to the way she was trying to be a sneak herself. He needed to watch his--

'My name is Finchpaw,' he was replying, almost blurting out the answer before his thoughts had even a chance to finish. What was the matter with him?! He was supposed to be cold and calculating. Had he forgot all those valuable lessons he had learnt? Just as he was trying to redeem himself in ways he was not yet sure how to, he noticed the way her eyes were locked onto his. Their bright hazel color seemed to dance before him, disrupting his usual pattern of thoughts. What kind of trickery is this? He knew he needed to get out before she had him captured. Finchpaw was now in a near state of panic, mixed with desire.

He was half - insulted and half - pleased with her next words. He did not like to think she thought him weak in any way, especially as he considered himself a pretty good sneak. However, at the same time, he was glad she had taken a liking to him; no matter how small. Finchpaw was a little disconcerted with the way she kept blinking at him; did it mean something? His heart was racing, and he just wanted all this confusion to go away. He found his claws had dug themselves into the earth around him, and he pulled them out, hoping she would not think him overly agressive. Just a little would be nice; enough to make her feel that he was very much in the dominant position, despite the fact that it was he who was in the wrong. 'I s'pose I'm just. . unusual,' he replied, almost breathing the words, lowering his head and peering up through his eyelashes as he spoke.

What are you doing, you fool?! His subconcious put forth it's very furious opoinion so loudly he was surprised the other apprentice showed no visible signs of shock. You shouldn't be doing this. . Conversing is bad. Yes, very, very wrong. She's ThunderClan. You're not. Or had you forgotten that already? He was a young cat fixated on his clan. He believed in having as little as possible with other clans, explaining why he felt so strongly about the conversion with one member. She appeared not to have noticed his raging thoughts, for she had not turned back to the sky.

'Yes. . yes, they are.' She was so right about everything! How had he never noticed their beauty before?! He sidled a little closer, hoping she would not lurch away from him. 'I'm not sure why,' he was blinking as he spoke, sounding more than a little vague; his voice still a murmur. 'I feel as though I could sit here forever--' he continued, with you. The part of his subconcious; the part that had been so angered before was now slowly slipping into the same hypnotic state. Was it this realization that caused his next words? He would never know. 'But.. I should be going. My - my clan needs--' Something died inside of him, quelling his urges, and instead, he let his tail flick frantically against the ground.

OOC: Oh wow. He's soo charmed by her. xDDD Though he's never really had any experience with she - cat's. .

[Harmonypaw]

Harmonypaw

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Tell me all that you've thrown away,
Find out games you don't wanna play,

Her eyes flashed as she took in his name. "Finchpaw." She said tasting his name. She liked it, it tasted of freedom, adventure and forbidden desires. She smiled lightly and looked away. What am I doing? He's from Shadowclan! Her heart felt torn. Perhaps she was imagining it. Perhaps he wasn't interested in her at all. Maybe she should chase him off, like the good Thunderclan apprentice she wanted to be. She dug her claws into the ground and quickly retracted them noting that he had done the same. She didn't want to seem aggressive for she felt anything but that. He spoke of himself, calling himself unusual. She looked up at him, her eyes flashing with compassion, honesty, and a bit of hope. "I don't think you're unusual at all. in fact If anything I think you're extraordinary." She felt her ears grow hot with embarrassment her eyes grew wide with her quickly spoken compliment and she turned away. She wasn't like this. She didn't act like a fool around toms. Not ones she knew anyway. She never acted like this around Warpaw. but of course, she had her reasons for keeping close to him. She forced the thoughts from her mind, but one lingered. Oakpaw. His face flashed across her mind and she forced back a sob holding the lump in her throat and forcing it away. She couldn't think of him now, not while Finchpaw was here. She didn't want him to know about Oakpaw. Not yet. What am I thinking. Am I betraying his memory by falling for a Shadowclan tom? Wouldn't he want me to be happy? She shook the thoughts from her head and looked up to find Finchpaw sitting beside her.

