Never Fast Enough (Open)

[Magicheart]

Wildfire narrowed her eyes and grinned. He'd probably know where she was hiding, but she didn't care. She waggled her rump mischievously and launched herself into the air, gliding over the tips of the tall grass like a phoenix.

[.:Lion:.]

Deathwing whirled around and lifted himself onto his hind paws, reaching out and grasping Wildfire's shoulders in his paws. He let the momentum of her leap carry them both in a somersault, adjusting the position of his shoulder blades to avoid injuring himself. He managed to stop the roll with him on his paws, with Wildfire pinned beneath him.

"Is that all you've got?" The tom teased.

[Magicheart]

Wildfire lay stunned for a moment and glanced up at Deathwing, his eyes glittering. More animated then I have ever seen them! she thought. Her heart skipped a beat, but she wasn't sure why. Trying to hide her emotions, she narrowed her eyes in a challenge. "Of course not!" She put her hind paws on his legs and shoved upwards, lifting Deathwing over her head. She sprang to her paws with her tail lashing, waiting to see what the tom would do next.

[.:Lion:.]

Deathwing grunted as he landed on his back. He was on his paws in a moment, though--surprisingly nimble, considering he was much bigger in bulk than most WindClan cats. It was probably due to his upbringing that he'd learn so many moves that relied on speed instead of strength--that made him a dangerous opponent.

"Then bring it." He taunted with a lash of his dark tail, his cool blue eyes narrowing as a smile crept over his features.

[Magicheart]

Wildfire let out a defiant trill and crouched down. Her eyes flickered back and forth, sizing up her opponent. Suddenly, the she-cat burst from her cover and darted towards the tom's right side. Upon becoming level with him, she leapt in the air and over Deathwing, landing on his left side. Hoping she had confused him, she slammed into his side with all of her weight in an attempt to knock him over.

[.:Lion:.]

Deathwing crouched, expecting her to try to hit his right side, but when she flew over him, he was slightly confused. Had she misjudged her pounce? Then as he turned to face her, he felt her weight slam into his left side, knocking him over. Well fought! He thought, grunting as he tried to bring himself upright again.

[Magicheart]

Wildfire let out a delighted purr as she rounded to attack him again before he could get to his paws. She pounced on him, bowling them both over. The she-cat landed on her side, facing Deathwing. She was about to pummel his stomach playfully with sheathed claws, but froze as her eyes caught his. They were extremely close together, and Wildfire flattened her ears in embarrassment, her heart fluttering.

[.:Lion:.]

Deathwing grunted as he was shoved over again, rolling onto his side as Wildfire slipped over him, landing beside him. He stared straight into her wide eyes, feeling his breath catch in his throat. Heat flooded his body, making his fur tingle, and he had to fight to keep his thoughts straight. All instinct to fight or flee deserted him, and he could only stare dumbly into her eyes, wondering when she'd free him from the trance by kicking him in the stomach or something. At the moment, though, he was too dumbstruck to even think, let alone act.

[Magicheart]

Before she even knew what she was doing, Wildfire brought her face close to Deathwing's and licked him on the cheek. Startled by her own action, Wildfire flattened her ears in embarrassment before quickly struggling upright to her feet. Her back was to her clanmate, and she was afraid to turn around. She opened her mouth severals times to try and speak, but nothing came out. Thoughts of fear, pain, and confusion flooded her. What about Northstar? she thought in a panic. Would she be letting him down? Then again, he was clan leader. Did he even have time for her? Did he even want to be with her in that way? ...and then there was Deathwing, right here before her and so comforting.

Wildfire sighed and closed her eyes, feeling lost. Her legs screamed for her to run, but she felt as though she couldn't move.

[.:Lion:.]

Deathwing froze as Wildfire's face drew closer. Her breath stirred his whiskers, and he felt it on his cheek. The smooth sensation of her tongue brushing his fur caused a tumult of emotions to course through his body, from the cool shiver down his spine to the warm tingle in his belly to the comforting warmth in his paws. As she quickly got up and turned away from him, Deathwing slowly got to his paws, feeling confused and happy and even more confused.

"Wildfire?" He asked, almost imploringly. What was the meaning behind her gesture? Did she maybe feel the same affection that he did? The tom's heart stirred within his chest, and he yearned to reach out for the first time in his life. To claim some happiness for himself. But fear kept him still, waiting for Wildfire to move, to give him some sign that she could possibly, maybe... love him. It sounded silly to his own mind, but hope still flickered in his heart nevertheless.

[Magicheart]

"I...I..." Wildfire stammered, shaking her head as if to physically clear it from her confusing thoughts. "I'm so confused. I don't know what to do." She blurted out, confessing her feelings. "I thought Northstar might want to be with me...but he's so aloof. I wasn't sure if I liked him because I wouldn't want to turn him down out of respect...but it seems like too much pressure to be with him and he hasn't paid me much attention lately...and then....it's like I've just noticed you for the first time." Wildfire stared at her paws, embarrassed at her own statement. She raised her eyes to Deathwing again. "But I've never felt like I could be so honest with anyone before...I actually want to tell you how I am feeling...you're comfortable to be around...and well....no one has been before." Wildfire closed her eyes, her voice caught in her throat. Did Storyteller know how horrible these feelings could be? Was it because of his ignorance that he wanted it so much?

