[The emotions pour through the handprint, this new tether like a dam breaking open. It steals the breath from his lungs and all he can do is tighten his hold on Max, pressing him impossibly closer as it washes over him. He’s not even sure anymore what’s his and what’s coming from Max or if it even matters. Was it always like this]

I love you too, Max. It may have taken us a long time to see it but we’re here now. [His voice is choked, thick with emotion. He feels unguarded and raw. He never saw this coming. Not for the first time, one night has once again changed the trajectory of his life. Now it was as if the timeline of his life was split into two parts; before tonight and after.

He tries to imagine having to hide this from everyone once the sun comes up and they are forced to leave this bubble. Having to pretend like everything was the way it used to be, like his entire world hasn’t shifted on its axis. Having to be in the same room and not touch. Hell, he’s afraid if he even looks at Max it’ll be written all over his face. The two of them wear their hearts on their sleeves it’s who they are and who they’ve always been. Everyone knew about him and Alex since high school and Michael thought he had been so good at keeping that hidden. He didn’t stand a chance.

He runs his hands absentmindedly down Max’s back, his sides, his hips, enjoying the freedom of being able to touch him like this, to learn his body in a new way.]

Mm…we could always just stay here and never leave.