private you are formidable to me ] lightflower

[lovelight]

Lovelight moves quietly beside Lightflower, her paws brushing through the soft earth as they walk through the heart of ThunderClan’s territory. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting long shadows over the trees and painting the world in golden light. Everything feels peaceful now, a stark contrast to the times of tension and fear that dominated their lives during Skyclaw's reign. The air is cool and fresh, carrying the scent of damp leaves and distant prey, and for the first time in what feels like ages, she can breathe easily. She glances over at Lightflower, her companion’s light fur almost shimmering under the sun's fading light. It is a familiar scene—one that has brought Lovelight comfort more times than she can count. But today, her heart beats a little faster, her thoughts swirling with emotions she can no longer ignore.

The rebellion is over. Skyclaw has been defeated. ThunderClan is rebuilding. But even as peace settles back over the forest, there is one thing she has never faced—being honest with her feelings. As they approach a small clearing, where the trees thin and the sky opens up, Lovelight feels her nerves rise. She has told herself that she would do this today, that this would be the moment she dreaded but also longed for. “Lightflower,” she says, her voice softer than she intends, almost hesitant. She stops walking, letting the silence settle between them as she turns to face the cat beside her. The sun highlights every delicate feature of Lightflower’s face, making Lovelight’s heart ache with the weight of her unspoken words.

She takes a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you,” she begins, her voice steadier this time, though her heart still flutters in her chest. “About... everything. During Skyclaw’s rule, I thought about a lot of things. The rebellion, and our Clan, of course, but... also you.” She glances away, her gaze flickering over the familiar landscape, before returning to the cat in front of her. “You’ve always been there for me,” she continues, her voice careful, as if a single word spoken wrong could mess this up for her. “Through all of the chaos, when things felt impossible, you were the one who kept me grounded. Every time I was unsure, or scared, or angry, you made it easier to keep going.”

Her paws shift slightly, the weight of her confession pressing down on her chest. “And I didn’t want to say anything while the Clan was still in such turmoil. It didn’t feel like the right time.” The words hang between them, as fragile as a cobweb in the morning dew. Her gaze stays fixed on Lightflower, her heart thudding heavily in her chest as she pushes herself to speak, to get the full weight of her confession off her shoulders, to share it. She takes a quick inhale, pushing the words out of her mouth in one quick sentence. “I really like you." The clearing around them seems quiet now, every rustle of leaves or distant chirp of a bird fading to nothing in Lovelight's ears, the beat of her heart the only thing she can focus on. “And now, with things getting better... I wanted to tell you. I care about you, Lightflower. More than I think I ever really understood until now.” She's known of her feelings for a while, letting them simmer, not wanting to push the other to decide if she could feel the same; the true depth of them has only revealed itself to her through the tough moments that came upon them during Skyclaw's 'leadership' and the dread it brought with it.

“I just... needed you to know. If you don't feel the same, or just don't know what to say, that's okay.”


@Lightflower ​

 

[Lightflower]

❝ it's gonna hurt for a bit of time ❞​

The chill breeze contrasting the warmth of the sun felt lovely on her fur. Lightflower couldn't imagine living anywhere except ThunderClan. The sound of the leaves and birds wasn't something she felt she could ever live without. And to top it off, she was experiencing it with one of her favorite cats in all the clans. Walking with Lovelight was one of her favorite things to do when they had a free moment. This was not the first and certainly not the last time they'd be on a walk just like this. Such a weight had lifted since Skyclaw had last stood atop Highrock. As if StarClan themselves gave them a blessing.

Her name brought her from her trance. Lovelight brought them to a stop within a small clearing. It was beautiful, really, but she wasn't focusing on the scenery anymore. "Yeah?" she hummed, tail swishing lightly. "I've been meaning to talk to you," lit a small spark of anxiety. What if she wanted to end this? What if Lovelight was tired of her? As she continued, Lightflower nodded along, searching her face for clues as to what she was trying to say. "Of course," she mewed. She would always be there for Lovelight. She'd been ready to drop everything to leave with her the day of the mutiny. In some ways she was thankful they didn't leave. The idea of leaving Badgerstripe or Palefire or Squirrelpaw amidst it all was heartwrenching.