[.:Lion:.]

Deathwing listened as attentively as he always did--even though he reacted strongly to everything she said. When Wildfire mentioned Northstar, it was only natural that Deathwing felt put out. He couldn't measure up to the Clan's leader. If Wildfire liked Northstar, and he wanted her, what right did Deathwing have to try to get in the way? But... as Wildfire kept talking, a spark of hope flickered in the tom's heart. Maybe she really loved...? Or was it just friendship that made her want to confide her deepest thoughts to him? Deathwing felt a nervous twinge in his stomach, but he was determined to say his piece.

"For my part, I've never felt so connected to anyone before," he meowed quietly. "Everything about you makes me feel... happy, and just content. I don't care about any troubles I might be having. When I'm with you... you're all that matters." He said honestly, looking at Wildfire and feeling his heart thump nervously as he wondered how she would take his confession.

[Magicheart]

"Oh..." Wildfire sighed audibly, pain in her voice as she glanced at the ground again. Her heart pounded and ached. Everything felt surreal, yet her senses seemed overwhelmed with the sharpness of detail. It was as though all of her energy was focused here, in the sounds, the feelings....they were overwhelming.

Wildfire padded over to Deathwing slowly, her head still down. She butted her head into his shoulder and let out a weak purr. "i'm...I'm not very good at this." she confessed, letting out another soft sigh. "I didn't want these feelings for so long...I didn't even know I could have them...." she mewed, her voice gentle and sad. "Why do I always have to feel like I am disappointing someone?" her voice shook as she buried her face in Deathwing's strong, broad shoulder. His fur and scent seemed to envelop her, as though he were the only thing that existed.

[.:Lion:.]

Deathwing remained still as Wildfire approached and gently buried her face into his shoulder. He turned towards her, his eyes softening as he smiled. It was one of those affectionate smiles that few cats could pull off. A genuine smile. A loving smile. He dipped his head forwards slightly and rested his muzzle against Wildfire's, whispering in her ear, "You coming to me could never disappoint me," he said, "I'm not used to love, either. But... just being near you feels right. Don't be embarrassed. You have no reason to be." Deathwing closed his eyes and just enjoyed the feeling of being close to someone. To Wildfire. The world seemed to pivot around him, focusing on them as the center of every universe. Only the two of them mattered. Everyone else was distant. Right now, his thoughts were only for Wildfire.

[Magicheart]

Wildfire stiffened at the mention of the word love...but wasn't that what it was? I sure don't feel this way about any of my other clanmates! she concluded, the thought bringing a smile to her face also. She let out a more relaxed and contented sigh. She could feel the fearful thoughts in her head slowing as peace overtook her. She nuzzled her head closer to Deathwing. "It does feel right, doesn't it?" she mewed in a soothing voice.

Storyteller will be so happy...and I actually am too! she thought, purring much more loudly. Although...would her clanmates treat her differently? She was known for her distant, teasing, fleeting personality...It feels like this will change who I am... she thought drowsily. Was she finally growing up? Was she now a more complete warrior because she was less afraid to address her feelings?

"Walk with me?" she pleaded, twining her tail with his. The wind smoothed the fur on her face as she glanced toward the border. She closed her eyes, drinking it all in.

[.:Lion:.]

Deathwing smiled happily, enjoying this moment. He had struggled so long with feelings of uselessness, feelings of being unwanted. But now, someone wanted him. Someone... loved him. And he loved Wildfire, too. Deathwing knew he'd always been prone to liking other cats. He had a patient personality, and often assumed friendship where others did not. But it was different to love and to be loved in return. It was... just perfect. Deathwing had no words to describe his feelings in that moment. They tossed and turned within him like a tempest, a tempest of ecstasy and joy and everything good. Everything lovely. Everything right.

When Wildfire spoke again, Deathwing turned his attention to her smooth voice, liking the feeling of her tail twined around his. "Of course," he said in response to her question. I'll follow you anywhere. He added silently, his tender smile the only outward sign of the turmoil of emotions that were leaving him feeling a bit dazed but happy all the same.

[Magicheart]

Wildfire beamed, and began to trot happily along the edge of the border, the tall grass brushing her fur. Every movement felt smooth and graceful...the entire landscape seemed illuminated in the setting sun. This is amazing she thought. Suddenly, a dark shape caught her eye in the field.

"Windclan patrol!" a high pitched voice chirrup. Wildfire paused as a black and white she-cat loped up. "Oh, I guess it isn't a border patrol!" the apprentice giggled, noticing the tails of the two cats twined together.

Confusing memories swirled through Wildfire's mind. It was almost as if she knew the young apprentice, as if she could visualize the path the cat had taken to get to the border on the Thunderclan side...but how was that possible?

"I'm Magicpaw!" the apprentice boasted, puffing out her chest. Her white whiskers and golden eyes were striking against her mostly black coat. Wildfire dragged herself out of her thoughts and cast and amused smile at Deathwing. "And where is your mentor?" Wildfire asked.

