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“Thanks for driving me to the mall today, Brambly.” Squirrelflight chirped cheerfully as she skipped across the parking lot in her light blue sandals, the tiny chain that hung down bouncing off just above her heel. “I’ve been dying to check out this new store they just opened. I hope I can find some really cute outfits!” She clasped her hands together with an excited grin, then glanced over at the skyscraper of a man keeping pace with her, eyeing his baggy and slightly worn clothing. “Hmm, and maybe I’ll find you something, too.” She said as she arched a brow.
“What? What are you talking about? There’s nothing wrong with these clothes.” Brambleclaw huffed in the defensive, swinging his arm back-and-forth in an agitated manner, making his keys jingle in his grasp.
“Nothing wrong with them? You look like a hobo!” Squirrelflight teasingly snapped back. She chuckled as Brambleclaw’s tanned skin turned scarlet around his cheeks. He sputtered for a moment before finally finding the words to counter back at her.
“Well at least I don’t look like I skinned a cat!” He said exasperatedly as he flashed Squirrelflight a pointed glare. She looked down at her fuzzy white sweater that did honestly resemble the coat of a long-haired feline. Her own cheeks turned rosy, and she looked back up at her fiancé with a fire in her eyes. Brambleclaw’s hostility died down, and he glanced away from her meekly, seeming to have realized his mistake.
“But they’re cozy.” He mumbled grouchily, his bottom lip protruding out a bit in his signature pout. The inferno in Squirrelflight’s emerald gaze fizzled out and was replaced by a look of guilt, remorseful of wounding Brambleclaw’s tender emotions.
“Come on, don’t be a grump.” She said as she pushed at his arm, trying to improve his mood. His mouth upturned in a small smile, a row of pearly whites revealing themselves.
“Okay, I’m sorry.” He conceded, rubbing the back of his head in slight embarrassment. “I just really wanted to stay home today.” He flopped his arm back down to his side, unease creeping into his features.
“I know you’ve been having a rough couple of days,” Squirrelflight started, her words doused with sympathy, “but getting out of the house will be good for you. Besides, you’re spending the day with me.” She bumped into Brambleclaw’s side affectionately, and he put his arm around her with a chuckle.
“Alright, I get it. You’re lucky I love you.” He adjusted Squirrelflight’s head so he could press a kiss to her freckled face, but the cheeky ginger maneuvered out of his hold and sprinted away from him. Brambleclaw chased after her.
The two raced into the store in a fit of laughter. Brambleclaw’s jog came to a halt and his smile fell as he was met with a full building. The place was crawling with people, and usually he wouldn’t mind that, but after being three days into a depression episode that all concluded in terrible nightmares, he was in no mindset to be dealing with anyone.
Squirrelflight glanced over her shoulder, expecting to see Brambleclaw right on her heels, but stopped when she discovered that he was no longer following. She looked through the crowd, spotting him lingering at the store’s entrance, appearing as though he was a deer caught in a headlight. She ran back to him.
“Hey, you okay?”
He continued to stare off for a moment, then looked down at her, his pupils constricted into fine points.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” He replied softly, but his fists were balled tightly and glistening with sweat. Squirrelflight reached out her hand and held his wrist in a soothing touch.
“It’s alright. I’ll lead you through.” She began to walk forward, pulling Brambleclaw along as he shuffled close behind her, unclenching his free hand to grip at her arm, establishing a more comforting hold.
The pair made their way to a summertime clothing section. Squirrelflight let out a squeal of joy and released Brambleclaw’s arm. She bounced over to a rack and started looking through the garments that were displayed. Brambleclaw hung back, placing his hands behind himself and rocking on his feet anxiously. He sent his nervous gaze to his shoes, but swiftly redirected it when his mistress called to him.
“Oh! Brambly, look at this! Isn’t it adorable? It goes right with those moonstone earrings you got for my birthday, doesn’t it? And this one matches my sunflower dress! Ooo, what about this one!!”
Brambleclaw tried to keep up with Squirrelflight’s excited rambling, but it quickly became too overwhelming as she continued to rapidly pile clothing into her arms.
When she couldn’t contain any more apparel, she wobbled over to her betrothed, stopping in front of him. Brambleclaw found amusement in her struggle to support her mountain of raiments, which hid her face completely. His face became dusted with red as she peeked her head out from the hill, emerald eyes sparking in delight.
“Got enough clothes there, Squirlf?” Brambleclaw asked with a chuckle. She beamed at him, then shuffled around in the direction of the changing rooms.
“I’m going to go try them on. Can you wait for me over by those chairs?”
“Uh, yeah, sure thing.” Brambleclaw walked towards the row of aforementioned chairs. He sat down in the one farthest from the entrance to the small hall of the changing area, and watched Squirrelflight shamble over to it, impressively not colliding with anything.
