The next morning found Malcolm hugging his pillow, alone and disheveled.
To his dismay, Elijah was standing in his bedroom doorway, his smile so wide it hurt to look at.
"You look awfully energetic this morning," Malcolm mumble, stretching before turning to the other side. He was still very much asleep.
Elijah sat on Malcolm's bed. "Jason and I had sex last night!" he whispered excitedly.
Malcolm knew sleep was officially off the table. He turned fully toward him.
"And was it everything you hoped it would be?"
Elijah practically glowed at the question. "Malcolm- I honestly never knew there was a difference between being in love and being loved."
Malcolm felt his head start to pound. It was far too early to understand Elijah. That much was clear.
Elijah continued, "Jason made me feel things." He paused, daydreaming. "I want to marry him."
That sobered Malcolm faster than a cold shower ever could.
"What?"
Elijah shook his head, trying to explain. "I never knew how much I loved being on the receiving end until Jason-"
Malcolm grimaced. Disgusted. "I really don't want to know anything about your sex life."
But Elijah had a point to make. He pressed on, "Everyone always assumed I'd be dominant in bed," he said, looking straight at the visibly uncomfortable Malcolm.
"But not Jason. He gave me a choice. He let me explore. He let me focus on myself for once, and it felt great."
"What's your point, Elijah?" Malcolm asked, wishing he were anywhere else.
"I'm talking about you and Amy," Elijah said, patting Malcolm's bare chest. "I understand your feelings now. And I support you."
"And marrying Jason?" Malcolm asked, still unsure he hadn't imagined that part.
Elijah blushed, completely failing to hide his happiness.
"What?" April asked as she walked in carrying a tray of coffee cups, Jason trailing behind her.
"I didn't know you two were that serious." Said April looking back at the innocent Jason. He had no idea what was going on in there and just shrugged.
Elijah knew what he was planning and was so embarrassed he dove under Malcolm's blanket to hide.
"I think I kissed Amy last night," Malcolm mumbled. He was unsure but, he needed them to know that.
The room went silent.
"She likes you, and you like her, so what's wrong with kissing her?" Jason asked, genuinely confused.
April turned sharply toward him. "That's the problem." She sighed. "This isn't about love. That's the easy part."
"I don't get it," Jason said earnestly.
Elijah reached for his hand. Jason took it and sat beside him on the bed.
"Honey," Elijah said gently, "even a fly knows just how much these two idiots love each other. But when someone isn't comfortable or stable enough to stand on their own-" He paused, looking at Jason. "That's not love. And it's not fair."
"That's sad," Jason murmured, earning a kiss from Elijah- surprising both Malcolm and April. Since when was Elijah that comfortable with someone?
"So," April said, breaking the moment, "is everyone ready for the upcoming meeting?"
Malcolm groaned.
"I guess we need to get this over with," he said, anxiety settling deep in his gut.
Amy had kissed him last night, and now he was- unknowingly- brushing up against her trauma all over again.
How cruel was that?
How many more setbacks could his love story survive before he was left alone?