[private] you called me rude and I take that as a compliment

[Mazikeen]

Mazikeen opens her eyes when she hears movement and is surprised to see Sabal come to stand next to her. It was always a little odd to see the fish out of water, a little unnerving. Crying with someone that close helps to get herself a little more under control. This was already absolutely mortifying. She’s got just enough of her fire in her to shoot Sabal a burning glare at that first little response - true or not, her aquatic friend could have at least attempted not to agree so quickly - and grumbles something vulgar under her breath. But she falls quiet and listens as Sabal talks. This was, of course, exactly what Maze needed to hear. Annoyance blends with affection for her dear squid friend as she’s lectured with some kindness. Not a lot but it’d be weird if Sabal had suddenly turned sweet and consoling. There’s a sweet squeeze of her heart when Sabal says she’s a badass with or without her shifting - something that Mazikeen has never actually believed about herself. Something she never thought she would hear someone say about her. It’s not enough to make her believe it just like that - but it’s ridiculous how much it means to her to hear those words. To realize that she's not viewed as lesser to Sabal because of what she's lost - or this display of emotion. Whether that holds true for her other friends is another matter, but Mazikeen should know better than to doubt them. She wants to be strong but is often afraid that she isn’t, that though she’ll always push herself to her absolute limit - one day it won’t be enough and someone she cares for will get hurt because of her shortcomings. This explanation does not find its way into words, though. She’ll let Sabal see her cry, will admit parts of this truth, but not all of it. She can stand being mocked for a lot - but not that. A faint smile appears and she nods. “Ugh, you’re right. I know.” Mazikeen sighs and shakes her head before inhaling deeply. “It just… it hurts in a way I’m not used to. Physical pain I can handle. This might surprise you but I’m not good with… well, you know.” Feelings. Mazikeen shakes herself to ease some of the tension in her body and groans as she lowers her head to wipe her face on her foreleg. “If you ever catch me crying again please smack me with your trout tail. Right. In. The. Face.” And then a grin grows that is, somehow, still incredibly feline and a spark lights in Mazikeen’s now-dry eyes as she reaches out to nudge Sabal on her scaled neck. “And I love you too.”

@[Sabal]


Maze @ Sabal at the end there