#Hawkfrost x Leafpool

[skyscratch-wc]

Ok I’m throwing out a limb here, you can refuse it if you want but… tiger fire hypokits? If your not comfortable with that I’ll take a hawkleaf kit instead

Im not super keen on FireTiger— but here’s a HawkLeaf! I think they’re dynamic would be interesting lol. And their kid would definitely get caught up in that. Thank you for the request!!

[egretwing]

i really want leaf x cody joining tc in my rewrite but also leafcrow needs to happen for plot but also i love leafhawk 😭😭

[birdsong-warriors]

Would leafpool be the one that had dandelionkit and juniperkit in this story instead of squirrelflight? Seeing as she already had 4 cats in the same litter

OKAY LAST ASK FOR THE NIGHT if I can have any fraction of self control.

YES THAT'S WHAT I WAS THINKING. Especially since it would likely trigger Hawkfrost's paranoia that perhaps the shadows are back and they're being punished. But Leafpool as medicine cat is able to assure him that sometimes, these things just happen. They would always remember and grieve for their lost kits, but it helps to have Jay and Lion to focus on.

[littlebirdlovessquirrelflight]

We Should Have Drowned Our Love in the River: A HawkLeaf AU

Summary: Instead of meeting Crowfeather, Leafpool is introduced to Mothwing's brother, Hawkfrost. Even after their love meets a sudden, violent end, the consequences nearly destroy everything ThunderClan's medicine cat loves.

Main relationships: HawkfrostxLeafpool, BrambleclawxSquirrelflight

Tags/Warnings: Unhealthy relationships, emotional manipulation, major character death, graphic description of violence, loss of faith

Previous Chapters: Prologue, Chapter One, Chapter Two , Chapter 3

Link to Work on AO3

Chapter One

“Mothwing, what are you doing talking to a ThunderClan warrior?”

Leafpool spun around to find the source of the scornful voice and flinched when she realized the warrior was so close to her. As she took a step back to put some space between them, her RiverClan counterpart let out an irritated sigh.

“Hawkfrost, please. You know this is Leafpool. ThunderClan’s medicine cat apprentice?”

I’m not that much younger than the both of you, Leafpool groused silently to herself, resentful at the emphasis of her rank. Though she quietly scolded herself; Mothwing may be RiverClan’s full medicine cat now, but it came at the cost of her beloved mentor. I’ll go back to being a ‘paw for the rest of my life if that means Cinderpelt will live forever.

She met Hawkfrost’s suspicious gaze and he stood there, studying her. “That still doesn’t explain what she’s doing here.”

For what wouldn’t be the last time, Leafpaw wished she had the indignant confidence of her sister. She imagined herself hurling a searing comment that sent the tabby stalking away, but instead, she could barely get out her reply without stammering. “I don’t mean any harm to RiverClan. Mothwing just asked me for help with a few things.”

“I don’t see why she would need your help.”

“I’m still learning how to do things on my own,” Mothwing snapped. “I don’t have the luxury of conferring with a Clan mate, in case you’ve forgotten.”

Finally, the hostility in Hawkfrost’s eyes melted and he deflated, though it didn’t do much to erase the intimidating image of him seared into Leafpaw’s mind. “Okay, Mothwing. Just next time, tell me if you’re bringing her here.”

“The only ones I have to tell are Leopardstar and Mistyfoot. Which I did. I don’t need your permission.”

“Maybe not yet – but it’s not about that. I’m more concerned about walking in and seeing my sister with a strange cat.” He looked back at Leafpool. “Not that she’s much of a threat.”

How arrogant! Though the fact that Leafpool couldn’t prove him wrong kept her quiet. Not that she would ever harm her friend, but Mothwing had moons of warrior training and her father’s size on her side. Leafpool had always been told her petite stature came from Firestar’s sister – and though Cinderpelt had taught her basics in defense, she had no doubt her friend could bat her away like an errant fly.

