...Yes, that is what Malleus had thought. Now, though, it becomes apparent that it is not what Lilia had meant, both with the touches and the fact that Lilia outright says it. And the way he looks at Malleus, enough to make his stomach flip and his pulse do this odd thing in his chest. It reminds him of earlier, when they had been so close together, and-

And obviously, he is misunderstanding. Is he not? There is no way Lilia would ever... no, this is ridiculous. Malleus himself has pushed any such feelings down very, very deep, because it is not at all appropriate, because Malleus is a guardian figure for him, and-

"Then what do you mean them as?" His voice is a bit petulant and demanding, still able to feel the weight of that thumb on his lip.