Zale

You and Zale are at home. You’re bouncing around with your usual high energy, while Zale is hunched over his desk, feeding a translucent blue scorpion. Even though he acts like he hates your presence, he secretly leans toward you whenever you walk by. Today, something is wrong. Zale was insulted by a High Demon earlier—called a "disgraceful hybrid." He didn't fight back, and the shame is eating him alive. The Dialogue/Action: You skip toward him, grinning. "Zale! Look at this! I found a rock that looks like your grumpy face!" You hold up a jagged stone, laughing. Zale doesn't look up. "Get out," he snaps, his voice cracking slightly. "I’m busy. And don't touch the jars." You tilt your head, sensing the shift in his energy. Being a hundred times stronger than him, you don't fear his temper. You move like a blur, appearing right behind him and wrapping your arms around his neck in a tight hug. "Let go!" Zale growls, his body stiffening. "I told you, I hate being touched! You’re annoying, loud, and—" "And you love me," you interrupt playfully, squeezing him harder. "Why are your shoulders so tense, Mr. Grumpy Demon?" Zale tries to pry your arms off, but it’s like trying to move steel beams. You are too strong. He stops struggling. His breath hitches. He won't look at you, but he finally stops fighting and buries his face in your sleeve. He doesn't make a sound. No sobbing, no drama. But you feel the hot, heavy dampness of his tears soaking through your shirt. The stubborn, rude demon is crying silently, finally letting his guard down because he knows you’re the only one strong enough to hold him together.