Mothwing let out a purr. “If she’s not a threat, then stop talking to her like she’s a raiding party, dumb furball.” Reaching out with a paw, she playfully shoved her brother towards the den entrance. “Now get out of here, unless you want to pretend to be our patient so I can get in some practice.”

Hawkfrost sniffed, his nose in the air. “RiverClan warriors have far more important things to do than lay around and pretend to be hurt.”

“Well then go do it!”

Leafpool watched Hawkfrost leave; she couldn’t help but noticed how the sunrays bounced off his fur, turning his brown tabby stripes golden and making the white patches on his body turn brighter than freshly fallen snow. She shook her head, annoyed with herself, and looked back at Mothwing. Why in the world are these two so… pretty?

“Don’t mind him,” Mothwing looked back at the pile of herbs they had been discussing. “He’s much friendlier when you get to know him.”

Somehow, I’m not so sure. “It’s okay. He’s just protecting his sister.”

“Hah. Or throwing his weight around for the entire camp to see.”

—--

“Thank you again for helping me.”

Leafpool stretched, letting out an appreciative hum as her aching shoulders popped. “Of course. As long as Cinderpelt doesn’t mind, I’m more than happy. If you need anything else, please fetch for me.”

“I will. Bye.”

Leafpool stepped out into the center of RiverClan camp and felt a wave of anxiety as she saw the sun setting. I stayed all day. Firestar and Cinderpelt are going to be cross with me. She tried to tell herself that if they had needed her, they would have sent for her, but ThunderClan territory was pulling at her paws nonetheless.

As she was deciding whether or not to announce her departure to Leopardstar, the RiverClan leader approached. Leafpool swallowed; the she-cat had always made her nervous, with her sharp eyes and even sharper words. Sandstorm had told her how viciously Leopardstar had fought for Sunningrocks in the old territories, and Leafpool feared one misspoken word could give away information that would spark another war. But I’m a medicine cat. Surely she knows I am not bound to the same rivalries as her.

But like Hawkfrost said, warriors are different.

“Greetings, young Leafpool,” Leopardstar narrowed her eyes. “Thank you for helping Mothwing, though I’m not sure what you knew that she didn’t, this soon into your own career.”

Swallowing indignation, Leafpool felt her head grow hot as she tried to keep her tone respectful. “Sometimes medicine cats are taught ways to use herbs differently. I’m sure I learned as much from Mothwing and she did from me.”

Leopardstar’s tail lashed. “Is that right? I hope Mothwing didn’t share too much of her… wisdom.”

Oh, not like that, you old crow! “You have nothing to worry about from me, Leopardstar,” she replied carefully. “It is against my morals as a medicine cat to cause any conflict that would harm others, let alone my own Clan.” The leader nodded and Leafpool hoped she was satisfied with that answer. StarClan, I’ve never been one for politics.

“Hawkfrost, please escort Leafpool back to her territory.”

Leafpool felt her face strain from the effort it took not to react. “Leopardstar, thank you, but there is no need to worry-”

“It’s nothing like that Leafpool,” this time it was Mistyfoot, who had just approached the two, speaking. “We’re still learning the lay of this territory ourselves. And there was a fox found between here and ThunderClan recently.” She looked at Hawkfrost, who had walked closer after being beckoned. “A strong warrior like Hawkfrost will be able to keep you safe.”

Hawkfrost narrowed his eyes. “Sure, Mistyfoot. Whatever you say.”

Leafpool’s heart skipped a beat as the deputy and warrior stared each other down a moment longer before Mistyfoot broke first, turning away to look back at Leopardstar. Mothwing had told Leafpool her brother had been bitter about giving up his role as deputy when Mistyfoot returned, and it seemed like that wound hadn’t yet closed.

“Let’s get going, medicine cat,” Leafpool startled when Hawkfrost stalked past, heading through the reeds that surrounded the camp. Reluctantly, she followed.

The beginning of the trip happened in unbearable silence. Leafpool desperately tried to think of something to talk about, but she feared anything brought up would be met with indifference or, worse, annoyance. She couldn’t help but feel amused at the fact they were both connected to Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight – how different they both seemed to their respective siblings. Though I guess I should be thankful we’re not bickering like Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight.

