Arthur's smile softened, but it did not disappear entirely, even at Malachi's rejection.  The fingers against his neck, the pressure however faint, overshadowed any denial in that moment.

"I will always choose you, Malachi."  The words might have been empty, but they didn't feel like it.  Not to Arthur, anyway, but he wasn't the one who needed convincing.

Slowly, prepared to be brushed off, Arthur reached out for Malachi's hand.  Only just to touch his wrist, as the priest had done to him before.  But his reasons were different.  Deeper, unknowable even to Arthur right then.

"Where do you live?" he asked.  "Who's this woman?  Let me help you."