MaxNeil Oneshots

I'm still Me (Epilogue)

Last one I promise-

No P.O.V.

A dog sat beside Neil in the hospital hallway. He patted her fluffy fur, earning lazy tail wag. Max had gotten the surgery done on his eyes a little over two weeks ago, but they still had no idea if it had worked. Bandages had covered Max's eyes over the too long period while they healed. Neil hated it, not being able to see his eyes. Neil had kept his promise over the years, sticking by Max's side and helping him in any way he could. The two had started dating almost three years ago, just like they planned. Neil couldn't ask for a better partner. The thought of Max being able to see him again twisted a stiff knot in his stomach. What if he thinks I'm ugly? What if he doesn't need me anymore? What if it doesn't work? That would crush him... But there was also a fluttering hope. Max had been waiting so long for this and he was so close! He couldn't imagine how his boyfriend was feeling right now. Hazel could feel the 19 year old's nerves and licked his hand. Neil just tried to focus on the dog for now, worrying wasn't going to help anyone. He just wished he'd been allowed into the room with David. He wanted to be there when the bandages finally came off.

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"Why can't Hazel come with?" Max asked as he continuously pressed the clicker so he knew where he was going. "We don't need her jumping around or anything right now," David responded. He had his hand on his adopted son's shoulder, just in case. Max clicked his tongue in annoyance but didn't press further. Hazel was a calm and sweet dog, and was also well trained. If she was told to sit in the corner until he was done, she would without and issue. Max was nervous, his mind flooding with questions. He tried to focus on not walking into anything, but it was hard. A pair of hands gently grabbed his wrists and pulled him slightly to the left. Max knew it was David, this is usually how he lead him places if Max strayed too off course. He was pulled for a few yards and turned around. "Sit please." He did as told and waited. He wished he could pet Hazel. He remained still as the doctor got to workon taking the bandages off. Anxiety continued to rise in the teen's stomach. "Try to slowly open your eyes now," the calming voice of a female nurse said quietly. But he wasn't ready yet. While the bandages were being removed, Max had made up his mind. "I want Neil to come in first," was his reply. There was a second of silence.

"He's watching the dog," David finally stated. Max paused for a moment. "I want him to be the first thing I see." David was a bit hurt by this, but also touched. These two really did love each other. "Okay," David nodded with a small smile, "I will go get him. Don't open until I get back!" The ravenette nodded, and the red head walked out to retrieve the boy who's stuck by his son's side for the last seven years. Max waited in uncomfortable silence. The temptation to open his eyes was becoming increasingly stronger, only the thought of his family giving him reason to keep them shut. He couldn't help but smile as the door opened and Hazel's soft yips filled the room. "Hazel-" David exclaimed too late as the dog hopped onto her mission's lap. "Max?" Neil asked, making the boy in question snap to attention. He could tell Neil was directly in front of him. The Indian held his hand out, a sign that he wanted to hold his boyfriend's. The taller of the two teens immediately took Max's hand, they could both feel each other's anxiety.

"Ready?" The doctor asked. David snapped to get the dog off the white hospital bed. Max nodded. He bit his tongue and slowly fluttered open his eyes. The bright hospital lights were blinding for a few seconds, as he was not used to seeing light. At first, he saw nothing. Then things started to come into focus. Max continues to blink and will his vision to work while the other three men waited. Colors, shapes, visions became clearer and clearer. Things weren't perfect, it would still take his eyes a few days to fully adapt to working properly again, but it was much more than he was used to. But something else, something closer, something more important that anything else, is what consumed Max's attention. "N-Neil?" Was all the Indian boy could muster as he saw his boyfriend for the first time in over seven years. Two tears trickled slowly down his face as he smiled.

"You can see?!" The older teenager exclaimed in overjoyed surprise. Max nodded and continued to cry happily. David rushed over to his son and hugged him, earning a tight return on his embrace. A rare and special occurrence. Hazel, slightly spooked from the excitement, bounced around and yipped in concern. Max patted his lap and clicked his tongue, "It's okay, girl. Calm down please." The doctor ducked out of the room to allow the other three some privacy. Neil snapped twice and the dog sat immediately. Max looked at his adoptive father and took in his features, it sparked so many old memories of his first year at Camp Campbell. Then to Neil. He didn't even think before blurting the first thing that came to his mind. "Oh my god you're beautiful..." Neil snorted and smiled awkwardly until Max realized he said it out loud.

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David watched as Neil helped Max onto the couch. He was still getting used to seeing, and still needed help moving around. The red head left to the kitchen to make sandwiches. Neil had already called his mom, who allowed him to stay the night, which was no surprise because he practically lived there at this point. "Can I see your face again?" Max asked sheepishly, it sounded stupid even to him. The brunette nodded and sat next to him and remained still, letting his boyfriend take hold of his face in his hands and move it around as he wished while observing it. "Still think I'm pretty~?" Neil asked teasingly after a few minutes. "Oh shut up!" Max yelled in response and dropped his boyfriend's face. Neil chuckled and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend. And for the first time, they could both wordlessly decide to share a kiss.