[ His response to that statement is swift and succinct. He shifts, toppling her onto her back on his bed so he can crouch over her, his hands braced to either side of her head as he cages her in. Giving her no avenues left to evade him.

He hovers close overhead, close enough that he can feel her breath on his face as he holds her gaze. ] That is not something you have to worry about, sweetness. My opinion is not so easily swayed. I know who you are, Hilda. I happen to like who you are a great deal, exactly as you are. And so does you-know-who, when he's not being an asshole and blinded by his own hurt feelings.

[ His hand slides inward, brushing his thumb against her lips as his hand cradles against her jaw, the touch tender. He'd felt the way her hurt had flared and knew he'd tripped over something he hadn't intended with his words. He only hoped it hadn't closed her off to what he had to say entirely. ] I'm not going anywhere, Hilda. You can't get rid of me that easily. And I'm not going to lie about the fact that I enjoyed our night in the maze together very much. I hoped it was you. I wanted it to be you.