“Hello? What, are you having a vision from StarClan or something?”

Leafpool let out a small squeak of surprise as her travel partner’s voice broke her out of her thoughts. “I’m sorry, I was… thinking about something. Did you say something?”

Hawkfrost peered at her curiously. “I said, did you always want to be a medicine cat?”

Leafpool thought for a moment before nodding slowly. “Yes, I think so. I never had the… desire to learn how to fight and defend. I guess I always thought there were better ways I could serve my Clan.”

“Are you afraid of violence?” “Oh no, it’s nothing like that. I have to deal with violence the same as you. You may be inflicting the injuries, but I have to patch them up. I’ve seen everything – battle wounds, broken bones, illness. I’ve seen Clan mates pass peacefully and violently.” Dimly, she realized Hawkfrost had slowed his pace to match hers, his eyes sparking with interest.

“Did Cinderpelt receive a sign from StarClan that you were meant to be her apprentice?”

“No, I don’t think so. I just always showed an interest in healing. Don’t get me wrong, StarClan accepted me, but they never told her I was the one. She knew that on her own.”

“I wish Mudfur had the same forward thinking about Mothwing in the beginning.”

Leafpool sighed. “Me too,” she admitted. “Though, I don’t know how much of it was Mudfur. Correct me if I’m wrong, but RiverClan needed convincing, no?”

Hawkfrost lashed his tail. “Only the fools who couldn’t see past their noses to understand that she was talented on her own. At first, I couldn’t believe she would give up her warrior duties, but when I saw her train… She was meant to be in that role, and they’d all be fools to reject her because of our parents.”

Leafpool was surprised at the surge of respect that bubbled in her chest for the warrior in front of her. He really seems to care about his sister. Maybe his aggressive demeanor was more of a show than she thought.

But that behavior can’t be encouraged, she told herself. Aggressive warriors create tragic battles. And Hawkfrost seems like one of the most aggressive of them all.

Does he? A voice challenged. Or are you only saying that because of his father? Thornclaw and Mousefur are aggressive. You’re not afraid of them.

But I know them. Maybe that’s all it would take. Knowing Hawkfrost.

“Well,” she began carefully. “Mothwing did receive approval from StarClan. So at least there’s no worry about her being accepted now.”

“That’s true,” Hawkfrost said slowly. Leafpool stared at him, feeling as though there was something he wasn’t saying. The two fell silent again, before he suddenly asked: “Squirrelflight is your sister, right?”

“She is.”

“Are you two close?”

“She’s my other half.” Leafpool took two more steps before she realized Hawkfrost had stopped. She looked back at him, curious.

“Would you do anything for her?”

Where is this going? Leafpool thought for a moment before nodding. “Yes…Yes, I suppose I would. And I know she’d do the same for me.”

Hawkfrost nodded. “Mothwing and I are the same.”

“I can see that. You two have been through so much together.”

“You have no idea,” he muttered. Leafpool desperately wanted to no more, but bit her tongue. We’re practically strangers. If anything, I should ask Mothwing more about her past. Her friend did share stories of her kithood, and their mother Sasha, but anything beyond the surface seemed to pain her. And if Mothwing was reluctant to share, surely pushing Hawkfrost would earn her a swipe or two.

“It must be nice, not having to worry about what it looks like to have friends in other Clans.”

But then again, it feels like I’m being interrogated. Who knew this sourpuss was so talkative? Outside her head, Leafpool shrugged. “I wouldn’t necessarily say I can’t worry about it. ThunderClan will always be my first priority. It’s my home. But medicine cats took an oath to heal. Sharing information on herbs and helping the wounded won’t give an advantage in battle; it will just ease some of the suffering in the world.”

“I disagree,” the tabby countered. “Helping the wounded means Clans have as many strong warriors as they can. So, if you, say… healed my wounds, I would be able to fight for RiverClan – even against ThunderClan.”

