Warrior Cat Clans 2 (WCC2 aka Classic) is a roleplay site inspired by the Warrior series by Erin Hunter. Whether you are a fan of the books or new to the Warrior cats world, WCC2 offers a diverse environment with over a decade’s worth of lore for you - and your characters - to explore. Join us today and become a part of our ongoing story!
News & Updates
11.06.2022 The site has been transformed into an archive. Thank you for all the memories here!
Here on Classic we understand that sometimes life can get difficult and we struggle. We may need to receive advice, vent, know that we are not alone in our difficult times, or even just have someone listen to what's going on in our lives. In light of these times, we have created the support threads below that are open to all of our members at any time.
Silence fell over him. He looked down at his paws, swallowing repeatedly, and slowly pushed himself back into a sitting position, still not meeting Shadedstar’s eyes. “Shadedstar,” he began quietly, glancing up briefly before looking back down at the grass; he was a coward, and he couldn’t look him in the eye when he said this, couldn’t see the hurt on his closest friend’s face. “I know I can be a bit much sometimes, and I’m so sorry if I gave you the wrong idea, but... I love you as a friend. And if—if this had happened a few moons ago, I would be overjoyed. I would be so happy that someone as sweet and kind and beautiful as you has—has feelings for me. But I love someone else, and you’re... my best friend. You’re my best friend,” he repeated more insistently, like it would make Shadedstar suddenly see reason and they could just laugh about it together.
He looked up at last, anxious tears welling in his eyes. “I’m sorry— I’m so sorry. You deserve so much happiness and I... I would be honoured to be the one to give it you to but... I can’t.” The last word was strangled by the tightness in his throat. He wanted to press himself against him and take away the hurt, but he knew the last thing Shadedstar probably wanted at that moment was to touch him.
His world spun around him. He was too late, he was stupid for believing he could say something as idiotic as that. He didn’t say anything for a long while, staring at the ground between his paws. “. . . Best friends. . .” He repeated quietly. I love you as a friend. And suddenly everything was happening at once, Doestar was basically sobbing, his head was whirling, and his heart was racing. Was he heartbroken? Yes, absolutely. But was he angry? Not really. He understood, even if it did tear him up inside. And he knew he could never stop loving Doestar, there would always be a special place in his heart for Freckles.
”It’s okay...” He murmured. But he didn’t press himself again Doestar like he usually would. Something told him Doestar didn’t want that, either.
Doestar watched the other tom unblinkingly, holding his breath, holding back the panicked sobs, willing everything to be okay and to go back to how it was and for everything to be fine and happy and unhurt. Best friends. When Shadedstar spoke, he sat up a little taller, letting out a strangled breath and physically shaking with the relief of hearing his voice. “It’s okay?” he whispered, giving an uncertain smile that contrasted so tragically with the tears on his cheeks. “You don’t hate me? You can hate me if you need, that’s not what I mean, you— you don’t... you’re not embarrassed? Because you don’t need to be. It’s my fault, I... I did all the wrong things and I’m so sorry. Please be okay. I need my big fluffball.”
He let out a frantic, sobbing laugh, so relieved he was on the verge of weeping, and drew himself a little closer, not daring to make the first move but wanting desperately for Shadedstar to know he was there if he needed him. “I don’t deserve you,” he whispered, not realising that he had turned the situation back onto himself and that he was now expecting poor Shadedstar to comfort him once again.
Noticing how he had moved closer, Shadedstar pressed their heads together. Platonically! You’re best friends, remember? “Doestar, I could never hate you no matter how hard I tried.” And yes, he was extremely embarrassed by his foolishness, but he tried not to let it show. He moved in closer so their fur was twirling together. “I forgive you. I made a half-baked decision, hoping it would work, but I forgot about your thing with Chimerastar, and now I made it awkward and sad.” He nervously laughed, even though nothing was really funny.
Doestar let out a warm, grateful purr, happier than he could ever express at Shadedstar’s forgiveness; he didn’t know what he’d do if he ever lost him. He leaned into the touch, rubbing his forehead against the other tom’s and purring so hard he shook. When Shadedstar moved closer to sit beside him, he looked up into his friend’s eyes with a wide, happy smile, blinking away the last of his tears.
