Work Text:
Eliot was on his way to Malcolm’s apartment. They had a date that night. It was their 6-month anniversary, but he didn’t know if Malcolm realised it. It wasn’t really that important, except Eliot had trouble remembering being in a relationship that lasted this long. So he’d brought a gift. It was an antique weapon that he thought was amazing, but that he knew his boyfriend would enjoy greatly, as he was very into antique weapons too, maybe even more than Eliot who was a bit more selective.
The smile on Malcolm’s face when he opened the door was too big. Clearly the man had something planned. Eliot followed him inside, holding his gift behind his back as though he could hide such a big box.
“I have something for you,” Malcolm said excitedly as he led him to the leaving room.
“So do I.”
Eliot handed him the gift as Malcolm pointed to a box on the coffee table for him. They opened their gifts at the same time. Eliot received an antique sword, while he’d given Malcolm an antique firearm. Eliot had stumbled upon the object and had immediately thought of his boyfriend, he had to get it to give it to him.
“You know me so well,” they both said at the same time.
“I didn’t think you’d have anything planned, it’s only our 6-month anniversary, it’s not that big a deal,” Eliot said.
“Longest relationship I’ve had. And if I’m being honest, I didn’t realise what today was. I just saw that sword at an auction and knew it was meant to be in Eliot Spencer’s collection.”
“Thanks, I love it.”
They ordered in dinner and had a wonderful date. So wonderful in fact that Malcolm decided to prolong it and invite Eliot to stay over for the first time. And Eliot did, not even the least bit afraid of Malcolm’s night terrors. He could sleep through anything, and he did.
When morning came, they woke up in the same bed, and Malcolm’s expression was one of surprise and of happiness. Eliot had stayed. He hadn’t run off, scared off, he’d stayed. They could feel it in the silence, a silence of peace and quiet. There was no fear, no shame, nothing negative about it. It was simply gratitude. Gratitude that Malcolm had opened himself up enough to let Eliot witness the night terrors, and gratitude that Eliot hadn’t judged him for it or left. The silence was filled with love.
“You’re my best friend, Eliot, you know that right?”
“You’re mine too.”
“No, I’m serious, you’re the only person I can truly be myself with. The only one I know won’t be scared of my broken parts.”
Eliot pulled Malcolm into an embrace. “I’ll never judge you, I’ll never leave. I’m in love with you, Malcolm Bright.”
“I love you too, Eliot Spencer. And I’ll also never judge your past, because what matters is who you are now. The loving, caring person that you’ve become.”
Eliot smiled. They both did. And they both kept doing it through breakfast and well after Eliot left Malcolm’s apartment. What they had was special. It was true love.