His shoulders slump. Josh knows that Michael had struggled a little ā he just knew, but to the extent, he had always tried to steer away from the truths. He had avoided Michaelās siblings for a while, knowing that he would ask about Mike and if he knewā¦. well, he didnāt know if he would have been able to go through with it and then, who knows what would have happened. No, Josh didnāt want to know all this. He didnāt want to know that he had caused Mike so much pain.Ā He never wanted that.Ā
Michaelās arms are around him and he breathes in deeply, inhaling the scent of the man, like he hasnāt breathed in minutes and he is the purest oxygen. His arms wrap around the other manās torso and he pulls him even closer, his head spinning slightly. He doesnāt know where this came from, but itās absolutely needed. His eyes close as Michael mumbles against his shoulder. He misses the first part, but the I still do love you rings true.Ā
The words cause his heart and his stomach to clench. Of course, Michael still loved himā¦. he still loved Mike. He always would. They were best friends. They were each otherās saving grace. ā¦. But what kind of love was he talking about? Compassionate, platonic love that could be really needed in this time of growth and change and exploration of self? Orā¦. the lusty, sinful kind that made him question some of his life choices as he scrolled through this new blue website. He cleared his throat and turned his head slightly.
The feeling of Joshua's arms wrapping and then tightening around his waist was one he welcomed. How long had he wished for just this? Just a hug from the one person he really loved--far beyond friendship, but also beyond that lusty, sinful kind of love. Michael's face soon because buried against Joshua's neck, just breathing in the scent that Michael spent most of his life memorizing and becoming accustomed to through the years.
Without thinking, Michael sat on Joshua's lap, making the hug more comfortable for both of them, but also to just stay there, just letting the silence fall between them. But soon the silence was broken by his voice clearing, making the smaller boy lift his head a little bit as Joshua turned his head. Blue met brown for a moment as the words really sank into Michael's head, and those words were like four years worth of weight finally lifted from his shoulders and chest. For the first time, Michael felt light and free.
For the first time, Michael felt like he could finally move on and start again. Whether that be with Josh or not, was debatable.
Words escaped him in that moment though, unsure how to properly express just the feeling he was having, other than to rest his forehead against Joshua's temple; unsure how the other would have reacted if he suddenly kissed him.
"You really have no idea how happy that makes me to hear Josh." Michael stated softly before sighing and resting his head on Joshua's shoulder again.