“Vineripple, I’m-I’m glad you’re back.” She heard his voice catch and saw his eyes shining. “It-I don’t know-.. I don’t know what I would have done if you.. If you hadn’t made it back. I don’t think I’d ever forgive myself.” “For what?” “Just-.. Vineripple, I don’t-Nightshade is my mate.” He took a step closer. “I love her.” She took a step back. “I know.” He took another step forward. “And, when you were gone, we, well. Something happened.” Vineripple stared defiantly at her paws, her injuries only vaguely aching. Thornstar didn’t continue. Slowly, a cheeky smile crept across her face and she felt Thornstar frown. “What?” “We match.” “W-What?” Smirking, Vineripple gestured to Thornstar’s back leg that had never healed quite right from when he had injured it as an apprentice. Her same leg was now in a splint. She saw a grin crack across Thornstar’s face as the realization set in. “You’re right. Hopefully yours heals better than mine, though.” Vineripple smiled up at him and he smiled down at her. The sun danced lightly across their faces, and suddenly Vineripple was engulfed in his warm, gray fur, breathing in each other’s comforting scent. “Vineripple, I missed you so much.” Thornstar breathed, holding her close. “I was so, so scared.” “So was I.” She breathed. “I thought I’d never see you again.” She couldn’t help but laugh as the cliche words left her mouth. But, they were true, weren’t they? Thornstar laughed, too. “Look at you, actually being sweet for once.” “Don’t get used to it.” She purred, still engulfed in his warm embrace. “Thorn?” The moment was over. Thornstar practically leapt away from Vineripple, seeing Nightshade standing off to the side, tail wrapped around her stomach. “Nightshade!” Vineripple swallowed, stepping back. She could feel the pain now. The she-cat’s blue eyes flicked between the pair as Thornstar stepped to her side, wrapping his tail protectively over her shoulders and nuzzling her ear. Vineripple looked away. “I’m gonna.. I’m gonna finish my walk.” She muttered, turning on her heel and walking away. She needed to clear her mind.
