blindsidedloyalty

[blindsidedloyalty]

Mothiva and him have done some very foolish things in the past, some that almost costed the whole of the kingdoms. They both regretted it, of course they did. They had been stupid. So why was it that these three were willing to forgive that? Or at the very least, forgive him. He didn't think they would ever do the same for Mothiva, and while he understood, it still pained him. He just didn't expect them to be this nice to him. Kabbu, sure. He was friendly to everyone. Leif had been puzzling, and still was, but he was growing used to it. Now, Vi? That just seemed absurd.

She didn't seem like one to lie about how she felt about someone, if she didn't like you then she made you very aware of it. That was why Zasp had been under the impression she hated him, up until now. He didn't think she'd want anything to do with him, purely from associating with Mothiva. To say the least, his current situation was baffling and he was really trying to understand.

Pulling his hand back, largely out of discomfort, the wasp looked between Kaabu and Vi as he tried to process and figure out what to say. It was an odd feeling of anxiety and wanting to be reassured that they were not just messing with him. There was a flinch when he felt Leif's hand on his shoulder, though he relaxed immediately with a glance at the moth. He couldn't help but smile, his face growing slightly warmer as his gaze turned away.

"I-I guess it would be nice to start over... I never meant for things to go the way they did."

Kaabu was more than delighted with all of this, and nodded in approval at the shifted situation as he stepped away to give the visibly nervous wasp more space. Or rather, some space with Leif. How nice that those two were comfortable with being so close.

"We've all made our fair share of mistakes. You have done more than enough to be forgiven."

With a smile, the beetle then turns his attention to Vi to give her an overly affectionate rub on the head.

"And you, Vi! I am very proud of you!"

"As long as you are safe, all is fine, Leif."

Kabbu smiled in reassurance. Leif was safe, Chompy was safe, even Zasp was safe. No harm done then, but goodness, did it give him a scare at the time. He did give Vi another look, a quiet sigh coming from him. While it had been more than frustrating back then, there was no need to bring it up now.

"Vi..."

"No, I get it. Sorry for being stupid, okay?"

It came out a little more hostile than Zasp intended, but it couldn't be helped. He couldn't blame any of them for holding it against him, but it wasn't like he didn't regret it. He gave Leif a glance, his antennae lowering a little, before his gaze turned to the side. Kabbu, while not as perceptive, could even feel the tense air that had settled, and hummed quietly in thought. He was coming to realize that the wasp seemed very...on edge. He wondered if he could alter the unsteady terms they were on. Zasp was a good bug, of course he was. If he weren't, he wouldn't have saved Leif, and Leif wouldn't be friends with him now.

After a brief pondering, Kabbu stepped closer and held a hand out to the wasp with a far too friendly smile. The initial flinch he gets in return doesn't go unnoticed.

"All is forgiven, Zasp. It's in the past. Besides, any friend of Leif's is a friend of our's."

Zasp had scolded himself for the involuntary jerk as he moved slightly closer to Leif at first, staring between the beetle and his hand as he tried to process exactly what was being said to him. His nerves drifted into confusion, because why on earth would Kabbu forgive him? Maybe he really was too nice. Then again, why did Leif forgive him? That sounded even more absurd, but here they were. He was quiet for a moment as he tried to figure out what the hell to say, and the scarab merely looked at him patiently. Raising a hand hesitantly, he grasped Kabbu's own who returned it with a reassuring shake and a brighter smile. He really was forgiving, and Zasp feels himself calm, just a little.

[blindsidedloyalty]

"As long as you are safe, all is fine, Leif."

Kabbu smiled in reassurance. Leif was safe, Chompy was safe, even Zasp was safe. No harm done then, but goodness, did it give him a scare at the time. He did give Vi another look, a quiet sigh coming from him. While it had been more than frustrating back then, there was no need to bring it up now.

"Vi..."

"No, I get it. Sorry for being stupid, okay?"

It came out a little more hostile than Zasp intended, but it couldn't be helped. He couldn't blame any of them for holding it against him, but it wasn't like he didn't regret it. He gave Leif a glance, his antennae lowering a little, before his gaze turned to the side. Kabbu, while not as perceptive, could even feel the tense air that had settled, and hummed quietly in thought. He was coming to realize that the wasp seemed very...on edge. He wondered if he could alter the unsteady terms they were on. Zasp was a good bug, of course he was. If he weren't, he wouldn't have saved Leif, and Leif wouldn't be friends with him now.

