[Hearing about that place made the anger flare in him every time. It made him sick to think of Max trapped there, forced into unimaginable situations. They’ve all been tortured and thrown into horrible situations especially over the last few years but this was different. Max had been alone. Michael couldn’t protect him, he didn’t even know, and then he came back and dealt with the aftermath by himself.

He rests his forehead against Max’s, taking a deep breath to steady himself. This wasn’t about him, this was about Max and he was relieved Max was confusing in him even if he couldn’t go back and change the past.]

It wasn’t wrong, Max. You’re the strongest person I know. I can’t imagine what you went through. If I could have been there with you I would have. Or trade places… [There wouldn’t even be any hesitation. If he could have traded places with Max and saved him from going through that place he would have. He was in awe of the man in front of him to go through something like that after Jones and losing Liz and still come out the other side with an incredible capacity to love. ]

You’re wrong about one thing though. It wasn’t that I didn’t like you. I don’t know. I was angry a lot. All the time. But I think that I fought you so much and pushed you away partly because I was scared. I think I knew deep down that there was something. I was terrified of how I felt. And I felt like I was such a disappointment and a fuck up to you. But it wasn’t just you, Max. I felt it too.