Bearpaw |Strong-Willed Soldier of Skyclan|
Merigold eyes narrow suspiciously as the apprentice silently follows carefully behind his brother, Macawpaw. The observant pecan and umber brown maine coon had noticed an unusualness to Macawpaw. The wild brother of his, had been sneaking around for a few moons. Bearpaw had brushed it off as the fiery brother of his just causing his usual mischievous chaos. Now, he was almost certain that he had been wrong in his assumptions, no one had gone to his father to complain about useless pranks, if Macawpaw was not pranking or getting into trouble, then where was he? Bear was making it his mission to find out, sure he should respect his older brother’s privacy, but he could not ignore the nagging feeling that he needed to find out. He made sure to keep his suspicions to himself, not involving anymore of their littermates.
‘What is he up to?’ frowning as he continues to remain several paces behind his brother. His pelt prickled with unease as they slowly moved towards the border. Was he leaving skyclan? He would have to intervene soon, he had hoped to figure out what his brother had been up to, but he could not let them step a paw out of Skyclan without answers. Clenching his jaw as Macawpaw inches closer to the invisible line that separated Skyclan from the rogue territory. “Macaw! What in starclan’s name are you doing? No lying either! Now be honest…” Bearpaw reveals his tall frame from the shadows as he arches a curious stern brow.
“Where have you been sneaking off to?”
Bearpaw |Strong-Willed Soldier of Skyclan|
Turning his marigold gaze away from the pretty barn cat down below, allowing himself to glance over at his brother. Silently studying the way the lovestruck fool stared longingly at the calico. Macaw was certainly in a tough position, being a clan cat falling for an outsider was certainly frowned upon. Especially when you are the one of many sons of a leader. Bearpaw could certainly see why Macawpaw had sworn him into secrecy and as to why the oaf had been acting particularly suspicious as of late.
Quirking a brow in amusement as he watches his slightly older littermate fumble over his words. “Subtle is most certainly not your strong suit. She most certainly knows that you like her then” he concludes with a teasing smirk at Macawpaw. “I am sure she feels the same way as you do, especially if she still puts up with you. Starclan only knows why. I am obligated simply because I am stuck sharing the same genetics as you” Bear teases with a half grin on his sharp features.
Though, his amusement quickly dissipates when Macaw suddenly brings up Hibiscuspaw, his crush. Sighing through his nose as he looks away from his brother. “Just because I have a small crush on her does not mean I am going to act on it” he quickly clarifies. Yes, he found her intriguing and longed to get to know the peculiar molly more. Bearpaw was set on focusing on his training, to becoming an outstanding warrior, which meant he did not need any distractions as of now. Plus, Bearpaw had never been the best or most forthcoming with his emotions, often making others perceive the apprentice as indifferent.
Brushing off his thoughts as he eyes Macawpaw in the corner of his eyes. Humming in agreement with his words, “Yes…best not to tell father as of now. I know he won’t be pleased but know that mom will certainly have your back” Bearpaw softly said, needing to reassure Macawpaw. “After all she does always say: ‘Love is Love, you cannot help who you fall for’”.
Macawpaw
For a mere heartbeat Macawpaw forgot his brother was even with him, his focus solely on the molly who had been patiently waiting for his arrival, She’s going to skin me for being late. It was only when Bearpaw broke the silence speaking in agreement of the mollies look that Macawpaw remembered he was with company. He would never admit it to Bearpaw but he secretly feared Paprika's gaze would shift towards his brother had they ever got to meet, knowing his brother was the better catch out of the two. His paws release their hold on the foliage, breaking the sight from his calico secret.
The thought hadn’t occurred to him if she felt the same, they never really talked about it, flirted sure but everyone their age does. “I..I dont know I mean I would hope she’d feel the same. I dont think I'm not exactly subtle about my emotions.” A small dorky chuckle falling from his muzzle.
