BROS BEFORE H-- {Hawkstreak}

CRIMSONCLAW
Life is just a test, that only you can beat.

Crimsonclaw padded through the reeds, tread the icy waters, and trudged through the knee high snow just to reach the Shadowclan border. There was no particular reason for why he was here. Scratch that. He was here because of a certain she-cat, this she-cat constantly drove him insane, pushed all of his buttons. But somehow feelings developed, just somehow he fell in love. When all was going well, it shattered with one haughty insult. Now here he was. Tonight he was sleeping in the doghouse, and he probably deserved it.

With a snort he sat down, why he chose the Shadowclan border was beyond him. Perhaps it was because they were hostile, most likely to challenge a fight. Not only did Crimsonclaw want to cause bloodshed, he wanted to cause enemy bloodshed. The snapping of twigs singled that he wasn't alone, perfect. An out of character grin flickered upon his muzzle, his claws tore at the frozen earth.

"Shadowclan scum, get out and fight." his voice was a tad bit tainted with regret the moment he said 'Shadowclan'. What was wrong with him? Did he need to kill to calm his nerves? This wasn't right? The snapping of twigs, the swishing of fur, it was too late. Before him stood a tabby tom, small, scrawny, but still a formidable fighter.

Crimsonclaw sighed inwardly, "Pretend I didn't utter a sound, it's all her fault anyways, stupid she-cat."

ooc: Oh god, I can imagine Hawky saying, "Lady troubles? I know how you feel bro, I know how ya feel." xDD

<sup>Hawkstreak
My lifetime goal is to annoy you

Hawkstreak felt great at the moment. Out in the open, away from all his troubles. Not worrying about annoying clan-mates. Not worrying about his frustrated mate and troublesome kits. Not worrying about duties randomly assigned to him. Just himself and the pine forest. Yes, he got away from Silverwing's menacing grasp, escaping the horror of being along with his kin.

Though, he wasn't excited to go back. Silverwing is going to be pissed. No, beyond pissed. And once she finds him she's gonna rip his head off and feed his body to her kits. Or something similar. But, Hawkstreak had to force that to the back of his mind. He could worry about that later.

As he wondered aimlessly beside the ThunderClan border, a growl made him jump. Franticly searching for the owner just in case of an attack, he spotted a rather large tom that could do much worse damage than Silverwing could. Or, close anyway. But he backed down from the challenge, explaining it was she-cat problems. An amused grin crawled on his face.

"Did you mention she-cat?" he meowed seductively with a smirk. "Ha! Your not the only one you know with those kind of problems. Hey, not to pry, but why not let it out? You know, just rant? I'm sure I can help, for I'm an expert at this kind of stuff. You know?" This could get interesting.</sup>

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CRIMSONCLAW
Life is just a test, that only you can beat.

This was--odd. Not only did the tom ignore his threat, he was being friendly--in a way. He said he wanted to hear his problems, this was quite strange. Raising his brows Crimsonclaw awkwardly sat down. He was sure this was against the code somehow, just one way or another this was wrong. But a part of him wanted to rant and vent all of his issues. So he did.

"Well first off--" he began, coughing he gave Hawkeyes a reproachful glance before continuing once more, "Her name is Sorreltail. Strange as it she was once my apprentice." A soft smile graced his lips, Sorreltail, just the sound of her name makes me smile. Oh Starclan what's wrong with me. "I'm the titled grump of Riverclan, every apprentice before her had been frightened of me. While every warrior purposely stayed clear of my path."

The tom, got more comfortable on the forest floor, this was going to be a long conversation. He could feel it. "But she was different, she wasn't scared, nor did she stay away. In fact he stuck to my side like glue, to the point where it was annoying. But it wasn't because she was dependent, but because she wanted to know me." Crimsonclaw chuckled softly before continuing, "So now she's a warrior, well as expected I somehow or another developed--" Stopping abruptly he coughed, his cheeks uncharacteristically flushed, "Well you can guess."