Her heart beat quickened as he moved closer. She looked back up at the sun which was inching it's way above them, the breeze had died a little and left a cold feeling to the air around them. The sky was mostly blue save the few clouds that stretched and chased each other across the sky. His voice came again, gentle as a whisper to her, and her heart quickened. I feel as though I could sit here forever-- She longed to hear two words placed at the end of that sentence. She longed for him to sit there with her forever. his next words made her heart lurch and churn with in her. But.. I should be going. My - my clan needs-- "Don't go." She blurted quickly and flicked her tail so it lay across his which was lashing on the ground behind them. She looked at him, knowing that she didn't want him to leave, but knowing that she couldn't force him to stay."I...I don't want you to leave yet. We've only just met...Surely our clans can do without us for a little while longer?" Her eyes pleaded with him. She hadn't felt like this for anyone since Oakpaw. She hadn't been attracted to anytom since he'd died. She didn't want that feeling to disappear. She didn't want Finchpaw to leave her. The gap between them was already to wide, Shadowclan and Thunderclan...it could never be, but she wanted it so badly. The borders were only smaller than a whisker but they divided better than a gorge. She inched closer to him, only a mouselength but close enough for her pelt to brush his. His scent wreathed around her and a peace settled over her, a peace she hadn't felt in moons. She had forgotten that feeling of absolute bliss had existed. Of absolute contentment could happen. I'm sorry Oakpaw...I won't forget you, and I will find whomever killed you, but I must move on...and...and starclan willing Finshpaw will walk this path with me. She was thinking to far ahead. They had just met. They were only friends right?

You are the only one that needs to know--
I'll keep you my dirty little secret,

(Lyrics credit "Dirty Little Secret" byAll-American Rejects)

[( finchpaw )]

F I N C H P A W ,

He looked around at the sound of his name, looking expectantly up and toward the sound of the word. This was before he realized she was simply running it over her tongue, so to speak. To cover his slight embarrassment; he looked back at the sunrise, hoping it would succeed to calm his nerves, to remove the tingle in his fur. Her next words startled him; perhaps there was hope that it wasn't just him that had 'fallen under a spell'. Unless he was just over thinking things; reading into her words for a hidden message that was simply not there. His fur felt ruffled, and he realized his thick pelt was standing on edge. He hastened to lower it, but not before he saw the own sheepish gaze of Harmonypaw. She thought him extraordinary! No she - cat had ever viewed him this way before. Oh why, oh why did she have to be from a different clan? His heart suffered, while his mind kept rigid in its views. He knew he had to leave before it went too far, whatever, 'it' might lead to, while the fact remained that his paws would not budge.

He felt tension grow between them, though it was not a feeling of anger or dismay that accompanied it; it was the feeling of mutual desire. The clouds became a welcome point of relief; they did not hold any appeal, at least, none other than their superficial beauty. The sky was safe, uncomplicated; it allowed him to think without doubt, yet his eyes were pulled back to hers. It seemed a long time since either of them spoke, after him admitting his need to leave, yet it could not have been much more than a heartbeat. Her eyes found his, beseeching him to stay, and he found a gasp slipped from his half - open jaws. The feel of her tail against his was somewhat ethereal; no cat had even made contact with him, or at least, not since late kithood. ShadowClan were not, in general, the most loving group of cats, at least, not in his experience. None of them certainly would have done something like this. . But then, they would have no need to. He would not have to leave, as he did with her. Suddenly, his need was clear. He had to leave. It was a sign. A sign of what, he was not sure yet, but his place was no longer here.

Her next words held him there, for good, it seemed. It was real! Her liking for him was true! All this thought of leaving had just been his own doubt! He was so relieved a purr could have rumbled from deep within his chest, and his flank could have gently brushed against hers. Of course, he did neither, for he did not show that kind of emotion. No he did not, he told himself sternly. 'I'm sure they can,' he murmured, dipping his head to hide the pleasure in his eyes. 'I - I really like you, Harmonypaw,' What was he saying? What was this madness escaping his lips? She was so close now, barely a mouse - length. Her scent was overwhelming, and sheer perfection swept over him. He was unaware she was feeling the same. Shaking his head, he tried to admend his statement. 'I - I mean, you seem nice. . for a ThunderClanner.' But his heart was not truly in it, and the statement sounded forced and bland. All he could do was wait; see how she was feeling, see how she would react. Surely, her closeness meant something, if only to break his heart with false sentiments. .

