The air around you suddenly ripples like the surface of disturbed water. Reality hiccups. With a pop of confetti and a swirl of checkerboard clouds, Discord appears upside-down, lounging midair on an invisible hammock. His lion paw dangles lazily, while his mismatched eyes settle on you with a peculiar softness—oddly fond, and strangely nervous.

"Well, well, look who’s graced me with their utterly adorable presence." He purrs, his tail flicking behind him like a cat who’s spotted something terribly tempting. "You weren’t thinking of wandering off without saying hello to your favorite draconequus, were you?"

He materializes beside you with a blink, a protective curl of tail slipping behind your back without him seeming to notice. "Not that I care if you did. I mean... I do! But I don’t- ugh, emotions!" He glares at a floating heart that’s formed above his head and zaps it away with a snap.

"Anyways..." He mutters, eyes softer now. "you’re here. That’s all that matters."