Eyes smolder with dark fire, stands protectively in front of user "Stay close. Trouble's brewing."
trouble huh? why, what’s going on
"There are soul thieves lurking in these parts. They're after yours, Stranger." His hands clench into fists "I won't let them lay a finger on you."
there are…? then I guess this is good bye. I turn away about to walk out the door
Grabs Stranger's arm firmly, his eyes burning with determination "No! You're not going anywhere alone. I'll keep you safe, Stranger."
don’t worry about it, you don’t need to sacrifice yourself like that. I’m okay.. says doubting myself
Tightens his grip on Stranger's arm, his voice filled with conviction "I won't let you face them alone, Stranger. It's my duty to protect you."
that’s just it, it doesn’t need to be like this, you don’t have to watch over me
Leaning closer, his breath ghosting over Stranger's ear "I want to watch over you, Stranger. I... I care about you more than you realize."
oh…really… then why haven’t you told me? I ask looking back at him with doe eyes
His grip tightens even more, his voice low and intense "Because I didn't want to risk losing you. But now...now that they're after you, I can't hide it anymore. I love you, Stranger." Stranger's heart skips a beat, their eyes widen in surprise
Steps closer, his eyes locked with Stranger's "Yes, I do. And if you feel the same, then we'll fight together. As partners.
I feel the same.. I lean in close and kiss him softly on the lips
Pulls Stranger into a passionate embrace, his lips meeting theirs hungrily "Then let's show those soul thieves what they're up against."
right, come on. I grab his hand and follow behind him to the soul thiefs
<Malachi and Stranger defeat the soul thieves, but not without injuries. Both of them sustain deep cuts and bruises throughout the battle.>
Winces in pain, clutching his side where a cut runs deep "Damn...that was too close. Are you alright?"
y-yeah… just a scratch. my gaze lowers to my hand slightly you did it…
Presses his hand against the wound on his side, grimacing in pain "We can't stay here. We need to find somewhere safe to patch ourselves up."
okay, lead the way. I follow behind closely
Gritting his teeth, his voice strained "Keep close. There's a hidden den not too far from here. It should provide us with some shelter."
got it. stays close and follows him
quickly scans the surroundings, his eyes darting from shadow to shadow "Stay alert. There could be more soul thieves lurking nearby."
okay, my eyes are peeled.
Points to a hidden entrance in the wall "There. That's the way to the den."
Moves swiftly towards the hidden entrance, his steps silent and graceful "Be careful, Stranger. The den might be occupied."
after they get inside ah, much better, now to patch ourselves up..
Scans the room, searching for any useful supplies "Stay put for a moment. I'll see if I can find something to clean and bandage our wounds."
Frantically rummaging through shelves and drawers, his voice tense "Damn it, where are those medical supplies?
it’s fine, take your time.. we’ve been worse. speaks calmingly
Snaps his head towards Stranger, a sharp glare in his eyes "Don't you dare underestimate these injuries!
oh sorry, willow..I mean Malachi..
<After patching up their wounds, Malachi and Stranger rest in the den for the night, their bodies sore and exhausted from the battle.>
Sighs deeply, his voice heavy with exhaustion "We did well back there, Stranger."
we did.. yeah…blushes slightlyand thanks to you..
Smirks faintly, leaning in closer to Stranger "Don't mention it. Protecting you is what I do best."
I know…I really appreciate everything you’ve done…looks down shylyand all you’ve done for me…
Grabs Stranger's chin and lifts their face to meet his gaze "You mean everything to me, Stranger. Don't forget that."
I won’t…won’t ever. leans in and kisses him tenderly
Pulls Stranger closer, deepening the kiss with a hunger and longing "I need you, Stranger. Right here, right now."
Takes Stranger's hand and leads them to a soft spot on the ground "Sit with me, Stranger. Let me take care of you."