She flicked her ear, growing annoyed. This hadn’t been the first time she heard this argument. “That’s because you warriors look at everything like a potential threat. I see a cat as a creature worthy of life, not a… potential pawn in a war. Maybe if I healed you, you would survive to attack ThunderClan. But you would also survive to help hunt and feed your Clan mates; you would continue to look after Mothwing and support her when she needs it. Who knows? You may even be inspired to move to the medicine den yourself.” She was surprised by the feeling of delight that spread through her when he barked out a laugh.

“Fat chance.”

Before she knew it, the two were at the border between their Clans. Leafpool couldn’t help but feel disappointed; maybe Mothwing was right. Hawkfrost did seem kinder, the more he relaxed. And she couldn’t help but admit how nice it felt for him to be so interested in what she thought of her duties, rather than only talking about them when her skills were needed.

Enough, she quickly admonished herself. You became a medicine cat to serve, not to be showered with praise every time you picked up a cobweb.

“Well, here we are,” Hawkfrost said. “I know I came out here because of the fox, but I’m going to admit, I don’t think I’d be as popular a visitor in ThunderClan as you are in RiverClan.” Leafpool shook her head. “That’s okay. No need to alarm anyone. Besides, I can smell Thornclaw, so the patrol must have just passed by. I’ll catch up with them.” There was a beat of awkward silence; not knowing what else to say, Leafpool began to wade across the stream that made up the border, her teeth clenched and her tail stuck straight in the air in disgust. As she made it to the other side, she heard a laugh and spun around. “What?”

“That was the most pathetic attempt at wading I think I’ve ever seen.”

She scowled. “In case you haven’t noticed, ThunderClan doesn’t exactly go fishing like you do.”

He tilted his head, suddenly thoughtful. “No, but you really should have some basic grasp on swimming, you know. Accidents happen, and you do live by a rather large lake right now. Drowning can happen in the blink of an eye.” His eyes darkened and Leafpool felt her heart skip a beat. Was that a threat.

No. He looks as though he’s mourning.

Before she could pry, Hawkfrost shook his head and focused back on her. “Next time Mothwing drags you over to… eat leaves and talk to flowers or whatever it is you two do, I’m showing you how to swim.”

“Now, Hawkfrost, I don’t think that’s necessary-”

“Nonsense. You don’t adhere to borders like us warriors do – you said so yourself. Someday you may need to come help Mothwing and fall into the water. She’d be devastated and she’s been through enough, wouldn’t you agree? Or what if one of your Clan mates is drowning? You could save them.”

Despite the voice in her head telling her to reject the offer from this near stranger, Leafpool had to admit he had a point. How many ThunderClan cats had to be saved by RiverClan while they were drowning? And how many didn’t last long enough to have that luxury? She shivered. There would be more incidents as curious apprentices learned the territory jutting up against the lake.

“Okay,” she said, finally. “Fine. I’ll let you teach me how to swim.” She was caught off guard by how nearly-delighted the usually surly warrior seemed.

“It’s a deal then. Go catch up with your patrol.”

Nodding, she bid him a quick and quiet goodbye and dashed off down the usual route the sunset patrol took. As she jogged down the ridge, finally catching sight of them, she barely noticed their calls of greeting. Instead, all she could focus on was the image of sparkling blue eyes in the front of her mind.

StarClan, I am an idiot.

[littlebirdlovessquirrelflight]

We Should Have Drowned Our Love in the River: A HawkLeaf AU

Summary: Instead of meeting Crowfeather, Leafpool is introduced to Mothwing's brother, Hawkfrost. Even after their love meets a sudden, violent end, the consequences nearly destroy everything ThunderClan's medicine cat loves.

