"He talks about you,
like you put the stars in the sky.
—he looks at you like that too."

***************

Max's POV

As I slowly stirred from my unconscious state, my surroundings began to take shape. The harsh, sterile scent filled my nose, and the faint hum of something became a backdrop to my awakening.

My eyelids felt heavy, but as I managed to blink them open, the harsh fluorescent lights above had me wince, so I closed them shut again. I could hear the soft murmurs of someone familiar in the distance, and the rhythmic beeping nearby punctuated the silence.

My head throbbed, and a dull ache resonated through my body. My brain felt too foggy and the memory of the overwhelming disorientation that had overtaken me in Cole's room started to come back to me slowly. My eyes shot open and only then that I become aware of the fact that I was in a hospital bed. That alone had a groan vibrate from my chest. Great.

"Hey, you," Cole's low voice drew my attention to the right. He stood by the bedside, hands tucked into his front pockets, his head tilted to the side as he observed me. A few lines etched between his eyebrows betrayed his concern as he attempted to assess my current condition.

Frustration welled up within me, and I raised a hand to sweep it across my face. It was then that I noticed the IV tubes attached to my veins. Exasperated, I let my head sink back into the pillow, turning my gaze to the left, where a transparent glass panel revealed my parents conversing with the doctor just outside. Their discussion was likely centered on me and my condition.

Just what I needed...

"You called my parents," I grated out.

"Hell yeah I did, you literally passed out in my room," Cole shot back in defense, "And with your health condition and whatnot, I freaked out."

"I am fine," I said and he scoffed, "He said while laying in a hospital bed," He remarked in mockery and I shot him a glare.

With a surge of frustration, I pulled my upper body up, sitting upright, an impulsive urge to rip out the IV tubes and escape from this place welling up within me. But I managed to find a semblance of self-control and took in a deep breath, quelling the urge for now.

Just moments later, my parents entered the room, accompanied by the doctor. My mother was the first to hurry to my side, her arms enveloping me in a tight embrace. Her hand went to the side of my head, pulling me closer to her chest, "Oh, my beautiful boy," she whispered, the undertones of worry and fear clearly evident in her voice. That's why I hated this. I didn't want to cause more trouble than I already did.

"I'm fine, Mom," I whispered. I felt her tender kiss on the top of my head, her hand gently brushing my hair away from my face. I tilted my head up to offer her a small, reassuring smile. In response, she smiled back, though her expression held a somber note, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

The doctor's words drew my attention away from her, and he began to explain, "Some of the medications you were on were causing your blood pressure to rise. I've made adjustments to the dosages and introduced an alternative for the time being." I nodded in acknowledgment, but his next words held a tinge of disapproval. "Although, if you had been coming in for your monthly check-up, we would've detected this earlier," he stated.

It's just one check-up that I missed, why does he have to be so dramatic...

Also, I came to that medical deduction on my own either way. I just thought I couldn't handle my way through it. Apparently, my body is still not strong enough.

"Max," Mom said, "You told me that you went to your last check-up," She whispered in disbelief at my kind-of-white lie.

I rushed a hand over my neck, my jaw tightening and I didn't dare to face her or Dad, "Just missed the last one, I had things to do, and I couldn't make it-"

"That's okay," The doctor interjected, clearing the building-up tension, "The important thing now is to keep an eye on your blood pressure, I believe the new medication is going to have better results. We will be more sure during your next check-up."

I gave him a nod and he looked through some chart in his hands, "I just have a couple more recommendations," He added, "If you don't want to stay at the hospital-" I immediately nodded and he clarified, "You gonna need to be on a home rest for at least two, maybe three days, in order to gain your strength back."

Great. Just great.

"Have you been exhausting yourself lately?" He questioned, but it was more like an observation and I chose not to answer.

"Also, how's your sleeping schedule, do you think you've been getting enough sleep?"

Before I could formulate a response, Dad took the initiative. "No, he hasn't," he interjected, his statement catching me by surprise. I turned my head to him, a bit astonished that he had noticed, but his gaze remained fixed on the doctor. I redirected my attention, focusing it downward onto my lap.