He opened his mouth to reply when— but I forgot about your thing with Chimerastar. “My thing with—“ He let out a messy, flustered laugh, feeling his entire face heat up and his skin prickle. “My thing with Chimerastar? I barely know the guy. We don’t— we don’t have a thing, we are thingless, completely without a—a thing— yeah, okay, I’m completely smitten with him but this is not the time to talk about it because I’ve just broken your heart and you are not allowed to tell.” He glared at Shadedstar, but his face was too soft to really pull off a glare and he just looked like a spoiled, pouting apprentice.
“Oh. The soft, quick sound escaped from his mouth. It hung in the air for a few seconds, dissolving into an awkward silence. What was he suppose to do now? Scooting away slightly, Shadedstar turned his head away and closed his eyes. He was tired, and sad, and he just wanted to go back and sleep in his lonely nest. Snuggling into the cherry blossoms around his neck, Shadedstar yawned once more, truly exhausted. “Then who is it?” He murmured, wrapping his tail protectively around his body.
Doestar rolled his eyes fondly, a small, crooked grin spreading across his face. “No, ya dingbat — ‘course it’s Chimerastar.” He laughed softly, nudging him gently with his forepaw. “You’re so cute.” Realising belatedly that he should probably stop saying things like that given the circumstances, he added quietly, “sorry. I’ll stop. You are cute, though.” Noticing how exhausted and closed-off his friend was, he murmured, “should I go? Do you want me to?”
He didn’t face his friend, choosing instead to stare at the area ahead of him. He loved Doestar, but by StarClan he would never understand him. “No, you don’t have to leave. It’s late and your paw hurts.” He paused for a moment, exhaling a deep breath. “Just get some rest.” He murmured at last, knowing full well he wouldn’t sleep tonight.
Doestar's smile fell, his ears drooped to lie flat against his head. He was so used to Shadedstar being so sweet and full of life that, like a kit with no comprehension of object permanency, he almost couldn't understand what had happened. The thought that he'd caused this, that he'd taken away his spirit, made his heart ache with guilt and regret. For a moment, he wished that things could be different, that he could force himself to feel something he didn't or go back in time and meet him when all he needed was somebody to love him; but he couldn't, and the thought of a life without Chim in it sent a sharp stab of panic through the fog of guilt. This was just how it was. It was his fault, but he couldn't change it, and he hated himself for that, hated that he'd hurt him like this.
The invitation to stay felt forced and untrue, and his skin prickled with the knowledge that he wasn't wanted, that he'd messed it up, that he'd ruined the closest friendship he'd ever had. "Can we still... cuddle?" he murmured dumbly, voice wispy and quiet and desperate.
Could they still cuddle? Could they still cuddle? What was Doestar playing at here? Of course they couldn’t cuddle, or maybe they could, but did Shadedstar really want to? A part of him screamed yes—yes, you can’t stay mad at him forever, you need his comfort—and the other half screamed no, he didn’t deserve that. He played with him like a toy and tossed him away when he found a better one. Letting out a huff, he was still mad, but mostly it was hurt. A gaping, bleeding wound. “Sure.” He said quietly, trying not to let the pain into his voice. He didn’t move from where he lay, though, didn’t even turn his head.
He swallowed thickly at Shadedstar’s huff and his begrudging assent; he was mad, and hurt, and it was Doestar’s fault. He sat there awkwardly, staring down at the back of the other tom’s head with a miserable, defeated gaze. A nasty little part of him was irritated that he wasn’t immediately being let back into Shadedstar’s heart, was surprised that it was taking this long and that he was able to resist the small scrap of affection he was offering him.
It was a terrible habit of his, one he didn’t even quite realise he possessed: as desperate as he was for love, as sweet and cheerful and innocent as he always seemed, he knew he was pretty, and he teased cats he knew had feelings for him; he held himself just out of reach, played off their weak spots and enjoyed being wanted and unattainable, drawing close and backing away before they could get a proper taste. Maybe it was his twisted little bargaining chip to ensure he was never alone, to ensure he was always loved, always desired.
But that was all subconscious; right now, he just felt sad and cold and lonely. What if things never got better? What if this was how it would be from now on, cordial and polite and meaningless? What if he’d just lost him forever? “Shaded,” he whispered, voice soft and shaky with helpless grief. He shuffled closer and gently brushed his side with his forepaw, leaning down and touching his nose to the back of Shadedstar’s head in an attempt to make him look at him. “I’m sorry. I can’t... you can’t cut me off just because... I can’t control my heart.” A quiet sob made his voice crack, tears welling in his eyes.
