Malleus is not a child, not anymore. That was something Lilia knew well, something he would even insist to others who may believe otherwise. He understood why Malleus would be annoyed by it, even if he was jumping to conclusions assuming what Lilia felt about him.

"I do not see you as a child, Malleus. You are very much grown. Even if you still have much to experience, I know this to be a fact," Oh, but how sweet was that? Malleus wanted to look out for him in the same way he'd always done for him.

Turning his head, Lilia presses a careful kiss against Malleus' arm, where his cheek had rest before. How could he not be weak to such a sweet declaration?

"Is that how you see it? Hm..." Another shift, another squirming, and Lilia's leaning up to look Malleus in the face. It's a far less aggressive motion than the earlier attacks, a softer look on the smaller fae's face. "It has been a very long time since another person as looked out for me."

Maybe one small relief would be the way his one hand shifts back, freeing Malleus from some of the clinging... until that same hand is brought to Malleus' face to tuck some of his hair behind his pointed ear.

"I can accept this... as long as you allow me to continue looking out for you, as I've always done. Your life is yours to make how you wish. I would never dream of changing your mind, if you wish to look out for me as well."