Arthur had… a gun? What a frightening thought, compelling enough to draw his eyes away from the wall and back to the other man. A shake of his head was Malachi’s only response.

Whether or not Miriam could defend herself – he wasn’t sure. If she had gone against his wishes and sold any of his father’s things, then it was possible that she’d rid the house of any weapons first, thinking them all too garish for her parties and whatever else she did.

Even if she hadn’t, and she had the sense to carry something on her, Malachi was not worried.

“No,” he said once the doctor had concluded his search, “we won’t need it.”

Pushing off from the wall, Malachi moved closer and held out a hand.

“Let me carry it. I don’t want to redo your stitches yet,” and he didn’t have anything of his own to carry either. “Ah- actually, do you have paper and something to write with? Bring that as well, if so.”

Arthur tilted his head with a smirk at the offer, motioning to his briefcase with a hand.  How polite of Malachi, to be worried about his stitches now.  He tried not to focus on the promise of yet, and what might lead them to it.

There was no lack of paper within the office, and the doctor stood and stared at it all for a moment as if to say, need you really ask?  Something to write with was a little more rare, but another minute and Arthur had both things in his hands, holding them securely for Malachi.  The papers already had some scribbled writings - addresses and medications and numbers - but all had at least one blank side.

"Writing someone?"  Though Arthur had bothered to ask, he was anxious to leave.  It was obvious in his tone and stance, the way he rocked from foot to foot and kept glancing at his door.  He was thrilled, uncertain of his adventure but no less determined.

Without further ado, Malachi grabbed the briefcase and stepped away again, as if distance would hurry along his request.

“My niece,” he answered distractedly, squinting at the papers in Arthur’s hands. Those looked… well. Unsuitable. But they would have to do.

“I’ll take care of it on the train.”

Was Arthur… antsy? Restless?

Excited?

Malachi gave him a curious look before turning and making his way back to the door, briefcase at his side. And… though he did not show it, he could not help but feel a bit of excitement too, the more he thought of it.

“Come on, then, before we miss it.”

Niece!  Not only was Malachi caring for children on the street, but he had a niece, which meant he had to have siblings along with a mother and dead father.  Were they in London as well?  Would Arthur get to meet them?

He hoped so.

Arthur followed at Malachi's heels, not needing to be called to his side but appreciating that he was regardless.  His only regret stepping out the door was that he did not get to kiss Malachi again, but there would always be time for that later.

From over the priest's shoulders, Arthur glanced up and down the street and whispered to Malachi a gentle, "lead the way, darling."