[The rational part of his brain knew there was no question if Max was staying. Of course he would stay but he still felt relief at hearing it out loud. This was uncharted territory, for both of them.

Tangled up sharing body heat under the cool sheets, Michael can’t help but feel like it was always meant to be this way. Their bodies were so in sync down to the beating of their hearts. He watches Max for a long moment in silence, enjoying the quiet comfort of holding the person he loves most in the world and he can feel the pull of sleep but the things Max said about Duplicity keep playing over in his mind.]

Max, [His voice was quiet in the dark calm of the room.] I would never be embarrassed of you. I hate that there was a version of me even there making you feel like that. Never again.