Chapter Text
You keep looking at his horn. You can’t help it.
It shouldn’t have come to this. You knew it was for the best. Yet, just like the others, you couldn’t help the tinge of guilt whenever you saw Malleus’ broken horn.
“Am I a captive animal for you to stare at in such a way?”
You startle before shaking your head, “No! It’s not that at all.”
“I merely jest. Breaking the ice, as Lilia would say. You seemed to have developed a fascination for my horns more so than my tail now. What fascinates you?”
You couldn’t look him in the eyes. How? How do you tell him? This guilt you have. Something that’s irrational but there anyway?
“You feel burdened by my broken horn.”
You look at him with widened eyes. The face before you is soft and understanding-it’s a look you haven’t ever seen on him before.
“You are not the only one to feel this way. Silver and Sebek have been skittish around me. They behave as if one mistake would lead to treasonous acts against me.”
He walks ahead of you before turning towards you. The sight before you leaves you breathless. The moon shines on him. Giving him an unearthly glow that only fae kind can exhibit-no, only he could present as his tail appears in a swirl and scales appear along his back.
The fae that stood before you was not a simple classmate of yours, nor did he portray a prince. No, Malleus Draconia right now shone like a God descended from the heavens.
Did the damage to his horn mean he couldn’t hide his draconic features anymore? How could one who lost so much be able to stand in such a celestial form? When to others, he seemed to be a dragon dragged from the heavens and tamed?
“You do not need to feel burdened by the power I lost. Matter of fact, Shroud has provided me a boon.”
Malleus raised his face to the moon’s light as if seeking comfort from an old friend.
“For many years, all I have known is isolation. Numbness. I could never cry, laugh, or anger easily. To do so meant bringing harm to those around me.”
“It was,” Malleus hesitated, as if the words were new to him, “…difficult.”
When he turned towards you then, you are surprised to see his eyes worn despite his ethereal visage.
“What you humans take for granted, I was never allowed. But now?” Malleus chuckled, “Now I can be free to be who I am.”
Malleus offered his hand, beckoning you to lay yours on top of his, “Come, Child of Man, lay your worries to rest.”
He smirked at you, “Unless you prefer me when I’m dark and dreary?”
You couldn’t help the laugh that came out, “Pffft hahaha I prefer you however you want to be.”
You laid your hand on top of his, “I want you to be happy Tsunotaro.”
“I am.”
You smiled widely at him. The gleam in your eyes has his crinkling in return.
There’s the smile I adore from My Child of Man.