"I really like you,"

A beat. That... was not what she was expecting. A smile split her maw. "Are you kidding! I really like you too!" She beamed. Lightflower was nearly bouncing in excitement. She hadn't thought that Skyclaw of all cats would technically be the one to bring them together (or rather, his death), but she could thank the stars again and again for it.
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[lovelight]

Lovelight’s heart races as Lightflower’s smile lights up her face, a rush of warmth spreading through her as relief floods her body. The tension that had been gnawing at her chest releases all at once, leaving her breathless and slightly dazed. Lightflower’s joy is so infectious, so radiant, that Lovelight can’t help but be swept up in it. A soft, surprised laugh escapes her, her own smile slowly unfurling like a flower in bloom, pushing aside the weight of uncertainty that had clung to her for so long. “Really?” Lovelight whispers, her voice barely audible. She hadn’t dared to fully believe her feelings would be returned, and now that they are, it’s as if her heart might just jump out of her chest. Her legs feel slightly unsteady as she steps closer to Lightflower, drawn in by the glow of her happiness, the warmth in her chest growing fiercer, more intense.

“I’ve wanted to tell you for so long,” Lovelight admits, her voice trembling just slightly, eyes flickering to the sunlight filtering through the trees. Golden rays cast a soft light over Lightflower, and Lovelight feels her breath catch at the sight. “But with everything happening—Skyclaw, the rebellion, all the uncertainty—I didn’t want to add to the chaos or complicate things.” Her voice carries the weight of months of unspoken feelings, of moments where she had restrained herself, afraid to ruin something precious. Her tail flicks nervously, brushing against Lightflower’s fur in a tentative gesture before she lets it linger, comforted by the notion that the girl truly does return her feelings. “But now, with things calmer, it just felt right… like it was finally the right time to try,” Lovelight continues, her eyes soft and filled with fondness as she gazes at Lightflower. “Honestly, I wasn’t even sure what I was hoping for.”

She pauses, letting the moment stretch, savoring the joy on Lightflower’s face. Lovelight’s heart swells with a deep, tender warmth as she adds, “But I think I was hoping for this, even though I wasn't sure how you'd react."​

 

[Lightflower]

❝ it's gonna hurt for a bit of time ❞​

The sheer glee that filled her nearly spilled out. What a wild ride they'd been on the last few weeks. They had spent plenty of nights next to each other in their nests, separate, but together. Overrun with feelings and thoughts and overwhelming consequences. What a beautiful day it was indeed.The sunlight had deepened to a richer orange tone, and Lightflower found herself lost in Lovelight's eyes. The contrasting orange lighting up her face and the deepness of her blue eyes was captivating.

Lightflower nearly lunged forward to give her a nuzzle of affection, not thinking very much. "You'd have bee's in your brain to think I didn't like you back!" she teased with a purr. The birds agreed in their own way, chirping brightly around them as the sun set. A few crickets even decided to join in, making music all around them. She pulled back almost as quickly as she'd started, a thought striking her. "Wait," she mewed, "does that make us..." the word was so formal, so serious. It was what she wanted, but to say it aloud was another thing entirely. Mates. Why did it all have to be so confusing?
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[lovelight]

The joy in Lightflower's gaze fills Lovelight with a warmth she can hardly contain. Her heart races as she catches the look in those eyes, the sunset casting soft shadows across Lightflower's face. A shy but unwavering smile crosses her lips, and she takes a hesitant step forward, feeling the softness of the earth under her paws as she closes the space between them. At Lightflower's teasing words, Lovelight's heart skips, and a soft laugh escapes her. She presses her nose affectionately to Lightflower's, letting herself feel the closeness they've shared for so long—yet this is different. Her chest tightens, a sweet ache filling the space between breaths. The nuzzle against her in comforting, warm.

As Lightflower pulls back, Lovelight blinks, a tinge of surprise flickering through her gaze at the question hanging between them, though perhaps it should not come as a surprise. Mates. The word seems both familiar and brand new as she contemplates the unfinished question, carrying a weight she finds both daunting and exhilarating. Her expression softens, her gaze never leaving Lightflower's as she steadies herself. Then, a gentle, reassuring nod; there's no hesitation in her heart once the moment of surprise passes. With a delicate touch, she leans forward to nuzzle Lightflower again, this time letting the lingering warmth in her chest spill over. She's not quite sure how to express all the emotions, the relief, and joy filling her to the brim, but her actions speak for her. She pulls back just enough to look into Lightflower's eyes. Lovelight lets her tail brush lightly over Lightflower's flank, an affectionate gesture as she beams at the cat in front of her. Then, with a soft purr, she murmurs, "If you'll have me."​