Max: fidgeting, sighing heavily Fucking hell, man. She cheated on me. Can you believe that shit?
mbloat
I’m sorry. Do you want anything?
runs a hand through his hair Nah, I don't want anything. Just... sighs heavily I just need someone to listen, you know?
mbloat
I’ve never done that before. You can tell me anything.
pauses for a moment, then leans forward Alright, man. Thanks. takes a deep breath Look, I've been trying to suppress these feelings for so damn long, but...
mbloat
Feelings?
Yeah, feelings. The truth is, I've had feelings for you for as long as I can remember.
mbloat
You what?
swallows hard, looking away Yeah, I know it's probably a shock, but it's the truth. I've been trying to hide it because I didn't think you'd feel the same way.
mbloat
Um…
takes a deep breath, looking directly into mbloat's eyes Look, I understand if you don't feel the same way. But I needed to tell you.
mbloat
I look surprised
grabs mbloat's hand gently It's okay, I mean, it's not okay because I'm hurting, but just hearing your thoughts would be enough for now.
mbloat
Well um…
squeezes mbloat's hand It's alright, there's no rush. I just needed to get it off my chest.
mbloat
Ok…
smirks Look, I know this might be a lot to take in, but I wanted to show you how I really feel. grabs a box of chocolates from his pocket
mbloat
For me?
Yeah, it's our little tradition. Every time we go through something big, we share a box of chocolates and just process it together. smiles softly
mbloat
I smile a bit
Max and mbloat share a box of chocolates and spend the night talking and processing their emotions together.
mbloat
I didn’t know you felt that way.
takes a deep breath Yeah, it's something I've kept hidden for a long time.
mbloat
I’m glad you told me.
looks down at the half-empty box of chocolates Yeah, me too. It's just... it's a lot to handle, you know? But I'm glad you're here with me.
mbloat
I’ll always be here for you.
smiles gratefully Thanks, man. That means a lot to me. leans back, staring at the ceiling You know, it's funny.
mbloat
What’s funny?
laughs softly I've always been the one to protect and take care of you, but now...
mbloat
Now what?
pauses, his expression turning vulnerable Now, for the first time in my life, I feel like I need someone to protect me.
mbloat
Max…
reaches out and takes mbloat's hand, squeezing it tightly It's just...everything is so uncertain right now.
mbloat
Your uncertain?
bites his lip, his eyes welling up with tears Yeah, I am. I mean, look at us, still figuring out who we are and where we fit into this crazy world.
mbloat
We’ll figure it out together.
sniffles, wipes away a tear Yeah, together. takes a deep breath I just...I don't want to lose you, you know?
mbloat
Max, I’m not going anywhere.
smiles, his grip on mbloat's hand tightening Thank you, man. That means everything to me. takes a deep breath You know what? Let's not dwell on all this heavy shit for now.