Maru had half dozed off with the petting. He'd definitely zoned out to the point he had no idea what everyone was talking about. It wasn't until he was picked up that he decided maybe he should have been paying attention.

Madoka's heart was beating quicker and she seemed tense. She held him within her arms, so there was no point in struggling to go free.

Instead he did the most cat-like thing he could think to do.

He purred.

He purred and he stretched his sleepy head up to give her a gentle nuzzle under her chin. Soothing Maru to the rescue!