Chapter 215: Absence makes the heart grow fonder
"Uh, well." Andrew tugged on Maxwell’s hand, turning to face him. He turned away from the women beside them, also aware that some of the other customers in the restaurant were staring at them. "I don’t think I should come back tonight." Andrew panicked as Maxwell’s eyes overflowed immediately.
"D-Did I do-"
"No!" Andrew practically shouted, dropping his bag to grab Maxwell’s cheek, cupping it. "No, it’s nothing like that." Andrew softened his voice, staring at Maxwell’s watery eyes. "I just...I don’t want you to regret this. I know you’re vulnerable right now, and I am too. I want us to be more level headed when I come back. Tomorrow. We’ll do tomorrow, okay? Only one more night." Andrew begged and Maxwell’s eyes still spilled over.
"But how am I going to get to sleep tonight?" Maxwell whispered and Andrew felt like he was kicking a small, vulnerable animal. He knew that wasn’t the case, but goddamnit, the man was too cute for his own good.
Andrew sucked in a deep breath, leaning in and pressing his forehead against Maxwell’s.
"Believe me, it’s hard for me to be the bigger person right now. I just...if I go home right now I’ll feel like I’m taking advantage of you, and I’ll never forgive myself." Maxwell shook, closing his eyes and leaning against Andrew’s forehead. It was such a small sign of affection, but Andrew’s heart was racing in his chest at the simple return touch.
"You wouldn’t be taking advantage of me if I wanted you to do that." Maxwell whispered, before he sucked in a deep breath. "But...I understand what you mean. I had the same feeling when you first manifested." Andrew was surprised to know that, but at the same time, it was very Maxwell of him.
Maxwell took a few deep breaths, rubbing his forehead against Andrew’s. "I just don’t want to go back to that big house all alone again." Maxwell admitted and Andrew knew he was going to cave.
"I’ll send Amir and Ben over." Luis piped up, interrupting the couple. "Andy makes a good point, Max, and Amir would be happy to spend some time out of his own house. He’s been nesting like crazy, apparently, and Ben has been worried he’s spending too much time around just their scents." Maxwell clearly didn’t like the sound of that.
He wanted Andrew to come home, and Andrew didn’t really like the sound of another alpha, even his brother, being around him when he was this delicate.
The two men opened their eyes, sharing a look before they both let out a sigh.