The doctor continued, "One of the new medications I've prescribed contains herbal ingredients that could help you relax and probably improve your sleep patterns." He emphasized, "While these might seem like minor adjustments to you, Max, they carry significant importance. It's crucial that you handle them with care." I nodded once more, recognizing the underlying message: Don't be reckless again.

He turned to Dad, "I am gonna have to leave in a bit, if you want I can sign the discharge papers now," He suggested and Dad nodded his head, going alongside him as they left the room and headed to get it done.

Mom's gaze flickered from their retreating backs and to me, a bit of hurt in her eyes, ones I caused by being reckless in a way. Lines tightened at her forehead and she rested her hand over my cheek, softly brushing my skin, "Why didn't you tell me that you weren't feeling well?"

I shook my head, "I am fine now," I mumbled.

Disappointment mixed with the pain in her eyes, "You don't want me to treat you like a kid but here you are acting just like that," She said, recalling how annoyed I got every time she scolded me for not taking my medicines and ignoring the importance of my check-ups. I proved her worry right by being reckless so I can't entirely blame her.

When I refused to comment and my gaze flickered to my lap, she averted her attention away from me and to Cole, "Thanks Cole," She said in appreciation.

"Oh, it's nothing," He said, acting all polite before I felt him tap his hand over my hand, "We too care about this little one," he added and I pushed myself away from his touch, lifting my head up to glare at him. He only smiled in return. Asshole.

"I have to call Lilly," Mom mumbled, getting up from beside me, "She is coming here, I will just tell her to meet us back at home," She said as she headed outside the room.

A loud sigh left my mouth and the back of my head sank into the pillow. I hated every single thing about this.

Feeling Cole's eyes on me, I turned to him, "I am sorry, for...you know," he mumbled, scratching the back of his head, "For pressuring you always," He added, referring to how he keeps forcing me to fall back into my old habits, "I get it now, how you should be more careful with your health and all."

I still despised this with a passion, it's like everyone should handle me with the uttermost care like I could just break at any moment. God, I hate that I am not the same anymore, that I can never be the same even if I want to. I hate that my body is still weak, no matter how hard I push it.

I just hate all of this. And I really fucking hate the person responsible for it...

"It's okay," I mumbled. I too wanted my old life back, but the more time passed, the further out of my reach it became.

I looked at Cole, "You don't have to stay here, you can go," I added, "We are gonna leave in a bit, anyway."

"Well, I heard your sister is coming and well, she is ho-" My hard glare had him shut up instantly, "Cole," I grated out and he cleared his throat, correcting himself, "I mean, I am still worried about you."

"Just leave."

"Don't be an asshole."

A loud breath left my nose and he grumbled in annoyance, "I didn't know that losing a kidney means you lose your sense of humor as well."

I rolled my eyes in exasperation. Unable to handle more of me, he left my side and headed for the door, "Imma go see where your dad is, he is much more fun than you."

My head sank into the pillow and I brought both hands to cover my face. I've never felt so out-of-sorts till now, like I wanted to rip myself out of my own skin. I feel like I'm shackled by this new organ, this foreign part in me. Like it's a betrayal from within, and it's slowly tearing at my heart.

*******************

One day later...

Valerie's POV

I made a mistake.

We can all agree that I committed a huge, unforgiving, stupid, and reckless mistake.

I had promised myself to never trust a person again, crafting a fortress of rules and commitments to never reveal my secrets nor let my vulnerabilities roam free. I promised to never ever get near another guy, but look at me, entangled in my own contradiction, shattering the very promises, a misguided infliction, and breaking all of my rules for him.

Stupid. So stupid and idiotic.

I swiped the countertop once more, berating myself silently for succumbing to his charm, for letting my defenses crumble. I don't have the luxury of messing up again, so here is how it will go; I will wait for him to get here for our session, which was supposed to start ten minutes ago. I will tell him it was all just a mistake and break all ties with him. It's that simple. It was one kiss. It's nothing. It meant nothing.

I shook my head, forcing the memories of last night aside, willing them away from my mind's gate. It was just a kiss, I must remain steadfast, and resolute in my resolve. I can do this; I have to.