OOC: Ooh, 'cat's out of the bag' now. xD

[Harmonypaw]

Harmonypaw

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Who has to know?
The way she feels inside

Her ears flicked forward hearing him gasp, and her heart lurched, almost jumping from her chest. had she done something wrong? She quickly removed her tail, thinking He must not feel the same way...he's shocked that I would touch him Her eyes clouded with grief and she turned them away, so he wouldn't see. She wrapped her tail self-consciously around her paws, and gave her chest a few licks, trying to quell the discomfort in her soul. The heartbeats passed slowly, feeling like an eternity between each one. She shouldn't be here. She was a loyal Thunderclan cat. She didn't want to break the warrior code. She didn't want to...at this point he spoke, his words lighting a fire in her heart that burned through her eyes, and stole away her worries. 'I - I really like you, Harmonypaw She lifted her head and a purr rumbled from her throat. She pressed her body against his, their fur brushing and scents intertwining. The combined scent was one of pure happiness. She felt his heartbeat, and scented him, his Shadowclan scent wasn't that bad to her, and she realized that it was because it was so mingled with her own. She smiled and nuzzled her head under his chin purring like a kit.

As he spoke again, her purr caught in her throat, and she pulled her head away to look at him, a flash of hurt and embarrassment in her eyes. But his tone seemed forced and bland, not at all matching with his words, and this relaxed her and her eyes again went back to happiness and joy. She hadn't felt like this in so long. Not since Oakpaw's death at least. She pushed the thought of the tom from her head not wanting to ruin this moment with Finchpaw. She lifted her tail and batted his ear with it. "Furball" She smiled again blinking her eyes warmly and spoke ehr next words soft and delicate, not wanting to scare him away, but he'd already exposed his feelings, so what was she to be afraid of. "I...I really like you too Finchpaw...For a Shadowclanner I mean." She said and butted his shoulder with her head to let him know she was joking. In truth she wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of her day with him. To sit beside him sharing their warmth and letting their scents mingle on the border. She pressed against him again laying her head against his shoulder and looking out over the lake. As she looked over the lake she let her mind wander, and realized she didn't know much about Finchpaw, except that she liked him, that he was handsome, sweet, and...well, and form Shadowclan.

She pushed the gnawing guilt from her stomach, Surely Starclan would send a sign if they didn't want us to be here She thought and glanced toward the sky. Clouds drifted lazily across the sky, no omens that she could see, no storm clouds, and at this time of the morning there was no moon to cover. She sighed and leaned into Finchpaw hoping she wasn't being to forward. As she watched the clouds pass she smiled and flicked her ears skyward. "Look theres a rabbit! Do you see it? just above the tree line over the island?" When she was a kit she had spent many hours laying in the sun watching the clouds, seeing prey, other cats, sometimes dogs or large birds she'd only imagined. She wondered if Finchpaw would think she was mousebrained for wanting to look at the clouds, for seeing shapes there. She forced the thoughts from her mind not allowing them to hold her confidence captive. Who wouldn't like to spend a day away from apprentice duties staring at the clouds, with someone they cared about.

Those thoughts I can't deny
These sleeping thoughts won't lie

(Lyrics Credit to "Dirty Little Secret" by All-American Rejects)

Ooc: AWE!! they are so precious!!

[( finchpaw )]

F I N C H P A W ,

Her scent was strong, and the feelings he was experiencing as she pressed her body against his bordered on perfection. He was aware of a low rumbling issuing from deep within him. It seemed to well up, consuming him. Finchpaw was not sure how to deal with emotions of this intensity, so he lost that awareness. He let himself go; become a part of her, instead. Her scent was sweet and soothing; it was not something that was particularly hard to let himself do. The apprentice could have sat in that position forever, for everything in that moment seemed perfect. However, it seemed that this perfection was not allowed to last long, for already feelings of guilt were beginning to resurface. Her next words forced those feelings away, for just a little longer. She likes me, too. The young cat became aware of just how much relief accompanied that thought. He did care, in fact, he cared a lot more than he dared let himself know. 'I'm so glad,' he murmured, ensured that the words were lost in the headbutt that caused his head to fall a little into her flank. Her warmth was so much so that he felt his eyes begin to flicker, the lashes fluttering continuously, fighting against rest.

