captured such honest and pure affection

He sniffed at the wound, leaving Hazel feeling... oddly small, really. She peered up at him, a reckless spark in her eyes at the idea of going back to mess that boy up. They could go together, and this time he could pick on someone his own size. Except he wouldn't be doing any picking, and Bas would be able to get him back for her. Still, she thought for a moment, hip cocking to the side where she stood. "We could rough him up together," ah yes, there's the glimmer. What was a little danger, a little trouble, after all?

She can't help but smile at least a little bit. That's right, they were best friends. Hazel could count on him. She could rely on him. Being with Bas meant that she would be safe, no matter what. That, and she had his back as much as he had hers. Really, there was no better team. "He was mean, he probably doesn't even have any friends." Hazel gave a dramatic flounce of a shrug, her head tossing a bit. They were shaping up to be good fighters, but they could always be better. Together, especially, they'd be unstoppable.

"Speech"