Malachi smiled in return at Lavender. He was glad she didn't seem unhappy with his decision. He knew it was a touchy subject for them. He kissed her back, letting her words and how she felt wash over him. His arms tightened around her on impulse, wanting to be close to her. He kissed her back passionately, allowing the moment to take them wherever it wanted her to. Breaking the kiss, he looked back at her with eye contact and whispered, "I want you, too," before he leaned back so she could remove his shirt.