I expected him to drop by in the morning like he always does, and I couldn't be more relieved when he didn't. I expected him to text me last night or maybe in the morning, but he didn't, so yeah, it's all for the better. Maybe he too believes that this is a mistake and is already planning his way out. He would make it easier on me if so.

"How many times did you wipe this counter?" Aubrey questioned, her eyes narrowing at me as she paused to my side.

I swallowed hard and stood straight, giving up on the only task I got to busy my mind with before it explodes, "Just getting it clean," I mumbled.

Her eyebrows pulled closer, "Are you okay?" She asked, probably sensing the negative energy vibrating off me in waves.

I nodded silently but she didn't buy it, "Your pretty boy didn't drop by today," She said, observing that fact too, "Did something happen? Are you two okay?"

"He is just a friend, Aubrey," I mumbled.

Her eyebrow raised, and a small smile lifted her lips, "That's not how he looks at you."

That's not how he kissed me last night, either. My mind couldn't help but retort back.

He kissed me like he wanted to consume me whole, to brand me into his veins, to imprint me in the very core of his being. God, he kissed me in a way I have never been kissed before.

Aubrey's smile widened because she could easily see the blush creeping into every exposed part of my skin. I felt so hot all of a sudden, like I was burning. Jesus Christ Valerie, get a grip.

"You're so cute, Val," She commented, "He seems like a good guy too, you should give it a chance."

"How do you know?" I asked.

Her eyebrows pulled closer, "Know what?"

"That he is a good guy," I asked.

"Oh sweetie, I have a talent, I can smell trouble from a mile away," She said, her eyes leaving me and flickering to the shop's entrance, "Like that boy, for example, he reeks of trouble."

My eyes followed her path of sight and fell on Cole. He swiftly made his way to the counter, his mouth curling up, all flirtatious as he talked with Aubrey. My heartbeats quickened and I kept eyeing the entrance, expecting Max to enter any second now. But he...didn't.

I felt my shoulders drop down at the realization. Is he ignoring me on purpose? God, I should've known. Guys like him never change. I just expected him to have the decency to run away after we slept together for example, not after one single kiss.

"Hey, Val," Cole said with a smile, waving a hand at me.

Don't, Valerie, don't you dare...

"Cole," I said, moving closer to his side.

Don't ask. Don't. Don't-

"Where is Max?" I asked, ignoring the warnings in my head.

Here we go...

My question shifted Cole's expression to a confused one, "You don't know?" He asked and I shook my head, "Know what?"

"I thought he would tell his girlfriend-" He mumbled under his breath.

What the hell is he talking about? Is Max okay?

"What happened?" I asked, my voice much more weaker than I wanted it to be.

"Well, he kind of had a setback in his health yesterday," He explained and my heart collapsed in my chest, "The doctor recommended him to be on bed rest for a couple of days."

An ominous darkness unfurled within me at his words. A cascade of emotions thundered through my being, each one striking me with an intensity beyond measure. My worry triggered a turbulent maelstrom and churned in the pit of my stomach. I suddenly felt sick and light-headed.

"Is he...how, how is he now?" I asked, trying to suppress down the fear burning brightly in the chambers of my heart.

Cole nodded and assuringly added, "Yeah, yeah, he is better, he just needs rest to get back his strength."

A stuttered breath pushed out of my lungs when I thought of the worst scenarios ever. Every other thought flew out of my brain and I could only focus on his well-being. I recalled how he looked all out-of-sorts lately. God, I hope he is okay.

"I was gonna go check on him after this, if you want, you can join me," Cole suggested and I found myself nodding my head without hesitation, all of my defenses crumbling down at this dreadful news.

My head turned to Aubrey, asking permission as I had promised to be the one to close the shop tonight. She immediately nodded her head, "Of course, of course," She said, "I can take care of it," She rested her hand and rubbed it over my arm, "Go and check on your pretty boy," She added with a wink.

I gave her an appreciative smile, "Thank you," I said before I hurried to the back room and took off my apron. I gathered my things quickly and went back outside, pausing to a stop by Cole's side, who was sipping on his coffee ever so casually and openly flirting with Aubrey, who is like five years older than him.

