Chapter Text
"I should get back home," The human says once he and Malleus finish their slices of cake.
Malleus takes Cater's plate, "Allow me," In a cloud of firefly-like lights, the two plates disappear from the King's hands.
"Neat trick,"
"Thank you," Malleus beams under the minuscule praise, "Now, you wish to return to your abode?" He holds out a gloved hand like the gentleman he is.
Cater's body involuntarily tenses at the reminder of how he got up here in the first place, "Yep! Ready when you are, Malle," He really hopes Malleus thinks his awkward peace sign convinces Malleus that he's calm. Cater gently puts his hand in Malleus' before the King confidently sweeps the human back into his arms.
The dragon Fae looks down at the red head in his arms, "Are you hanging on tight?"
Cater tries and fails to will his face to be less red as he tightens his grip around the King's neck, "I am," He really needs Malleus to stop carrying him princess style. Malleus seemingly has no qualms about cradling Cater in his arms despite said red head's a thousand qualms. Cater knew Malleus was strong, but surely Cater weighs something to this man. Apparently not given how many times Malleus just scooped him up today. Cater prays this doesn't become a regular occurrence. He literally die if Malleus picks him up in front of Lilia.
With a singular nod in response, the same firefly-like lights surround the duo. Cater's vision is soon filled with Malleus and light before revealing a much brighter and less magical light. The harsh LEDs of the Zigvolts' kitchen illuminate the middle age couple that have stopped their dinner to observe their new intruders.
"Mr. and Mrs. Zigvolt," Malleus greets them like he didn't just miraculously teleport into their kitchen with a flustered red head.
Gilbert recovers before his wife, "Your Majesty,"
"None of that, please. Sebek is a dear and indispensable friend. You may use my name,"
Valkyrie nods, "Malleus," She says slowly, "What brings you to our humble abode?"
The king smiles at the sound of his name, "I'm returning Diamond back,"
"Thanks for the ride, Malle," Cater tries to nonchalantly get out of Malleus arms. The only reason he succeeds is because Malleus easily relents once he felt any movement. Cater really hopes nobody notices how embarrassed he is. Malleus doesn't. That's about it.
"Of course, Diamond," Malleus lets his hand linger on Cater's back, "I know that Lilia said you can work from home, but I wouldn't mind if you showed up at the castle more," He leans more into Cater's space, entirely disregarding the Zigvolts, "You're quite different from my usual companions of Lilia, Sebek, and Silver,"
"I'll be around," The human promises.
"So will I," Malleus straightens to his full height and addresses the other two in the room, "May you all have a pleasant rest of your evening," The lights return and the king disappears without giving anyone a shot to respond.
There's a beat of silence before Gilbert clears his throat, "So… Did you have a good day with Malleus?"
"…Yes," Cater decides the vague truth is the least embarrassing answer, "I just had dinner, so… I'll be heading to my room," He starts walking off without waiting for their responses.