After a brief pondering, Kabbu stepped closer and held a hand out to the wasp with a far too friendly smile. The initial flinch he gets in return doesn't go unnoticed.

"All is forgiven, Zasp. It's in the past. Besides, any friend of Leif's is a friend of our's."

Zasp had scolded himself for the involuntary jerk as he moved slightly closer to Leif at first, staring between the beetle and his hand as he tried to process exactly what was being said to him. His nerves drifted into confusion, because why on earth would Kabbu forgive him? Maybe he really was too nice. Then again, why did Leif forgive him? That sounded even more absurd, but here they were. He was quiet for a moment as he tried to figure out what the hell to say, and the scarab merely looked at him patiently. Raising a hand hesitantly, he grasped Kabbu's own who returned it with a reassuring shake and a brighter smile. He really was forgiving, and Zasp feels himself calm, just a little.

Kabbu does at least relax knowing that all three of them were okay. Venus knows what he would've done if something had happened to Leif again. He takes a short look around the area, actually registering where they were for the first time, before looking back with a nod.

"I see. I am sorry if we disturbed that. But...if you can, please leave a note of where you're off to next time."

He offers a nervous smile, because of course he can't help but worry. He does shoot Vi a look when she speaks, though at the same time it's something he's curious about as well. While even he had a firm dislike for Mothiva, he never saw a reason to feel the same for Zasp, aside from pure association. Something he didn't see as fair.

"Didn't think I ever expressed that. Mothiva's feelings ain't mine."

The wasp says it bluntly and despite his cold gaze, he's more than a little uncomfortable. His wings and antennae twitch nervously, but he's doing his best to hide it. The last thing he wants is for these two to see him that vulnerable. Which was why he gave Leif an appreciative glance when he didn't mention the state he'd been found in. Kabbu, thankfully, wasn't one to press and he seemed pleased with that answer.

"Oh, that's wonderful! I'm glad you two get along so well."

Now if only Mothiva was that pleasant.

[blindsidedloyalty]

Kabbu does at least relax knowing that all three of them were okay. Venus knows what he would've done if something had happened to Leif again. He takes a short look around the area, actually registering where they were for the first time, before looking back with a nod.

"I see. I am sorry if we disturbed that. But...if you can, please leave a note of where you're off to next time."

He offers a nervous smile, because of course he can't help but worry. He does shoot Vi a look when she speaks, though at the same time it's something he's curious about as well. While even he had a firm dislike for Mothiva, he never saw a reason to feel the same for Zasp, aside from pure association. Something he didn't see as fair.

"Didn't think I ever expressed that. Mothiva's feelings ain't mine."

The wasp says it bluntly and despite his cold gaze, he's more than a little uncomfortable. His wings and antennae twitch nervously, but he's doing his best to hide it. The last thing he wants is for these two to see him that vulnerable. Which was why he gave Leif an appreciative glance when he didn't mention the state he'd been found in. Kabbu, thankfully, wasn't one to press and he seemed pleased with that answer.

"Oh, that's wonderful! I'm glad you two get along so well."

Now if only Mothiva was that pleasant.

Hearing that, surprisingly, is reassuring. Knowing that he wasn't just being a bother and Leif really was comfortable. It was quiet, but Zasp responds with a light purr and wills himself to relax against the moth. The cool temperature and the comfort really was tempting him to at least doze off for a few minutes. He was considering it. It was safe, quiet, and Leif wouldn't let anything happen. That idea didn't last too long though.

The wasp nearly jumped out of his shell at the sudden shout, immediately snapping into awareness and sitting upright as a jolt of anxiety shot through him. He guessed he wouldn't have been allowed to relax for long. Seeing Vi come into view, he only shoots her a glare. If anything it's to cover up the sudden nervousness gripping at him. And of course, Kabbu was not far behind.

"Leif?!"

The beetle was panting when he caught up to Vi, and a look of panic became relief when he saw Leif seeming just fine. While he breathes a sigh, the clear worry is certainly still there.

"Thank Venus, are you alright, Leif? You gave me a scare when I couldn't find you and Chompy. I thought..."

He trails off once his tunnel vision clears and he finally takes notice of Zasp, who appeared to be looking less than pleased at him.