The young cat chanced a glance at Harmonypaw, admiring her form, before realizing that her eyes had, again it seemed, been attracted to the skies above them. Clouds flittered lazily overhead, and from the deep recesses of his logical mind, he realized her reason for doing so. The clouds were only white! No stormy gray, no inky black, no ominous signs of a storm and rain. This above all convinced Finchpaw that what he was doing was decent. His faith in the warrior ancestors was strong; he knew they at least would tell him which path he should follow. For now? He was content to be with her, wherever that would lead him. To near the island, it seemed, for it was there that she was now excitedly pointing her tailtip. He could not help but smile at her enthusiasm, before the grin left his face. He had sat up, somewhat abruptly, looking eagerly around on the ground. The young apprentice had then realized she was not pointing to a physical piece of prey, but a mere shape in the clouds! Embarassed for himself, he hastily pretended to be attending to an itch upon his pelt, hoping she would not jump to the conclusion he had fleas. He certainly did not, but one could never know how another's mind would react; not for certain.

He made the motions upon his pelt seem to be more rhythmic, as if he were licking the 'affected area'. Having done what he would have thought was a convincing job, he settled himself back down upon the wispy grass again. 'I see it!' he meowed, almost instantaneously, though he di d not. The ShadowClanner simply wanted to appear to be on the same wavelength as her. It was not so much that he was not aware of which cloudshape she was pointing to, yet simply that the rabbit shape she envisaged was nowhere to be found, for himself. 'And there goes a fox!' His mew was somewhat of a higher pitch than normal. 'And. . and a frog!' Why was this entertaining him so? His excitement could not even now be disguised. A sparkling idea occured to him, and his eyes shone to mirror it. 'Hey, Harmonypaw! Shall we go look a little further down?' He made sure he had pointed out his own cloud shapes with adequate time for her to see them. After all, that they shared the experienced was what mattered most. He found himself hesitating, after so boldly asking that question. 'I mean, I don't want to seem as if I'm intruding, too much, so we could just go a little back the other way?'

[Harmonypaw]

Harmonypaw

Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't

She flicked her ears and watched the clouds cross the sky lazily, as the breeze chilled her. She fluffed up her fur and pressed closer to Finchpaw trying to gain warmth from him. She flicked her eyes across the sky looking to where he gestured and smiling as he pointed to clouds. She wasn't going to tell him she knew he didn't see it. That was okay. He was trying to share the memory with her and that's what mattered. They were sharing the moment, and that made her heart burn with appreciation for him. She looked over to him her eyes flashing with humor and attraction for this tom before her. Hey, Harmonypaw! Shall we go look a little further down? His voice had taken back it's normal octave as he spoke and she looked down the hill toward the lake. She smiled lightly and flicked her tail bringing it out away from her paws and back around so it lay behind her stretched out and luxurious. She stood to her paws and gave him a wry look. His next words sealed her idea in her head and she smiled I mean, I don't want to seem as if I'm intruding, too much, so we could just go a little back the other way?

"Well I don't think your intruding, but I see where someone might." She said and glanced again back down toward the lake, gauging the distance before she turned and looked at Finchpaw her eyes flashing challenge and determination. "I'll race you to the shore." She said and with that she turned and raced down the bank, her Windclan muscles designed for this kind of sprint, but he was taller, older, and had a little bit more uscle than she did he may beat her but that wasn't what was important. Spending time together was what mattered. She didn't know if she'd see him after today. She hoped so. She hoped against everything that he'd want to see her again. That he'd want to keep seeing her, even into their warriorships. She smiled at the thought and flicked her tail skidding to a halt. She wasn't sure who had won. But again it didn't matter. She panted and smiled at him her eyes dancing. She felt the cool breeze but the run down the hill had warmed her up and she wasn't cold. She took a step forward and gazed at Finchpaw. She opened her mouth and then closed it looking away over the lake.

She didn't want to push to far with him. She didn't want to chase him away no She'd save that for another day. Maybe they would never meet like this again. She shook the thougth from her head and looked back at Finchpaw. "What is Shadowclan like?" She asked her voice honest and full of curiosity. She wanted to know as much about Finchpaw as she could learn. What his favorite food was, his favorite places to hunt, who his mentor was, if he liked them. She wanted to be a part of his life. And she hoped he wanted to be a part of hers.

Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?

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(Lyrics Credit to "Lead me" by Sanctus Real)

[( finchpaw )]

F I N C H P A W ,

The run had warmed him from the inside out, the memory of their playful dash secured in his mind. She had run with a grace he had not expected from a ThunderClan cat, though what did he really know about this clan? He had run, exerting all his strength into his leg muscles. The need to win had been strong in his mind, though he knew that it was not truly important. It seemed that being a part of ShadowClan had indeed ingrained that instinct in him; the instinct to be the best, in any situation. Though perhaps it was not entirely due to his upbringing. Finchpaw knew he had a tendency to want to succeed in his life. His mind settled the matter with a compromise; it was a little of both. He thought back now, realizing that he had only just had an edge on him. The lake now glittered before him, and he was glad of an excuse to collect his thoughts, while on the pretence of marveling at it. This was going far deeper than he could have possibly imagined. He was not sure where the events of today would leave them in future meetings; surely, this kind of situation could only lead to broken hearts and mixed - up feelings?

He smiled back at her, though he was sure sorrow would reflect in his eyes, no matter how hard he tried to hide it. What matters now is the moment. Just enjoy it, Finchpaw, he scolded himself, and now a genuine look of appeal spread itself over his features. He watched as she turned away from him, her pelt seemed to glow under the sun, in his eyes. She was like nothing he had ever seen before. I wonder what she's thinking. Desperation to know sealed itself in his mind. Was she perhaps experiencing doubts, as he had been, a mere heartbeat ago? Perhaps now she would have run her course with him, claiming he should leave, now, making up some feeble excuse to push him out of her life. Yet she did none of this, instead, inquired about his life. Glee as he had never known it settled upon him; the moment still lasted, and he was ever so glad it did. Yet the emotion was fleeting, for he was forced to think of his homeland. Her voice had sounded so honest, he felt almost devastated he was not going to give her such a nice response.

'ShadowClan. . well, it's like they say it is.' By they, he meant any story she may have heard from any other cat; no doubt they were the same. 'They're a dark group of cats, - they're? why did I say 'they're'? - 'but I mean we're just ambitious.' He shrugged, now beginning to feel she may be 'turned away' from him, due to his clan's nature. 'There's a lot of marsh on our territory! Too much, I say. It's nothing like this. .' His eyes were drawn back to the forest of oaks, where light actually reached the ground. He admired it so much; she was so lucky, in his opinion. 'Errm,' - he struggled for more comments about his clan - 'we eat squirrels, birds. I tried a frog, once,' - he let out a small chuckle - 'it was rather repulsive. And what about you?' He was so much more eager to know about her. To him, she was fascinating. His glowing eyes, fixed upon hers, waiting for her to open up to him.

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[Harmonypaw]

Harmonypaw

I'm stuck on you
Whutooo whutooo

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She had caught the look of sorrow that had passed over his face before she turned to look at the lake and spoke. She didn't want to confront it for she felt she knew where his sorrow abounded from. The same place as her own. The future for them was uncertain, and dark at best. She knew they were breaking the warrior code, but her heart learned to be close to Finchpaw. Yearned more than anything to see him day after day. She shook the thought from her head and shifted her gaze back to him as he spoke about Shadowclan. The stories she'd heard hadn't been kind to Shadowclan they had told of Foxhearted, evil cats slinking through the shadows doing their hunting at night. Ambushing their enemies and slipping back into the shadows without being seen. Monsters the elders had called them. She stared hard at Finchpaw and looked him over, he wasn't anything like that. He was kind, and gentle, he hadn't harmed her at all, he wouldn't she trusted him.

As he gazed around thunderclan territory, she felt a blaze of pride. He liked it. He wasn't like your average clan cat. most enjoyed only their territory and couldn't imagine hunting or training anywhere else. She smiled at him her eyes flashing hope. His words about the frog brought a smile to her face and her eyes lit up with humor and life. "I can't imagine eating a frog." She said sticking out her tongue and making a disgusted albeit probably cute face. She shook her head and smiled at him. his questions sent a spark of hope through her again. He wants to know about me too. She thought flicking her tail lightly. She paused, looking out over the lake thinking slowly, before answering him. She didn't want to seem as though she thought Thunderclan was the best...but she did didn't she? As an apprentice of Thunderclan she was taught that she was in the best clan, otherwise what was the point of defending it. Going to battle if you didn't think you would win against a stronger clan. She forced the deep thoughts from her head and turned back to look at Thunderclan territory.