His larged tufted ears twitched at Bearpaw words. “You have a crush on Hibiscuspaw? Really? I did not see that one coming.” Macawpaw honestly thought Bearpaw would throw himself into his warrior training and end up one of those highly sought bachelors who only wants to work. “Heh sounds like you really fell tail over ears for her brother. She’s a cutie that’s for sure.” He was happy for Bearpaw and knew Hibiscuspaw would return his brothers feelings, how could they not Bearpaw was the best. “I must say Im jealous at least you can talk to mom and dad about your crush, I'm pretty sure dad would have my tail if I told him ive been seeing a loner.” His ears falling sadly against his skull before softly shoulder checking his brother.
"Your secret is safe with me."
Bearpaw |Strong-willed Soldier of Skyclan|
Bearpaw’s curiosity was certainly piqued when his brother begged for him not to mention a word to their father and leader, Firestar. Arching a brow as he silently stares at his brother, debating with himself but ultimately agreed to keep the new knowledge to himself. Nodding slowly as he keeps eye contact with his anxious older brother. “You have my word, Macaw. I will not tell father or mother what you tell me. It will stay between us if you wish.” Bear reassured. Scooting closer to his brother, a small smile twitching on his lips when Macaw lightheartedly bumps his shoulder against his. “You are the definition of trouble and I am honestly surprised and maybe a little impressed that you are still all in one piece” Bear scoffs.
“Though I suppose you are only alive because of my meddling” the tall two toned brown Maine Coon teases before hitting his brother with his fluffy tail. Rolling his eyes, not hiding the fact, as Macawpaw once again asks for reassurance that Bearpaw would not say anything. “You bird brain, my lips are sealed. Now what is it that you are going to tell me?” He questions, his marigold eyes narrowing slightly as he notices Macawpaw’s carefree attitude shift into a more serious tone. Rising easily to his paws as he follows after the red golden tabby Maine Coon. Tuft ears swirling in every direction as he takes in the sounds around him as they trek through the worn out path, his paws pressing into the earth leaving large paw prints behind.
Confusion flickering in his golden eyes taking a tentative step back as Macaw moves foliage away. Blinking rapidly as the bright sunlight shines in his eyes, taking a moment to adjust before moving next to his brother. Side eying Macaw before turning his attention to a barn, arching a brow as he studied the area before his attention lands on the molly just when his brother points her out. Ahhhh. Now he understood the secret that needed to remain unspoken. It would seem that his troublesome brother was lovestruck but it was a loner. Taking a deep breath as he looks at his brother, the happiness in Macaw’s eyes and smile could not be missed. “Hmmm I suppose she is beautiful” he slowly replied, she indeed was beautiful but not his type.
“So I can see that you must be on a first name basis…does she harbor the same feelings as you?” Bear wonders before a snort like laughter escapes his throat. “She may be able to beat a bird brain like you in a fight. But I believe I have a fair chance in beating her” he jokes before allowing the silence to surround the two toms. Biting his lower lip as he decides to reveal a small secret in return. “You know…you are not the only one that is crushing on someone” Bear awkwardly admits. His ears pinning against his cranium as he clears his throat. “You know Hibiscuspaw? Her and her parents joined the clan when we were 4 moons old? I honestly don’t know what I see in her…she is so odd and naive and borderline idiotic but just something about her…not that I would ever tell her” he grunts out.
“There. A secret for a secret.”
Macawpaw
His gaze turned away from his brother, knowing he couldn't lie to his brother's face, “Well yea this is my home of course my scent is everywhere.” Though his tone was borderline pouty, he knew his little secret was over, Bearpaw was right he knew he couldnt hide it forever. “Im sorry Bearpaw I should have known youd be the first to sniff me out, but you can’t tell Firestar please.”
He could feel his muscles relaxing when he noticed his brother's expression towards him softened, man he was weak to his brothers worry. His shoulder gently bumping the large skyclan apprentices, “Come on brother this is me we are talking about, nothing can hurt me, not as long as I have your nose always busting into my business.” A chuckle following his words, trying to lighten the mood. “I’ll show you but you have to promise, wait no no you have to swear you wont tell a soul. I mean it brother no one else can know.” The golden tabby tom staring his brother down, a serious look taking over his expression.
“Follow me.”