"Anyways we got into a fight, to where she wants to rip my throat out. Apparently I did something wrong but I have no idea." Raising a brow Crimsonclaw growled, "And what makes you so good at this stuff?" Eying the tom up he couldn't help but notice many, many scars scattering his pelt. A sickening feeling told him it wasn't from different clan cats. "Don't tell me you have the exact same problem, because it seems like you need some help as well." he added while gesturing towards the injuries with his tail.

<sup>Hawkstreak
My lifetime goal is to annoy you

Hawkstreak tried to suppress a laugh. He loves his apprentice? That was a twist. He was expecting something like your every day girl troubles. But this? The tom looked as if he were ancient! How can he be in love with someone that was probably ten times younger than him?

But, love worked in strange ways. He was an example of that, being mates with someone who despised him. She didn't share his hobbies, nor liked them, and they were always bickering. But somehow they found love. Even though that made their relationship worse. Maybe, with his superior love skills, the RiverClan warrior and his crush could find more happiness than he could. No, he was certain. The warrior found the right cat at the right time. He was definitely going to make it work.

What surprised him more is that he asked the same question about his love life. Responding with a snort he meowed, "Number one, I'm perfectly find with my mate, thank you. I'm the one helping you, remember. Number two, I have a lot of experience with this kind of stuff. So you better listen up to any advice I got to give."

Ok, the love thing wasn't true at all. Silverwing and him could really need something to make their relationship more relaxed. Sighing, he explained his obvious lie, "Alright, you got me. But our situation is waaay different from your's. My mate, Silverwing, has been bitter toward me ever since she had my kits. And I've been hiding from her since. She's a feisty one, you know. But never mind my problems. Look at you. Your the one who's in love with your apprentice."

With a smirk he continued, "Couldn't you, like, you know, found someone younger? Maybe this all wouldn't have happened if you did. Come on, I bet there is someone who can handle your so called 'grumpiness'. But anyway, if you are so sure of yourself about your little crush on this so called Sorrelstrike, first let me ask do you know if she has the same feelings for you? If she's smarter on her love choices you're gonna have to give up on her. But if your not sure or you know she likes ya back then that's a different story, my friend."</sup>

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CRIMSONCLAW
Life is just a test, that only you can beat.

"I'm not that old." he muttered indigently, Crimsonclaw couldn't help but utter a suppressed growl. Inhaling, he coaxed his anger away. If he were going to get anywhere near Sorrelstrike he'd have to start managing his anger. A shame, this tom couldn't be any help with this. It was obvious he had some anger issues as well. As Hawkstreak went on blabbering he found himself smirking, so this Shadowclan warrior had his own issues. Furrowing his brows he found a simple solution for the tom, it was strange that the Shadowclan cat hadn't thought of it before.

"So your saying she's inexplicably feisty?" Cocking his head to the side he meowed rather flatly, "Why don't you try being a bit more dominant. This way she knows your boss, by the way your talking--" Clearing his throat he continued, "By how you explained her, she's probably the type to get turned on by someone who's bossing her around. If your just being submissive I'm sure she'd get pissed." Crimsonclaw wasn't an expert on she-cats, this was obvious. But he did know one thing about overly aggressive females, his mother was one. While his father--if he showed any sign of weakness she'd easily over-power him with rules.

Then came his spew of advice, Does she like you back? This question burned his mind. His mouth was suddenly dry, hastily he glanced around for any sort of water. There was snow, but he'd look more foolish if he were to start eating the frozen liquid. With a grunt he concluded he'd have to live with this discomfort. But why was it dry? His pelt felt itchy, and then he discovered his cheeks were flushed once more. A strange throbbing pierced his chest, and then a horrid thought. What if she doesn't like me back? This wasn't what he wanted to hear, or heck! Even think! Yet the thought still remained. With a defeated sigh he gazed at the Shadowclan warrior, "I don't even know if she likes me."

But he did know one thing, he wasn't going to give up.