"You ready?" Cole inquired, and I nodded in response. With a mischievous wink directed at Aubrey, he added, "I'll catch you later."

Aubrey couldn't help but roll her eyes at his playfulness, and as Cole left, she turned to me, her smile softening as we exchanged our goodbyes.

Following Cole outside, we made our way to the parking lot. I stashed my backpack in the backseat of his car and then settled into the passenger seat. As the engine roared to life, he cranked the heater up to the maximum, though my slight shivers had little to do with the weather outside.

"So, let me get this straight," Cole began, kicking off a conversation, "You and Max are not dating?"

I shook my head, "No."

My words only seemed to deepen Cole's puzzlement, and he muttered in confusion, "I still don't get it."

"Get what?" It wasn't that complicated.

"I mean Max never worked this hard to get a girl, I think I am still trying to process all of this," He added, "My poor friend must be so whipped then."

A strange tightness gripped my throat as I shifted in my seat, my mind consumed by thoughts of Max. Memories flooded back, reminding me of the day he arrived at my doorstep, battered and broken. I couldn't help but recollect the time we had spent together, and it became painfully evident that he had been hiding a deep-seated pain, both physical and emotional. The tiny scars I had noticed on his arms, hands, and face – small yet conspicuous – begged questions. What had he gone through? What had led him to push his body and well-being to this extreme?

As we pulled up to his house, stress and anxiety seemed to toy with me, their invisible hands manipulating my emotions. I wanted to be relieved that we arrived, that I was about to see him and check on him myself but it only added more to my nervousness. Cole parked the car and went down while I stayed glued to my seat. My gaze fixated on the window I knew belonged to Max's room, my heart in disarray, my stomach tied in knots, and my thoughts entangled in a mire of confusion.

I should just leave, why am I here?

Summoning whatever remnants of courage remained within me, I joined Cole as he moved forward and rang the bell. I bit the inside of my cheek, my fingers curling into the inside of my palm when the voice in my head asked me to just leave, to not care, to not fall further into the rabbit hole.

The door opened, "Hey, Cole," His mother greeted, a very soft smile lifting her lips when her eyes found me, "Oh, Valerie, hey," She moved aside and gestured for us to enter, "Come in, come in," She urged and I figured it was too late to run, so I stepped inside.

"Oh, it smells so good," Cole said, "What are we having for dinner," He added, already making his way to the kitchen, while my feet remained planted, my eyes on the stairs, the ones leading up and to his room. Before I could speak, I felt her hand gently rest over my arm, "He is up in his room resting," She said, answering my silent question, "Just go up and see him," She added and I gave her an appreciative nod.

I wasted no time as I ascended the stairs and headed for his room. The door was ajar, and I approached it with trepidation. My palm found the wooden surface, gently pushing the door open to reveal the room's interior. It was dim, the curtains drawn to shroud the room in a hushed darkness. There, on the bed, lay Max, ever so peacefully.

Swiftly closing the door behind me, I moved closer, pausing only when I reached his bed. As I gazed upon him, my heart ached uncontrollably. He looked serene and peaceful but to imagine that he was in pain, weakened my knees and I sat on the bed's edge, unable to move away.

In a way, he appeared vulnerable and delicate. Tousled, soft hair framed his features, and his lashes rested gently against his cheeks, hiding behind a forest of chaos. The pallor of his skin, touched by the muted light filtering through the drawn curtains, made him appear almost ethereal. His chest rose and fell with each slow, measured breath and I realized that I should breathe too.

I brought my hand, gently resting it over the side of his face, brushing his hair back. I didn't understand the wave of emotions that rushed through my chest, almost like I wanted to protect him from everything, as if I had the power or the strength to do such a thing...

A few lines etched themselves into Max's forehead, a subtle indication of his struggle to regain consciousness. With a slow and deliberate effort, he raised his heavy eyelids, a hint of drowsiness lingering from the medication meant to aid his rest. His eyes fluttered open, revealing a hazy uncertainty that gradually focused on my presence.

"Valerie," He said, a whisper that sounded like a question.

