Most of all, Tavros loved how strong Nepeta was.

Physically, she was one of the strongest trolls he knew – her small stature was deceiving. She hunted her own food, killing beasts with her claws alone, every day. She was strong enough to knock Equius down without much trouble. When they were together, Nepeta would often carry Tavros around on her back, letting him move much faster than when he was in his wheelchair. Tavros loved the wind in his face and the speed at which they moved together.

But Nepeta's emotional strength was what Tavros loved the most. She was tough. She lived alone in her cave, with no one but her lusus for company, and rarely saw their other friends, besides Equius. Tavros knew she was lonely very often. But Nepeta was always happy and kind, and Tavros respected that.

She knew how to stand up for herself. When she would get picked on, she wouldn't put up with it – often, she'd take her adversaries down with no trouble, not a scratch on her body or her self-esteem. Tavros wished he could be more like her in terms of confidence – when they were together he watched her, trying to learn how she could be so tough.

Nepeta often stood up for Tavros, too, when he couldn't himself. A sense of guilt always followed Tavros after Nepeta had to defend him, but he was more than grateful to her. He appreciated that she had enough stand-up-ness for the both of them.

When they'd play fiduspawn together, she would often get distracted, pouncing like a cat on the creatures and batting them around playfully. Tavros didn't mind much; Nepeta was such a dichotomy of sweet and strong and it delighted him.

Tavros loved her.

He didn't ever really say anything, but he always had a flush crush on Nepeta. He didn't think it would ever go anywhere – after all, he knew she was preoccupied with Karkat – but he dreamed nonetheless. He felt so secure around her. He felt like he belonged, like he had a place, when he was with her. She was so kind to him. She was so strong.

When she died, Tavros was quietly heartbroken.

When he died, Tavros was quietly glad.