"O-oh, my apologies. Are you alright too, Zasp?"

The wasp in question merely stared shortly, before huffing and looking away. Hesitantly, he slips his hand away from Leif's and instead holds onto his notebook.

"I'm fine."

[blindsidedloyalty]

Hearing that, surprisingly, is reassuring. Knowing that he wasn't just being a bother and Leif really was comfortable. It was quiet, but Zasp responds with a light purr and wills himself to relax against the moth. The cool temperature and the comfort really was tempting him to at least doze off for a few minutes. He was considering it. It was safe, quiet, and Leif wouldn't let anything happen. That idea didn't last too long though.

The wasp nearly jumped out of his shell at the sudden shout, immediately snapping into awareness and sitting upright as a jolt of anxiety shot through him. He guessed he wouldn't have been allowed to relax for long. Seeing Vi come into view, he only shoots her a glare. If anything it's to cover up the sudden nervousness gripping at him. And of course, Kabbu was not far behind.

"Leif?!"

The beetle was panting when he caught up to Vi, and a look of panic became relief when he saw Leif seeming just fine. While he breathes a sigh, the clear worry is certainly still there.

"Thank Venus, are you alright, Leif? You gave me a scare when I couldn't find you and Chompy. I thought..."

He trails off once his tunnel vision clears and he finally takes notice of Zasp, who appeared to be looking less than pleased at him.

"O-oh, my apologies. Are you alright too, Zasp?"

The wasp in question merely stared shortly, before huffing and looking away. Hesitantly, he slips his hand away from Leif's and instead holds onto his notebook.

"I'm fine."

He is exhausted, that's something he'd rather disregard along with everything else. He really does feel unwell now that he's calmed down, but he's not about to let Leif know about that. He was just tired, that's all the moth needed to know. Nothing else was important.

At least, not to him. Hearing the other say that only brings a new bout of confusion, because he can't understand why he's this important to Leif. Leif, of all bugs. His antennae lower a little and he hums in uncertainty as he takes one more scan over his notes, before closing the book again.

"I'm not... I mean... I'm fine now, really. You don't gotta stay here just for me."

Despite saying that, there was a part of him that really wanted to stay with Leif. Of course though, he didn't want the moth's team to worry either. Especially knowing how Kabbu was.

[blindsidedloyalty]

He is exhausted, that's something he'd rather disregard along with everything else. He really does feel unwell now that he's calmed down, but he's not about to let Leif know about that. He was just tired, that's all the moth needed to know. Nothing else was important.

At least, not to him. Hearing the other say that only brings a new bout of confusion, because he can't understand why he's this important to Leif. Leif, of all bugs. His antennae lower a little and he hums in uncertainty as he takes one more scan over his notes, before closing the book again.

"I'm not... I mean... I'm fine now, really. You don't gotta stay here just for me."

Despite saying that, there was a part of him that really wanted to stay with Leif. Of course though, he didn't want the moth's team to worry either. Especially knowing how Kabbu was.

Zasp glances over, just to make sure the other didn't mind the action. It worried him that maybe he's being too forward, or overstepping boundaries he hadn't noticed, but Leif seemed surprisingly alright with the contact. That got him to calm just a bit, and he decided to silently listen as the moth hummed while he skimmed through the important pages of his notebook, half written in an Eastern language, and the rest in poor Bugnish. Thankfully, or worryingly, he was much lighter than he appeared, so not much difference was made as he relaxed against Leif's side.

It was only for a moment that he let his eyes close, just so he could focus and calm down. He hated it, how easily he could worry about just about everything. It was an exhausting thing. He couldn't even pin why he wanted to work so hard. He didn't, but he felt like he had to. To prove something, perhaps. But what was he really proving by tearing himself apart? The problem was that he didn't know how to stop. Because he simply felt like he had to do all this, even if it never benefitted him.

Another nagging thought came into his head, and he opened his eyes again, somehow looking more exhausted than before. He's going to blame the cold. And maybe the lack of sleep. He tore his attention from his thoughts and the notebook resting in his hand to look over at Leif with a tired concern.

"I'm not...keeping you, am I? Won't Kabbu and Vi be wondering where you are?"