"Well, we're honorable, we're not very secretive, I mean not compared with Shadowclan, who holds their secrets close, as I'm told." She glanced at him hoping she hadn't offended him. "We hunt squirrels, mice, birds, shrews, voles, sometimes even rabbits when they stray to far from the moors." She mewed licking her lips and scenting the tang of mouse and squirrel coming form the oak forest near by. "We're really good at stalking through the undergrowth, and fighting in close quarters." She said and turned back to him. "I love it here," She said speaking more of the moment then she was of her clan. She didn't want the day to end, but the sun was creeping ever steadier toward sun high. She felt it's warm rays hitting her pelt, warming her despite the cool breeze coming off the lake. She flicked her ears and looked back at the lake. The waves were lapping steadily at the shore in such a rhythm that she pulled her haunches under her and sat, not wanting to loose her balance and stumble while watching the lake.

She wrapped her tail around her paws, and hoped he could come sit and join her. She didn't want this time to end, not without them promising to meet again. Perhaps next time they could meet at the island, but that was so far. Maybe they could meet at the border.if they stayed on their own sides, they wouldn't be breaking the code again would they? She shook the thougths from her head not wanting to dampen the situation they were in. "Do you like Shadowclan?" She asked calmly flicking her gaze down to her paws and scuffling the sand about the shore in front of her. Her bold question hung around her like a haze of bad decisions. What would she do if he said no. What if he wanted to run away and take her with him. She flicked the thoughts from her head with a twitch of her whiskers. What if he said yes, and wanted her to come live there. She was getting ahead of herself. She couldn't think about the future now. THis was about today. And nothing more. Right?

Stuck like glue
You and me baby we're stuck like glue

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(Lyrics Credit to "Stuck Like Glue" by Sugarland)

[( finchpaw )]

F I N C H P A W ,

It was one of the first times Finchpaw had experience another being amused by him. More than often, he was viewed to be a serious little cat, dedicated to the clan and warrior code, with little thought for anything else. This smile seemed to herald a new era in his life. Her tongue emerged from her mouth in a motion that was probably meant to show disgust; it certainly fit the remark she made and was not in any way out of place. Perhaps it was the fact that he had fallen for her so strongly, but the expression only succeeded in increasing his attraction. No doubt she was aware this would be at least part of the affect, for him. He kept his feelings to himself, however; no need to start becoming overly open about his emotions. 'It's certainly not an experience I would recommend,' he replied with a wry smile. She seemed to be radiating pleasure; he could feel it running off her pelt. Was it simply the fact that he had inquired about her life? It certainly seemed that way, given the response had come directly after his words. At least, that was the way this apprenticed planned to see the matter.

He acknowledged her feelings with a brief dip of his head. Of course he knew all that already. ThunderClan, he thought, have a reputation of thinking they are so brave and honorable and majestic. He was surprised at himself, afterward; this was the she - cat he so desired and here he was, thinking most scornfully about her clan! But he couldn't help himself, it was as if those feelings had been bred into him. . oh, StarClan, don't let our clans drive us apart! 'Yes, we are rather secretive, aren't we? was his only murmur, though a small smile crossed his face, as if he were consoling her that this was known to him. He was becoming almost lost for words. 'You hunt so much more of a variety! I don't think I've hunted half those prey you just mentioned! Well, certainly not the shrews or voles or rabbits. .' The words burst out of him, as if he had had to be silent for moons. Part of him was dying to try out the tastes of these unknown prey.

He was suddenly overcome by enthusiasm. In a way, this was not surprising, given that hunting and stalking was by far his best ability. 'Shadowclanners use stealth, y'know, the cover of our rather dark territory,' he said, somewhat ruefully; would she think him the same? He hoped their prolonged meeting would show otherwize. 'My clan tends to fight as sneakily as they can, though no doubt you knew that already.' The last phrase was somewhat hurried. He felt his gaze drawn again to the lake, with it's soothing sounds and uncomplicated presence. He knew this meeting would have to be ended soon. . his clan would be wondering about his lack of presence. Finchpaw knew he needed to wrap this magical time up, somehow, no matter how much he did not want to. He moved, settling down beside her and gazing directly into her eyes; no lies, from this ShadowClanner. Her next question distracted his train of thought.

