Malleus cannot help the way his face warms. It's a strange feeling indeed, one that seems to happen most often around Lilia... to say nothing of the incident earlier, which he would frankly rather die than think about. At the very least, it seems Lilia is willing to acknowledge that Malleus has grown, although the way he tucks hair behind his ear is both frustratingly familial, and something else.

Why does it bother Malleus so much? They are family. He does not hate it, not in the least, but...

Ah well. He pushes that aside. Lilia is relenting, compromising, and it makes his heart flutter in his chest. He has always been the best at appeasing Malleus, when he wants to. There is a smile that slowly settles on Malleus' face, a feeling of relief that this is not being denied.

"You have been by my side as long as I can remember. I know I will not be able to change your mind just as much as you cannot change mine."

He does not need to be looked out for, but that is Lilia's job... It's just that Malleus hopes that is not all it is for him.