[blindsidedloyalty]

Zasp glances over, just to make sure the other didn't mind the action. It worried him that maybe he's being too forward, or overstepping boundaries he hadn't noticed, but Leif seemed surprisingly alright with the contact. That got him to calm just a bit, and he decided to silently listen as the moth hummed while he skimmed through the important pages of his notebook, half written in an Eastern language, and the rest in poor Bugnish. Thankfully, or worryingly, he was much lighter than he appeared, so not much difference was made as he relaxed against Leif's side.

It was only for a moment that he let his eyes close, just so he could focus and calm down. He hated it, how easily he could worry about just about everything. It was an exhausting thing. He couldn't even pin why he wanted to work so hard. He didn't, but he felt like he had to. To prove something, perhaps. But what was he really proving by tearing himself apart? The problem was that he didn't know how to stop. Because he simply felt like he had to do all this, even if it never benefitted him.

Another nagging thought came into his head, and he opened his eyes again, somehow looking more exhausted than before. He's going to blame the cold. And maybe the lack of sleep. He tore his attention from his thoughts and the notebook resting in his hand to look over at Leif with a tired concern.

"I'm not...keeping you, am I? Won't Kabbu and Vi be wondering where you are?"

Zasp sighs inwardly, his thoughts are starting to get out of his control again. Much as he wants to relax, it's still difficult to. Despite the quiet surroundings, and having the company of both a comforting moth and plant, it's hard to focus on anything but his thoughts. At least he wasn't alone, for right now. He'd have to leave eventually though.

"I guess I wouldn't be surprised, with how much that guy works."

Now, that was a hypocritical comment, and he's aware of that. He can't possibly work as much as Maki did though. He still felt he didn't work enough, actually. He can't stop the urge to grab the notebook at his side again with his free hand and open it to check what he needed to do within the coming weeks. Mainly, it was the performance at the Termite Kingdom that bothered him, far more than he wishes it did. At least he would be there with Mothiva, but it was getting harder to tolerate the termites' open disdain.

Whether it be an absent-minded action or to seek comfort, Zasp very lightly leans against the moth's side, even despite the cold. He finds that he doesn't mind it too much.

[blindsidedloyalty]

Zasp sighs inwardly, his thoughts are starting to get out of his control again. Much as he wants to relax, it's still difficult to. Despite the quiet surroundings, and having the company of both a comforting moth and plant, it's hard to focus on anything but his thoughts. At least he wasn't alone, for right now. He'd have to leave eventually though.

"I guess I wouldn't be surprised, with how much that guy works."

Now, that was a hypocritical comment, and he's aware of that. He can't possibly work as much as Maki did though. He still felt he didn't work enough, actually. He can't stop the urge to grab the notebook at his side again with his free hand and open it to check what he needed to do within the coming weeks. Mainly, it was the performance at the Termite Kingdom that bothered him, far more than he wishes it did. At least he would be there with Mothiva, but it was getting harder to tolerate the termites' open disdain.

Whether it be an absent-minded action or to seek comfort, Zasp very lightly leans against the moth's side, even despite the cold. He finds that he doesn't mind it too much.

A lot of things still bother him in the back of his mind, as much as he tries to ignore them. A lot of things he doesn't want to worry about or doesn't think he should worry about. He should be getting to work soon, but Venus knows he doesn't want to. How long have they been here anyway? It was hard to tell the time of day from here. He still didn't feel ready to leave and feel the judgemental eyes of other bugs on him. He wanted to stay with Leif. That thought in itself was odd and confusing. Maybe he's overthinking things, he always does. He wonders if Leif is getting tired of him, surely he has things to do too. So why isn't he leaving?

He's tired though, too tired to properly obsess over all those thoughts right now, and he's starting to think Leif is getting closer with that idea in mind. It wasn't any secret that wasps grew tired with the cold, the moth knew that especially. Even so, he doesn't find it in him to move. That's not to say Leif is going to get him to sleep that easily.

The wasp simply shrugs, his tired gaze drifting across the surroundings just to have something to focus on.

"Couldn't tell ya why. I know he's a mantis, but still. Mothiva had a fit about it too when we first joined."

[blindsidedloyalty]

A lot of things still bother him in the back of his mind, as much as he tries to ignore them. A lot of things he doesn't want to worry about or doesn't think he should worry about. He should be getting to work soon, but Venus knows he doesn't want to. How long have they been here anyway? It was hard to tell the time of day from here. He still didn't feel ready to leave and feel the judgemental eyes of other bugs on him. He wanted to stay with Leif. That thought in itself was odd and confusing. Maybe he's overthinking things, he always does. He wonders if Leif is getting tired of him, surely he has things to do too. So why isn't he leaving?

