Leopardstar's Regret

Working Together

"Wake up." A feather-soft nose touched Leopardfur's cheek, arousing her. It was Frogleap. Recalling the previous night, Leopardfur's chest swelled for love for the gray tom. Stretching, she headed to the clearing.

" Ottersplash, you can lead a patrol. Bring Timberfur and Softwing with you. Check the ThunderClan border. Piketooth, you can lead a hunting patrol. Hunt along the WindClan border. I will bring a patrol to hunt at the water meadow, " she ordered.

Watching the cats file out of camp, Leopardfur turned to Frogleap. "Do you want to hunt with me?" she asked. "Definitely, " he responded, brushing his fur against Leopardfur's. Swallowing a purr, she called Skyheart and Reedtail to complete the patrol, then led the way to the water meadow.

On the way, Skyheart caught up to Leapardfur. "Are you mates with Frogleap now?" The pale brown tabby she-cat questioned. "Yeah, " she answered shortly, glancing at Frogleap. He blinked gently at her, his gaze soft with affection.

"Spread out and search for prey. Skyheart, you and Reedtail can work together." Skyheart had aa crush on Reedtail since they were apprentices, and the pale gray tabby tom had also acted affectionate yet playful toward her in the past few moons. "Frogleap, you and I will work together."

Spotting a frog quickly, Leopardfur dropped into a crouch, signaling with her tail for Frogleap to do the same. But there was no need to do so; the gray tom was already in place, ready in case she missed it.

Leopardfur tensed her muscles, then leaped, but her paws smacked on mud. "Fish dung!" she cursed. "Are you hurt?" Frogleap was beside her in an instant. "No, but the frog-oh!" her mew was cut off when she realised that the frog was lying dead beside Frogleap. "I killed it, " he purred, puffing out his chest playfully. "Hey, don't be so complacent!" Leopardfur teased, picking up the frog.

A happy purr rumbling in her throat, she thought, We work so well together! She had never thought having a mate would be so happy. But now she knew, and did not regret it. As for being deputy, then leader... well, if she could live one life happily with Frogleap, it was definitely worth it.