"Bearchaser pssstt Bearchaser.” His paws jabbed into the side of his brother, forcing the tom awake. “I'm going to meet Paprika, cover for me.” His toothy grin was the last thing his brother saw as the large tom danced around the nest full of resting warriors, practically walking on air all the way to Skyclans border where he was to meet the small molly.
“Paprika!” Macawblazes large head gently butting into the calico loner, his purrs almost as loud as his voice. The two usually met at her barn but this time they agreed to meet at the border, he needed to share more of his life with Paprika. His tail brushing against her side, ”Come on!” Encouraging her to step further into Skyclan, not like she needed it considering how she marched right into their territory during their first encounter.
Guiding the calico through Skyclan land, telling her about all their important landmarks much like their mentors did for them when Macawblaze was still in training. Bringing her to a small stream that traveled across the territory, the water softly lapping into itself in small waves. Blazing red flowers growing along the sides of the stream, fireflies dancing around their petals. The moonlight shining as their witness, Macawblaze guided Paprika to a soft moss nest decorated with the same red flowers found by the stream. His ear tips red hot as he stared down Paprika, his cheeks flushed. “I hope you like it…” the usual confident toms voice wavering whenever the molly was near. Of course there was still so much to explore but he figured this would be a good place to settle and chat before continuing their exploration.
P A P R I K A
At Macaw's exclamation, Paprika's orange eyes widened for a moment, taken aback by his sudden outcry. That being said, she was more surprised by the volume than what he said. She'd be lying if she said that joining the Clans was something she hadn't once thought about. Especially since the majority of her kin came from the Clans and often spoke about them and their customs. They always encouraged her to explore her options and choose her own path in life. But she didn't have time to interject, for Macawblaze kept rambling at an impressive speed. The little calico let out a tiny 'oof' when he barreled his head against hers. That hard head of his was going to give her a headache!
But Paprika's desire to scold him for slamming his head into her dissipated when she saw him shrink in sadness. She frowned. He was so happy a moment ago, why would he suddenly become depressed? She didn't understand. When he pulled away, they locked eyes and she could see how serious he was when he spoke. Macawblaze's words nearly took her breath away. Well, they sure made her speechless, that's for sure. Her mouth parted quietly to speak, but she stopped herself when she saw him inhale, as if he were bracing himself.
What came out of his mouth nearly swept her away. Of course, a proposal was something every girl yearned and wished for, but it always felt like millions of miles away. Just out of reach. It was what she hoped for, especially since the two of them had gotten closer and closer. She just didn't think it would come any time soon.
Paprika smiled wide, so wide that her face scrunched up. She wrapped her paws around Macaw's neck and brought him close. She pressed her nose to his and purred gently. "I wouldn't want to spend another day without you by my side," she told him, "you are my world."
"I would be honored to join SkyClan to be with you." Paprika didn't miss a beat. She didn't have to think any further about her life at the barn. Of course she would miss her fathers and her grandmother and cousins, but her kin paled in comparison to the life she could have with Macawblaze. She would face any hardship life would throw at her when it came to him. "But, of course... You'll have to ask my father for permission. Koipetal would have a fit if you didn't ask him first," she teased.