He's tired though, too tired to properly obsess over all those thoughts right now, and he's starting to think Leif is getting closer with that idea in mind. It wasn't any secret that wasps grew tired with the cold, the moth knew that especially. Even so, he doesn't find it in him to move. That's not to say Leif is going to get him to sleep that easily.

The wasp simply shrugs, his tired gaze drifting across the surroundings just to have something to focus on.

"Couldn't tell ya why. I know he's a mantis, but still. Mothiva had a fit about it too when we first joined."

Zasp only offers an innocent look with a slight tilt of his head. Of course he would never abandon Leif, even in such a situation as dealing with that short stack of a bee. No, he would protect this moth with his life, so he would never get hurt like that again. That was a guilt he couldn't shake even now. He should've been faster. At least he still saved Leif. As...unprepared as he was for what he'd seen. Leif was no normal moth, but that's something he's keeping to himself, for the other's sake.

He might be tired, but he does take notice of Leif moving just a bit closer, and he can't help but glance away somewhat shyly. He does not, however, object or move away. He doesn't think he's ever, comfortably, been this close to another bug that wasn't Mothiva. Confusing as all this was, it was nice. Despite the chill.

"Maki likes beating down the newcomers and calls it 'testing them.' I think he just uses it as an excuse to fight someone. Kabbu wasn't too happy about that."

[blindsidedloyalty]

Zasp only offers an innocent look with a slight tilt of his head. Of course he would never abandon Leif, even in such a situation as dealing with that short stack of a bee. No, he would protect this moth with his life, so he would never get hurt like that again. That was a guilt he couldn't shake even now. He should've been faster. At least he still saved Leif. As...unprepared as he was for what he'd seen. Leif was no normal moth, but that's something he's keeping to himself, for the other's sake.

He might be tired, but he does take notice of Leif moving just a bit closer, and he can't help but glance away somewhat shyly. He does not, however, object or move away. He doesn't think he's ever, comfortably, been this close to another bug that wasn't Mothiva. Confusing as all this was, it was nice. Despite the chill.

"Maki likes beating down the newcomers and calls it 'testing them.' I think he just uses it as an excuse to fight someone. Kabbu wasn't too happy about that."

"Oh no, I said I'd be your bodyguard, but if it comes to that then I'm ditching you."

He hardly means it, but he looks smug while he says it regardless. It does remind him though that yes, he did promise he'd protect Leif. He was Mothiva's bodyguard, of course, but that didn't mean he couldn't be Leif's too. The thought of the other getting hurt again just made his chest hurt. He wouldn't allow that again.

A softer chuckle leaves him, he seems like he's relaxing easier. Maybe that's just the chill traveling up his arm, but he didn't mind much. He was tired even without the lower temperature from the moth, but he'd much rather not just up and take a nap. Not when he...had work to do.

"I'll mess with a lot of bugs, but he's one I'm not crossing again. You shoulda seen how furious he got at Maki when him and Vi first came to the association."

[blindsidedloyalty]

"Oh no, I said I'd be your bodyguard, but if it comes to that then I'm ditching you."

He hardly means it, but he looks smug while he says it regardless. It does remind him though that yes, he did promise he'd protect Leif. He was Mothiva's bodyguard, of course, but that didn't mean he couldn't be Leif's too. The thought of the other getting hurt again just made his chest hurt. He wouldn't allow that again.

A softer chuckle leaves him, he seems like he's relaxing easier. Maybe that's just the chill traveling up his arm, but he didn't mind much. He was tired even without the lower temperature from the moth, but he'd much rather not just up and take a nap. Not when he...had work to do.

"I'll mess with a lot of bugs, but he's one I'm not crossing again. You shoulda seen how furious he got at Maki when him and Vi first came to the association."

Thinking about it, the wasp doesn't know when he last really slept. Decently, at least. He doesn't know when he last ate either, but the idea still repulsed him. He didn't really know how he could help that, and that wasn't exactly something he felt like he should bother Leif with. He's worried the other enough as it were. He was tired though, and sure, the light chill from the moth wasn't helping that, but he didn't think he could release Leif's hand quite yet. It felt...safe.