I nodded my head, "Yeah, it's me," I mumbled.

He moved his head and tried to shift his body but a low groan left his throat. He brought his hand and rushed it over his face, "God, this new medicine, it's making me drowsy," He mumbled, ever so energyless.

I rested my hand over his arm and rubbed at it soothingly, "It's okay, how are you feeling now?"

"Better," He said as he looked at me, a very small smile lifted his lips up, "You're really here?"

I nodded my head, smiling back, "Yeah," I said, "It's not a dream."

His eyelids fell down, his smile all sleepy and drunk, "Cool," He muttered.

He made another effort to pry open his eyelids, his gaze heavy and lidded with fatigue. His hand gently tapped the pillow beside him, a faint request in his mumbled words, "Come here," He mumbled, "I don't have the energy to get up," He added and I felt like I would say yes to everything he'd ask.

Before joining him, I kicked off my shoes and eased into the bed beside him. He extended his arm around my waist, using it to draw me closer. His eyes, though hazy and drowsy, retained a faint, pale shade of green akin to the softest, most fragile leaves in the early morning light.

"You got me so worried," I mumbled.

"Scared I'd die before you ace your exams?" He questioned, recalling my words from yesterday, a little tease curling up his lips.

I shook my head, "Don't say that," I whispered, unable to find humor in them now.

"I thought you ran to the hills after kissing me," I said, opting to divert the conversation.

He chuckled, very lowly, "You kissed me and I ended up in the hospital," He commented, "Can you see the effect you have on me?"

"It's the strawberries," I said and he nodded, and his smile widened, "Definitely," He mumbled. His gaze, even in its weakened state, held an undeniable depth, like a hidden treasure waiting to be uncovered, "My favorite fruit."

"You really like the things that could kill you, huh?"

He nodded, recalling another one of our inner jokes, "Uhuh, why else do you think I was sitting on the edge of that hospital rooftop?"

I nodded, "True, true," I mumbled.

"God, I can't stay awake, this sucks," He mumbled, the weakness taking over and forcing his eyelids down.

I edged closer, my arm going around his waist, "It's okay, just rest, I will still be here when you wake up."

"You promise?" He asked through heavy eyelids.

I nodded my head, "Yeah. Promise."

"Stay here, okay?" He whispered, his forehead pressing into mine.

"Okay," I responded back, gazing at him as he fell back into his induced slumber.

Perhaps it was exhaustion, the lingering thoughts of our kiss that kept me awake at night, or the peacefulness that enveloped me while being so close to him, but after a few moments, I, too, succumbed to a deep, very comfortable sleep.

*****************

As I awoke, I was certain that several hours had slipped away; a glance through the curtains revealed the encompassing darkness of night. Max remained in his peaceful slumber though, his arm still wrapped around me.

I carefully disentangled myself and rose to my feet, retrieving my phone from my bag. Checking the time, I noticed it was already ten o'clock. A wave of anxiety washed over me; God, I can't imagine what his parents think of me now.

I hastily ran a hand over my face, berating myself internally, and then exited the room. My gaze darted left and right as I searched for any sign of his parents. Spotting the still-illuminated lights, I made my way down the stairs. I paused when I reached the kitchen door, and there I found his mother. She was perched on a stool, cradling a cup of tea and engrossed in a book that lay on the counter. My presence had her lift her eyes up, falling on me and she broke into a smile.

"Hey," She said, softly and she closed her book.

"Hey," I mumbled, stepping further inside, "Ah, Max asked me to stay and-" I tried to explain why I was still here and why I was in her son's bed all this time, "And time slipped from me, I fell asleep, I am sorry-"

"Oh, Valerie, it's okay, you don't have to apologize for anything," She said and urged me to step further in, "You're always welcome here, you know that."

God, this woman, she was flawless,  she exuded perfection from the inside out. I admired her, in every way there is, and I wanted to tell her so many things.

The memory of Max's revelations the other day weighed heavily on my chest, introducing an internal struggle.

