As before, Tzirret returned Ma'tanza's hug, unashamed to hold onto her for longer. He was actually surprised that his words elicited such a positive reaction, but it was at least a boost to his confidence that he didn't mess it up.

Ma'tanza's words in response did not make Tzirret tear up - though he was flattered - rather, they made him look away thoughtfully. For a while. Ma'tanza could feel the latter half of his tail wave from side to side, patting against the ground beside her. "Thank you," he murmured in the close proximity, "Tzirret has never...thought of that before. He has to fight because of the war, yes, but he was only taught to fight in the first place because Gallus wanted to help his confidence." Tzirret blinked a couple of times, "He never thought of trying to be a healer." Tzirret turned to look into Ma'tanza's eyes again, "This one will admit, that sounds more appealing than fighting and killing."

Tzirret felt a pang in his chest. He was so close to Ma'tanza. He could just move his head forward and kiss her right there. In return, his mind screamed that he should keep to his borders for now. He began to move his head, but halted and second-guessed himself. He instead brought his hand to the back of Ma'tanza's head, bowed his forehead forward against hers, and smiled genuinely. "That is the first time someone has suggested that Tzirret does something that is not troubled so much by his worries. Perhaps he should try and learn some magic to help people as well," Tzirret said as he rubbed the back of Ma'tanza's head and behind her ears.

Tzirret felt slightly dizzy from his little decision until he took another breath.