Zasp huffs at that and leans back against the flowers behind them, shifting his wings to be more comfortable as he gave Leif a half-hearted glare.

"After all I've done for you? You just wanna see me get mauled by a half pint."

Of course he's not serious, if the barely held back smile in his voice is anything to go by. His free hand absent-mindedly rests on the worn notebook sitting beside him. How he's resisting the urge to look through it again, make sure he has everything down for about the hundredth time, then proceed to stress about what he has to do. As though he still isn't stressed enough in the back of his mind.

[blindsidedloyalty]

A bi Zasp for all your bi Zasp needs

[blindsidedloyalty]

Gift artwork I did for @blindsidedloyalty! I wanted to draw our muses based off of an earlier rp where they're on one of their walks through the Ant Kingdom, talking about what to get for lunch :)

**Please do not repost my art without my permission!**

[blindsidedloyalty]

Thinking about it, the wasp doesn't know when he last really slept. Decently, at least. He doesn't know when he last ate either, but the idea still repulsed him. He didn't really know how he could help that, and that wasn't exactly something he felt like he should bother Leif with. He's worried the other enough as it were. He was tired though, and sure, the light chill from the moth wasn't helping that, but he didn't think he could release Leif's hand quite yet. It felt...safe.

Zasp huffs at that and leans back against the flowers behind them, shifting his wings to be more comfortable as he gave Leif a half-hearted glare.

"After all I've done for you? You just wanna see me get mauled by a half pint."

Of course he's not serious, if the barely held back smile in his voice is anything to go by. His free hand absent-mindedly rests on the worn notebook sitting beside him. How he's resisting the urge to look through it again, make sure he has everything down for about the hundredth time, then proceed to stress about what he has to do. As though he still isn't stressed enough in the back of his mind.

"If you say so."

It's not said to be rude, of course. He doesn't know Kabbu the way Leif does, so he can do no more than take his word for it. He's hardly even spoken to the beetle after everything settled down, and that felt so long ago now that he thought about it. But...he wasn't sure if Kabbu even would want to speak to him.

Then again, he never thought Leif would ever even want to look at him, and here they were. It was more surprising how comfortable he's gotten with the moth, to be so close. Leif was cold, sure, but it wasn't much of a bother. Though it was starting to make his exhaustion just a little more obvious, ignore it as he may. He did smile at how the other lit up at his idea. He couldn't help but think it was cute.

"I've got a stash of it if you need it. You gotta tell me how it goes. Just don't say I was involved or she'll probably come and bite me."

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"If you say so."

It's not said to be rude, of course. He doesn't know Kabbu the way Leif does, so he can do no more than take his word for it. He's hardly even spoken to the beetle after everything settled down, and that felt so long ago now that he thought about it. But...he wasn't sure if Kabbu even would want to speak to him.

Then again, he never thought Leif would ever even want to look at him, and here they were. It was more surprising how comfortable he's gotten with the moth, to be so close. Leif was cold, sure, but it wasn't much of a bother. Though it was starting to make his exhaustion just a little more obvious, ignore it as he may. He did smile at how the other lit up at his idea. He couldn't help but think it was cute.

"I've got a stash of it if you need it. You gotta tell me how it goes. Just don't say I was involved or she'll probably come and bite me."

"Aw, he's no fun."

The beetle was one to be very avoident of conflict, but that never did stop Zasp. It was harmless fun anyway. His antennae lift a little as he watches Leif think, something he can't help but do right then. It's still hard to believe, that this moth cared so much as to actually stay with him like this when he needed someone. It was odd, to feel wanted. The only other bug that had ever enjoyed his presence was Mothiva, and at this point it felt like it was because there was something wrong with him. Perhaps just because he was a wasp, or maybe he was just...unlikable.

Hearing the moth's ideas, he has to chuckle. Maybe just slightly, he leans a little closer to Leif as he turns his gaze to flicker around the area.

"Spicy berries aren't that bad. Could always give her some shock candy. Those are fun."

[blindsidedloyalty]

"Aw, he's no fun."