He had wanted to pull away, to jerk his head back from Doestar’s touch, but something stopped him. Finally, he turned to look at him. His anger melted away, leaving him in a sad sort of guilt wave. “I know.” He said softly, holding back his own tears. “I’m sorry, Doestar. No matter how much I try, I could never hate you.” Moving in closer, he pushed his pelt again Doestar’s. “I’m sorry.” He whispered again, lucky the darkness hid his silent tears. He was going to mention how he couldn’t control his heart either, how Doestar had played him on a string. Or maybe he hadn’t. Maybe Shadedstar was overreacting, hurt by just a little bit of rejection. But he said nothing, preferring to sit in silence and continue to press his pelt closer to Doestar’s.
When Shadedstar turned to look at him, Doestar was fighting back sobs, painful, teary hiccups wracking his body and his throat tight and aching with the effort of having to force himself not to cry. I know. He let out a relieved, gasping sob and smiled, bowing his head when the other tom moved closer to bury his face in Shadedstar’s shoulder.
“Don’t be sorry, I’m sorry,” he cry-laughed, voice muffled by his friend’s fur. He shook his head, inhaling the scent of cherry blossoms and wildflowers, and lifted his head to drag his tongue between Shadedstar’s ears, brushing away his tears with his cheek and letting out a rough, shaky purr. The thought that he was crying because of him — for him — made his heart break.
“You’re so sweet, too sweet,” he babbled. “You’re the most lovely cat in the world and one day you’re going to meet someone who’s going to be so much better than me, and they’re going to love you with all their heart and treat you so good and then I’m gonna have to fight them because I love you the most and they’re just gonna have to be okay with that. I’m sorry, we don’t have to talk — you’re tired, and I’m stupid, but— I just don’t want to lose you.” Doestar clambered over Shadedstar to curl up against his belly fur, laying his cheek on the grass and watching him with a soft, hopeful smile.
“I doubt it.” Adding a somewhat softer edge to his tone, as not to seem too upset anymore, Shadedstar wipes his tears with his paws. He shouldn’t be crying. I will never find anyone that I’ll love as much as you, Doestar, he thought, secretly welcoming the other tom as he lay beside him. Desperate, much, Shadedstar? Shaking his head of the bad thoughts, he rested his head just beside Doestar’s, wrapping his tail around them both. It was very platonic and he was definitely getting over it. No love here.
“I am tired, but I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep.” He said quietly, bringing one of his paws to his mouth and nibbling on a claw. The strange, empty sort of hunger entered his stomach, craving the sweetness of fruit. He pushed it away, though, because now was not the time to eat his emotions away. He could save that for tomorrow.
Doestar smiled sadly, letting out a quiet purr when Shadedstar’s plumy tail wrapped around him. He watched as the other tom chewed at his claw; it was an anxious habit they both shared. “Then we don’t have to sleep,” he murmured gently, reaching out his good forepaw to brush over Shadedstar’s cheek; he drew it back a moment later, apologetically averting his eyes. That was the sort of thing that had gotten them here in the first place, the gestures he told himself he didn’t know were bound to mess with other cats’ hearts. He thought of himself as so innocent, could never have believed he was capable of intentional cruelty if someone accused him of it.
“Do you want to talk?” he murmured, meeting Shadedstar’s eyes again. It felt strange to speak in this quiet — the night world around them was so peaceful, so still, and they were all alone in the middle of it. It felt sacred. Special. “Not talk? Tell stories? I don’t know anything about your family, you could tell me about them. Look at the stars? We can just lie here, if you don’t want any of that. I want whatever will make you happy. I lov... Can I say it? I love you.” Not in the way Shadedstar needed, but he did, with all his heart. He made him feel soft and warm and safe, and he loved him.
“Talk? Uh—yeah, sure.” He murmured absently, for once not completely sure what to talk about. For anybody else, he wouldn’t really share much information about his family past his sisters, but this was Doestar. His unrequited crush/best friend, he should be more open. “I’ve got two sisters, and they’re amazing.” His tone was lighter, happier when talking about his family. “My parents were nice. They were the best, actually.” He let out a little whimsical laugh. “Of course you know about the kits. That’s all, I guess. What about your family?” He didn’t mention Doestar’s ‘I love you,’ instead choosing to ignore it. But he took it to heart, and that made him hurt a bit more. Knowing it would always be a platonic, friend sort of love even when he—selfishly—wanted more.