Do I like ShadowClan? His thoughts had never been more deep. In some ways, he adored his clan; they were so proud and vengeful, loyal until the end, never wavering from any challenge thrown at them. It was just so much like him; so many of those traits had emerged in his personality. It was this fact, and primarily this fact alone, that made him want to continue to belong to his clan. My whole life is there. . my family. . my achievements. But then. . there was that other side. The side that made the rumors true that 'cold winds blow over the hearts of ShadowClanners'. It made them ruthless, for the little he had seen of the warriors in action. Even his fellow apprentices could become overly competitive, to the point where he began to fear for his safety. Of course, he told her none of this; how could he sound so conflicted before her? 'Honestly? I'm not sure. I know it sounds silly, but now more than ever I don't know how to view my Clan.'

He imagined she would tear herself away from him, filled with disbelief at the doubt he had for his own clan. No right - minded cat would want to be around him; not after that. Time to wrap it up. . 'Look, Harmonypaw, I don't want to leave, you know that, but it's closing in to sun - high. I'm needed for a patrol. . It's just that, I don't want you to think I'm just going to disappear on you; I'm not like that. I may not be certain about my clan, but I am certain about one thing; and that is, I'd like to see you again, Harmonypaw, if you're willing?' He was almost gulping for air now; now the rejection would come, filling him with a deep, unmovable sorrow. He let the question hang, while he prayed to the warrior ancestors he held so much regard for; oh please, StarClan, let me keep this cat. .

[Harmonypaw]

Harmonypaw

'Cause I don't know how it gets better than this
You take my hand and drag me headfirst, fearless

She smiled at his small exclimation about the types of prey Thunderclan hunt. "I like not eating the same old thing everyday. I could never be a riverclan cat. All that slimy fish? Blech!" She mewed her eyes flashing in amusement again. She flicked her ears and turned to look out at the lake again. Her eyes closed as he spoke of Shadowclan her ears pricked and listening her mind imagining him stalking through the dark forest, and a wave of pride again shot through her echoing across her body, bouncing off her heart and into the pit of her stomach, but this time for Finchpaw, not for her clan. "I bet you're a brilliant stalker." She mewed softly and turned to him her eyes opening and flashing the pride she felt for him across their hazel depths. She turned back to the lake and shrugged off his comment about sneaky Shadowclanners. She didn't want to think about that. "Shadowclan has their strengths, just as Thunderclan, and the others have theirs." She mewed wisely.

She flicked her tail tip and glanced sadly at the sky, knowing that their time was sure to end soon. Dancing breeze was sure to be looking for her, the dawn patrol would have been back ages ago. She was lucky they hadn't sent a patrol out to fetch her. She looked at him as he confessed his doubts and she smiled lightly feeling his apprehension come off him in ripples. She nodded understandingly. "It doesn't sound silly. I think everycat has doubts about where they belong." She mewed again showing wisdom beyond her years. She twitched her whiskers and turned to him her eyes confident and strong. "But I know starclan has placed you where you are for a reason. They want you in Shadowclan" She mewed and nudged his shoulder with her head as he sat beside her. Even if I wish it were otherwise. She thought her gaze flickering uncertainly.

His next words brought such conflicting feelings to her that she remained silent for a few heartbeats. Sadness ate at her heart, knowing that seeing him again had become the most important thing to her. Along with the sadness came a sense of accomplishment. They had succeeded in spending the first half of the day together. Neither of them were caught by their clanmates, and they had forged a bond deeper than either of them had probably ever experienced. Attached to the tail of this sense was a cloud of fear and apprehension. She knew in her head that meeting with him, loving a tom from another clan was wrong, but surely starclan would have sent a sign. At this thought and his expression of desire to see her again, hope once again flared in her chest, and she wanted nothing more than to agree with him. This feeling seemed to chase out all but one other, a feeling of attraction. She feared to call it anything stronger, having only met once, but she wanted nothing more than to spend time with this tom.

