Parting of such sweet sorrow (PRIVATE)

[Vessel]

[ @Slushie ]

Sunsnow pulled away, resting his paws on the other tom's shoulders.

What?

His eyes focused on Buckbranch's, expression unreadable as he thought for a long moment, never blinking.

"Buckbranch..."

He hesitated, brow furrowed.

"Fox-dung, Buckbranch, your'e so confusing!"

But he wasn't angry- the tabby warrior merely shook his head and sighed.

He was torn. His own mind was at war.

Stop making this harder for me.

Demand that I stay!

Push me away like the crowfood I am.

Tell me I'm your everything.

Let me go.

Don't...

Don't...

Don't leave me alone.

But he spoke none of these words aloud, for he had caught sight of a certain she-cat who seemed to think that if she glared at him hard enough, she could set him on fire.

"It seems I've overstayed my welcome.", he murmured, flicking his tail at Dusk.

"I have to go now."

But he didn't move. He only stood there, staring beseechingly at Buckbranch.

Not wanting to say goodbye.

[dino.]

[ @Vessel ]

He let out a choked sort of laugh. "I know. I've been told many times."

He followed Sunsnow's gaze to the other cat before tearing his eyes away. He couldn't bear to think of her right now. The thought just brought so much heartbreak with it.

"Okay," he murmured, eyes glossy once again. "I'm going to miss you, you know." Then he stepped forward and pulled his friend into another embrace. His throat was tight with unreleased sobs, but he forced them down. He couldn't break down again. Not here. Not now.

[Vessel]

[ @Slushie ]

Sunsnow nodded, blinking rapidly as his eyes stung with tears.

This is it.

This is really goodbye.

The tom swallowed, wishing for all the world it wasn't true.

But it was.

It was time to go, and there was nothing he could do about it.

I can do this.

"I'll miss you too, Buttercup."

The tabby gave him a halfhearted smile.

"Now, you go get your deputy rank back."

...

...

I love you.

Suddenly, Sunsnow couldn't move.

He couldn't breathe.

I'm about to leave the only cat I've ever cared about.

His mind wavered for a moment, trying desperately to find a way to stay before the olive-eyed cat pushed the thought out of his head.

I will count to three, he thought, and then I will turn around and leave. I won't linger any longer.

One.

Is this it? Will I ever see him again?

He gazed at Buckbranch's face, intent on memorizing every detail, just in case.

Two.

He noticed that only one eye had gold flecks.

That a tiny spot on his nose wasn't quite the same shade of pink as the rest.

That his ears were turned outward just a fraction more than most cat's.

Three.

One last tear, barely noticeable, trailed down his cheek as he finally turned away from the handsome face.

And without looking back, he walked away.

Tail trailing in the dirt of his former home.