The Elite Press (Complete)

A Proper Thank You

They had been dating for a little over three months. This was the longest relationship Max or Slade ever had.

Slade took Max to his awards and was proud to hold his hand and stand for pictures. He was happy to say this was his boyfriend.

He introduced Max to the world. His family was with him. They all had their loved ones too. Slade held Max close as they found their seats.

Slade leaned into Max. "Are you okay? We will have to leave you for the song but I will be back."

Max smiled. "Slade. Have fun. I'm great." He was looking around.

Slade leaned into Max and put his mouth on Max's ear. "I am. Max, would you ever think about getting married?"

Max stared. He was dumbfounded. He looked down at his leg.

Slade bit his ear. "Think about it."

Max nodded as Slade bit his ear again. "We will talk later. I didn't mean to scare you. Sorry."

Max's mind was whirling around with information and this proposal. Did Slade just propose?

"Okay, gentlemen! Break it up!" Solis sat beside Max. Max was surrounded by Slade and Solis.

Max laughed. "I am in heaven!" He put his arm around both of them. "Ever think about a three-way!" He laughed through the sentence.

Solis just laughed. Slade glared. "No." He leaned into Max. "Are you okay?"

Max smiled. "Slade. You gave me a lot to think about but I'm fine." He pulled his arm from Solis and touched Slade's face. "We have things to talk about but later. I made some phone calls. I have another doctor interviewing this next week. He will fill in when I can't be there. Uh, he will take over my practice when I move." He watched Slade.

Slade stared. "When you move?"

Max smiled. "When we decide to live at your house."

"Max, we are talking later." Slade kissed him slowly.

The awards started and Max sat back and enjoyed the program. He watched Solis accept the award for best song and push Slade to the front. "This man wrote the lyrics and the music."

"Uh, thanks! I didn't know I was saying anything. I would like to thank the usual people. Our agent, Joe Vines, producer Abby Tyler, our label. Without you, we would be playing in our garage. Our guys in the studio but there are too many to name. I will buy you all some chocolate!"

"My boyfriend, Max, who I adore, I want to thank you for your support. All of these guys and their significant other for giving these guys up for long hours recording. Thanks for this!" Slade stepped back behind Solis.

"What he said." Solis smiled as they walked off the side of the stage.

Slade slid in beside Max. "That was crazy." He glared at Solis. "I didn't expect you to do that, Solis! A little heads up next time." He reached around Max and smacked his brother on the back of his head.

Solis laughed. "Sorry. You did a great job."

"I hate you!" Slade said to his brother and smiled at Max. "Did that sound okay?"

Max smiled. "Yes. It was perfect."

"Don't let me forget to buy chocolate for the guys." Slade sighed.

"I can help with that." Max smiled.

Slade smiled through the awards and held Max's hand. He let Max hold the award. They had to walk back up to the stage to accept their award for best album of the year. Solis said his thank you.

The band was led backstage to get ready. Slade was using Max's sticks again. They were ready as the lights turned on and they played. Slade waved a stick at Max as he played. He spun it and never missed a beat. He saw Max wave and smile. It was their thing.

One of the hostesses of the awards made a comment about Solis and Slade being twins. No one said anything about Slade being gay. Max was relieved that it didn't seem to matter, Slade was never in the closet. When the band became famous, they already knew Slade was bi and announcing he had a boyfriend wasn't a big deal.

Slade took Max to the after party just for a minute to introduce him to a few friends. People from other bands, people that Max didn't know. Everyone was nice but the only thing they were surprised about was that Slade was in love and brought someone. He was always alone at the awards. He brought his parents a couple of times.

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