Fallen Holly Leaves (Storm)

Fallen Leaves nodded, eagerly leaning into Holly Leaves when she curled against his side. He still was unwilling to push her about whatever was wrong.

Holly Leaves curled into his side. “Thank you,” she murmured.

“You seemed sad.” Replied Fallen Leaves. “I was going to wait until the day you got allowed to leave, but you needed it.”

Holly Leaves eventually sighed and looked at her mate. “What’s the real reason you brought me here before Rising Moon lifted the restriction?”

Fallen Leaves said nothing, just sharing in Holly Leaves’ awe as they looked out from the cliff together.

Holly Leaves eventually rested her side, calming down as she just gazed out over the world.

Fallen Leaves decided not to ask about what was troubling her, and have Holly Leaves tell him herself instead. He didn’t want to interrupt her sense of wonderment as she stared out over the landscape with him, after all.

Holly Leaves curled her tail around his, silently staring out at the land with wide green eyes.

Fallen Leaves smiled. “I was saving this for a rainy day. I’m glad you like it.” The tom leaned into his mate, just pressing his side against hers and enjoying her company silently for a moment as they sat beside the roaring waterfall.

Her green eyes widened in awe as she took in the sight, the sadness temporarily banished. “It’s beautiful...,” she breathed.

When he stopped, Fallen Leaves removed the tail. The tom had brought her to the top of the waterfall, just at the edge of the cliff where it spilled over in front of their cave home. From up there one could watch the water cascade down the falls, listen to its powerful roar, and gaze over the mountain peaks that seemed to stretch on forever before them.

Holly Leaves made an annoyed sound. “Fallen Leaves...,” she said warningly but followed him anyway.

When they were nearly at the top, Fallen Leaves stopped, slapping his tail over his mate’s eyes to keep her from seeing. “No peeking,” The tom Mewed softly, smirking as he carefully lead the she-cat to the spot he’d told her about earlier.

Huffing slightly at his continued secrecy, Holly Leaves followed her mate up the slope.

Fallen Leaves smirked at his mate when she joined him outside, turning around and starting to climb up the steep slopes that flanked the cave entrance.

Frowning, Holly Leaves hurried after her mate. What is he doing?

Fallen Leaves frowned at his mate, mouthing a come on to The she-cat before he turned around and left the cave. He figured there was enough commotion for Rising Moon to deal with thanks to Shy Fawn. She shouldn’t notice if Holly Leaves disappeared for a bit.

Holly Leaves opened her eyes and looked up at him in surprise. “What?”

Fallen Leaves took a quick look around. “Quick,” The tom Mewed suddenly, standing up and gesturing with his tail for her to follow.

Holly Leaves took slow, deep breaths, trying to calm herself down.

Fallen Leaves frowned, trying to figure out how to cheer his mate up. The tom continued to groom her in an attempt to help, but an idea eluded him for a few heartbeats.

Holly Leaves tucked her head underneath his chin, closing her eyes to hide the tears in them.

Fallen Leaves stepped up to his mate’s side, licking behind her ear soothingly.  “Whoever your mother was, Holly Leaves, I’m sure she looked at you exactly like that.”  The tom purred quietly as he groomed the she-cat, his thoughts drifting to kits as well.

“Oh.” Holly Leaves hesitated before sighing. “I was wondering if that was how my mother looked at me when I was born,” she admitted quietly. That, and I want some kits of my own.

“That look you were giving me.” Fallen Leaves mewled flatly, his green eyes full of worry. “Are you alright?”