So much better than never have I ever...

[revolvings]

The buzz was settling in smooth along Max's skin, and he was feeling absolutely no pain right now. It was enough that he and Michael were in this texting discussion, but the topic was absolutely insane. Having walked the short distance over to where Michael was staying currently, Max knocked on the door after the last text came back. He felt terrible for giving his brother such a warped view of him. At least he came bearing gifts. A bottle of tequila and a couple of shot glasses, along with a bag of already cut limes. All Michael had to do was supply the salt.

"Wow. I’m flattered. You really know how to make a man feel special.

Who said I wasn’t drinking? I just wasn’t planning on drinking drinking but fuck it. You’re right we’ve been at odds pushing against each other for too long. We’re idiots. I was just so fucked up back then.

You got your dick pierced?! And both your…Ok I take it back. I’m vanilla. You out freak me. I’m scared to find out what else I don’t know.

You go. I’m processing."

Comments

[cosmiccowboy]

[Michael gave as good as he got and didn’t hold back. He poured out all the longing, and hurt, and fear, and most of all love. He gave it again and again until he couldn’t tell where he ended and Max began. Kissing Max always felt like a fire lit under his skin, burning him up from the inside until he can barely breathe. He doesn’t even realize they’re both shivering until they come up for air and he knows it’s not just from the cold bathroom air on their wet skin.

Pulling away is no easy feat which he’s starting to realize might be a problem for him. Max was like a magnetic force pulling him in but the promise of Max in his warm bed won out. Stepping out, he grabs a towel and tosses one to Max, making quick work of drying off as much as possible.]

Let’s go to bed. [He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t a little nervous when he closes the bedroom door behind them. Sex was one thing but this seems more intimate somehow. It took a whole friggin decade before Alex was willing to stay over. Michael was used to waking up alone. He had stopped expecting anything else. So many things with Max were different, new even.

Without a word he pulls the covers down and climbs into bed, pulling Max down with him.] You’re staying, right?

[revolvings]

[There had never been a thought in Max's head that he'd be anywhere else for the night. If it was his choice they would never spend another night apart. This is Max, though. For him, he and Michael are a done deal and the love that they share already means that they have given their word, their bond and that's enough. It's the deepest promise that he can give right this second. If there was more to give, Max would offer it on a silver platter.

Crawling out of the shower, the ex-sheriff toweled off and moved into the bedroom, following Michael down into bed. The sheets feel cool against his naked body. It was a good fit, the two of them together, tangling back up but able to stretch out fully now. He leaned over and kissed Michael softly at his question.]

I'd never dream of being anywhere else, my love. I want to stay wrapped up in you as many nights as possible. I'd never give it up if I didnt have to.

He reaches over and slowly runs his hand through michael's curls, closing his eyes as he does so, listening to the soft beat of their hearts as they chimed in rhythm together. It was one of the most relaxing and beautiful sounds. ]

[cosmiccowboy]

[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.

[revolvings]

[There was a haze of dreariness that had settled over Max, and the warmth of knowing that he was wrapped in Michael was almost enough to send him off to sleep, but he could feel the weight of something unsettled in his other half. It tugged at him through their exchange, the link of their empathy was stronger than anything he could remember feeling any other time he'd healed anyone, and that included when he'd healed Michael before. That was his hand and the link wasn't as strong, but they still shared something for a while.

He blinked at the sound of Michael's voice and moved in closer, touching his lips to Michael's neck.]

I know you wouldn't, love. I know that's not you, even if he was such an ass. You are not him. You are the Michael that I love and I'm a part of you now, and never going to leave you. I hated that place and the way it made me feel. It broke me, and you [he turns a little and finds michael's lips in the dark, kissing him softly.] you're putting me back together like no one else has been able to since then. I love you for that.