Crowpaw's grin faltered, almost as though the gentle breeze that washed over the moorland had swept it away, the glee and pride gleaming in his eyes falling away to be replaced by a sharp expression of shock. He hadn't expected her to say that, now or even ever.Hazelpaw set her kill at her paws and met his gaze, fully prepared to join in on his jubilation, when an unexpected wave of melancholy hit. Perhaps it was the blunt compliment that illuminated the unavoidable reality they'd all been trying to stray from.
So, out of all the possible responses that her humming mind came up with, her winded voice chose to produce the only one she really didn't want to say.
"I'm really going to miss you."
Despite his vow not to care for the other cats on the journey, despite trying to not befriend cats who would just end up leaving, it was near impossible to stop the words from leaving his tongue. "I'm going to miss you, too, Hazelpaw." He lowered his head, his tone soft.
"I think more then I'm willing to admit, to anyone, even myself."