It was complicated, yes. As is the way Malleus' heart thrums in his chest, and that's what tells him that, deep down, this isn't unwanted. He's not an idiot, even if many things go over his head due to lack of experience. Like now, when he is only finally starting to understand what Lilia is getting at. Even with that incident from earlier.

Malleus, obviously, should tell him yes, he should stop. It is not at all appropriate, not only because Lilia is far too important to sully like this, but also because of their status, because of who they are, and-

Ah, when has Malleus cared about that when it comes to Lilia? He is spoiled; he's always gotten what he wants, and when he hasn't, he's been prone to throw tantrums. Nobody tells him no, so why should he tell that to himself? There is a slight frown, though, when Lilia speaks of himself that way.

"I am the only one who can make comparisons when it comes to me," he insists, "And you are far more important than that."

A spot of dirt? Hardly. He is one of the people Malleus values most, which is the reason he struggles with allowing himself to want. Pushing Lilia away would be the very last thing Malleus would ever want. But if it is reciprocated...

Affection, adoration. He wants that.