Confusing Twists | A Warrior Cats AU

Chapter 11

: Apologies part 2 :

Ashfur watched Brambleclaw sit down beside Squirrelflight. A prick of jealousy nestled into him.
Well what do you expect? Brambleclaw doesn't give a mouse-tail about you! Ashfur scolded himself.
Ashfur quickly used his tail to wipe a tear that slid down his cheek. He kept his gaze firmly fixed on the ground.

Ashfur laid in his nest. He didn't want to fall asleep.
He looked up. Maybe. . . If I apologize to Lionblaze and Jayfeather things will get better. . . I mean they didn't really do anything to me. Ashfur would definitely need Brambleclaw's help with that. There was no way he would be able to get anywhere near either of them without getting his ears clawed off.
Ashfur rolled onto his back.
I'll talk to Brambleclaw tomorrow. He decided.

Ashfur padded over to Brambleclaw. The brown tabby looked up at him. "Yes?"
"Can I talk to you for a moment?" Ashfur asked, his fur rippling uncomfortably. He could feel the questioning gazes of cats on him.
Brambleclaw stood up. "Uh ok."
The two walked over to a secluded area of camp.
"What is it?" Brambleclaw asked.
"I need your help with something." Ashfur mumbled.
Brambleclaw raised a brow. "Really?"
"Yeah. . ." Ashfur's fur bushed out, he was working his claws in the ground.
"Well what is it?" Brambleclaw asked, sounding a little surprised.
"I want to apologize to Lionblaze and Jayfeather for threatening to kill them. I want your help with it." Ashfur admitted after a tense silence.
Brambleclaw blinked. "Oh." he was silent for a few moments.
Great job idiot! You fluffed up! Again! Ashfur flattened his ears to his head.
"Sure."
Ashfur stared at Brambleclaw, not quite sure he had heard him right. "W-wait you will?" he asked disbelievingly.
Brambleclaw nodded. “Of course.”
Ashfur nodded tensely. “Alright.”

Ashfur sat at the edge of the clearing, as usual. He glared at Squirrelflight as she and Brambleclaw talked.
Are you trying to ruin my life?! Ashfur hissed.
Ashfur laid his head on his paws, ears flattened to his head.
He looked up as Firestar padded over to him.
Ashfur glared at him.
“You’re allowed out of camp if you're with at least one other warrior.” Firestar told him curtly. “Don’t make me regret this.” he added sternly.
Ashfur blinked. He made no response.
Firestar flicked his tail and walked away, irritation visible on his fur.
After Firestar walked away Brambleclaw padded over.
Ashfur shot up excitedly. Then he sat back down, awkwardly ducking his head. He gave his chest fur a few embarrassed licks.
Brambleclaw snickered. “Hey, are you hungry?”
Ashfur shrugged, still embarrassed.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Brambleclaw walked over to the fresh-kill pile.
Ashfur’s face was hot with embarrassment. He didn't know what had compelled him to do that.

“You said you had a plan!” Ashfur slapped his tail over his mouth. Why would you yell at him? Ashfur was so close to just running away.
Brambleclaw sighed. “I do. Trust me.” he assured him.
“Fine.” Ashfur trusted Brambleclaw. It was strange. He felt like Brambleclaw was the most trustworthy cat to ever exist.
Brambleclaw nodded. “I’ll be back in a few moments.”
Ashfur nodded. He was a tad concerned he might get caught out here alone.
Brambleclaw reappeared a couple moments later. Jayfeather and Lionblaze right behind him.
Ashfur took a breath. This was going to be far from easy.
The two younger tom’s moods instantly soured as they spotted Ashfur.
“What is he doing here?” Jayfeather demanded.
“You’ll see.” Brambleclaw answered.
Ashfur shifted uncomfortably. Brambleclaw flashed him an encouraging glance. Ashfur breathed. “I have something important to say to you two,” he began. “I’d like to apologize.”
Lionblaze scoffed. “Oh sure! Like we'd believe that load of mouse droppings!” he hissed.
Ashfur slid out his claws and Brambleclaw flashed him a warning look.
Ashfur forced his voice to be calm. “Listen, I know I. . .” the words dried on his tongue.
“Go on.” Brambleclaw urged.
“I haven't exactly been the best cat. I know I wasn't the best mentor to you Lionblaze. I wasn't even a remotely good mentor. And I'm sorry.” Ashfur suddenly realized how genuine he was being. He needed to do this. Not just for his own selfishness.
Jayfeather flicked his tail. “Alright cut the act. What game are you playing? Who are you trying to fool? Don't think Hollyleaf didn't tell us what you said! It's pathetic really, couldn't get Squirrelflight so now you're padding after some other she-cat.” he laughed.
Of course Hollyleaf did! Pathetic stupid cat! She just had to go blabbering to her brothers! Ashfur thought hatefully.
But Ashfur had the perfect comeback. It snapped into his head the second Jayfeather had finished speaking. “Its funny how you assume it's a she-cat. Now why would I go through the embarrassment of admitting how idiotic and wrong it was to try to kill three cats, just to impress some random cat? Now it seems like there's a specific cat I'm after. Now let me just say I really am sorry to you two. You did nothing to me. I'm sorry.” he finished, his breathing frantic from how much energy he had used.
Jayfeather and Lionblaze stood silently.
Brambleclaw was staring at Ashfur. A mix of relief and surprise on his face.
Ashfur felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. . .Partly. It was still there. It was just easier to manage. Odd.

Vixen leaped with joy. “There it is! The right step! Oh StarClan this is great!” they almost fell out of the tree they were sitting in.

AN: It's a start for our short angy boi.