When he confirmed that it wasn't exactly what friends did, she found herself laughing with him. We're both idiots, aren't we? Eventually the laughter come to a halt, and the seriousness of this talk would return again. "At first... It was strange, even though I offered to sleep with you. I've never actually been close to anyone like that, but you made me feel safe. I was happy whenever you asked, because I wanted to make you feel the same way. I'm not sure what you dream about or how truly terrifying they can be, but as long as you knew someone was there for you... It would be okay," she answered. There was no denying it. Even though he asked, she could have rejected him. Told him deal with it, but she loved the closeness of it all. That he opened himself up to her. How could she tear his heart? Besides, she thought he knew. If she was okay with sleeping with him, she liked him. She enjoyed his presence. She was okay with being with him. There wasn't a moment where she denied him, not yet. What he asked of her so far was not unreasonable. He didn't ask for much in the first place. He usually teased her in a playful manner, and it wasn't like she didn't let him have it.
"Don't make it sound like you're undeserving. Have a little more faith, there's a lot of things that are charming about you," she responded. It shocked her to no end how he couldn't see it, all the things that made him special. He was more than he thought, but she didn't want to tell him what exactly made him charming. That would defeat the purpose. That was for him to find out and understand. If she told him, that wouldn't help him. He wouldn't think he was special at all, and if he did... It was because she said so. Even if he asked how he was charming she wouldn't answer. Her opinion was much different and what she saw as charming may be something else for him. There was no doubt in her mind that he would confused by her deepest thoughts about him, embarrassed even.
What happened next confused her in more ways than one. The very being that he thanked her just for being here. She wasn't used to being thanked, especially for something so small. However, it must have been important to him. The second being that he touched noses with her, an action so unexpected. It was enough to cause her to flinch, and she was certain she was flustered. The third being the strange feeling that occurred when he did so. It wasn't bad, no, not at all. I want more? Was a thought that came afterwards. Juniperthorn wasn't affectionate. At least, not like this. With words he laid himself bare, showing the extent in which he cared. Even though he wasn't the best at coming up with words. Actions? He'd never do it in public for sure. From the numerous times they spent together, he tried keeping an image. An image she saw right through, but she let him believe she didn't see it. In this moment, this very moment, he stole her words from her. She could only stare at him dumbfounded, forgetting why they were here. It was only when he spoke again did she snap back into reality.
Dying... I did promise I wasn't going to, didn't I? After you told me about your nightmare, of me dying. I... I'm still going to keep that promise, no matter what. Now hearing you want to promise the same... You're awful. You're only making me like you more, you grump. Honestly, you're too kind. "You know, if you did die I wouldn't come to Starclan and beat you up for it. I'd know you tried your best and that's all that really matters in the end, because you're the greatest thing that's ever happened to me. I do want to be with you, as long as you're fine with it."
Massive? Massive things like what? "Not yet, huh? Sounds like you've been thinking about it for awhile now," she mused. It was harmless, and besides, he teased her every chance he got. It wasn't unfair of her to tease him now, considering they would continue to do so. It was their normal at this point. Although, she had no idea what massive things he was talking about. Kits? Well she loved watching them grow, but having her own? She never thought about that, or even having a mate. She was perfectly okay with being single. As long as she had a few close friends everything would be alright. This confession isn't as graceful as the one meant for a twig, but this is beautiful in its own way. Well, I guess it's we're beautifully struggling. A smile would greet him as he continued. She was listening, she always had been. To his spoken and unspoken words.
"I do like you. Being together... Based on that. Alright, that sounds good. Sorry, I'm not very good at this. We're both going to learn as we go on, and that's okay, right? Juni, if there's anything uncomfortable with tell me. I don't want to push your boundaries and end up hurting you." Love, no like was really strange. She honestly didn't know. Whether or not this was right or if it was too soon. In time she would tell, but for now it seemed right. Didn't that matter? She couldn't deny that she liked him and wanted the best for him, nor did she want to. There was no reason to lie, and everyone could tell anyways. She was the most comfortable with him than anyone else in the clan.
You and I are different, and that's okay. I'm beyond awkward, but that's okay. You've never been afraid of that. A moment of silence was shared between them. Whatever he was thinking... That was for him and him alone. He would share those thoughts if he deemed it worthy, while she would be there and support him. What was she doing now? Inspecting him. The scars on his face, the fatigue within his eyes, the nicks on his left ear, the long jagged scar on his back, and that kinked tail of his. In the eyes of many, Juniperthorn was not what they would call handsome. It was clear to her that Juniperthorn experienced so much in his life, and to her, that was handsome. Every scar he had held a story, stories that intrigued her. Scars were not imperfections, they were not ugly, they were beautiful, rich with history behind them.
Unaware of it, she had drew near him. While she had been the first one to ask him of his feelings, he had been the first to initiate something akin to comfort. She recalled the jolt that passed through her when he touched noses. Maybe it wasn't the action by itself, rather the feelings behind it. Regardless, she almost kissed him. For some reason she wanted to, but she wasn't sure. No, it's too soon. When we're ready, we'll do that. This tom before her was irreplaceable, one of the greatest cats she had the chance to meet. For now, I hope this is okay. Don't be afraid. What she opted for instead was to nuzzle him. They were still trying to figure things out, after all.