Random Short Stories

He Loves Me Not [🪽]

Toucan Flight had his expectations about how his time as a warrior of the Tribe Of The Blooming Valley would go. He'd easily win over all the she-cats, and some toms.

Those who remained might act like they hated him, but really they would want to be him. He'd never have to worry too much about being unpopular among his tribe.

Things sort of began that way. He knew for a fact that everyone was awestruck by his entrance. His mentor said he was only named for his vibrant looks, which Toucan Flight already figured. It wasn't long before things took a turn.

When he discovered where he'd be sleeping, Toucan Flight struggled to hide his annoyance behind his gleaming grin. He'd known it was going to be a downgrade from what he'd been used to, but he didn't think it would be this much.

Barely sheltered by anything but a rock outcrop and a large fallen tree, the nests were almost all mashed together to form one large mega-nest, and while most tribe cats didn't mind snuggling all together, Toucan Flight liked his space.

To top it off, Leaf Tangle and Sun Thrash had already taken a nest, as had Snowy Jolt. Snowy Jolt seemed like a nice guy, but personally Toucan Flight was worried his large size and inability to stay still would hinder his sleep.

Which he was left with the inly solitary nest. Toucan Flight hadn't really taken much notice of the remaining tom, who had already taken said solitary nest sorely for himself.

His presence was understated. The scent of damp earth and pine needles hung heavy in the air as an absurdly skinny calico tom with fur slicked back with water, giving it a bluish tint, surveyed his surroundings with a cynical glint in his emerald eyes.

He was sprawled beneath a gnarled oak framing the warriors' den, the very picture definition of feline indolence, utterly unmoved by the bustle of the camp around him.

Toucan Flight had hoped to get the solitary spot for himself. No matter, he could easily charm this chump into giving it to him. Putting on his best smile the Crystallo/Phyto mix approached his tribemate.

"Excuse me, but I was hoping to have the lone nest by the tree." Toucan Flight was prepared for him to be rude. He was prepared for him to be smitten and gush over his appearance.

What Toucan Flight was not prepared for was for the calico to completely ignore him.

Toucan Flight was taken aback. No one ignored him. His sheer presence provoked strong reactions. Cryptids fawned over him, people looked at him in jealousy. This tom had no reaction at all.

He forced himself to relax. Perhaps the Hydro hadn't heard him. "Excuse me?" He repeated. No response. Toucan Flight grit his teeth. "Excuse me?" The tom merely flicked his tail at a passing fly.

Toucan Flight's first instinct was to get louder, but he was well aware that would only make him look bad. Worse still it could strain his vocal cords! He couldn't have that.

He changed tact and flashed his tribemate a smile. lowering his voice to sound husky. "Hello."

Toucan Flight examined the calico closely, searching for any signs of a reaction to him. He was pleased when he saw the calico tom's shoulder tighten just a little bit.

So he did have his attention. Good. "I was just wondering if you wouldn't mind letting me have the nest here? It would mean a lot to me."

Toucan Flight was an expert at using his looks to his advantage. The words he'd just said were innocuous enough, it was merely the way he said them that truly mattered, with a tinge of promise to repay the favour in some way.