charged up [c]

Marigoldpaw turned to his friend before letting out a pained laugh. "You've noticed, huh?" The tom stretched out fiercely, his tail lashing with the sun energy it had gained. He yawned, "I guess you're right. That den is way too cramped now and I feel ridiculous sleeping in there." Marigoldpaw knew the obvious next question, So why aren't you a warrior already? "It's just..." He looked away, drawing a paw over the back of his ear to brush off dirt. "I'm not too good at the fighting stuff, you know? Fuzzface does his best when he can and I spar plenty with others. But... things just don't really seem to work out for me."

He tried not to let his frustrations get the best of him, instead focusing back on Pantherpounce with attentive, bright orange eyes and an even brighter smile. "Sparring is still really fun though! You agree, right?" Since there wasn't much his friend's expression ever gave away, Marigoldpaw knew to keep his ears extra perked.

In response to Pantherpounce's reassuring encouragement, Marigoldpaw smiled as if warm sunshine had suddenly beamed on his face. "Thanks bud." His friend always knew just what to say, which was a good reason why he was his closest friend. Marigoldpaw was instantly interested by the look in his yellow eyes and an ear flick signaling new thoughts. He nodded in agreement, always ready for a spontaneous spar. Still, despite his eagerness, he hadn't anticipated his typically calculating companion to begin so fast.

Warmth filled his chest when Pantherpounce's paws knocked him to the ground, his back hitting the grass and dirt with a thud. He smiled, tail flicking restlessly as he looked up at the black tom's fluffy, secretive face. "Unfair!" he joked while pulling his hind feet up against the warrior's stomach. It took a bit of strength, but Marigoldpaw was able to shove the opposing tom's back half and twist out from beneath. Now on his paws, he made a bit of space between them before leaping at his friend's flank in hopes of bowling him over.