The beetle was one to be very avoident of conflict, but that never did stop Zasp. It was harmless fun anyway. His antennae lift a little as he watches Leif think, something he can't help but do right then. It's still hard to believe, that this moth cared so much as to actually stay with him like this when he needed someone. It was odd, to feel wanted. The only other bug that had ever enjoyed his presence was Mothiva, and at this point it felt like it was because there was something wrong with him. Perhaps just because he was a wasp, or maybe he was just...unlikable.

Hearing the moth's ideas, he has to chuckle. Maybe just slightly, he leans a little closer to Leif as he turns his gaze to flicker around the area.

"Spicy berries aren't that bad. Could always give her some shock candy. Those are fun."

Impressive it was. He hadn't known Kabbu very well, still doesn't in fact, but the beetle was overly kind. To see him absolutely lose it at Mothiva was...a bit startling, even if it got under his shell at the time. But it was deserved, Mothiva's idea was absurd and Zasp feels now that he should've objected more, but... He had his reasons. Even if they were still foolish.

He's not a bitter wasp though and he's not known to hold grudges, not when he's the one at fault, which is why it's easy to joke about now. He's only glad Leif doesn't hold anything against him either.

"Vi? All I have to do to annoy her is exist in front of her. But making fun of how short she is helps."

There's another soft laugh, and of course he doesn't mean any harm by it. He never has, even if she had been such a brat. She was...vaguely tolerable now. That didn't mean she wasn't still fun to bully though. In the nicest way possible.

[blindsidedloyalty]

Impressive it was. He hadn't known Kabbu very well, still doesn't in fact, but the beetle was overly kind. To see him absolutely lose it at Mothiva was...a bit startling, even if it got under his shell at the time. But it was deserved, Mothiva's idea was absurd and Zasp feels now that he should've objected more, but... He had his reasons. Even if they were still foolish.

He's not a bitter wasp though and he's not known to hold grudges, not when he's the one at fault, which is why it's easy to joke about now. He's only glad Leif doesn't hold anything against him either.

"Vi? All I have to do to annoy her is exist in front of her. But making fun of how short she is helps."

There's another soft laugh, and of course he doesn't mean any harm by it. He never has, even if she had been such a brat. She was...vaguely tolerable now. That didn't mean she wasn't still fun to bully though. In the nicest way possible.

"Still not true."

Kabbu was a very kind bug, much too kind for his own good. But there was one who was thoroughly removed from his niceness, and being honest, Zasp didn't blame him. Mothiva had really killed her chances with being on Team Snakemouth's good side. Had he not saved Leif's life, he didn't think he'd have a chance either.

His antennae lower a little, but he can't help but give Leif a smile. He valued the other more than he could know. More than he would know, preferably. If what he was feeling was...something... He's trying to disregard those ideas, because it just isn't possible. He huffs softly, canting his head slightly.

"Nah, don't worry. We're going for some well thought out nefarious plots now."

He's kidding, of course he is. At least about the nefarious part.

[blindsidedloyalty]

"Still not true."

Kabbu was a very kind bug, much too kind for his own good. But there was one who was thoroughly removed from his niceness, and being honest, Zasp didn't blame him. Mothiva had really killed her chances with being on Team Snakemouth's good side. Had he not saved Leif's life, he didn't think he'd have a chance either.

His antennae lower a little, but he can't help but give Leif a smile. He valued the other more than he could know. More than he would know, preferably. If what he was feeling was...something... He's trying to disregard those ideas, because it just isn't possible. He huffs softly, canting his head slightly.

"Nah, don't worry. We're going for some well thought out nefarious plots now."

He's kidding, of course he is. At least about the nefarious part.

Zasp can't help but let out a small laugh. That in itself is rare, yet it could happen so easily with Leif. A thought that only served to confuse and concern him further, but his headache was getting worse the more he thought about it. He gave a glance at the moth. At least he seemed more at ease.

"You ain't this nice to everyone, I'm not completely blind."

And preferably never would be, if he could avoid it. He gave a simple shrug though as he thought over his words, he silently judged himself for his shyness trying to creep its way back up so much.

"Guess I'm thankful for that. I mean... It kinda...hurt a lot when I thought I lost my chance with you. So, uh...thanks... Promise I won't go and do anything too stupid again."

There's another softer chuckle, but he does mean it. It hurt far more than he could understand why when they were on rough turns, mostly due to Mothiva's ideas, he'll admit. Despite that, he still wanted to protect Leif. Not out of settling a dept, but because he...genuinely cared.