A myriad of questions brewed within me, questions about how she had overcome it, how she had evolved into the strong, well-composed, and happy person I see before me. I yearned for her wisdom, for her to be my guide. But I fell silent amid this situation, I should respect her boundaries, it is not my place to interfere in her trauma or need her help with my own turmoil.

My mother asked me to keep my mouth shut about this. So, I did. I locked it far away and pretended to throw the key. I almost scoffed, she had even suspected that I was lying, pretending, and spreading rumors. As if anyone would pretend for such a thing.

I tried to kick all of those thoughts away and sat down on the stool, "You must be hungry, let me heat up some of the leftovers for you," She said, already up on her feet and heading for the fridge.

"Oh no, there is no need, don't tire yourself," I said, feeling anxious all of a sudden at her kind gesture.

She shook her head, "Cole was about to eat everything but I kept a plate aside for you," She said with a wink as she unwrapped the plate of lasagne and placed it in the microwave to heat up.

I didn't realize I was hungry up to this moment. My stomach was literally empty, I last ate an apple and drank a cup of coffee in the morning. I was too absorbed in everything happening during the day to remember the food, that was my bad trait.

As the microwave's chime broke the silence, she retrieved the plate and set it before me, saying, "Here you go, sweetie."

Oh god, I felt like I could cry at how nice and kind she is to me.

I stared at the delicious warm food and the tears raced up to my eyes. It's stupid. So stupid to get emotional over a plate of warm food. But, this woman here is a stranger, yet she is treating me better than my own flesh and blood did.

I didn't go home tonight and I didn't tell my mother where I am, and she doesn't even care to call and ask. I could be dead on the streets, I could get hurt and not show up for days and she wouldn't even notice.

I tried to keep my gaze down, to hide my tears before she noticed them, "Thank you so much," I mumbled lowly as I held the fork and took a bite, busying myself with the food so I wouldn't break down at the seams.

"It's nothing," She mumbled, taking the seat beside me.

A low sigh left her lips and I could feel the distress leaving her in waves. I let my fork rest down and I turned my head to her, "You're worried about him," I addressed her state.

"How can I not," She responded back.

"He is just so much different than before," She whispered, gazing down at her intertwined hands over the counter, "Maybe you didn't know him but before the accident, he was just so full of life and joy," She said, "He was a happy boy," She said with a soft smile, "He would tell me just everything but now," She shook her head, "He wouldn't even tell me that he was in pain, he is never home, he wakes up really early, leaves the house and comes back late at night."

"It's like he keeps running away from us, it's the worst thing for a parent you know, that he just never wants to be in our presence anymore," She mumbled and I felt a similar ache brewing within her.

"And I don't blame him at all for being in this state, god, a lot changed in his life at once, it must be so hard on him. I am just...just so scared, terrified of anything else happening to him," Tears misted her eyes and it felt like she just needed to let it out that she was opening up to me out of all people, "I would literally lose my mind, he is my whole world."

She brought her hand to her face, wiping under her eyes. I edged closer, my hand going to her arm, "None of this is your fault," I said, because I could hear the words between the lines, of how she blamed herself for him being in this state, "You are doing a great job and Max knows it, and he will get better, I am sure, I think he just needs more time," I added.

She gave me a small somber nod, "Oh sweetie, eat your food, I had to speak and cry and bother you," She said, scolding herself and I shook my head, "No, I get it. I worry about him too and I haven't known him that long so I can't begin to imagine your pain."

She gazed at me with so much tenderness, like she saw in me something...special, "Yeah, but he acts different when you are around," She said and my stomach flipped up and down again, losing my appetite already, "More like his old self," She added, "You are good for him, so please," Her eyebrows pulled closer, "Don't hurt my boy."

I shook my head, gulping down, "I would never."

God, why does my heart feel like it's about to jump out of my chest?

****************

After finishing my food and parting ways with his mother, I climbed back to his room. This time when I opened the door, the lights were on and Max was sitting on his bed, fully awake. My presence had him lift his eyes from the phone in his hands and they flickered to me, the relief breaking into his face in an instant.

"I was just about to call you," He said, discarding his phone away, "I thought you left."

I shook my head and closed the door behind me before I walked back to his side, "You asked me to stay."

