Leopardstar's Regret (COMPLETED)

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"Oh, so there you are!" a meow jolted Leopardfur awake. Slitting her eyes, she recognised Mosspelt, with Blackclaw and Mistyfoot beside him. Frogleap also jerked awake, his eyes wide with alarm and embarrassment. "Oh um hi, Mosspelt," Leopardfur muttered, a hot flush creeping up her pelt. 

"The whole Clan was searching for you. Honestly, Leopardfur, I never thought you'd be here, with Frogleap!" teased Blackclaw. She noticed that Mosspelt fell silent, staring at Frogleap with what seemed like longing and hurt. She pressed her pelt against him immediately. Frogleap is mine! She thought and was slightly gratified when the tortoiseshell she-cat lowered her gaze.

Back at camp, Whiteclaw, her adopted son, rushed towards her. "Leopardfur, you're back! I was so worried about you!" he nuzzled her affectionately and she licked his head in return. Frogleap leaned toward her and whispered, "I'm sure you'll be a great mother." Pleasure enfolded Leopardfur and she purred, "Thanks!"

Crookedstar emerged from his den and stared sternly at the two cats. "By going out alone- actually, together- you let the Clan think you were in danger. As a punishment, both of you would be doing dawn patrols for the next half-moon." he pronounced. Frogleap's eyes sparkled. "Hailstar, can Leopardfur and I go together?" the gray tom asked cheekily. Thinking, Crookedstar replied, "All right. I would certainly welcome new kits in the nursery!" Before Leopardfur could celebrate, the light brown tabby tom added, "Leopardfur, come to my den. We have to discuss...matters."

In Crookedstar's den, he mewed solemnly, "Leopardfur, now that you're mates with Frogleap... are you sure you're able to handle being deputy as well?" Leopardfur's amber eyes widened with surprise; she had not expected this question. "Of course!" she answered vehemently.

Still troubled, Crookedstar murmured, "You do know that deputies can't be nursing kits, right?" Struggling to think of a solution, Leopardstar suggested, "Perhaps you can appoint a temporary deputy?" Crookedstar looked thoughtful before purring, "That's an excellent idea, Leopardfur. I'll think of it. You may go now, and remember your extra dawn patrols!"