Seppuku

Chapter 15

Twistedsky's mind was clogged with worrying thoughts as he curled up in his new nest in the warriors' den. Will Nettleskip ever forgive me? was one of the most prominent ones.

He let out a soft sigh, though all his worries drifted away as his gaze shifted to Badgerstripe's sleeping form in the nest next to him. Everything will be fine, as long as he's here.

~

Twistedsky awoke to the feeling of a muzzle gently nudging him, and opened his eyes to see Badgerstripe's black and white pelt. "It's morning, you gotta get up now." He meowed, and Twistedsky gave a small nod.

He sat up and stretched before padding out of the warriors' den. He blinked as the morning sunlight burned his eyes, and glanced away to see Nettleskip once again hanging out with Blossomtuft. Has she gone to the dark side?

Seeing her though, reminded Twistedsky of what he wanted to do today. They should find out from me...

He padded over to where his parents were sharing a mouse, and sat in front of them.

"Good morning Twistedsky," Brookmist purred.

"Good morning... do you have some time? There's something I need to talk about...." Twistedsky asked. He was extremely nervous. What if they disown me?

"Of course, what is it?" Nutclaw inquired.

Twistedsky looked around- the camp was full of cats, anyone could overhear. "Can we go somewhere more private?"

The three cats headed out of camp, and stopped once they were far enough away.

"So, what is it you wanted to talk about?" Brookmist asked.

Twistedsky shuffled his paws a bit. "You see... I-I think I'm in love...."

"Oh Twistedsky that's wonderful! Who's the lucky she-cat?" Brookmist gushed.

"That's the problem..." Twistedsky spoke hesitantly. "You see... it's not a she-cat. It's Badgerstripe...."

"What? A tom?" Brookmist looked shocked. "No no, that can't be right. You can't love another tom- are you sure it's not just friendship feelings?"

Twistedsky nodded. "I'm sure... I know friendship, this is much stronger than that...."

"I'm glad you told us, and I'm happy for you. It might be different, but as long as you're happy what others think doesn't matter." Nutclaw purred, his gaze warm. Twistedsky felt a surge of happiness and relief at his father's words. He accepts me!

"Oh no, it does matter." The feeling was yanked away at his mother's growl. "What will the clan think? It's just not right at all! I've never even heard of a tom loving a tom, or a she-cat loving a she-cat- it's insane!"

Her words felt like physical blows to Twistedsky. Hearing it from his sister was bad enough- but his own mother?

"Now Brookmist, just because it's rare doesn't make it unnatural or not right. He's still your son." Nutclaw replied defensively.

Brookmist shook her head. "No son of mine would be... be whatever he is! I won't have it!"

"B-Brookmist... I didn't want to be-" Twistedsky was cut off by his mother.

"Then don't be!" She hissed, before turning and heading back to camp.

Twistedsky felt as if his heart had been dropped to the floor then stomped on. He just stared down, saying nothing.

Nutclaw sat beside him and wrapped his tail around him as if he were a kit. "She's just shocked, she'll get over it, I promise. You're her son, she can't stay mad forever."

Twistedsky let out a sigh. "Nettleskip reacted the same way..." He mewed.

"They just don't understand." Nutclaw replied softly.

"Then... why do you...?" Twistedsky looked up to meet his father's eyes.

"Well, because I'm like you... sort of." Nutclaw confessed.

Twistedsky's eyes widened. "Really?"

Nutclaw nodded. "Yeah. I do still like she-cats, of course, because I love your mother... but I've also felt that way about toms." He paused before continuing. "Believe it or not, I once had a crush on Duskpelt."

"You did?" Twistedsky couldn't believe it. Another cat was like him, and it was his father! "I'm guessing he didn't feel the same,"

"Yeah, he still won't look me in the eye." Nutclaw stood up. "But none of that matters now. If Badgerstripe loves you back, then be with him. Be happy, and soon enough everyone will get used to it and accept you."

Twistedsky felt a purr rising in his throat. "Thanks, Nutclaw."

"Anything for my son." Nutclaw touched his nose to Twistedsky's forehead. "Remember, I'll always be here for you."