always have a part of me

I reached the door, not bothering to knock before letting myself in. I couldn't hold it in any longer and before I could stop myself, I fell to the floor, back pressed against the wall as I felt the sobs pour out of me. Michael came down the steps, shouting out "Hey is that you Vic?" before turning the corner and seeing me, sitting with my knees pulled tight to my chest, my body soaked from the rain.

He rushed to my side, pulling me into his chest. I breathed in his familiar scent, letting it calm me down. Instead, I just started crying harder because I hated myself for going to him because I felt like I was using him. Before I could protest, he picked me up and carried me into the master bathroom. He set me down on the edge of the vanity as he allowed the oversized tub to fill with water and bubbles. Honeysuckle scented. He even knew my favorite soap. Michael truly cared about me, and loved me like he's never loved anyone before, if he's ever loved anyone before.

He looked up at me, giving a small smile before squeezing myknee reassuringly. I realized I was no longer crying, I was just exhausted from the emotional roller coaster. Putting up with Vic's crap for so long had made me especially grateful for Mike's actions. I watched as he switched off the water, standing up.

"Stay with me, please Mikey." I said softly.

"Of course, whatever you need Maxie." he smiled back."If my brother did this to you, I swear I'll beat the living shit out of him I'm so tired of him-"

I cut him off before he could finish complaining. "Just stay here, he's not worth it, babe."

I froze, internally screaming at myself for letting that slip. Never had we used pet names. As much as he loves me, as much as we've been through, no pet names. We knew where we stood, we knew better than to confuse our dynamic. And I knew if he was anything like his brother, he'd never let me live it down.

Michael leaned down, kissing my forehead. "Forget it, stop stressing, we'll forget it ever happened. Besides, we both know it'll always be him, not me."

I frowned, pulling him closer to my by the front of his shirt. I licked my dry lips, leaning in and kissing him softly.

"Take off that fucking snapback and join me in the tub." I whispered on his lips.

We parted only long enough to strip down. He climbed in first, looking up to me to get in. I felt his eyes glued to me as I climbed in, facing him, one leg on either side of him. He wasn't checking me out like he normally would, he was staring at me so lovingly, I could feel my heart melt. I let my back press against the cool ceramic behind me, sighing.

This was perfect. Mike was so good for me. He loved me more than his drums. He loved me more than anything, and I knew it would be good for both of us for this to work out. I just didn't know if he could change for me, or if he'd be willing to.

"I know Max, you don't have to say it. I know you better than absolutely anybody. Vic won't even cross your mind ever again because I will treat you like the princess you are. I know you're scared I'll get bored and cheat. I'm scared that I actually found someone I want to change for. If you give me the chance, I'll do it, just for you." he pleaded, taking both of my hands in his.

I shook my head, closing my eyes in hopes of holding back my tears.

"I haven't been with another girl in two weeks. You can check my phone, I've ignored most, and denied the rest." he said.

"It's going to take more than two weeks of this Michael. This isn't something you just try for a change. I need to know this is for real." I replied.

Notes

Okay, this is honestly probably my favorite chapter so far. It took me a while to write it, but I think I got it just as I wanted it. I really hope you like it. Please, when you're done reading, comment and tell me either your favorite relationship (max/vic, max/tony, max/jack, max/mike) or your favorite part in the story so far. I want to get an idea of what you guys like so I can keep it up. Thank you so much for reading. This is the first time I'm confident enough to post my stories online, and it seriously makes me so giddy that you enjoy it so much.

xoxo,
Maggie