The quiet waves washed up the sandy beach as Otterdusk sat quietly. His tail was wrapped nicely around his front paws, keeping them warm from the cool midnight air. Clouds rolled, revealing and hiding the stars of Silverpelt. The mountains high in the back, guarding the way he came. A small amount of trees lined the mountains, hiding his entrance and exit even more. The grass swayed in the salty breeze, making Otterdusk shiver. The once golden sand was now a dark yellow brown from the darkened sky. This place wasn't nearly as beautiful during the day. He looked up and sighed quietly. His secret beach spot wouldn't be much of a secret if he decided to bring and show Crabreed. This was supposed to be
his spot. Even if he had a best friend, who was maybe a crush, who he wanted to show. On the nights he needs to think, he goes out. He has ever since he was an apprentice, so even when he wasn't supposed to.
His mind drifted from nervousness to worry. Would Crabreed tell some other cat about his private cove? Would he tell Swiftstar that he's been breaking the warrior code ever since he was 7 moons old? Would Crabreed even want to be his friend anymore? He flicked his tail from side to side, taking deep breathes to calm himself. He had one shot with Crab and he wasn't about to mess it up. Ever since his eyes had met Crab's, he knew he felt something. He never thought he'd feel this was about anyone. But here he was, mooning over another cat. He closed his eyes, and stood up, sniffing the air. The salty breeze of the sea wind calmed his mind quickly, one of the many reasons he loved it here. This part of the territory was sacred to him. Nobody ever went here, so it was scent free, making the smells of nature more open. It was a long walk through the mountains, but Otterdusk didn't mind. The salty sea and quiet breeze were far from worth it.

Ever since the night of Otterdusk's contemplating, Crabreed's presence made him uneasy. His crush on him wasn't just some crush anymore, and his secret spot wasn't just some kit's hideaway anymore. That Green Leaf night, he would show Crabreed. Whatever he may be getting himself into, he knew it was right. He couldn't hold his feeling back anymore, and telling Crab at his favorite spot would be better than telling him in camp. His mind was quick to thinking of the worst possible outcomes of this choice, making him breath in and out rapidly. The Green Leaf sun shone down on his black pelt, making him sweat. This was going to be a long day.
--
Otterdusk's day was filled with nervousness and constantly avoiding Crabreed. Just before all the cats headed off into their dens that night, Crabreed bounded up to Otterdusk with a concerned and stern look on his face.
"Otterdusk, what's been up with you?" He snapped in a low whisper, "You've never acted like this. I know you've been avoiding me, so what's up?" His voice changed from angry to hurt.
Otterdusk froze, trying to think of the best way to bring up his situation, "I...I uh.." He stuttered out.
His legs shook under him, making it hard not to topple over. His eyes darted around, trying not to look at Crabreed. His tail swished back and forth rapidly.
Crabreed stared at him impatiently, "Otterdusk!" He growled.
Otterdusk knew Crabreed had slight anger issues, and decided to tell him before he made anything worse, "Follow me." He sighed.
His legs stopped shaking as he started walking towards the camp exit. He turned and saw Crabreed still standing where he was, an angry confused look on his face.
"Are you coming or what?" He chuckled out.
Crabreed shook his head in disapproval but follow him anyways. He skipped up to he could be closer to him instead of way in the back.
"It's a long walk, but it's worth it." Otterdusk turned to his friend.
Crabreed only nodded, letting Otterdusk take the lead as they bounded out of camp and up towards the mountains. The grass squished under their paws as they walked quietly. Neither of them said a word while walking to Otterdusk's secret spot. The silence and each others presence made them both relaxed. Otterdusk pushed through a small valley, Crabreed closely trailing behind. When they reached the trees leading to his secret spot, Otterdusk turned.
"Here we are. Before I show you this, you have to promise me this spot stays between us. Alright?" He said in a low whisper.
Crabreed just looked at him funny and smiled, nodding his head slowly. Otterdusk raised an eyebrow before entering the hollow.
"Wow.." Crabreed said, looking around.
"Isn't it cool?" Otterdusk smiled, before sitting down sheepishly, "The real reason I wanted to bring you here, is well.." He trailed off.
Crabreed sat down in front of him, enjoying the cool air and salty breeze, "Yes?"
"Crabreed," Otterdusk said, lowering his head, "I really like you. And I mean really, really like you. I have ever since we met each other. And if this changes things between us, good or bad, I don't care. I just...Thought you should know.." He blushed, averting his gaze from Crabreed's.
Crabreed laughed, "Yea, I know."
Otterdusk's head shot up, face red, "What?!"
Crabreed only laughed even more as he stood up and walked towards Otterdusk. His laughing died down as he nuzzled Otterdusk's cheek, "I knew the whole time. You're really bad at hiding it. But yea, I like you too."
He sat down next to Otterdusk, leaning into him, "Glad you finally told me." He smiled.
"Yea, I'm glad I finally told you too."

(973 words and 2 art pieces)