If I ever lost you (a Squirrel x Ash fanfiction)

PROLOGUE
She is the fire of the night, glowing softly in the starlight. Her eyes are shining and her flaming pelt is almost white in the light of our glittering ancestors. Grass strokes her paws as she runs, freedom dancing in her eyes as she silently makes her way through the woods. I expect her to stop where he waits, but she doesn't. She's running in my direction, muscles rippling and fur sleekly groomed. The night is silent except from the pounding of my heart.

"I thought you chose..." my voice is bitter and cracked. A musical purr tells me that I was wrong, and I feel like I am flying.

"I chose the cat who was right for me. Brambleclaw is a good friend, but he's just not the cat I think I can spend my life with," she explains. I seek her soft green gaze, and for the first time in moons, she looks straight into my eyes.

"What made you realize?" I venture. For the first time, uncertainty flickers in her eyes.

"Nothing can make me realize anything. I made the choice, and now you're going to have to live with it," a teasing reply comforts me. I lick her ear affectionately, keeping her close.

"I won't let anything harm you, ever," I promise. A quiet hiss tells me that I've said the wrong thing.

"You're not protecting me, get it? All I want from you is love. That's all you're getting from me," she explains, calming down. I twitch nervously.

"Don't you want kits?" it's a dodgy suggestion, and Squirrelflight isn't too happy with it.

"Maybe. But for now, all I want is you," she whispers, and for the first time in my life, I truly feel happy in ThunderClan.

Squirrel
Leafpool is waiting for me the heartbeat I get back from the woods. There's a knowing look in her eyes, and even though my first reaction is to protest, I know that I can't keep anything from my sister.

"You chose Ashfur, didn't you?" she questions. I nod.

"There's no need to look so surprised!" I tease, because it's evident from her expression that this is exactly what she's been expecting.

"Sorry," she ducks her head, embarrassed. I cuff her ear lightly.

"Don't be sorry, mousebrain! How are things with..." my voice trails away when I see her discomfort.

(TO BE CONTINUED)