When Riley arrived at the café, he first noticed a slightly strange (but not necessarily bad) atmosphere surrounding the table where Elias and Jay sat across from each other.

Jay noticed Riley first. "Ah, he's finally here," he sighed.

"I'm surprised you didn't stay," Elias said to Riley, setting down his coffee.

Jay slid his chair sideways to make room for Riley to sit beside him and across from Elias as well. Riley took off his coat and toque before sitting down. "You were threatened, eh?" Jay guessed, swiping the hat and pulling it on his own head.

Sounding pitiful, Riley explained, "No kisses for a week."

Elias glanced away momentarily then muttered, "I really can't imagine Eran kissing anyone. Or enjoying it, anyway."

Glaring, Riley said through his teeth, "Good." He didn't want Elias to even think about how sexy and cute—and sweet Eran could be. Those images he wanted to claim all for himself.

Jay and Elias exchanged glances.

A waiter came to ask Riley if he wanted anything. Tea would do Eran good, but they already had that at home; there was no reason to spend money on an overpriced tea bag and cup of water. The waiter left without a word after determining none of the three men needed service.

They weren't too concerned about their conversation being overheard—the café was busy enough that conversations were only distinguishable if you were nearby and paying close attention. Still, they didn't resume talking until the waiter was out of earshot.

"I'm surprised you called me out here," Elias remarked. "I thought you hated me."

Riley pursed his lips and shifted his eyes. "I don't hate you. I just don't trust you."

"Yet you're here to ask me questions."

"The fact is that you know Eran best," Riley said regretfully.

Elias nodded. "I met Eran in grade 12," he suddenly started on his own volition. "I went to a different high school, but I kept running into him at science competitions, seminars, and then a prep course. He was a calm, honest person, so we got along."

Riley frowned. Is he trying to make me jealous?

"We got the same scholarship and naturally ran into one another at uni." Elias paused. "But since the first day I met him, up to today, he hasn't considered me a friend. He's never called to hang out. He's never confided in me for support. He's never invited me over or asked me about my personal life. Why do you think that is?"

Riley narrowed his eyes at Elias suspiciously. Jay watched Riley for any signs of hostility. All he saw was impatience.

"You're not going to guess?" Elias asked.

Jay raised his forearm off the table and held up his hand, like a lazy student getting his turn to be called on out of the way. "He doesn't trust you. Eran, I mean."

Elias shook his head. "He trusts me." He took a sip of his coffee before explaining, "He doesn't want to show any weakness. To him, if he likes someone, then he's weak. If he wants something from someone, he's weak. If he needs someone, he's weak. If he knows someone well, that person could become his weakness. That's why he keeps everyone at a safe distance—if he denies everything, he'll want for nothing, therefore be weak to nothing.

"But..." Jay figured there was an exception.

"Riley, even though Eran still has some walls up, you've weakened and broken most of them. He needs you. He wants you. He loves you. It's only a matter of time before you break through his remaining walls."

Riley internally celebrated. Then his heart will be completely mine.

Elias rotated his cup 180 degrees. "To be honest, I'm the one who's a bit jealous."

Riley tensed. I knew it!

"So now that I've made my speech, what is it that you want to ask me?"

"Do you want to take Eran from me?"

With surprised eyes, Jay looked from Riley to Elias.

Elias chuckled, though it sounded like a short sigh. "I'm glad you two are finally dating."

"Huh?" Jay looked at Riley. "'Finally'?"

"You were obviously into him," Elias told Riley. He looked at Jay, "Did you really not notice?"

"Well, I never really saw them together."

Elias replied, "Ah, I guess that's true."

"Eran really loves me?" Riley leaned forward a little.

"Just as much as you love him," Elias shifted his eyes to the side, "in his own way."

Riley chewed his tongue. "Has he ever said why he likes me?"

Elias's micro expression darkened. He shook his head just barely. "Have you asked him?"

"No. He only sort of told me when I first confessed." Nonetheless, Riley sighed in relief. Eran really does love me. I have nothing to worry about. Eventually, he'll tell me everything. Maybe he'd tell me now—all I'd have to do is ask. I'll be the first person Eran lets into his heart. Riley glanced at Elias who was holding his cup, tracing the mouth with his index finger. I do feel a little bad for Elias. Maybe I can get Eran to treat him as a true friend. I fixed the Max situation, after all.

"Well," Riley started, taking his coat, "That was quicker than expected. Thanks."

"Leaving already?" Jay asked.

"My boyfriend is sick."

"Hey." Jay nudged his friend and put out his hand, palm up and open.

Riley put the cost of one cup of coffee into Jay's hand. Jay pointed to the macchiato. "I was going to trick you into drinking this but decided it'd be too cruel."

Riley smirked with chagrin. "What a friend."

"He's letting you take care of him?" Elias asked, then nodded. "You really are special."

"I understand more now. Thanks." He finished putting on his coat and looked at Jay. "You too—even though you just took my money; it was your idea." He pulled the toque off Jay's head, waved goodbye, and left for what he now instinctively called "home." Things are going great right now. He smiled sadly. So... Some disaster is sure to happen.

A/N: Can you guess what that disaster will be? Don't be afraid, guess.