<sup>Hawkstreak
My lifetime goal is to annoy you

Hawkstreak felt enlightened. He was right; maybe. It sounded too good to be true. He had a feeling if he took the RiverClan tom's advice, things would just get worse. Wouldn't Silverwing just get more pissed off? His logic seemed fake, and what does he know about love anyway? He's love-sick with his apprentice!

But it was worth the try when he turned back home. It's not like he can mess it up any further than it already is. His mind trailed away from the subject when he heard the warrior confess. Both irritated and amused, he sighed heavily. "You sure need help, do you, you big lump?" Pondering, he thought up a plan. After a few moments of silence, his eyes brightened with the birth of an idea.

"One way to find out," Hawkstreak purred, licking his lips mischievously. "No, not flat out asking. That's too hard. Plus you two are already kinda messed up now. It would just make things worse. No...I have the perfect plan..." Smirking, he stood up at full height, raising his muzzle proudly. "You should make her jealous."</sup>

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CRIMSONCLAW
Life is just a test, that only you can beat.

Crimsonclaw rolled his eyes, "Skip the insults and get to the advice." He muttered darkly. The tom's eyes flashed. What if this mangy Shadowclan runt didn't know anything on love? He should probably turn tail and return to camp with the tom's dead body between his paws. But something peculiar kept him here. It was this unknown guilty pleasure that whispered within his gut. Did everyone feel this way when talking about the one they liked. I got to be sick.

Crimsonclaw swallowed the mucus gathering in his throat. His ears perked at Hawkstreak's words, "Get to the point." he growled. The Shadowclan warrior was rambling. If anything peeved Crimsonclaw more it was cats that couldn't just spit it out. Perhaps that and the fact that Crimsonclaw lacked much patience, and was sourly tempered.

Jealous...? Was he insane. That would only make Sorrelstrike even more angry. She would kill him. Like she would notice anyway. Crimsonclaw's ear flattened on the back of his head. What if she didn't notice anything he did? He wasn't even sure that she liked him. So if he tried to make her jealous she'd just walk by without a word. Or say something drastically stupid about his 'new relationship'. This was risky business.

The large crimson colored tom lowered his head, "How do you know this will work?" he hissed quietly, his eyes darting nervously around. Flicking his tail he growled once more, a tad bit embarrassed, "And how am I supposed to make her jealous in the first place?"

<sup>Hawkstreak
My lifetime goal is to annoy you

Hawkstreak snorted impatiently. Why ask if it would work if he waited for his advice anyway? But, it was amusing to see the tom so frustrated and desperate. So desperate to come looking for help from some mangy ShadowClan cat like himself. He almost wanted to lie about the help and form it into a prank it was such a good opportunity. But, he seemed way too helpless.

"Look, either take it or leave it. You're the one who stayed here and waited to share my expertises in this subject, right? Just trust me." Then after that question, another followed. He really was helpless! The RiverClan cat was just like a kit crying for its mother. It was pathetic.

Snickering, his quiet amusement turned into a burst of laughter. It only lasted for a minute, but his sides felt like it was burning when he calmed down. "You really are clueless, aren't you?" Hawkstreak chuckled. "Alright, alright...I'll give you five simple words...

"Flirt. With. A. Hot. Chick."</sup>

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CRIMSONCLAW
Life is just a test, that only you can beat.

Trust? What did this tom know about trust? He was Shadowclan, and every kit around this lake knows not to trust a Shadowclan cat. But Crimsonclaw thought those stories were stupid and never paid attention. That might have been the reason why he found himself trusting this tom. Crimsonclaw's ears burned hot he found himself embarrassingly scuffling the dirt with his paws, "I'm not clueless, I've just never been in love." he muttered quietly. Since the day his Father doubted him it has been only work, work, and more work for the Riverclan tom. He never took notice of she-cats; he never played; he had apprentices to train. He didn't have time to go all moony over some she-cat.

But here he was; and suddenly he had all the time in the world.

His ears pricked once more, he lifted his muzzle. This Shadowclan scum was finally getting down to what he wanted to hear in the first place. No more insults; jokes; laughter; this was it.

