It had been forever since Amy had let anybody talk her into doing anything- let alone suggesting that she do nothing to improve the situation at the establishment.
But she trusted Malcolm. He always delivered on his promises.
And more importantly, every person under his care held a very special place in his heart.
She held onto Malcolm's hand for support, then noticed just how much the man was shaking.
She tried to sign her concern, but he was as lost as a bird flying in winter. So she changed her tactics- she stretched out her hand, pointing at Malcolm's phone.
He took it out and handed it to her, puzzled.
She typed and showed it to him, worried.
You're shaking. What's wrong?
Malcolm laughed with a scoff. He had thought that he was hiding it well.
It was embarrassing to be called out like that, but he had to talk to somebody, and he was glad that it was Amy.
"I'm not sure how we're ever going to get past this, or even if we can," Malcolm said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Leaving everybody's hopes and dreams to charity feels fucked up."
Amy didn't question him.
She didn't know what to ask or what to say in that moment.
Malcolm continued, "Everyone is looking at me like I have all the answers, when I'm just as lost as they are."
Amy actually felt comforted by how deeply Malcolm feared this situation. It made him feel more human. More relatable.
She took his face in her hands. No words were needed. They both understood her intent. She leaned in and kissed him. Slow, deliberate and sensual.
Malcolm was stunned. That was the second time. And it was Amy who had initiated it. Both times.
"Does this mean... Did last night...?" Malcolm stopped himself, afraid the magic would break if he named it.
Amy found him endearing.
She laughed softly before kissing him again. And again.
It took a moment before Malcolm finally reciprocated.
Nothing was resolved. Everything they knew could change in the next second- but to Malcolm, that felt like a problem for another lifetime.
His emotions were everywhere. He loved Amy more than he had realized before, and the fact that she might like him back? Enough to kiss him that obsessively- was driving him a little crazy.
Malcolm finally pulled away to catch his breath, and Amy smiled at the effect she'd had on him. He was a mess. And she had done that.
"Wow," Malcolm breathed, genuinely amazed. "That was… incredible."
Amy typed on the phone and showed it to him.
You're a very good kisser. How are you in the sex department?
Malcolm blushed.
He felt exposed. He was thirty-one, and he had never reached that stage with anyone.
Amy typed again, teasing.
Got a fetish or a kink you can't say out loud?
Malcolm shook his head. Amy frowned at how serious he suddenly became.
Did I go too far?
Malcolm took Amy's hand in his, holding it warmly between both of his. He looked her straight in the eyes, and Amy felt a flicker of anxiety creeping into her spine.
"I've never had sex with anyone before. I can't even masturbate-" he admitted softly. "So… I don't know what your expectations are, or if I can meet them."
Amy was surprised, yes- but only for a moment. She typed carefully.
You want me to be your first?
Malcolm nodded so hard Amy worried for his neck.
She smiled, then leaned in to kiss him again- gentler this time, reassuring.