Max is In Love

MAX

If Max would have been forced to articulate what he was feeling, he would have failed. Even though he was improving and understanding math better, he craved the help from Justin. Just having Justin sitting next to him, occasionally letting his arm press against his arm set tingles from the spot to the bottom of his heart. But, he could never tell Justin these things. A few days ealier when their emotions were high, but Justin hadn't said anything either. So, what was Max to believe?

"Got it?" Justin asked. His arm moved away as he rubbed his smooth face.

That voice made Max's heart flutter. How humming birds didn't explode from rapid heart beats as such he was having lately.

Crap! Ma had no clue what Justin had been explaining Justin's mouth would move, and Max could only focus on his lips. Vibrant red, with deliberate movement.

"Why didn't you become a teacher?"

Good ploy to get him off topic.

Justin had his finger out and ready to chastize Max. Merlin's beard, did Max miss magic class. The adventures he and Justin had together back then. The adventures he and Justin had together Justin's mouth froze. His eyes narrowed as he shifted gears.

"It's frustrating, Max!" Justin banged his fists down on the table. The math book, cups, and salt shaker bounced up and landed safely back on the table.

Max reached over and slid his fingers in Justin's clinched fist. "Everything frustrates you." Max blinked his doe-eyes.

Justin took in his protest breath. He let it out and nodded. "That's what you get when you strive to be perfect."

"You are perfect!"

Justin got to his feet, releasing Max's hand. The chair fell backward. Justin clumsily picked up the chair and scooted the chair under the table. After that, he grabbed a pan from the cupboard and filled it with water. "Hamburgers and Mac & Cheese good for dinner?" His voice broke at the end of his question.

Max scooted out and pushed his chair in delicately. As Justin salted the water, Max circled his arms around Justin's torso.

"Why do you always do that?" Max whispered in his ear.

"What?" Justin asked in such a soothing tone, Max knew his eyes were shut.

"You have never known how to take a complement."

Justin pulled away to get the hamburger out of the fridge. "If I buy in to what people tell me, then I will slow down and become less."

"Justin," Max's voice fell gruff. "There is no way that you'll ever be less than amazing. I have known you for seventeen years now. You have never faltered when I've needed you."

Justin patted the hamburgers out into patties. "Have I let you rely on me too much?"

Max dropped the pencil he hadn't realized he was still holding. He stomped off to his room. How could Justin say something like that? Does he think I'm taking advantage of him now? Is he tired of me? Max fell down into his bed. A wave of depression coming over him. The person he loved the most didn't seem to love him at all. In his sadness, Max nearly fell asleep.

A light tapping on the door brought Max back to consciousness. "Max, open the door, please!" Sounded through his door. Reluctant, Max peeled himself off of his bed and opened the door. Justin's hands were full with two plates with a hamburger and a side of Mac & Cheese on them. Max could not believe he had just finished dinner instead of talking to him.

"I'm not hungry," Max said. His throat was soar.

Justin went ahead and walked into the room. "Max. I'm sorry."

"For?" Max climbed into his bed and leaned his back against the wall. His legs pulled up into his chest.

Justin got up in the bed with Max. He placed the plates in front of them. Max grabbed the fork and scooped up some of the Mac & Cheese.

"You are the perfect one, Max. I think I'm the one that needs you."

"Shut up." Max let out a small giggle and nudged Justin in the arm.

Justin leaned over. The two boy's lips briefly touched in a small smooch. They both quickly pulled back from each other.

Max could feel the smile creeping up on his face.

"Well then." A flush filled Justin's face. "I'll be waiting for you downstairs for dinner."

As Justin left, Max was in shock. He thought about running down and just blurting out 'I love you.' But, what good would that do when Justin didn't love him back. Max shrugged as his tummy rumbled. He figured he could eat some food and forget what had just happened. Right?