When she had completely disappeared, Brambleclaw let out a sorrowful sigh and sunk low in his seat. He really didn’t want to be there.
It wasn’t like he hated shopping; he actually quite enjoyed it, or at least on good days when he wasn’t in the chokehold of misery and past trauma that couldn’t leave him alone for more than a week.
And clearly, today just wasn’t one of those days.
Brambleclaw lazily stared out at the almost empty clothing section; only a couple people were there shopping in this specific area, which was a godsend in comparison to the large crowd that had busied at the store’s entrance, and did make him feel a tad better, but the setting itself still wasn’t all too comforting.
The smell of newly manufactured fabric burned his nose, and the hard plastic beneath him made his backside ache, plus the lack of air conditioning in this particular spot was making him feel lightheaded and sweaty.
Of course, it could just be his overactive brain exaggerating his surroundings to freak him out, and it sure as all heck was working.
He balled and unclenched his fists several times, a repetitive motion to keep him grounded in reality. How much time had passed? He glanced over at the narrow hall, but there was no sign of Squirrelflight.
Now Brambleclaw felt himself getting frustrated. Why was she taking so long? Why did she have to drag him all the way out here? She had a truck, she could’ve driven herself! And if she wanted to go with someone so bad, she could’ve just asked her sister, or Tawnypelt, or anyone besides him. Was she trying to make this all worse?!
Brambleclaw took in a breath. No, stop that. You know you shouldn’t be blaming her. This isn’t her fault.
But I still want to go home.
Brambleclaw stared up desperately at the ceiling. He felt like crying. He wanted to cry, and he was probably going to.
His breathing was ragged as he struggled to bring air into his lungs, and he put his hands over his ears. When did these people start to talk so loud?
He pressed his hands tighter, trying to block out the ever growing noise, and he felt his face dampen with tears.
His body rocked in place, at first a slow movement, but it quickly grew more rapid as everything around him intensified, tearing his senses apart, and he knew he was on the verge of a meltdown.
Please don’t do this in public.
Then suddenly, just as his whole world was about to fade out, Brambleclaw heard instruments. It was a faint sound, but also very familiar, and snapping his head up to stare around, he realized it was coming from a distant speaker in the ceiling, and he pinpointed the song as the recognizable brass section blared.
His heart lifted, sweet relief rushing into his tense body, and he began to relax. Closing his eyes, he silently listened to the soothing tune, and he smiled in bliss.
There was a time when I was so brokenhearted. Luck wasn’t much of a friend of mine.
The more he listened, the more the song started to have an influence over him. He tapped his foot to the rhythm, and he could hear himself humming along with the lyrics.
All I want is someone I can’t resist. I know all I need to know by the way that I got kissed!
Brambleclaw jumped up energetically when the chorus played, and started belting the words aloud. The people still shopping jerked in a startle, but he paid them no mind. He danced among the racks of multicolored fabric, singing his heart out.
Now there’s not even breathing room between pleasure and pain!
He twirled out into the walkway, almost colliding with someone. The person shouted at him, but Brambleclaw only answered with more lyrics, then continued on his merry way.
Squirrelflight stepped out of the changing hall, carrying a thick layer of the clothing she wanted to keep in her arms, a significant reduction compared to the mountain she had entered the stall with, but still way more than she really needed—good thing her dad was rich!
She walked over to the row of blue plastic chairs she had told Brambleclaw to wait for her at.
“Brambly, I’m done!” She chirped, but she became confused when her eyes landed on emptiness—where was Brambleclaw?
“Brambleclaw?” Squirrelflight tried again, but there was no response.
Anxiety swirled in her stomach, making her heart race with worry. Where had he gone? Was he okay? Normally she wouldn’t be so concerned, but with the state he was currently in, he was more sensitive to his surroundings than usual, and would get overwhelmed easier, so him being gone and wandering the store really wasn’t settling well with her.
What if he got overwhelmed and was trying to get out of the store but it wasn’t fast enough? What if he’s having a meltdown?! All alone with no one to comfort him…
She had thought getting him out of the house and spending time together would be good for him, but now she was kicking herself.
Of course this would happen! Why would you bring him to a public place with lots of people and noise and weird smells, and, ugh! Squirrelflight, you’re an idiot!
She had to find him—quickly. She set down her clothes and ran out of the section, focusing her ears to detect any sounds of distress, but all she heard was singing.
Now the word out on the street is the devil’s in your kiss.
She recognized the song; it was Cryin’ by Aerosmith. She had heard it a million times growing up, as her father was a big fan, but the singer wasn’t the same. Was it a cover? Must be, but the new voice sounded oddly familiar…
Rounding a corner, Squirrelflight encountered an increase in the song’s volume, and realization struck her to the identity of the voice—it was Brambleclaw!
