wrote this in 2018 and haven't read early fern/ivy in a long time, sorry about any ooc-ness! im also not big on the redtail is sandstorm's dad thing anymore but left that bit in anyways.
tags: warriors
Fernsong watched his paws pass over the small paths of ThunderClan territory as he lead Ivypool to a small clearing surrounded by ferns. He sat down and glanced at Ivypool. The tip of her tail flicked nervously; Fernsong noticed his doing the same. He curled it over his paws tightly and cleared his throat.
“Thanks,” he said, “for coming out here with me.”
“No problem,” Ivypool replied hesitantly. “What’s going on? You’re really nervous.” The pretty she-cat tipped her head to the side. Fernsong swallowed.
“So, we’ve talked about the whole… kits situation,” he began, “but there’s some other stuff I want to, work out, I guess? If you’re alright with doing that right now.”
Ivypool shrugged. “Sounds like a good idea. What’s bothering you?”
“I said I would like being in the nursery with the kits. And I would! I’m not trying to take anything back. I just feel like… there’s something not quite right. Something feels off to me. Do you… do you get that?”
“What do you mean?”
“I feel like something’s wrong… with me. Like I’m not quite whole. Something is missing, and I think I know what it is, but to be honest? I’m scared to tell you.” He finished his sentence looking down at his paws. He could see Ivypool shuffle closer in the corner of his vision.
“Fernsong,” she breathed, “you have no reason to be scared of me. I’m sure whatever it is, it will be fine. Will you tell me so I can help?” Fernsong looked over to see her blue eyes shimmering with worry. He flicked an ear and sighed.
“I think- I think I was supposed to be born a she-cat.”
Ivypool paused, but didn’t look upset. Fernsong held her gaze as she stayed silent. The clearing seemed to wobble and spin, colors blurring together. This was such a bad idea- why couldn’t I just keep it to myself?
“Do you mean…” Ivypool trailed off. “You mean you want to be a she-cat, like, right now?”
“Yes…?” Fernsong’s heart was racing. Bad idea bad idea bad idea bad idea-
“Oh. Okay. You can be a she-cat if you want, Fernsong. Nothing can stop you from that. Actually, I think I remember hearing about a cat like that, except he wanted to be a tom. Sandstorm’s father? I might be wrong.” She swept her tail over her paws. “My point is, you’re fine. Nothing’s wrong with you.”
“Uh.” Fernsong was at a loss. Good idea, I guess? Good idea. “Wow. I really thought this was gonna be hard.” He- no, she? She. She looked at Ivypool and smiled. “...Thanks, Ivypool. Really, thank you.”
“No problem, love” Ivypool laughed, touching her nose to Fernsong’s cheek. “Do you want to head back? I think the hunting patrol should be back by now.”
Fernsong nodded. “Sounds great. I love you, Ivypool.”
“Love you, too.”