Magicpaw's brow furrowed and she frowned. "Oh, you know. She's around!" The she-cat's tone began to get defensive and she puffed out her fur. Wildfire let out a mrrrow of amusement, and felt Deathwing's body against hers. He had gotten closer. She leaned into him, liking how it felt.

[.:Lion:.]

Deathwing followed Wildfire closely, not wanting too much space to linger between them. He felt more relaxed and comfortable than he ever had. It was like he was a kit in the medicine den again, just knowing his surroundings and loving every moment he spent with them--with her. When Wildfire stopped, Deathwing did, too. A ThunderClan apprentice appeared, having mistook the two of them for a WindClan patrol. Deathwing inched closer to Wildfire as she talked with the sprightly apprentice.

"And does this misplaced mentor know where this misplaced apprentice has gotten to?" He asked, the whiskers above his left eye rising slightly as a playful grin fought to spread across his face. As it was, an amused half-grin allowed his question to seem less accusatory than faintly humored by the apprentice's obvious defensiveness.

[Magicheart]

Magicpaw bristled, letting out a kit-like growl, then relaxed her fur lying flat. "No..." she mumbled. "My mentor has been busy and hasn't taken me out!" she pouted, cuffing a pebble with her paw and rolling it across the ground. Distracted by the movement she caused, the apprentice crouched and waggled her haunches, pouncing on the rock. Wildfire glanced warmly at Deathwing before moving on. It seemed the apprentice was entertained, and if she was out without an escort, that was Thunderclan's problem.

Wildfire stopped suddenly again and glanced back at the border. "I've never told anyone this before." she began. "But...i always feel drawn to this border. It seems familiar...Thunderclan's territory seems familiar. Even that apprentice...it's like I know what their territory looks like in my mind. It feels like I have memories of being in Thunderclan, but that's impossible. I was born in Windclan, and I've never been to their camp...Wildfire sat, hunching her shoulders. I was always afraid to ask anyone about it because I was afraid that maybe I wasn't born in Windclan after all...but...how could I not be?" She wondered aloud.

[.:Lion:.]

Deathwing followed Wildfire as she continued on. He listened to her musings and thought about it himself, wondering how she could feel such a deep connection with a place she had never been to.

"Maybe it's one of those magic things, you know? Like dreams. Sometimes they make no sense, but you still feel like they're a part of you. Real. Perhaps your mind is telling you something through these feelings?" Deathwing looked at the border thoughtfully, a bit perplexed by this subject. He had dreamed before, and had willed his dreams to be true. But why would Wildfire want to know about ThunderClan? Stranger things have happened. He thought. Still, I'm glad Wildfire is a part of WindClan. If she hadn't been, I would never have met her. An odd thought followed this, one that he would never have imagined himself thinking: I'm glad my parents left me in WindClan's care, too. If they hadn't I wouldn't have met her either.

[Magicheart]

Wildfire's gaze became more distant. "It's almost like...I lived there once...as a different cat." She was quiet a moment before snapping back to reality. "I guess that doesn't make sense either. Dead cats go to Starclan. They don't come back as other cats..." Dissatisfied with the inability to answer this puzzling part of her life, Wildfire reluctantly decided to move on. She twined her tail again with Deathwing and smiled at him. "So, how is your relationship with Storyteller? He better approve of you!" she meowed with a smirk.

[.:Lion:.]

Deathwing watched Wildfire's face closely as it changed. He kept his expression neutral, but he could feel a spark of worry chorusing through his heart. Whatever it is, it's real for her. He thought. When she smiled again, he let out a soft breath and then grinned at her.

"I don't know him very well. We patrolled together but I couldn't tell you if he'd approve of me or not." Deathwing brushed Wildfire's muzzle with his gently, smiling at her. "I hope so, though. He's an important cat to you."

[Magicheart]

Wildfire trembled with an excited shiver. "He has to like you! What's not to like?" She meowed with a mischievous smile. "You have proven you're loyal...you're stronger than most Windclan cats..." In her excitement, Wildfire started walking faster. "Unless...." Wildfire pounced on Deathwing, falling with him into the grass. "Unless you're....you're....secretly..." Wildfire leaned close to the warrior's face, and giggled as she leaned too far and tumbled off.

[.:Lion:.]

Deathwing smiled at Wildfire as she began to list his attributes. He was happy to have her approval. Since he was somewhat distracted with the happy feeling her praise gave him, he didn't notice her jumping on him until she was on top of him. He stared up at her, surprised, and smiled slightly as she tumbled off of him.

"Secretly...?" He asked, rolling over to look at her, "Secretly what?" He smiled impishly, wondering what she was going to say.

[Magicheart]

"Secretlyyyyyy...." Wildfire mused. "...a...DOG!" she mrrrowed. "Yes, that explains the broad shoulders and why I am faster than you are!" Wildfire frowned suddenly. "But...nope. Too cute for a dog." she put her paw to her mouth and bunched her nose, looking intent on her thoughts.