She turned her gaze to him her eyes churning with these feelings like the lake after a storm, but below them her mouth twisted upward in a smile and she nodded, unable to speak. She leaned against him, knowing this may well be the last time until they met againShe let her purr rumble from her chest and it said all she couldn't. She felt his fear hit her like a sharp claw and she shook her head pulling away so she could look up at him once more. "I cannot wait to see you again brave Finchpaw." She said reaching up to lick his cheek delicately. She let her mind wander for a moment day dreaming about their next meeting, and something told her they should not meet here. "Where shall we meet and when?" She paused her eyes drifting to the ground her claws digging into the ground under her nervously, before speaking again, laying her heart on the ground before him, "I-I don't know how long I can stay away." She mewed honestly lifting her gaze to his again and then laying her head on his shoulder. She took a deep breath drawing his scent over her tongue knowing it could be awhile before she scented it again.

And I don't know why but with you I'd dance
In a storm in my best dress, fearless

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(Lyrics Credit to "Fearless" by Taylor Swift)

[( finchpaw )]

F I N C H P A W ,

She was so wise. This had been something he had been little aware of, until her comments about his expressed doubts. Again, that feeling that she was just so right about everything she said came back to fill him entirely. It was in this moment he felt the least doubtful he ever had before. Her later comments had hurt him, cut him deep, because he knew that it was most likely true. He was meant to be in ShadowClan, and no cat would ever forget it, no matter how much he wanted to just live his days out with her. Perhaps he was feeling too strongly about her, but somehow he knew this was no mere crush! It was true, what he was feeling, though he had never felt it before, so how he was so sure, he did not know. He felt her weight against his flank and his heart sank, though it was not that the pressure was unwanted, it was more that he would miss her constant companionship so. It feels as if we've known each other for seasons. . How can that be? It's as if. . I like her better than my fellow apprentices!

The thoughts both shocked him, though failed to. It was as if he were finally admitting to himself what he had been beginning to feel all along. This realization caused a change in young Finchpaw. She was a cat who liked him for who he was and no boundary, no matter how deep or ancient, could keep them apart! Her words pulled him out of his daze, in which he had just begun to confess his utmost love to her. Naturally, he would not come on so strong, for fear of scaring her away. He knew that just because she appeared to share a level of affection for him did not mean that she would be prepared to have him in her life forever. Though, he wished he knew for certain if she did or not. . it would certainly take the stress he knew he would experience, later on, until a definite decision had been reached. She thought him brave! Oh, if only she knew the confusion he was facing at this very second! He wished she would have kept her head there, resting against him. It was about the only thing truly keeping him together.

He echoed the purr that he had heard earlier, as she licked his cheek. It spoke for everything he could not manage to tell her; the affection. . the desire. . Does every cat feel like this, when they find the one they truly adore? he thought, feeling his heart throb as she came into his thoughts again. Her next question brought him back with a bump, for the second time. 'I - I'm not sure. Perhaps, not here, at least, not this next time.' His eyes began to shine as he thought of all the possibilities. The fact that they were in different clans had one, small benefit; it was more exciting. Somehow, the thought of meeting in secret, of actually keeping one with another made him feel strangely accomplished. He did not express this new feeling to her, for fear that she would find him a little unusual. He remembered his true reason for silence; a place to meet, and instantly one sprang to mind, as if his thoughts had just been waiting for him to focus.

'There's a clearing. . on my territory.' He noticed how nervous she had become, with her claws digging into the earth, and paused, pressing himself against her, before feeling the weight of her head on his shoulder again. Already, the feeling was so familiar and comforting that he rasped his tongue across her ear before continuing. 'It's un - used, which is why I'm suggesting it. ShadowClan has no need for it. . we - we just keep it to look more accomplished.' How terrible of his clan, though that was not the issue at the present moment. 'I - I'm not sure how you'd feel about coming so far onto my territory though,' he paused again. 'There's always the Twoleg nest? I know, it sounds bad, but we could meet near it. There's no kittypets there, or at least, they wouldn't bother us?' He hoped one of these suggestions would be useful; he really wanted to secure a next meeting with her. He felt it would be the only thing to keep him going. 'What do you think?' he finally mewed, a hint of desperation intertwined into his voice.