[AbsurdJinx]

Originally Posted by RedHead

Spicepaw still couldn't understand how one cat could be so happy. Even with the fact that the two apprentices were in no dangerous situation, his companion still seemed like he would just smile and laugh in danger's face. Not in a brave way, though no offense to the multi-colored tom, but more in a way like he didn't understand the danger. That's what Spicepaw felt like Quillpaw would do. So, as Quillpaw turned to head into the territory, the russet tomcats ears perked in surprise. He's acting like he knows the territory, inside and out! Spicepaw quickly got to his paws and rushed to catch up with Quillpaw, his paws slipping slightly in the mud that was close to the bank of the river. He was able to keep his balance, but he carefully padded after his fellow apprentice.

Upon spotting the root in Quillpaw's path, Spicepaw called out to him. "Hey, there's a root! W-" His sentence was cut short as a shriek erupted from Quillpaw, then there was a "thud" as he hit the ground. Spicepaw winced, flattening his ears a little. "Watch out." He finished, but his voice was quiet, knowing his warning would do no good now. He waited for the tom to start moaning in pain, or even worse, start crying. With how young he still was, just barely out of the nursery, Spicepaw supposed a fall like this would injure him greatly. He stood behind the tom, debating whether or not to go ask if he was okay. The tomcat wasn't good at dealing with injuries or sad and hurt cats, he didn't know how to comfort them. That was more of his sister Cricketpaw's job.

When the sound of laughter could be heard, Spicepaw's ears perked up in confusion. Is he laughing about the fact that he just got hurt? Respect for Quillpaw instantly flooded into Spicepaw. He knew most cats that were Quillpaw's age would probably complain, or worse, cry about it. But Quillpaw was simply laughing, no complaining word exiting his mouth. Spicepaw visibly let out a sigh of relief. He was dealing with so much right now, he didn't need another bad thing to be added to his life.

Spicepaw then realized he should probably be helping Quillpaw to his paws. He padded towards him, but then stopped at the sound of his voice. Wait, did he just call me "Spicey?" The russet apprentice had never been given a nickname before. Sure, some of his family members called him Spice from time to time, but Spicey? That was a whole new level of naming. But, as he thought about it, the ton realized he didn't mind it too much. Especially coming from Quillpaw, Spicepaw thought it was cute. He finished walking up to Quillpaw, looking down at him and smirking a little. "Maybe you shouldn't of been in such a rush. Sightseeing takes patience you know." He meowed, amusement lacing his words. He then placed his shoulder against Quillpaw's to help him up. But as he did it, Spicepaw couldn't help but admire the softness of the other tom's fur. And the colorin, closer up. Spicepaw was slightly jealous of Quillpaw's pelt. He had always wished he had a fluffy pelt, but he was stuck with a short one. Although his fur was smooth and silky, he'd rest her have a soft, poofy pelt.

Quillpaw took note that Spicepaw hadn't objected his use of `Spicey`, further fueling his joy. Based off how serious and straight-forward Spicepaw appeared to be, Quillpaw had assumed the russet-colored tomcat would warn him not to ever use the nickname ever again. Simply the air around Spicepaw was full of seriousness, but Quillpaw wasn't complaining. Honestly, Spicepaw's seriousness made Quillpaw happier, because when he was able to get Spicey to put his lighthearted side on display, Quillpaw felt prideful, because then both apprentices were clearly happy.

Speaking of pelts... Quillpaw didn't much care for appearances. Sure, he flaunts quite a unique fur pattern, but his fur was rather messy. His coat lacked smoothness, and instead, every tuft pointed in a different direction. Even after a thorough wash, his pelt refused to be tamed. For example, if he were to draw his rough tongue along his flank for a decent amount of time, and then pull away, messy tufts would sprout from the previously-flattened pelt. Quillpaw believed Spicepaw bore a gorgeous pelt. Spicey was a handsome tomcat, Quillpaw could not lie. He wondered how soft and warm Spicepaw's smooth, russet pelt was.

And then, Spicepaw intentionally pressed his own shoulder against Quillpaw's, which honestly did shock the younger apprentice. He hadn't expected Spicey to be so willing to preform physical contact - especially with a stranger. Though, Quillpaw didn't think both him and Spicey were strangers. From his point of view, they were already good friends. And he had proof. Spicey offered Quillpaw a tour, had supported the conversation, attempted to warn Quillpaw of the threatening root, and helped Quillpaw to his paws. Immediately, he admired the older apprentice. After all, what was not to admire? The tom was handsome, strong, and most important of all, kind - though, unfortunately, Spicey was also quite reserved, Quillpaw had observed. But then again, everyone had their flaws.

Quillpaw was not yet completely aware of his orientation. Being a kit just a day ago, he hadn't yet had interest in, well, interests. Yes, he might've had a kit-crush or two, but he saw his kit-crushes as just that - kit-crushes. All his kit-crushes were simply good friends of his. He thought that the feeling you got when you were interested in someone was a friendly feeling. For all he was concerned, Quillpaw wasn't interested in love; he was just really friendly.

With their shoulders pressed against one another, Quillpaw used Spicey's weight and strength to his advantage. Once stably on his four paws, Quillpaw glanced at Spicepaw, and suddenly, his face began to heat up. He had abruptly realized how close the two toms had been, and for some unknown reason, their close proximity had embarrassed him. His heart raced fast, and he purposely avoided Spicey's gaze, watching his nervously-shuffling paws. For once, Quillpaw was not the happy-go-lucky tom he had just acted as. He chuckled nervously before raising his head and looking at Spicepaw, an embarrassed smile on his face. He laughed that anxious laugh once more before meowing, ``My bad. I'm not a very patient cat.`` Quillpaw was speedy in just about everything. ``Thank you, though - for helping me up. I really appreciate it.`` He looked at his new friend with appreciation, but also innocence. He was an insanely innocent apprentice, being strongly naive and kit-like.