Crimsonclaw's eyes widened, nervously he glanced around. His cheeks burned with embarrassment. Once more he lowered his head. His insides were crawling with unknown feelings at the mention of rather good looking she-cats. The tom shook his head; ridding himself of of these impure thoughts. "What! Are you insane." Crimsonclaw hissed nervously. He snorted showing his disgust, "That's completely out of line!"

Lashing his tail he growled, "I just can't go up and flirt with any she-cat I fancy!" He was breathing heavily now; he swallowed nervously. He turned his head back to Hawkstreak, "I can't believe you'd mention that."

But it was all slowly becoming clear to Crimsonclaw. Hawkstreak was right. If he wanted any chance of making Sorrelstrike jealous he'd need to flirt with-- well a hot chick. But who in Starclan's name is hot? Riverclan she-cats were either stuck up, or taken. How was he supposed to go around and make snark remarks to whoever he pleased without the fear of being slapped? Crimsonclaw sighed, this was way harder then it sounded.

"Well then tell me who's hot." He meowed quietly. He shook his head quickly, "No I mean--" He paused and issued another disgruntled sigh, "What's hot for you? What would your ideal she-cat look like?"

<sup>Hawkstreak
My lifetime goal is to annoy you

Hawkstreak listened absently to the RiverClan tom's rambling. What a stubborn old flea-bag he was. Even when he finally decided to give him advice, he still thinks he has the right to argue. At least thank him if he's going to be an ass about it. But after his complaining he finally gave in to his own accord.

"Man are you a complete idiot. Even a tom who hasn't been in love knows a hot she-cat when he sees one," Hawkstreak snorted impatiently, an amused tone intertwined with his taunt. "Hmm...I'd say a hot chick would have a slim figure. Those muscular she-cats are imitating, while the scrawny ones look like a starving mouse." A pause quieted the atmosphere, the brown tabby tom's head tilted in thought.

"She would have a glossy pelt, and she shouldn't be too big. Why would you want to flirt with a she-cat as big as your big rump? Also...I always imagine my perfect girl having a sharp muzzle for some reason. And a big butt...and maybe-oh you get the picture! But I guess it all depends on you whether you think a she-cat is hot or not. Every tom is different. But there's my dream babe," Hawkstreak declared, smirking. "Do you think this Sorrel-babe is hot?"</sup>

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CRIMSONCLAW
Life is just a test, that only you can beat.

Crimsonclaw flinched inwardly at his harsh retort. Crimsonclaw wasn't one to take things to heart but for once he noticed a flaw within himself. Did he ever go and notice she-cats? After his Father's hurtful words he focused so intently on his training that any thoughts; wants of females had evaporated from the intensity of determination. He wasn't working so he could father a set of kits; he was working to get his own father's approval. How much of his life did he waste away doing this? When instead he could have been normal. Back when he was an apprentice he remembers she-cats flocking around him. He was as good-looking as his father; why wouldn't they? Then when he changed; they too vanished.

The tom gulped, "I guess I never looked truthfully." Was this true? Perhaps scattered images of she-cats threatened his concentration before. What did they look like? Soft white fur, fluffy; long. They looked innocent and pure. Too gentle to harm. They were slender; nothing like a warrior. Was this his dream--'babe'? He sub-consciously furrowed his brows; Sorrelstrike looked nothing like that cat. She was slim, but muscled. Her pelt was an array of colors; sharp green eyes. She was a warrior. Crimsonclaw's eyes snapped open, it was never her looks.

Astounded by his discovery he stuttered the words slipping from his tongue, "It wasn't her looks that drew in me in." He swallowed, "It's her. All of her. Her personality, the way she talks; her laugh. This isn't just infatuation; it;s-" His voice carried to a whisper, "Love." He was in love with her. Had he cleared this yet? Did he know this before? Why did it take him so long? His eyes flickered, "This Silverwing-" His eyes narrowed he studied this Shadowclan tom, "She doesn't look like your dream babe does she?" A smirk wove it's way across his muzzle,

"Yet you still love her."

