Disclaimer: Nope. Still not an Erin Hunter.

A/n: I probably got Fallen Leaves description wrong, haha. I enjoyed writing this though. It probably wasn't exactly what you were looking for though, hm? I hope you enjoyed it, though. On a side note.. I once read that writing all types of genres would help with your writing. Yes, even smut. So, do you think I should start accepting requests for M stories? If it bothers people, it could be completely separate or in one fic or whatever, really. I was just wondering your opinion on it. And oh, last update until I finish the last few requests. Requests are still on hold; don't worry though, there's only three to go and I have plenty of spare time. You can request more again shortly. Thank you for reading! Also, this is tomxtom, don't like, don't read.

JayfeatherxFallen Leaves

Requested by .50

He shouldn't be here, he shouldn't be here, he shouldn't, he shouldn't be ... but he was. And that seemed to be the most important problem here.

The gray tom squeezed through the dark shafts, the tunnel feeling narrow even along his own sleek body, his tail twitching fractically behind him as he breathed heavily. This journey was a difficult enough one to make without all the narrow passageways, anyways. It was much easier back when he was an apprentice and the tunnels were simply a kit's game.

The air was heavy with dew, and he almost swore that the air was water itself with how moist everything felt. The rocks that draped across his shoulder briefly before tumbling around his paws were a sign, surely. And he definitely knew about signs, in fact, he had more than enough of his own fair share of signs. The tunnels were his only escape from them, really.

The gray tabby huffed in annoyance as he twitched his whiskers, dismissing the water that had gathered along the thin tendrils. His eyes flickered across the landscape, although it certainly didn't help much. The tom let out a cry of frustration when he felt the stone slabs on either side of him seemed to decide that today, they would not give him passage, and as such he found himself in quite the jam as he wiggled his hips, his upperhalf propelling against the slick stones beneath him, the dampness in the air weighing him down, his tail twitching even more rapidly and his hindpaws pedalling blindly.

He stiffened briefly as the near-silver tom heard a distant laughter, like a faint echo within a cave -which the tunnels, were in fact part of a cave, so it was plausible-. Spitting out a string of curses, he managed to squeeze his hips out of the narrow tunnel and tumble forwards, at a slight slope and splash into very shallow water that barely rode higher than his paws, although it did get his face wet enough. With a growl of discomfort, he spat the cool liquid out, his tongue lolling out of his mouth for a moment in distaste, grumbling to himself about how he would never understand how the RiverClan cats could swim so freely in water.

"That's because it's what they're born to do, Jayfeather," came a voice from Jayfeather's left. The blind tom swiveled on his paws, his expression not changing. "That's what it seems like, anyways. That's why they're called RiverClan, right?"

"Nobody asked for your opinion," the mottled tom spat, before recoiling from his own words. "Augh, just ... I don't like getting wet, okay? It just doesn't feel natural." The slender tom glanced away, the shadows of the tunnels seeming to creep closer, despite him being unable to see it.

The dappled tom simply smiled softly at Jayfeather's words and shook his head. "I don't either," he admitted after a moment. The grey tabby tensed before as he glanced up at the spirit, opening his mouth to spit out a retort before thinking better of it. After all, Fallen Leaves had died from a bout of drowning. The medicine cat flicked his tail, lowering his head in resignation before padding forward. His ears did not miss the soft patter of water dripping.

"I know," he murmured, reaching forward to press against the speckled tom. Jayfeather felt the regret fill the deceased tom and all that he wanted to do was wash that doubt away. "Look, I'm sorry that it had to happen to you." The slender tom reached out to press his muzzle to the other's shoulder before pausing then withdrawing. What was the use of trying to touch a dead cat, anyways?

"It's fine, it happened a long time ago, all that matters is that you're here now and I'm not alone," the ginger spotted meowed, a small smile tugging at his face. "Not anymore." There was a whisper as he sat himself down, and for a brief moment, Jayfeather scented the distinct scent of rain, oak and pine trees, and of the breeze on a summer day - the distinct scent of Fallen Leaves. Jayfeather nodded meekly in response, his clouded eyes blinking in the dim lighting, yet all he could see was darkness.

"You won't be alone ever again," the medicine cat promised after a moment and for a brief moment, he could actually feel the happiness ripple off of the ancestor cat. Jayfeather did not waver from his descision even when he could feel Fallen Leaves' questioning gaze on him. "Never."

He could heard a soft whisper of wind as Fallen Leaves lurced forward to sit next to him, and for just a moment Jayfeather could have sworn that he actually felt the other's fur next to his. "I'll wait for you," Fallen Leaves breathed out, emotion pouring from him. Jayfeather closed his eyes as water dribbled into the tunnels, pooling around their paws. "Forever and always, I will. And then one day, we'll be together." The water was steadily rising but the tabby did nothing to preserve his life, only let out a couple breaths.

"I know, Fallen Leaves." Jayfeather flicked his ears, twitching uncomfortably as the water began to rapidly rise, the distant sound of rain echoing from the tunnel entrance. He knew his way around, he could escape this if he truly wanted to. But did he? The water was rising higher now, bringing along with it the sweet scent of morningdew and of salt. His thin fur rose with the water, and quickly he was growing damp as the tunnels continued to flood.

"Remember, Jayfeather, I love you."

Then Jayfeather's world dissolved as the water plunged him under and for a few moments, and almost swore that he saw the stars. He did not fight the current as the water tore at him with claws, before a solemn peace swept over him. And the next time that he awoke, he smelled the scent of the summer breeze and felt the gentlest touches of another's pelt and a whisper of his name, and he knew, that now he would be together with Fallen Leaves, forever.