He was a murderer. He was a murderer with a body count of two cats, yet he had never felt such intense, dizzying fury as he did today. His entire body burned so hard that he trembled, stomping to and fro, unable to still.
“I’m glad you are-uh-okay with being with toms, now,” he had told his mate as they rested beneath glowing mushrooms together. “I don’t know if I ever said it, but I’m glad you’re comfortable with me now.” They had been mates for moons--no, years now. He had suspected from the beginning that his love may not be into males, and was pleasantly surprised when they became a poly with their older mates.
He had never wanted to say anything, worried it would make things weird or awkward. Now, he finally felt comfortable enough to say it in passing. He didn’t mean to say it, even then, but he saw the blue light reflecting in his mate’s amber ones and it broke from him.
His mate’s fur had stiffened. Then, “It…it wasn’t because you’re a tom. I mean–yes, realizing I had feelings for you was new, but….it was something else.”
“What?” he had asked, heart sinking.
He had been seeing red ever since.
At last, he was able to think clearly. Coming to a decision, he padded through the trees, searching for the landmarks that others have mentioned. He gathered the fish, then followed different landmarks until, at last, the twins’ scent caught his nose. They were always together, that was no surprise. Scabdrip was purring as Blightrain groomed her fur.
“Eh-em.” He pushed down the fear that pricked in his paws. There were more important things to worry about.
Scabdrip blinked open an eye. “Oh, a visitor! Did you stop by to chat, or do you have a vendetta?”
He dropped the minnows onto the ground.
“Does he have enough?” Scabdrip asked, eyes closing again.
His heart began to pound. The price was two minnows, one for the both of them, and he had caught an extra to be on the safe side. Would it still be enough?
Blightrain paused her grooming. “He brought three.”
“Perfect! Enough for Willow’s cough.” To him, she explained, “she’s been feeling unwell. The extra fish will do her good.” She rose to her paws and moved it aside, then picked up the second and swallowed it down. Blightrain took her time with hers, even if it was incredibly small, licking her lips when she was done.
His fur began to prick impatiently by the time Scabdrip finally asked. “Now who will have the honour of joining us, Foxfire?”
Foxfire met her eyes, returning rage too powerful to allow him to flinch at the icy pupils. “Foxbreeze.”
=============================
--No real need to keep his name hidden until the end, but fun anyway.
--Scab and Blight do care about their family! Look at them, getting food for their niece
