Lovely weather, isn't it?

The white she-cat looked at the rising river level. This was not good. Yes there was enough fresh-kill... lots of fish, however this rising river wasn't good. She shook herself and licked her pelt, wondering if she would ever know what dry was again. The she-cat looked at her paws then at the river again.

The rising river could very well flood the clan out. She lifted one paw, then the other off the soaked ground. Already the ground under her paws was taking on a consistancy of swamplands. At least there was one good thing about this weather, other clans didn't attack, that meant the warriors could devote their efforts to hunting. That was what was needed. She sighed and went over to the fresh kill pile.
There were lots of frogs in it. Frogs liked this weather she guessed. She picked up the smallest one, her lips pulled back distainfully, and carried it away.

<sup>Firestep stalked through the camp clearing toward the fresh-kill pile with a tired and stressed look on his face. Earlier this morning, he was sent on the dawn's patrol, then afterwards when he was heading for his den he was sent again out on a hunting patrol. Finally back, the only thing set on this tom's mind was rest.

Dropping his catch on the pile, he dragged himself to his only destination: the warriors den. Vision blurred by drowsiness and mind clouded with the only thought of sleep, he didn't even notice Snowflower until it was too late. Waking up a little as he bumped into the she-cat he growled grumpily, "Watch it, mouse-brain."</sup>

"Hey, you watch it." She snapped jumping in front of him.
"You were the Mouse-brained fool who crashed into me." She said. She was so hostile to him because she actully had a bit of a crush on him.
She paused and looked at him.
"You want to share this frog?"she asked him.

<sup>Firestep snorted at her sudden invite, a little bit confused. She-cats, they're so moody. One minute they snap your head off and the next they're all weird... Just that thought made him want to claw his own fur off in frustration.

Staring down at the frog she offered he thought about it. He was tired out of his mind, but he was also hungry from the day's work too. Or actually morning's work, but it felt like he'd been working for a moon. And he had never had a cat invite him to do anything before. But why would he want to eat with her?

Sighing, he decided to eat. It was better than starving to death while trying to get some sleep. "Whatever..." he grumbled, narrowing his eyes. Wait, was it kindness or was she planning something to pay back for him bumping into her? Is that was it was? Firestep shook his head, Maybe, but for now I'll just... His thoughts were unfinished by tiredness as he took a bite of the frog. He hadn't tasted frog in a while, so it made his tongue whirl.

Swallowing, he pushed the frog over to Snowflower, eyes half closed, his urge for sleep growing.</sup>

She looked at him.
"Sorry for the gruff greeting." She said. "I don't like rain... at all." She shook her self. "I swear, I don't think I even remember what dry feels like." She sighed. "So, how as patrol?" she asked. "Any movement from the other clans? I doubt it personally, since this rain makes attacking anyone a real pain in the tail. Not to mention really pointless. I mean why waste energy on fighting? It's hard enough to get food... except for frogs. They love this weather. Ducks too, though they can be a bother to catch."

<sup>Firestep stared at her blankly. Never did the tom know she was such a talker. All she-cats are it seems... Moving the frog side to side with his claws he shrugged, "Though it would bring more excitement to his pitiful scene. If the rain doesn't stop soon we're going to have another flood." Firestep sighed, flicking his ear as a rain drop fell on it.

But, it was better than nothing. He had never had a decent conversation with any cat before. Everyone thought of him as a grumpy nuisence. Why was Snowflower even bothering to talk to such a tom anyway? Firestep was curious, but didn't ask. He would probably ruin the conversation. "At least we'll have a lot of fish, too..."</sup>

"Yes, but if this rain doesn't stop we'll be up to our ears in fish... and water." She sighed and shook her dripping pelt.
"I truly envy the loners that live in the horseplace right now." She sighed. "They're dry and have a nice supply of mice that have been hiding from the rain." She flicked her ears back.
"In fact I'm considering sneaking over there and bringing back some nice fat mice." She ran her tongue over her lips, almost flirtatiously.

<sup>Firestep flattened his ears in disgust at the sound of "horseplace". "The last thing I want is to go to the horseplace, rather live off of...of...bugs." he growled, not thinking clearly from lack of sleep. He couldn't even growl correctly.

Then Firestep's ears perked up, a confused look on his face. He stared at her as she licked her lips...Firestep shook his head. What was he thinking? Mentally hitting himself he distracted himself by batting the half-eaten frog again. "Anyway..." he grumbled, "Me. You. Patrol. Got it? You can never underestimate those filthy Clans being simple minded and crossing our border anyway."</sup>

"Sure." She said, standing.
"Say evening patrol?" She walked around him, her body moving in a fluid motion. She dragged her tail under his chin as she circled him.
"It's a date then?"

^{Firestep snapped his head back as soon as Snowflower touched his chin, blushing. "N-No...j-just a patrol. Patrol." Firestep stuttered. Straightening up he meowed, "Good. Evening...fine. I'll meet up with you then. By the river. Just don't be late." Getting up, he ran off, his eyes locking onto the warriors den again. Evening...}

( Shall we continue in RiverClan territory? I can make a board there and we can have them meet up at the river. )

(sure)