[Marinette had no idea what to even say to that, so she just smiled.]

That's the way I feel about it, too. I guess I just don't understand how he can claim to love her so much in one breath and then go on to act like... that without missing a beat.

[Oh thank heavens, he bought her half-assed explanation.] Mmm... that must've been what happened. But I'm good. Don't worry!

[She felt him tense up, and for a moment she worried she might've overdone it. But he was just as quick to relax, and she released a breath she hadn't even realized she'd been holding. It wasn't the first time she'd hugged him, but normally she gave him a bit more warning than that, so she'd been slightly worried about crossing a line.] It'll take more than that to hurt me.

[Well, that sounded a little less comforting than it had in her head. She'd only intended to give him a quick hug to reassure him that she was fine. That there was no reason to worry.

And she'd done that. But the way he'd latched onto the back of her shirt and melted against her almost instantly made her want to just... hold him there for as long as he'd let her. But that would be pushing it. She was about to try and untangle herself when he leaned his head against her and purred.

Mari knew she should be the responsible one, but he made it incredibly difficult sometimes, and he didn't even realize he was doing it. Instead of pulling away, she found herself sliding a hand up to stroke his hair.]

You're right. I'd want... someone to love me on their own and not because they were forced into it.