Appledusk shifted in the nest, raising his gaze up to Silverpelt. The soft sounds of greenleaf buzzed around him; soft cricket chirps rang out, and in the corner of his eyes he could see the soft glow of fireflies flashing.

The tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat shifted as well. Appledusk lowered his gaze to watch her stretch her head back against his chest and rest her tail over his haunch. Their eyes met, and a purr rumbled from her throat.

"What?"

Appledusk lowered his nose to touch against her ear and responded softly, "Nothing; you're just beautiful."

She rolled her eyes and batted him away before sitting up. "So sappy," she admonished, bending to lick her tail.

He knew she didn't mean it. "You appreciate it, Mapleshade."

She shrugged, but when she looked back up at him, Appledusk saw the playful glint in Mapleshade's gaze.

"And besides, I mean it," Appledusk continued. Feeling suddenly embarrassed, he ducked his head and gave his chest a few licks. "I'll only ever love you."

Mapleshade's eyes shone; after a moment's hesitation, she asked, "Really?"

Appledusk's face softened. "Yes. I promise you."

The she-cat burst into a wild purr. But then it caught in her throat. "How could we be together?" She asked, her voice soft. "I mean, would you ever be willing to leave RiverClan?"

Appledusk felt himself stiffen. Leave RiverClan? My Clanmates? He gazed at Mapleshade. No. Never.

Mapleshade's face was solemn. She turned to watch a firefly as it darted past her ear. "Perhaps that's a discussion for the future," the she-cat meowed.

The future? Appledusk wondered suddenly. Does that mean she's upset? He tried to read his mate, but her face was closed off. Maybe she just wants to move on.

Appledusk was more than happy to. He didn't like the idea of discussing leaving their Clans - Mapleshade probably felt the exact same. We're both extremely loyal. Even just thinking about it feels disloyal.

As Mapleshade settled down beside him once more, Appledusk rested his head on her back, his thoughts whirling until they settled on one message.

I'm a loyal RiverClan Warrior, above all else. I wouldn't give that up just for Mapleshade.