Reaching for the Stars

Chapter 50: Teach Me to Love You

Again, the uwu is very high in this one

Also this chapter turned out to be quite long, but I like it.

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Max Kleinschmidt: "Meet me at the riverbank across Wolvessye monument at 4 pm."

Tom put his phone down for the hundredth time that afternoon. Saying that he was anxious was an understatement. Last week, he came out to Max, confessed to him, and asked him out; of course he had reasons to be anxious. Good thing he had been carefree days before, enjoying the fact that he kissed and was being close with Max that night. Last night, though, he couldn't sleep at all.

Leaning on the rails, he glanced over the River Eyl again. It was still, calm. On its banks, people were having a picnic with their friends or just walking around. It was a cool autumn afternoon, with winds softly blowing.

What... what would Max answer?

He already prepared himself in case Max turned him down. It wouldn't be surprising. Max did not like gays and Tom was not going to pressure him into going out with him if he didn't want to. At least he already knew that if Max did reject him, it would be in a peaceful manner.

But... what if he accepted him?

Honestly, he wasn't betting on it. Yeah, it wasn't wheat-field-turning-into-chocolate impossible but still almost impossible. Max would either be bi or joking to accept him. Given that Max was sensitive to anything gay, that wouldn't be surprising, but Max also kissed him after he confessed, saying that he'd think about it...

Argh! Tom sat back down on the bench with a thump, covering his face with his hands. This was stressful!

"I know it's not a good time right now, but still wanna make sure you know what you're getting yourself into."

He took a deep breath, then looked at his sweaty paw pads. Whatever happened, happened. Really, whatever Max would say to him would make his poor heart beat faster.

"I know, Lain. Don't make me even more stressed!"

"I'll be here, alright. If that dog ghosts you again, I'm gonna punch him across the river."

That was terrifyingly reassuring. Leaning back against the bench, the wolf wiped his paw pads and looked at his phone again. 16.03; Max should come anytime now. "Please don't."

Lain just chuckled and grinned. "Well, whatever the answer, I won't interfere. Call me if you need me."

"Y-yeah. Later, Lain."

...maybe he should come to Octo's instead and hang out with him.

"Hey, Tom!"

He looked up at the mention of his name, and his heart skipped. Max was walking towards him with that very hot-looking black leather jacket with a grey t-shirt under it and a god-damned handsome smile on his face and his very hot strong muscles. Really, the fact that he had been able to stand being around the dog without giggling like a fangirl was admirable.

"H-hey, Max." he stood up and tried to smile at the dog. At least he didn't slip.

"Oh wow, he looks a lot better than I remember."

Max smiled again, almost making him melt. "Good afternoon, isn't it?"

"Y-yeah, is of good afternoon."

The dog laughed softly. Tom was mesmerised by that. He looked so cute, so nice, so handsome, so everything. This man was... was the light in the dark room, the reason he pulled through, the star he almost gave up trying to reach...