Guiding his brother through the worn down trail that his paws traveled so many times, every step more familiar than the last. When they reached the border of their territory Macawpaw paws came to a stop, his tail gesturing for his brother to back. His paws brushed away foliage that rested in front of them, rays of light shattering into their shady hiding, “Take a look down there.” His eyes drifting off his brother and latching onto a small spunky molly loitering outside the barn that rested just beyond their territory. “She's beautiful isn't she?” The lovestruck tom wanted to keep her a secret from other suitors but he just couldn't hide his excitement from his beloved brother. “Her name is Paprika, she lives with the barn cats. Brother I haven't seen anyone like her. She's so strong and spicy and honestly could probably take us both on in a fight.”
Bearpaw |Strong-Willed Soldier of Skyclan|
Bearpaw could feel the corner of his lips twitch in amusement as he watches Macawpaw stutter over his sudden appearance. ‘Good. Let’s make him sweat a little’ he thought as his golden marigold eyes study the fiery ginger tabby Maine coon. His piercing gaze often made those subjected to it uncomfortable and he was certain his brother was not an exception. “Hmm allow me to give you a second opinion on your looks” Bear teases, having heard his brother muttering about how he looked moments ago. Pretending to appraise Macaw’s looks, “You are right! You do look good” Bear’s gruff voice mocks with a smirk. “Not sure why you are caring so much about your looks to go exploring” his tone drips with accusation as he steps closer to Macawpaw.
“Hmm it is funny that you don’t know why you are here, when your scent is all over the place” Bear nonchalantly says as he slowly takes in his surroundings. Wondering what it was about this place that kept bringing his brother back. He easily noticed how Macaw refused to make eye contact, a tell sign that Macaw was hiding something from him. “Everyone else might be oblivious to you disappearing all the time, but you should know better than to assume your absences would not go unnoticed” he reminds his older brother. It was moments like this, he wondered how he was the younger brother, yet seemed more mature than the risk taker. Sighing as Macaw tries to steer his attention away from his destination. Settling down on his hunches as he just gives Macaw an almost bored look.
“Macaw…drop the act” Bear groans, of course he was curious about what lay outside of their clan. He just had more restraint than him, as he knew that curiosity held consequences. “What are you up to? I don’t want you getting hurt….” Bear softens his stern features. His tense form relaxes as he stares at his brother, “What if something happens to you? No one would know where you are at or what you are up to. This is dangerous…you know that right?” He questions softly, knowing that yelling or scolding Macaw even more would do neither of them any good. “I just want you to be careful and know you can trust me when you are ready.”
Macawpaw
Having such a large family did have its own special set of perks, his parents having to center their attention on the newest batch of kittens allowed the young apprentice to run about without much supervision or questions. The large tom cat's curiosity had won the better of him moons ago, causing him to cross the Skyclan border to see what lay beyond just their territory.
Soft uncharacteristically hums could be heard escaping from the tom cat's lips, a new air swirling around him. In the beginning he had been so cautious to change his routes trying to never leave a thick enough scent trail to track him, however he had become more reckless the more infatuated he had become. The quickest path leading to Paprikas den now worn down from his large paws constantly interrupting the landscape. Macawpaw too focus on the molly dancing through his mind and less on his surroundings. Only stopping briefly when a puddle appeared in his path, checking his reflection in the water, “Looking good Macaw.” Giving himself a pep talk, making sure his fur laid just right.
His brother's voice piercing his inner dialogue, practically dragging him back into reality “H-Hey” His voice going up in octave as his voice cracked startled by his stalker. “Bearpaw! Wow crazy, how in Starclan did I end up out here…so close to the border…” His facial expression was clearly uncomfortable by the confrontation. Struggling to look his brother in the eyes, knowing that if they made eye contact he’d spill in beans. Macawpaw cleared his throat trying his best to recover from his blunder, "Alright you caught me I've been exploring past the border my curiousity couldn't handle it anymore" reverting back to his playful personality the large tom cat dropped down into a playful crouch, “Come on Bearpaw aren’t you ever curious on what’s outside the territory. You know me, I can't help but explore.” Flashing Bearpaw a mischievous grin, hoping his brother wouldn't press any further.