<sup>Hawkstreak
My lifetime goal is to annoy you

Hawkstreak rolled his eyes at the tom's sudden realization. He watched the emotions flicker upon his face, probably oblivious to the fact he was doing so. When he ceased his thoughts and went on talking, what he explained amused him. Never in his life would he see some big, serious, muscular tom talk so sickeningly sweet and gooey. Hawkstreak had to suppress his laughter.

"Yeah yeah yeah you love her good for you. It's been kinda obvious from the start you know. Every time I mention her you go all red and you have this stupid look in your eye." His expression changed when the RiverClan warrior turned the tables on him. Shrugging he replied, "Yeah I guess..." Hawkstreak sighed. "She's not my dream girl. Her butt isn't big, but her body is a little bigger than I had in mind." Smirking he licked his lips as he continued as he imagined a sexy Silverwing when she wasn't flattening her ears, bristling her fur, or narrowing her eyes.

"She succeeds the slimness I imagined," Hawkstreak purred. "And her silvery goodness can leave you breathless. And her green eyes are mesmerizing..." The tabby tom stopped his daydreams before they go too into detail. He discovered something himself too today. He actually did love that she-cat. In a way, of course.

"Yeah yeah she isn't perfect but I love her anyway alright. You proved your point. Now, any more advice you want me to share with you? Speaking of which Silverwing is probably waiting for me right about now."</sup>

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CRIMSONCLAW
Life is just a test, that only you can beat.

"I think you helped enough." Crimsonclaw meowed, embarrassed he meowed, "Thanks." Shurgging her cast his gaze anywhere except upon the puny tom. Even if he would never admit it, this talk; or whatever it was actually helped him. He was so much more positive about his feelings than he had been in such a long time. The tom knew what he had to do to win her back. Although he wasn't sure about how he was going to go about it, he was still new to this game called love. Smirking he meowed, "Better get going, or that devil of yours will be ripping your head off." Raising his brows he flicked his ears, "Your pretty lucky you know." Pausing he let the smirk die away, "You have someone who loves you no matter how stupid you may be." A coy smile dribbled onto his face, "And you're rather stupid."

Arching his back he stood onto his paws; stretched his spine and spun on heels. He had to return back to Riverclan and let his plan take it's course. Crimsonclaw wasn't going to let Sorrelstrike go. He loved her. Padding back through the reeds he made sure to go easy on the tom next time he saw him. Perhaps maybe they could have been friends if they had belonged in the same clans. Maybe they can be friends anyways. Crimsonclaw shook the thoughts away; he had to concentrate on Sorrelstrike.

The path he was going to take was going to be hard; challenging but if all went well--then well? It'd all be worth it just to see her smiling face. He was going to make her jealous. The shadowclan runt had mentioned it earlier and by the looks of it; it might just work. But who would he flirt with? There was Snowflower. Crimsonclaw cringed at the thought; no way in hell. Crystalfur, she was too quiet. Dragonfly--too; it just wouldn't work. Banditfoot, Crimsonclaw paled at the thought. She was just as stuck up as he was. Ginger-Root, he hardly knew her. He wasn't even going to consider any of the queens; they already had mates who'd kill him.

So who was left?

A certain rogue she-cat captured his attentions. She wasn't bad-looking and her personality was appealing. Khaki. Was she still hanging around? She had been hanging around the territory; he was sure of it. Perhaps if he could persuade Wolfstar to let her join the clan--yes it could work out! Sorrelstrike would definitely get annoyed by her countering attitude. Crimsonclaw grinned at the thought.

Everything was going to work out fine; he could feel it in paws.

As he slid into the river he couldn't help but feel as if today was a turning point in his life. No longer was he going to act so cold; ruthless. He was a changed tom, all thanks to some Shadowclan runt. Who would've thought? Definitely not him. Crimsonclaw exited the river expertly; shed the water; and padded into camp with his head held high.

Today had been a good day.