[p]One foot in the ground, I say Here We Go!

[Crown_Sage]

Fallensky watched as Fleetflash sat alone in the clearing, her heart pounding anxiously. She knew, but he didn't. What would he think? It had been only a couple days since he'd become a warrior, so would he freak out? Would he be angry at her? No. Fleet's not like that. The she-cat flicked her ear, padding up to Fleetflash.

H-hey, Fleetflash. She murmured, tipping her head affectionately. What's up? Her voice shook, and her paws trembled. She purred, but it was rocky. She was nervous, but she did her best to hide it.
{ @Luna16 }

[Luna16]

CW: this character often experiences symptoms of PTSD and anxiety.

Fleetflash was still…reeling. It was an odd feeling, not having -paw at the end of his name. Not waking up extra early to go training. Waking up in the warrior’s den instead of his usual nest at all! Fleetflash..! He had asked Twilightstar to choose a name that honored his path, his connection to her and Dustbunny, and his connection to the clan. It was an impossible ask, he wasn’t even sure if he knew what he was asking for. But somehow, she’d done it. He couldn’t help but purr, wrapping his long tail around his paws. His gaze simply…drifting. Warmly observing his clanmates.

His ear swiveled at the welcome sound of familiar pawsteps. Fleetflash was already turning to face Fallensky, purring in greeting. “H-Hey.” He mewed, reaching out to touch his nose to her’s. Despite her attempts, Fleetflash could hear her anxiety. Her racing heart and the quivering in her voice…it made him feel tense. Had something happened? The tall, skinny tom’s gaze grew concerned and serious. “I-Is e-everything…okay?” He asked, eyes rounded with concern.

Fallensky had returned to the clan from her exile just in time to see his ceremony, he’ll never forget the moment. Of course, as hectic as it had been, she didn’t have the opportunity to ask him what she had mentioned asking him about before…but he was too nervous to bring it up himself. And besides, he was simply enjoying being near her in the waking world again. Being able to share a den with her again, and be openly affectionate, was almost more than he could bare already.

Oh no…what if…what if she doesn’t want to be close anymore? The thought made his own heart pound, but he shoved it off. He knew he needed to be more present. Wait and listen…like in the tunnels. Don’t try to decide what path the tunnel will take, let it show you. In this case…let Fallensky tell you herself what she’s feeling. He took a breath, blinking at her warmly before touching his muzzle to her’s. Silently letting her know that he was there, present, and ready.

{ @Crown_Sage - Fallensky <3 }

[Crown_Sage]

Fallensky purred as she touched her nose to Fleetflash's. We... We're having kits... She murmured, firmly pressing against his flank. Don't be mad... Don't be sad... She silently begged, her eyes narrowing. Stars, Fleet. I missed you so much... I... She broke off, leaning into the newly named warrior.
{ @Luna16 // Oml I love them }

[Luna16]

CW: this character often experiences symptoms of PTSD and anxiety.

Fleetflash was about to start apologizing for whatever wrong he committed right away, the moment Fallensky inhaled to give her announcement. But then, she spoke. And his words froze in his throat. He made a type of…rusty croaking sound. Air escaping his tightened throat - like what he imagined it might sound like to poke a claw into a frog when it’s mid-croak. K-Kits?! Did he…did he hear that right? He gave Fallensky’s ear an affectionate lick instinctively when she came close, but his eyes were still rounded. Disbelief. Shock. How was that…no. Asking how it was possible was pointless.

A millions thoughts whirled in his mind. He never had a father, not really. He didn’t know what that meant, all he knew was his mother died when he was very young and then he was alone. What was a father supposed to be like? He didn’t know the first thing about it. Which means he didn’t know what the expectations were, just that he was probably going to fail miserably at it. Yeah yeah, the kits are probably screwed with you as a dad. But Falls needs you to react idiot! Ugh, again with that mean inner voice. But it was right, he had yet to outwardly react to Fallensky’s news.

Not wanting her to think he was upset, he touched his muzzle to her’s affectionately. A raspy purr forcing its way from his tightened throat. “I-I’m s-so sorry Fallensky…I-I was just…s-surprised.” He mewed, referring to his pause and lack of response. “I-I’m n-not upset…I-I pro-promise.” Just terrified. He angled his head down, resting his forehead against her’s to hold her gaze. “I-Is…is th-this r-really…wh-what you w-want?” He asked, his voice solemn.

Given what Fallensky has expressed in the past, he had a feeling he knew her answer. But still…they hadn’t really had a chance to discuss this. So, Fleetflash being who he was, he just had to make sure… He didn’t want her to feel trapped with him, like she had to honor her promise from their youth. He’d understand completely if she wanted to raise them on her own or with a more competent warrior. From what he recalled, her family hadn’t been all that impressed with him to begin with…that alone could be reason enough for her to decide she didn’t want to be with him after all. Whatever her decision, Fleetflash would support her as much as she allowed. He just…didn’t want her to feel pressured.

{ @Crown_Sage - Fallensky <3 }

[Crown_Sage]

Fallensky let out a gasp of relief, her heartbeat slowing a little. T-thank you, Fleetflash. For always being here for me. She murmured, closing her eyes. Her tail swished against his nose, and she purred. He wasn't upset... He wasn't disappointed. It made her happy. I... I care so much about you... I just... The light in her eyes returned as she realized one thing.

Fleet... I know this is selfish of me, but... The she-cat broke off, her cheeks swelling up with heat. It's... It's not what I want. She exhaled, staring into his perfect, innocent eyes. There's just one more thing. She mewed, flicking her ear. One more thing...

I... I want to be your mate, Fleetflash. I've wanted to since I met you. And I promised you... Fallensky croaked, shifted over a bit, just in case he needed space. She didn't deserve him. She had failed her clan over and over, and here she was, offered the best cat in the world. I'd like it if you'd be the father for our kits... She put out quietly, lowering her head anxiously. I... I understand if you need time to think... Or if... if you don't want to...
{ @Luna16 }