Chapter Text
“Seriously?” Malcolm asked, sitting across from Dani on the couch, utterly baffled by what she had just told him, “Like you’ve---never? Like, ever?”
He and Dani had been seeing each other for a little over a month at that point. It was going slow, coffee, a couple of dinners, everyone at work was still in the dark. That night after dinner they wound up back at his place and things had begun to get heated when Dani pulled everything to halt and told him they needed to talk, dropping a bombshell he was not expecting at all.
“Never.” Dani confirmed, shaking her head.
“Like, not even when you worked undercover?” Malcolm questioned.
“We’re not actually suppose to sleeping with suspects.” Dani pointed out, “And, it wasn’t always easy, but no, not even when I worked undercover.”
“Wow.” Was all Malcolm could think to say, except for, “I never really pegged you as that religious.” After a beat another idea occurred to him, “Unless…”
“No, no, it’s not that.” Dani cut him off, “It’s also not really a religious thing. It’s more of a wanting to avoid STDs, unplanned pregnancies, and guys who are only interested sex, and this is the way to avoid two out of three of those a hundred percent.” After a beat she added, “Come to think of it, were it a religion thing, I’d have to wonder if that’s why God put the kibosh on sex outside of marriage.” She then braced herself for what she thought was inevitable.
“Ah, Dani, what are you doing?” Malcolm asked.
“This is the part where things usually go wrong.” Dani explained, “I’ve had guys end it, propose marriage, act like I’m some kind of freak, I’ve even had one try to convince that virginity was a just a social construct so men could have something else to take from women. Though he seemed very keen on taking my social construct.” After another beat, she added, “I know you wouldn’t do that one but…. I get it, this day and age it’s weird, especially when you’re in your thirties….”
“Dani,” He began reaching out, and covering her hands with his, “It’s okay. I respect your decision. I’m actually kind of impressed at that level of self-control.” Smiling mischievous he added, “I guess if I really want it, I’m going to have to put a ring on it.” After beat, the possible implication occurred to him and he began to walk it back a little. “Not that I’m proposing right now. “He shook his head, “No, no, we …. we have a long way before we get to that. Well, maybe not a long, long way…”
Dani saved him by bridging the distance between them and putting her lips on his. They lingered a moment then she pulled away, a smile crossing her lips. “Thanks, Bright.”
“Really, there’s nothing to thank me for.” Malcolm responded, almost bashfully, “So what happens now?”
“I don’t know.” Dani admitted, “Like I said, this part usually doesn’t go well.”
“Really?” Malcolm balked, “It’s that bad?”
“You’d be surprised how prevalent virgin shamming is.” Dani told him, “Why I never mentioned it before.”
They were silent for a minute, then Malcolm said, “Well, even if we don’t…. it’s kind of late, you could still stay over. “Looking down he added, “The couch actually sleeps pretty well.”
An amused smile crossed Dani’s lips. “No, no, I think I’ll still head on out.”
“At least let me make sure you get in a cab okay.” Malcolm requested.
“Alright.” Dani said, standing up and allowing Malcolm to walk her to the door.
They walked down with hands intertwined. “And don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”
“Should’ve known I could trust you.” Dani responded, part playfully, part serious. This was Bright they were talking about. Of course he understood.
As they stepped on the side walk, they let go and Dani waved down a cab before glancing back around, “This is me, I guess.” She declared. “See you tomorrow.”
“You, too. ” Malcolm agreed, giving her another peck on the lips. “Let me know you got safe, okay?”
“Sure.” Dani responded, “Love you.” She was halfway in the cab when they both froze realizing what she had just said.
“Did you…” Malcolm began finally. It was the first time either of them had said that.
“I guess I did.” Dani admitted, her stomach knotting as she awaited Malcolm’s respond.
“I love you, too.” Malcolm agreed, breaking into a smile.
There was one more awkward, oddly euphoric moment, before Dani got in the cab, Malcolm turning back and walking in his apartment, unable to wipe the smile off his face.