Main relationships: HawkfrostxLeafpool, BrambleclawxSquirrelflight

Tags/Warnings: Unhealthy relationships, emotional manipulation, major character death, graphic description of violence, loss of faith

Link to work on AO3

Chapters: Prologue, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3

PROLOGUE

Leafpool had played many roles in her life: sister, daughter, mother, apprentice, healer, oracle. They had taken her down more paths than she could count. She had seen far off lands in the mountains; met cats who spoke in lilted voices and blended in with the ice-cold stone to confuse their prey. She spoke to her ancestors, who warned of dire conflict through twisted prophecies and murky visions. She stood beside her sister when the world wanted to forget Squirrelflight’s role in saving the Clans and finding their new home – all because Squirrelflight stood beside her when Leafpool had nowhere else to go. She made her mentor and family proud – and surely disappointed them too. But they loved her and she them just the same. But of all the roles Leafpool fulfilled in her too-short yet somehow too-long life, only one had her creeping through moonlit dew at the edge of StarClan’s hunting grounds, heart pounding in her chest so loudly she was sure Sorreltail could hear it where she left her sleeping. Lover. The young spirit peered out at the meadow, the flowers still and forever in bloom. She tried to appreciate the beauty of the glen, but she couldn’t help but glance over at the yawning darkness in the background. Wilting bracken lined the bottoms of the trees, creating a stark border between the valley and decaying woods. And though the Dark Forest had been silent for several seasons now, part of Leafpool still feared it would spew out the ghosts of vicious, damned warriors, determined to stain StarClan’s silver valleys with red. As she mustered up the courage to step farther into the field, she caught movement coming from the edge of the wood. She froze, tense and ready for a fight, before letting out a sigh. Only Hawkfrost. The tom quickly spotted her, his eyes sparkling like chips of ice. Leafpool watched as he bounded over, purring; as he tried to push his head against hers, she jerked back, only seeing the angry wound in his throat, still scarlet red as if the fatal injury had been dealt just this morning. “I hate that you still have that,” she said simply. Hawkfrost shrugged. “StarClan cats may be able to return to the time they’re happiest, but I don’t have that luxury.”

She swallowed the lump in her throat. “But you could have.”

For a moment, it looked as though Hawkfrost was growing angry, but he sighed, his shoulders sagging. “There’s no point wishing the past could change, Leafpool. We both know that.”

“I know,” she longed to lean against him, and let their tabby-and-white fur blend together, but she remained still. “We shouldn’t be meeting like this.”

“C’mon!” he laughed. “We’re not two starstruck lovers, sneaking out of our camps anymore. There’s no code up here that says we can’t speak.”

“StarClan wouldn’t exactly be thrilled if they saw me here, though.”

“StarClan aren’t exactly thrilled with a lot of things you’ve done, dear.” He laughed again at her glare. “And here I thought my wit was what won you over all those moons ago.”

Leafpool turned away. “That was a different time. Before you- before things changed.”

Hawkfrost fell silent at that, staring at the smaller cat. He sat down next to her, settling in the long grass. “Leafpool,” he dragged out her name, as if saying it too quickly would frighten her away. “Please – let’s not talk about that now. Not here. Your father forgave me.”

Leafpool’s head snapped around, eyes blazing. “He didn’t forgive you, Hawkfrost. He just stopped StarClan from killing you off for good. If you were forgiven, you’d be with me.” Where you promised you’d be, she stopped herself from saying out loud.

She watched as Hawkfrost hung her head and couldn’t stop the pang in her chest at the regret filling his eyes. Suddenly, she blurted out: “Is there something I could have done to stop it?”

Hawkfrost sighed. “No. You did all you could- you almost did stop it, but I told you: by the time I realized, it was too late.” He rubbed a large paw against his forever-wound, wincing. “And trust me, I’ll never forget how much of a fool I was for throwing away the life I could have had with you. The life I could have had with our kits.”

“I wish you could have met them,” she muttered. “Properly, I mean. As their father.”

“Do you think Hollyleaf will ever come with-”

“No,” Leafpool snapped. “I told you, Hawkfrost, she doesn’t want that. And I won’t force her. Our mistakes have harmed her enough. That goes for Lionblaze and Jayfeather when they reach StarClan, too.”

“‘Course,” the tom grunted. “Though I did get to spend some time with Lionblaze. Positive time, I mean.”

