Madoka doesn't see it coming at all that Maru is about to move until he's already jumping out of her arms and onto her shoulder. But even that could never be as much of a surprise as the words he says afterwards are, rendering her completely quiet in astonishment for a few moments. It's just.. so sweet of him to defend her like that. Not that she thinks he's right - how is she strong at all? - but it doesn't take away the gratitude she feels at hearing him say those words in the slightest. All she can do in response is mumble a soft and half-surprised "Maru.." before turning to look at Piccolo when he speaks up.
But the man's words have the complete opposite effect, especially with that tone. It's not like Piccolo doesn't seem pretty stoic in general, but hearing that firm tone when it comes to this topic feels so.. sad. Madoka hates even just hearing it. It's like her heart is shrinking away inside of her chest. Without Maru to hold onto in her arms, she instead wraps her arms around herself for a moment to try and deal with it.
It takes a moment before she can even say anything.
"I.. don't think being kind and being weak-willed is the same thing at all though.." Don't get her wrong, this isn't about Madoka herself. She knows she's weak. And weak-willed. She isn't a good example of this. But even just here on the train there's so many examples of people who are both kind and strong. "Of course there are bad people who are strong.. but there are kind people who are strong as well. There are kind people who protect other kind people. I know I'm weak, but that doesn't mean you should think of all kind people that way, mister Piccolo.."
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But the man's words have the complete opposite effect, especially with that tone. It's not like Piccolo doesn't seem pretty stoic in general, but hearing that firm tone when it comes to this topic feels so.. sad. Madoka hates even just hearing it. It's like her heart is shrinking away inside of her chest. Without Maru to hold onto in her arms, she instead wraps her arms around herself for a moment to try and deal with it.
It takes a moment before she can even say anything.
"I.. don't think being kind and being weak-willed is the same thing at all though.." Don't get her wrong, this isn't about Madoka herself. She knows she's weak. And weak-willed. She isn't a good example of this. But even just here on the train there's so many examples of people who are both kind and strong. "Of course there are bad people who are strong.. but there are kind people who are strong as well. There are kind people who protect other kind people. I know I'm weak, but that doesn't mean you should think of all kind people that way, mister Piccolo.."