LOVE STUCK / private, arrow

the last thing malphas wanted was people concerned for his well-being. he had an extremely low self-esteem and deep down, knew that he didn't deserve people's sympathy. he was a bitch because he had to, or else people would get close. he didn't want to get close to anybody, lest he lose them.

yet, here was, on arrow's doorstep, begging for her help. no doubt this would result in some bonding. he wanted to be arrow's friend, sure, but hoped nothing would happen to her. she was too quirky, too unique. the rest of tanglewood would be so stale without her. then he realized he was thinking about all the ways she could die and became visibly panicked.

"sorry, i zoned out there," he lied, and grinned. "yeah, lemme in," he continued, once he was inside. it was comfortable here, and malphas felt like he could let his guard down. "uh.. ok, what i'm about to tell you you can't tell anybody else. i like stocking. a lot. and... i need help. she's too nice for me and i know i'm an ass- and- what can i do, arrow? how can i get her to like me too?" he asked, concerned.