Squirrelflight & Brambleclaw

Better In Time (2)

Squirrelflight's ears pricked up at the sound of prey rustling through the ferns nearby and she crept forward silently, crouching in a hunter's stance. A few moments later, she met with Greenfern with a thrush in her jaw, and she was pleased to see that Greenfern had caught a thrush. His chest puffed out with pride as she complimented his catch. Just then, her mind flew back to the time where she used to be Squirrelpaw and Bramblestar was still Brambleclaw, her stomach clenched at the memory of both of them hunting together. She swallowed, she used to think Brambleclaw was her world, her everything and life was practically nothing without him, but now she knew she was wrong.  Bramblestar did not care about her anymore, and so she must do the same though her heart still tore a little each time whenever she thought about him, and it did now too. 

 Thought I couldn't live without you

It's gonna hurt when it heals too

Greenfern laid his tail across her shoulders and she jumped at the contact. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," Greenfern immediately apologized, his green eyes wide with worry. Squirrelflight forced a smile, "No, it's alright," she then made her way back to camp, suddenly anxious to be alone for awhile. She did appreciate Greenfern's company but she was still uncomfortable with the thought of Greenfern being a potential mate, he reminded her too much of Ashfur though his wide green eyes differed greatly from Ashfur's blue ones. But Greenfern was Greenfern, she reminded herself sternly, and she will give him a chance at love. She couldn't deny her interest in Greenfern now that she thought clearly about it. But only when she was ready. She knew time was a healer itself.  

It'll all get better in time  

Her head jerked up at the sound of bushes moving nearby. It did not sound like prey. She lifted her nose to sniff the air and to her dismay, smelt the scent of Bramblestar and Jessie, as well as Whitewing, Dewpaw and Lionblaze. She hissed in agitation, she came to the forest just to avoid hearing and seeing  Bramblestar and Jessie- yet here they were. She felt Greenfern's straightened and she was glad that she was not alone. His tail was still resting across her shoulders and surprisingly, she found that she didn't mind. 

 And even though I really love you

Her belly clenched and she found it hard to talk as the ferns parted before her and Bramblestar and Jessie appeared, followed by Whitewing, Dewpaw and Lionblaze. "Good day Squirrelflight," Whitewing called out and Squirrelflight shook herself mentally. She was going to be normal and start to see Bramblestar as leader and nothing more. She knew she told herself that countless times before but she never really meant it as she did now. She steadied herself and nodded, regaining her deputy composure that she had felt she had lost ever since Jessie had returned. "Hello there Whitewing, Lionblaze, Bramblestar,Jessie and Dewpaw," her voice was neutral and she was proud of herself for that. It wasn't easy. Bramblestar's eyes gave no indication of what he was feeling but it was clear that everyone in the patrol saw Greenfern's closeness to her. "Hey everyone, Squirrelflight and I were just hunting," Greenfern grinned and Squirrelflight also gave a small smile.

I'm gonna smile cause I deserve to
It'll all get better in time

"I see," Bramblestar said slowly, his eyes sweeping over them. Those eyes that had once looked on her with love and adoration. Squirrelflight mentally spat, she just told herself to forget him, forget everything that ever happened between them and her heart had tugged along again without her consent. 

I couldn't walk past the Great Lake 
Without something there to remind me

She remembered those times when she was still raw from the official separation from  Bramblestar and could not walk anywhere unless by duty to the clan for every tree, rock and territory of Thunderclan reminded her of their time spent together. She had wondered then, and still wondered now whether Bramblestar really did not feel anything about their separation- even as he acted like he really didn't. 

Was it all that easy
To just put aside your feelings

"We're on a hunting patrol! Want to join?" Dewpaw exclaimed excitedly. Whitewing looked at her sternly, "No Dewpaw. You are not leader of this hunting patrol now are you? Bramblestar should decide, not you." Dewpaw looked down, "I'm sorry. I just thought more help would be better." Whitewing touched his ear gently with her muzzle, "I know, just remember to respect the cat in charge at all times." Dewpaw nodded then glanced up at Bramblestar, "Can they please join Bramblestar?" Squirrelflight saw him hesitate- just slightly before nodding, "Of course. The more the merrier." He looked at Squirrelflight and Greenfern coldly and beckoned with his tail, "Come on two of you, before we lose daylight." 

If I'm dreaming don't wanna laugh

Squirrelflight couldn't believe it, Brambleclaw did not attempt to hide his displeasure from her at the mention of the two of them joining their hunting patrol. Then again, why should he? She knew that the rest of the cats did not notice his cold demeanor but she knew him long enough to note the glint of disapproval in his gaze. 

Hurt my feelings 

Even so, she felt deflated at his cold gaze. It was as if he truly disliked her, and would want nothing to do with her unless it had to do with the clan. At least both of them knew their duties and knew that clan came first above all else. She sighed softly to herself and let Greenfern guide her to the back of the patrol. She did the right thing though, both in the past and now, and she knew it. There had been no other choice.  

but that's the path I believe in

She just had to wait for time to heal Bramblestar as well and change his attitude towards her, he did still mean something to her and she hoped that time would also heal their relationship between each other, and they could truly bury the past behind them and become good friends. 

And I know that time will heal it

If you didn't notice boy you meant everything

A warm breath was near her ear and she heard Greenfern ask, "Are you alright?" She shivered in pleasure, no one had ever asked her that in a long time, it had always been her asking everyone else that question as deputy. She touched his ear gently with her muzzle. 

Quickly I'm learning to love again

"Yes thank you," She breathed. 

All I know is I'm gonna be OK