The Change|| BxB

9. Morning wake-up call

The next morning

The bright sunlight filtered into the room, stirring Max awake. He blinked sleepily, the morning light casting a warm glow across the bed. Beside him, Valentino grumbled as he reluctantly opened his eyes, clearly displeased about being roused so early. Glancing at the clock, Max noted it was around 8:30 AM and couldn't help but grin sheepishly at unintentionally waking Valentino.

Valentino sat up with a sigh, running a hand through his tousled hair. "God, you're annoying, Max," he muttered, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice as he swung his legs out of bed.

Max chuckled softly, swinging his own legs over the edge of the bed. "Sorry, Val. But I'm starving. I'm gonna grab some breakfast," he said, padding off to the bathroom first, feeling the hunger gnawing at him like he hadn't eaten in ages.

After freshening up, Max headed to the kitchen, with Valentino following closely behind. Max settled onto a stool at the island, looking up at Valentino with a playful expression. "Feedd meee right nowwww," he groaned dramatically.

Valentino shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips despite himself. "No," he replied firmly, but the sight of Max's exaggerated pout softened his resolve. "Fine," he relented, moving to prepare bacon and eggs on toast, one of the few meals he was comfortable making.

As Valentino cooked, Max couldn't resist his mischievous nature. He crawled around the island, picking up random items and tossing them playfully. At one point, he even stood up on the island, earning a disapproving look from Valentino.

By the time breakfast was ready, Valentino was visibly amused. "Max, can you please just sit still for once?" he chuckled, though there was a hint of exasperation in his voice.

Max froze mid-action, realizing he might have pushed Valentino's patience too far. He quickly hopped off the island and settled down at the table, his expression contrite. "Sorry, Val. Didn't mean to annoy you," he apologized sincerely, aware of Valentino's responsibilities and the need to respect his space.

Valentino sighed, placing their breakfast in front of them. "It's fine. You're just... something else," he chuckled, shaking his head slightly.

They ate in companionable silence, the tension from earlier dissipating as they focused on their meal. However, their peaceful morning was interrupted by Valentino's phone ringing loudly. He glanced at the caller ID, his expression turning serious.

"Damn it," Valentino muttered under his breath, answering the call. Max watched him anxiously, sensing the shift in Valentino's demeanor. From Valentino's terse responses, it didn't take long for Max to piece together that there was trouble at the restaurant—trouble that required Valentino's immediate attention.

Valentino hung up, his jaw clenched with frustration. "Max, we need to go," he said briskly, his tone brooking no argument.

Max nodded, concern etching his features. "What's going on?" he asked quietly, rising from the table to follow Valentino out of the kitchen.

Valentino sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Some of my associates are causing problems at the restaurant. I need to go sort it out before it gets worse," he explained tersely, his mind already racing with the steps he needed to take.

Max's heart sank, worry for Valentino mingling with a surge of fear for what this could mean. "Is it dangerous?" he asked hesitantly, feeling a pang of unease at the thought of Valentino being in harm's way.

Valentino hesitated, his expression grave. "It could be. But I have to go," he replied firmly, his gaze meeting Max's with a mix of determination and concern.

Max nodded slowly, swallowing his own fears for Valentino's sake. "I'll come with you," he offered quietly, his voice steady despite the anxiety churning inside him.

Valentino shook his head, his eyes softening. "No, Max. It's better if you stay here. I need to handle this on my own," he insisted gently, placing a reassuring hand on Max's shoulder.

Reluctantly, Max nodded, understanding Valentino's need to protect him. "Okay," he replied softly, watching as Valentino grabbed his keys and headed towards the door.

As Valentino left, Max sank onto a nearby chair, his mind racing with worry for Valentino and the uncertainties of their future. He hoped Valentino would return safely, knowing that their newfound bond would be tested in ways neither of them could predict.

Hours passed with Max pacing anxiously around the mansion. He tried to distract himself with small tasks, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Valentino and the dangerous situation at the restaurant. Finally, the sound of a car pulling up outside brought him rushing to the window.

Valentino stepped out of his car, looking tired but unharmed. Relief flooded through Max as he hurried to open the door for Valentino.

Valentino managed a weary smile as he entered. "Hey, I'm back," he said softly, shrugging off his coat.

Max couldn't help but wrap his arms around Valentino, needing the reassurance of his presence. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Valentino nodded, returning the embrace briefly before pulling back slightly. "Yeah, it's handled. It was tense, but we managed to sort things out," he explained, his tone weary but relieved.

Max let out a sigh of relief, feeling the tension drain from his body. "I'm glad you're okay," he murmured sincerely, meeting Valentino's gaze with gratitude and affection.

Valentino smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair from Max's face. "I told you to stay here for a reason. I didn't want you getting involved in all that," he said gently, his thumb tracing Max's cheek.

Max nodded, understanding now more than ever Valentino's need to shield him from the darker aspects of his life. "I get it," he replied softly, leaning into Valentino's touch.

They stood together in the foyer, the weight of the morning's events hanging between them. Despite the challenges they faced, Max felt a deepening connection with Valentino, a bond forged through moments of both joy and adversity.

Valentino sighed, breaking the silence. "How about we order some takeout and relax for the rest of the day?" he suggested, his voice lighter now.

Max smiled gratefully, feeling the tension of the day begin to ease. "That sounds perfect," he agreed, grateful for the chance to simply be together, safe and sound.

As they settled into the evening, Max reflected on how far they had come in such a short time. He knew their journey was far from over, but for now, he cherished the quiet moments with Valentino, knowing that their bond would continue to grow stronger with each passing day.

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