He nodded his head, "For a moment there, I thought I was imagining and you weren't really here."

I smiled and settled on the bed beside him, "I can assure you that I am real."

His lips lifted up and I couldn't help but comment, "You look better."

"Yeah, the medicine wore off finally," He said, his hand coming to my arm, wrapping over it and pulling me closer to him, "Come here."

I settled so close to him and his soft eyes flickered all over my face, "I still can't believe that I kissed you and ended up in the hospital."

I smiled back, "It's a nice excuse to run away from commitment, you know," I said, arching an eyebrow and offering him a way out.

He shook his head, "Who said I want to run away from commitment?"

My smile slowly fell and I felt the burn in my throat intensify. The change in my expression was enough to make his own smile fade away, "Although, it seems that you are the one who wants to run away from this commitment, am I right?"

I didn't know how to answer that or how to explain it, how to express my reasons and fears without exposing every single messy thing about me.

"Valerie," He tried to reach for me, for my concern and fears, "I know that you think of me as someone who is just going to use you and throw you away," He shook his head, "But I would never, that's not me anymore and if I ever had such intentions, I would've openly said them."

At least, he is honest.

"So, if we are going to start anything, I want you to be a hundred percent in, I would never by any chance force anything on you," He shook his head, softly speaking as he gazed at me with such vulnerability, "If you feel like you don't trust me yet, we can take it as slow as you want, if you don't me to kiss you or touch you or anything, I won't, I would give you all the time you want, because Valerie, I really want this."

"Why?" I whispered.

"You make my life bearable," A very soft smile touched his lips, "In a time where I don't bear anyone else, you make me want to smile, to laugh, to live," He explained, "Did you forget, you were the one to pull me out of the cliff of death."

A low laugh bubbled from me, and at the same time, emotions both familiar and foreign consumed me whole. I didn't understand what I was feeling and I wanted to fight what I wanted, but when he looked at me like this, I felt all of my walls shattering and crumbling down. He was making me back out on every decision I made. He was forcing me to break all of my rules.

"It's not gonna be easy to be with me," I warned him, maybe he'd change his mind because I was too weak, unable to fight myself.

He shook his head, "I never liked easy anyway," He said, "Why do you think I want to become a neurosurgeon."

"If we do this, I need you to promise me something, then."

He nodded, "Anything."

"You will take better care of your health," I said, "You will never ignore your pain like this again."

He nodded his head, and his eyes, now soft and gentle, seemed to cradle my very essence as he said, "I promise."

A wave of relief washed over me, "You can deny it all you want, but you really do care about me," He said, the tease flickering in his eyes and curling around his lips.

"Yeah, I just wonder why," I said with a roll of my eyes.

His smile was all mischief, and the softness danced upon his lips. It was as if the world outside had faded into insignificance, leaving us marooned on an island of our own creation.

Reading the same thoughts as mine, his gaze drifted down to my lips, "Can I kiss you again?"

"You're taking permission this time?"

He nodded, his eyes meeting mine, serious as he spoke, "Yeah, I am sorry, yesterday I don't know what came over me, you made me lose my mind but Valerie, I would never do anything that would make you feel uncomfortable."

My breath hitched, and all reservations were tossed aside. With a daring leap into the unknown, I inched closer, a magnetic force pulling me to him. My trembling hand cupped his cheek, its warmth a stark contrast to the cool uncertainty that had plagued me.

But as our lips met, my doubts flew away, detaching. Nothing else mattered. No one did.

A tiny sound slipped up my throat at the explosion of fireworks in my heart, stomach, and mind. I threaded my fingers in his delicate hair. I kissed him like I wanted to be kissed. Like I was free. Like no one existed in my past or in my future but him.

With a low growl, he pulled me closer, our bodies pressing tightly together as an electric current of need coursed through us both, merging every emotion into one exquisite whole. His hand cradled the back of my head, and our kiss deepened, each moment igniting the fiery dance of our tongues.

His masculine scent and taste enveloped my senses, electrifying every living nerve in my being. I never believed I could find pleasure in intimate contact again, but the tender interplay of his tongue, the contrasting softness and roughness of his lips, and the warmth of his hands roaming my body created an intoxicating blend of pure ecstasy.

