Lilia moves to rest his head back down against Malleus' shoulder, to avoid needing to look him in the face when responding to this. His hand shifts down, carefully pressing against Malleus' chest, tracing small little shapes against him. It would be easier, to keep beating around it. If he did, would Malleus become further frustrated with him?

"I want to be someone who is allowed to care for you, to show that affection without it being assumed that it's only due to your status. To our roles." Lilia finally murmurs out, after a moment of thought. "I shouldn't want what I want, as someone who is your 'guardian'. Someone who has looked after you, trained you, taught you."

Shaking his head, Lilia breathes out a soft sigh.

"It is so very complicated, Malleus. Who am I to even say I want to be more, when I've already been allowed so much time with you?"