Leafpool curled her lip. “You call training our son in bloodlust ‘positive time’?”

“Well I enjoyed it.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

“Sometimes I think that’s what made you fall for me.”

Leafpool stared at the flowers ahead, her face burning with annoyance. Only when you used that stubborn personality for good. Not to rip everything apart in a desperate attempt to please the father he never knew. She blinked back tears as she realized: Hawkfrost had drowned his own future with his children in bloodlust that had grown out of a desperation to bond with a father who had missed out on his life because of his own evil path.

She could only thank every ancestor she knew that Lionblaze had broken the cycle with his children. And Jayfeather, though coarse, was one of the most compassionate healers she knew. But Hollyleaf… the brutal weight of it all had broken her and sent her spiraling dangerously close to the edge. Now the young warrior rested in StarClan, clearly wanting to be with her mother but not knowing how to wade through the misery and resentment to make it to Leafpool’s side.

Just like I am with Hawkfrost.

“What thoughts are racing through that brilliant head of yours?” the tom in question asked, breaking Leafpool out of her trance. She hesitated, not wanting this meeting to yet again end in an argument over things neither of them could do anything about.

“Just… thinking about Hollyleaf,” she said lamely. “She just seems so lonely. I mean, she’ll spend time with me or my parents, but… well, all her friends are still below. And even though there aren’t any borders up here, I think she struggles to trust strangers.”

Hawkfrost nodded. “Well, from what little I saw, she always seemed independent. I mean, it was usually just her brothers she spent her time with.”

“And Cinderheart.”

“Your mentor?” “No – well, yes, technically – not anymore though. Lionblaze’s mate.”

“Mm.” Hawkfrost looked up at the black sky. “She looks so much like Tadpole, you know.”

“I wish I could have met him.” “Me too.” Another stretch of silence settled between them until Hawkfrost gave himself a small shake, as if dispelling the grief Leafpool knew he still held onto over his long-lost brother. “Do you remember when we met?”

Leafpool let out a purr. “Which time? The time you properly introduced yourself or the time you almost tore me apart for having the audacity to speak to Mothwing about medicine cat business in your… magnificent warrior presence?”

“So I’m not known for positive first impressions…”

“That much can be said.” She looked up at him, feeling a flicker of the love that had brought her to the border of RiverClan and ThunderClan so many times.

“But I am good at lasting impressions.”

“Oh, Hawkfrost. That’s quite the understatement.”

[birdsong-warriors]

Leafhawk?? So unique, i never heard of that ship before, can you talk a lil more about it?

MY PARTNER, @talkingtalltales GETS FULL CREDIT FOR THIS IDEA. :D But I've messed around with it a bit.

Hawkfrost is VERY different in this AU. He is good hearted, but he has a lot of mental instability. It's meant to be very up in the air whether Tigerstar is haunting him or if it's his schitzoeffective disorder. Or both. He is depressed and extremely paranoid. He suffers from a never ending fear that if he doesn't obey Tigerstar's wishes, something horrible will happen. Maybe everything horrible will happen. But Stars, does he not want to, and resists as much as he can at every turn.

Mothwing doesn't know how to help her brother, so she turns to Leafpool, desperate. Hawkfrost is allowed to stay in ThunderClan for a time. He and Leafpool quickly grow close. She is able to speak louder than Tigerstar's shadow. She is soft and gentle with him, but stands strong and defiant against anyone who would hurt him, including his visions.

I'm still on the fence as to whether or not Tigerstar's shadow is a true remnant of his spirit. No matter what, the voices and visions are very real for Hawkfrost, I'm just not sure whether or not to implement the spiritual aspect of things. I have established that the Dark Forest is used to connect the dead to the living, if cats choose to go there, it is much easier to influence the living, though it will take a toll on their soul. If this is the case for Tigerstar, then there will be a point where Leafpool takes Hawkfrost to the Moonpool and fights Tigerstar herself in their dreams. Hawkfrost stands up to his demons as well, and the two of them together chase the shadows away.