Her heart soared, and she felt a smile tug at her face. Brambleclaw was an amazing singer, and his voice soothed her anxiety. Plus, him singing was a good sign! Music always made him feel better.
Now fueled by excitement rather than worry, Squirrelflight dashed in the direction she had heard Brambleclaw’s voice coming from, the gripping guitar solo filling the store.
She saw a large crowd come into view, and again the sultry sound of Brambleclaw’s voice touched her ears.
Cause what you got inside ain’t where your love should stay!
She pushed through the crowd, spurred on by her determination to see the love of her life in all his mesmerizing, melodic glory.
Squirrelflight squeezed between a taller man and woman, popping out at the feet of Brambleclaw. She stared up at him as he graced the audience with a chorus.
I was cryin’ when I met you! Now I’m tryin’ to forget you!
The muscled warrior was standing on a cashier desk, belting his soul out without a care in the world, the biggest grin she had ever seen plastered for everyone to witness. The crowd swayed with the music, and Squirrelflight joined them, laughing and putting her arms up. It was just like back in ThunderClan—Firestar would be proud.
Now I’m dyin’ to let you! Do what you do, what you do down to-!
The best part was coming up! Out of the corner of her eye, Squirrelflight saw a small stand with harmonicas stacked on top of it, their golden color shimmering in the light like a sign from StarClan. She bolted to the instruments, then threw one over to Brambleclaw.
He caught it, and proceeded to masterfully play the solo. The crowd was eating it up.
I was cryin’ when I met you! Now I’m tryin’ to forget you! Your love is sweet misery!
I was cryin’ when I met you! Now I’m tryin’ to forget you!
Now I’m dyin’ cause I let you!
Brambleclaw took a bow. The crowd cheered like crazy, but Squirrelflight was the loudest of them all.
He jumped down, and Squirrelflight ran to him.
“Hey babe!” He greeted joyfully as she tucked in for a hug.
“Brambleclaw, I’m so glad I found you!” She smiled up at him, relief flooding her features. He flushed a deep red.
“Yeah, sorry.” He rubbed at the back of his neck. “I got overstimulated, but I heard Cryin’ and before I really knew it I was singing.” He glanced away. “That was… probably pretty embarrassing, huh?” He looked to his feet shamefully.
Squirrelflight punched him in the arm.
“Ow!” Brambleclaw yelped.
“Are you kidding?!” Squirrelflight shouted. “That was amazing!” She took his hand in hers. “And besides: you could never embarrass me.” She saw a sparkle of moisture in his amber eyes, and with a soft smile, he leaned down to grant her a kiss. Squirrelflight melted into the gesture, placing one hand against his face, feeling the smoothness of his tan skin and running her fingers through his brown hair, while her other hand flowed down his bicep, once again familiarizing herself with his physique so she may never forget. He did the same, holding her by the waist and cupping her face as he gently pressed his thumb against her fair, freckled skin.
After a minute or two, the pair separated, panting a little. Their smiles were awkward but full of delight, and they were cherry red, but nothing was of embarrassment. They held all four hands, and stared deeply and lovingly into one another’s eyes, lost in a paradise of pink, fluffy clouds, floating hearts, and candy Valentines. It was a sickeningly sweet moment powerful enough to decay the galaxy.
There was the sound of someone clearing their throat. Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw were shaken from their puppy-love trance, and looked back to see a security officer and presumably the store’s manager.
The officer was a plump, middle-aged man, glaring at them crossly with his arms folded against his chest. The manager was a tall, slender woman around his age, and she looked just as peeved, her hands placed firmly on her hips.
Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw simultaneously gulped.
“Uh, hi Officer.” Brambleclaw waved meekly, maintaining an anxious grin. Squirrelflight tried one out, too. “Can we help you?”
The doors slammed shut behind them. The couple passed each other startled glances, then burst into laughter.
Squirrelflight wiped at her eye. “That was great.” She looked back at Brambleclaw, and her smile fell. “I’m sorry, this was all my fault. I shouldn’t have brought you here—you almost had a meltdown because of me.” She scuffed her shoe along the concrete despondently.
Brambleclaw pinched her arm.
“Ouch!” She slapped a hand to her arm, rubbing the soreness.
“You kidding?!” He beamed, his eyes alight with glee. “That was the most fun I’ve had all week! You were right”—he grabbed her hand—“spending time with you was good for me.”
“Aww.” Squirrelflight pulled him down to thank him with another kiss.
“Though, I do believe we’ve been banned, and you didn’t get the clothes you wanted.” Brambleclaw’s brows furrowed in slight upset.
Squirrelflight waved off his worries. “It’s okay. I can just buy online.” She smiled mischievously, and he laughed.
“Let’s go do something else.” He said as they walked back to their car.
“Okay. Oh! Let’s get ice cream!”
“And maybe do some karaoke later, hmm?”
She giggled. “Yes. That sounds perfect, Brambly.”