Revived (The Dungeon Black Duology 2)

He smiled. So did Max. They held each other’s gaze. Like they used to, but different. Less mystery, more open love. Like little impromptu embraces of their souls.

Max’s heart thumped contentedly with a joy still so new, but also with undying gratitude. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”

Sean scooted closer. “You’re welcome.” He rested his chin on Max’s shoulder. “Thank you for finally giving me a chance.”

“I would’ve been the biggest fool in history if I hadn’t.”

“You totally would’ve.”

Max smirked and looked down, then sighed and shook his head. “We were exactly what the other needed... Thanks to all the shit we’d been through. Because of your past, you were wired just right to fix my mess. Because of mine, I was able to clean up yours.” He frowned, brows furrowing. “Or rather, Rick’s.”

“Hmm.” Sean slid his hand absently into Max’s. “Never thought of it like that.”

Max looked at their twined fingers. At the band on Sean’s thumb. The one he’d given Sean as a late birthday present two weeks ago. He had the inside engraved with ~ My treasure ~ My heart ~ and had given it to Sean before leaving for their adventure. A promise ring of sorts, that he would always have his back. That he would always take care of him, no matter what. Even under less than ideal situations.

“We’re gonna go see Rick when we get back, Sean. Just so you know.”

Sean stilled, his small smile vanishing. “Max, I don’t want to.”

“I know you don’t. Neither do I. No one should ever be put in this position. But what he did to you was wrong, Sean, and he needs to be held accountable.”

Sean shook his head. “But I consented. Said I loved him. I’m partially to blame.”

“No.” Max clenched his teeth. Sean would not be Rick’s scapegoat. “You were a kid, Sean. A child. He was a grown fucking man. You didn’t know better. He did.”

Sean grimaced and looked away. “Fuck, Max. I don’t want to. Just want to leave it in the past.”

Max exhaled. He didn’t blame Sean for wanting to forget it ever happened. But unfortunately, they had a responsibility.

“Sean,” he murmured. “He could be doing the same thing to another kid right now.”

Sean’s shoulders wilted. Moments ticked by while he contemplated Max’s words. Finally, he sighed and nodded. “Okay… When we get back… But you don’t have to come. Too much ugly and awkward. I’ll handle it myself.”

Oh, hell no. They were a team now. Forever each other’s strength. He would be there for Sean to lean on no matter what.

“No.” Max shook his head. “No way. I’m coming. You came with me to the cemetery. Wouldn’t let me go it alone. So, now I’m gonna be there for you.”

Sean met his eyes. His lips curved. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

“Yeah. You told me earlier.” Max grinned and kissed his mouth. “But it never gets old, caitín, so keep it coming.”

Sean’s smile widened. His eyes closed. “I love you… I love you…”

Max growled and pulled him closer. Kissed him a little harder.

Until another group of hikers came tromping by.

They sat up straight and ripped open their energy bars.

“So, Max… When we get back…” Sean took a bite and averted his gaze. “Are things gonna be the same with you and your clients?”

Ah, the growing elephant that’d been following them around.

Max shook his head. “No. There will definitely be changes. I sent out an email before we left.”

“What kind of changes?”

“No more subs. Just students. Couples that need teaching.”

Sean’s eyes brightened. “Really?”

“Yeah, really.” Max smiled “Honestly, I let a lot of my subs go months ago.”

“Months? You mean…. before you and me even…?”

“Yeah. Even before then. I just…” Max shrugged. “I just couldn’t do it… Couldn’t touch them like that anymore… And I was running out of creative alternatives.”

“Creative alternatives?” Sean laughed.

“Yeah,” Max muttered wryly. “Only so many ways to get a person off without touching them.”

Sean laughed harder. “You’re gonna have to elaborate on that one sometime.”

Max smirked. “I’d rather not.”

Sean squeezed his hand, but then sobered. “Can you afford it? Dropping so many clients?”

“Yeah. Not a problem. I’ve got tons of couples on my waiting list looking to be tutored. Hell, half my clients all along have been couples.”

Sean exhaled. “Okay, good.” His tone still sounded pensive.

Max looked at him. “You can sit in any time you want. Be my official assistant or something.”

Sean stilled. Quirked a brow. His eyes glittered. “Seriously?”

“Yeah.” Max shrugged. “Shit, you could even incorporate your own services.”

Sean tensed. “My own services?”

Max laughed. “Well, yeah. Like photography packages and shit. Of the images you shoot during their sessions. Fuck, I bet couples would pounce on that shit.”

Sean looked away, chewing his lip, his brain palpably churning. “Wow... That’d be… Damn… I’d seriously love to try that.”