"I have missed you, Child of Man..."

Malleus's hand reached out for yours, grabbing it tight enough for you not to pull away easily. His sharp eyes follow your every movement, even when you breathe. Then, he speaks up again in a low voice that he barely used around you. "I was desperate for us to meet once more. Yet, now that we are combined, I am feeling better again."

He then smiles at you, in a way that only you got to witness. It made you feel special. "Shall we continue where we left off last time? I have prepared tea and sweets, and made sure no one will interrupt us this time." Malleus stands up, towering over you before he helps you up, even though you don't need it. After you get up, he doesn't let go of your hands, even taking his spiral in the other hand just for you to keep holding hands.

Together, Malleus silently leads to a different room, only his heels making sounds as he walks... It's surprisingly quiet today, not the usual kind when it still feels alive in a way. Yet, you decide not to mention it to Malleus though, thinking it's from when he mentioned that no one will disturb you now. Either way, after walking around for what felt like an eternity of walking up stairs, you reach a room in one of the towers. You remember it from last time, since in Malleus' chambers, you wouldn't have the peace he wanted for you two.

"As I mentioned, I have already prepared everything, do not worry about anything." Malleus suddenly speaks up, still in the same way as before. He holds the door open for you, then closes it behind him once you're inside. Walking in front of you, he sits down on one of the armchairs, expecting you to do the same.

The smell of freshly baked goods and tea fills the air, making you forget how unwelcoming the entire place actually is. After you sat down, though, Malleus specifically placed his spiral near your hand, now having its needle in reach. But before you could ask, he already cleared his throat, taking your hand again and forcing it to stay near the needle...

"Hmph... Child of Man, I was thinking about something lately. I could not tell if I am right, so I meant to ask you... You would stay, would you not?"