His clanmate had approached as if he was one with the shadows, going undetected by the semi-distracted warrior until he casually popped his question. The metallic orbs of Silentsmoke slid up from the fire held within his paws and over to the passive Crowleap, forcing the warrior to snap himself out of his melancholy thoughts and instead focus on his new company. "I should be working." The solemn warrior spoke up hastily while simultaneously extinguishing the flame within his paw, later placing the limb firmly on the damp earth to let it hiss and sizzle. The obsidian feline considered walking off without hesitation, brushing the invitation of conversation away like it was nothing as he usually did with most clanmates that weren't his sister. However...then Crowleap brought up the "situation" that was Quietstorm, and he immediately decided to remain in place. While he mulled over the idea of his twin once more, Silentsmoke could feel his stomach twist and his heart sink in his broad chest.

Half of him wanted to snap and order Crowleap to mind his own business.
The other half just wanted company.

Fortunately for his fellow tom, the latter won out. He tensed up his jaw as he pondered his response, the sensation of loss and isolation continuing to pour into his soul and tamper with his mind. Did he seem helpless like a kit, like a poor warrior incapable of continuing his work? It better not seem that way. He was a good warrior- he loved ShadowClan with every molecule. He just...enjoyed control, feeling empowered and wanted, mostly by his counterpart. But now? She was off playing with some ginger furball. "She's...found herself more enjoyable company."

simonwho

...Pretty neat? As flattering as his attempt of a compliment was, Silentsmoke never found himself particularly interesting. Sure, he had some good ideas every here and there, and he was a talented fire element, and he...ok, yeah, he was pretty neat. "I suppose I can privilege you with my presence for a moment or two." The warrior spoke smoothly, yet at the same time, with an edge of sarcasm. It was difficult to decipher if he was being serious or not, but then again, he was guilty of being proud of himself.

For several moments, the silky-furred tom drifted into a silence, thoughtfully (and perhaps a little scrutinizingly) staring off into the depths of the hollow. "I don't understand why she'd just dump me like that. We've been together since birth- and I'm the only one who can keep her in line. I've been there for her all the time...and this is how she repays me." He was wallowing in his own sorrows like a child, but like it or not, he was hurt. But better yet, Silentsmoke should have been more concerned for the safety of the surrounding clans, rather than his own feelings. Someone had to keep his sister under control.

simonwho

Hmmm, it surely was some sort of clever idea- he was almost offended to not have come up with it himself. What, dare he ask, had caused Crowleap to be so good at this plotting and revenge game? "I don't know. Quietstorm has shown minimal interest in cats before, but never like this." He shifted his front legs underneath his own weight to place himself into a more comfortable position, gleaming optics still resting on his surroundings rather than his clanmate.

Why did he seem so cheerful about this whole hanging-out-with-other-cats thing, anyways? He began to raise a brow, but decided to play along with the tom's game rather than question his motives any further. It wasn't like he'd be attempting to tear the twins apart- they had since separated already. It hurt Silentsmoke, not feeling empowered in a relationship any longer. In fact, the lack of company was even more painful. "Then who do you suggest I hang around, 'o wise Crowleap?" Once more the sarcasm reared its ugly head, with the warrior finally turning towards his companion to rest narrowed eyes on his form.

simonwho

The shadowed feline turned his head away from his temporary companion, huffing at the comment. Someone who didn't "annoy" him? Crowleap said that like he was the most bitter cat on the face of the earth! He wasn't all that bad, honestly, he was feeling particularly sour with his sister vanishing into thin air to run off with some other warrior. Was he jealous? Yes- obviously! What made Sunwing so much better than him? "Not everyone annoys me- not all the time. Just...now." Silentsmoke spoke with his teeth gritted, as if something was causing him pain. Although typically being level-headed, he wasn't thinking before he spoke, and he soon regretted his tone of voice.

"Well...not you. Not yet, at least." He twitched his tail to acknowledge Crowleap after the statement, before he paused thoughtfully. Huh- now there was an idea. If he wanted to help so badly, then there was his opportunity. He seemed submissive and up-beat enough, like he'd allow Silentsmoke to remain in control in whatever relationship that might form. It would be nothing like what he had with Quietstorm, but it would do. "Say, if you're so eager to help, I'll just borrow you." It was Crowleap's idea, after all. Would he regret making such a suggestion to the upset warrior? Probably. But who knew- maybe it would turn into a half decent relationship after all, perhaps he might even be capable of changing the grumpy Silentsmoke for the better.

simonwho

Lowering his head, the tom's eyes flashed in Crowleap's direction once more, with a semi-bemused expression. He was the one who made the suggestion in the first place, surely he knew what Silentsmoke was going to ask of him! The brawny warrior prepared to fire another sardonic remark in the smoky tabby's direction, but he swiftly swallowed the criticism after reminding himself that the entire scenario wasn't Crowleap's fault. It wasn't fair for Silentsmoke to use him as a scratching post...at least, not yet.

"I dunno, hang around with me when my sister's about, I guess." He tried his hardest to keep himself under control, to rid himself of such negative thoughts, but it was difficult for him. It stung like nothing else, the sudden abandonment. It was especially difficult with how possessive Silentsmoke was turning out to be. In the meantime, he wo- wait. Was he basically asking Crowleap to be his friend? Did he sound that desperate? StarClan, put him out of his misery.

simonwho

The sleek-furred tom raised a brow, because he swore he saw the smoky tabby inching closer to him after that cheerful remark. Was Crowleap blind, or did he actually see Silentsmoke as the cuddly, pillow-like type? True, he did have an impressive amount of hair on his coat, but that didn't mean he was inclined to touchy-feely stuff. Although admittedly, a good embrace would probably make him feel better- er, no. What was he thinking...? He could only pray to StarClan that this "temporary relationship" with Crowleap wouldn't cause the sensitive furball to rub off on him. He could only imagine the terrors awaiting him if he had to keep not only Quietstorm out of trouble, but this guy as well.

No friends? Well, that was awfully depressing to hear, but the fluffy warrior was also in the same boat, like it or not. Silentsmoke never really had time to make friends, considering that he kept Quietstorm's nose out of trouble while simultaneously balancing the regular warrior duties (and the occasional trouble with his sister, of course). "Don't expect me to be all chummy and bro-hugging everything out. It's just an act, remember that." He had a reputation to uphold- couldn't have Crowleap letting the word out that Silentsmoke had even the slightest trace of a soft side.

simonwho