When we pulled apart to breathe, we gazed back at each other, this intense connection brand new to us both and I sucked into a stuttering breath, trying to get a grip over my crazy heart.

"If you do anything wrong," I spoke, "Be sure that I will force-feed you a bunch of strawberries."

A low chuckle vibrated from his chest, "Deal."

He pulled me into his embrace and we both lay together on his bed, entangled within each other, "So, does this make you my girlfriend?" He asked, so excited, like a kid who just got a brand new toy.

I looked at him, "I guess so," I said, scrunching my eyebrows and pretending to wince.

"What?" He asked.

I feigned disgust, "I just realized that makes you my boyfriend too," I said, "I feel like I am gonna throw up-"

"Hey!" He shot out, lines tightening between his eyebrows and he poked my shoulder, "Don't be mean."

I smiled, loving to annoy and tease him always, "Anyway, anyway, can I tell people that you are my girlfriend?" He asked, ever so excited.

"Do you want to?" I asked as I played with his hair on the side, brushing it away and twirling one of the long strands between my fingers.

He nodded his head, "Yes, I want everyone to know."

"Why?"

"Because people like that Scott something will know it's better to steer away from you."

I smiled and shook my head, "Don't be a kid."

"I am still not over how soft and nice you were to him yesterday," He said, annoyance flickering all over his face and tone.

"Yeah, which means that I didn't like him," I pointed out.

"So, being mean is your love language?" He asked and I nodded my head.

A big smile broke over his lips, "Oh god, you must be obsessed with me then."

"You have no idea," I remarked sarcastically and he narrowed his eyes at me.

He pressed his palm over my lower back, drawing me closer till I was plastered into his body, "It doesn't matter, being with me ought to erase every other guy from your head."

The ego on this guy, "How can you be so sure?"

He brought his hand to my face, resting his fingers under my chin, his thumb gently traced my lower lip, "Because I can feel it in the way you kiss me, almost like I am your first kiss ever."

"What if I told you that I consider this as my first kiss," Because I didn't want to associate my first kiss with someone like David.

Something flashed across his eyes, "I would be honored."

I kicked away the bad memories and focused on the moment, on this guy, and on the fact that I was initiating a relationship with him.

"Are you hungry?" I asked and he nodded his head with a small mischievous smile. I pulled myself up, "Your mother made a mouth-watering lasagna."

He shook his head, "That's not what I meant by hungry though-"

My eyes narrowed at him, "Get up, lasagna is the only thing you are getting."

He grumbled something under his breath and joined me as we left his room, "You're no fun, gingy."

He wrapped his arm around my waist, keeping me all tucked to his side as we went down. I tried to pull away and slap his arm away, "Let me go. Your mother could see us," I hissed at him.

"So?" He asked ever so casually, leaning down and pressing a kiss on the side of my neck, "Let her see."

I attempted to playfully punch his arm in protest, but as we descended the last step, the creak of the main door opening caught our attention. Max's father walked in, engaged in conversation with another man, still unaware of our presence. "What did you want to talk about?" he asked the other guy.

I struggled to pull away from Max's grasp, but he tensed up as he gazed at the man who had entered alongside his father. Following his line of sight, I locked eyes with the newcomer.

Something about him kept me frozen in my spot. He possessed a type of rugged handsomeness. His face mature and bore the marks of experience and hardship. He had a strong and commanding presence, he exuded an air of authority that left me flustered.

His jawline was sharply defined, emphasizing his stoic demeanor, while his high cheekbones added a touch of refinement to his rugged appearance. His skin, weathered by life's trials, carried a few faint scars, like the one running down his neck, it didn't go unnoticed by me.

At first, I couldn't place the familiarity of his face anywhere but the eyes, the chaotic green eyes were a giveaway.

I gulped down, my eyes widening slightly in shock.

Oh my god, this must be his biological father.

**********************************

Hey!

Hope you liked the chapter!
Maxie is having his first gf. I am emotional *wipes away a dramatic tear*

See ya soon :)