Doestar listened quietly, resting his cheek on his paw and watching Shadedstar with a small smile. At the use of past tense in reference to his parents, he didn’t pry, deciding that the other leader had had enough heartache that night and didn’t need to open more old wounds. “Well,” he replied at last, with a soft smile and his voice barely above a whisper. “I have a brother, back in NightClan. He got the cool name, Flickerflame, and I got the cutesy one. He’s been cleaning up my messes since we were in the nursery, and I… miss him. You met him, actually, at the gathering, and it… kills me that I can’t be there for him and my old Clan and that he’s spent so much of his life just worrying about me ‘cause of my stupid decisions.” He let out a quiet laugh, closing his eyes and tipping his head back towards the sky. “Sorry. That got… a lot. That got a lot.”
He hummed another humourless laugh and opened his eyes, pupils dilating against the moonlight. Rearranging himself to look at Shadedstar again, he murmured, “I really don’t want things to be uncomfortable between us now. I know I’ve hurt you, and I know it’ll take time, and that’s… that’s okay. I just want you to know that, when you’re ready, if—if you’re ever ready, and I hope you will be… I’ll always be here waiting for you. ‘Cause I can’t stand the thought of us drifting apart because of me.”
“Oh, yeah, I remember him.” Shadedstar shifted, wrapping his tail tighter around the other tom for added warmth. It sometimes got cold during the nights. Doestar, I could never drift away from you. Stupid furball. He thought affectionately, letting his eyes close blissfully for a second. “I don’t wanna—can’t—hate you, Freckles. I may hurt, but I promise we will always be. . . Friends. . .” He said the last word slowly, almost uncertainly. A silence settled between them, broken only when Shadedstar decided to speak again.
“You know, I used to be a trouble-maker. Or maybe idiot is a better word. Oh great StarClan I was so sure of myself! So—dare I say—charming?” Boy he sure wished he was Shadedpaw right now. Or regular old Shadedsun. No worries. No deputy duties. No leadership. Just him, his sisters, his parents, and SpringClan thag didn’t depend on his capability.
Doestar smiled sadly, grateful for the warm fluff of Shadedstar’s tail around him; he wriggled closer to him, rolling over onto his other side so he could press his back against him without any awkward limbs getting in the way. He gazed out at the dark cherry blossoms in front of him, vaguely watching a few fireflies slowly rising in and out of the grass. He knew it hurt the other tom to say it, and he couldn’t be grateful for the reassurance; it just made his heart hurt more. But, eventually, hopefully, the wounds would heal and Shadedstar would be happy again. For once, he didn’t like the idea of someone else holding a candle for him; if it meant his friend would be okay, if it meant he would be able to find the love he deserved, he wanted him to be able to move on, to take care of himself first. He just wanted everything to be soft and good and okay.
He wanted to say something like I think you’re plenty charming now, but he knew hearing that would only sting. So, instead, he replied quietly, “I think we all think we used to be something better, or kinder, or more fearless, daring, whatever. We all…” He caught himself before he said, we all want what we can’t have. “We all think we used to be more. I do. But you’re my best friend now, and you’re perfect. And I am a trouble-making idiot, so, take it from me, you being who you are now is a wonderful thing. You’re nothing less than you were, you’re just different. And it’s so hard being leader, I know. I struggle every day, which is why I’m so happy that I have you to escape to for just a few hours. But you’ll be fine. We’ll both be fine. And you’re such a good, loving leader to your Clan – they wouldn’t want anyone else, and I wouldn’t want any other version of you.”
Though he hated to admit it, Doestar's words somewhat healed his wounds. He knew, of course, that they would sting even stronger the next day, but in the moment it was just a small, dull ache. Doestar's words--so poetic and beautiful and cheesy, put a tentative smile on his face. "I--I just--" He breathed out slowly, letting his eyes land on Doestar's head. "Thank you." Thinking for a few moments more, Shadedstar stared at his paws.
"Hey, do you think you could make it to the Valley?" He asked suddenly, now in a much better mood. He wanted to enjoy it before it crashed down on him later.
