MAXEN
The soft morning light filtered through the thin curtains of Maxen's bedroom, casting gentle stripes across their tangled sheets. Adrian stirred first, a sense of quiet contentment settling over him. He turned his head, watching Maxen sleep, his dark hair tousled against the pillow. A small, genuine smile touched Adrian's lips. Moments like these, away from the pressures of his world, felt like stolen treasures.
The aroma of coffee, rich and inviting, began to drift from the kitchen, coaxing Adrian further awake. He slipped out of bed carefully, pulling on the spare T-shirt Max had lent him. As he reached the doorway, he heard the gentle clinking of dishes and a soft humming.
He found Max in the small kitchen, already in a well-worn apron, expertly flipping what looked like pancakes on a small griddle. Standing beside him, chatting animatedly as she gracefully chopped fresh fruit, was Ms. Lena — a woman with kind eyes, a light dusting of silver in her hair, and an energy that seemed to warm the whole room.
Max glanced up, his face lighting up when he saw Adrian.
"Morning, sleepyhead. You're just in time. Mom's making her famous pancakes."
Adrian's face flushed a soft shade of red, his nervousness clear.
Maxen's mom turned, her smile widening as she took him in.
"Ah, Adrian. Max just told me you're here. It's lovely to finally meet you outside the charity center," she said warmly, instantly putting Adrian at ease.
Adrian offered a slightly shy smile.
"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Ms. Lena."
"Oh, please, call me Mom already," she said with a gentle wave of her hand, her eyes twinkling. "You're part of the family now."
"Oh Mom, please, you're scaring him," Maxen teased lightly, earning soft laughter from both of them.
The kitchen felt instantly cozy, filled with the comforting sounds of sizzling batter and easy chatter. Adrian found himself drawn into their rhythm as Ms. Lena bustled around, offering him coffee and a plate.
As they ate, Ms. Lena asked with genuine curiosity,
"Adrian, how's work?"
Adrian smiled faintly.
"Stressful, but good. You know… there's constant expectations and all..." he trailed off with a shrug.
Ms. Lena nodded with understanding, her presence soothing rather than pressing.
She then spoke with quiet pride about Maxen's café, her eyes shining as she recounted stories of its early days with Uncle Colm. As she spoke, Adrian quietly studied Maxen — the way he smiled shyly under his mother's praise, the small lift of his shoulders as if embarrassed.
A warm pride swelled in Adrian's chest, softening his gaze.
Maxen caught him looking, and for a fleeting moment, their eyes met — a silent exchange of shared pride and something deeper, unspoken but understood.
The conversation drifted to funny anecdotes about Maxen's childhood and the surprisingly good coffee Ms Lena had brewing. For a little while, the looming dinner with Mr. Gavin seemed far away, replaced by the simple comfort of shared food and laughter.
Later, as Maxen helped his mom with the dishes — humming softly as he washed — Adrian leaned against the doorframe, watching them.
There was a deep connection between them, a quiet understanding that spoke volumes about their bond.
It was the kind of familial warmth Adrian had always longed for but rarely found.
Ms. Lena turned, catching his eye.
"You're good for him, Adrian," she said softly, her smile genuine. "He carries a lot sometimes. You bring a lightness."
Adrian's throat tightened slightly.
He hadn't planned to say it here, but standing in this small kitchen, feeling this belonging, the words came easier.
"I'm the lucky one," he said, voice low. A brief pause, then, gathering his courage:
"Actually... after everything settles at work, I'm going to ask him to be my boyfriend."
He looked at Ms. Lena, almost seeking her blessing.
"I hope you'll be okay with that?"
Ms. Lena's smile warmed even further, her eyes crinkling.
"Oh, son, why wouldn't I be? I love my boy, and I want him happy after everything he's been through. And you too—you deserve happiness.
The first time I saw you at the charity event, you came in like you were waiting and searching for something at the same time.
But since you met Xen, you don't have that look anymore.
So dear, I'm happy for you."
Adrian swallowed the sudden lump in his throat.
"Thank you. And... sorry for not telling you about my identity earlier."
Ms. Lena chuckled gently.
"Oh Adrian, I knew you were different the moment I saw you. Don't worry. Trust comes slowly, not hastily."
"I just hope my presence won't bring unnecessary media attention to your charity programs," Adrian added, the concern surfacing again.
Ms. Lena simply opened her arms, her presence like a warm hearth.
"Come on, give me a hug. You're too young to be carrying all this."
They hugged, warmth and acceptance wrapping around Adrian like a shield.
"I love you, Adrian," she whispered. "You and Xen take care of each other."
A warmth spread through Adrian's chest at her words.
He simply nodded, unable to articulate the depth of what Maxen meant to him.
After breakfast, Ms. Lena hugged Maxen tightly and offered Adrian another warm smile.
"It was lovely meeting you properly, dear. You must come by again soon."
As Maxen walked his mom to the door, Adrian looked around the small apartment, now imbued with the lingering scent of pancakes and the echo of Ms. Lena's laughter.
It felt even more like a sanctuary.
When Maxen returned, Adrian met his gaze.
"Your mom is... wonderful and welcoming, Max."
Maxen's expression softened.
"Yeah, she is. She has that effect on people."
He paused, a hint of concern flickering in his eyes.
"You okay? You seemed a little... distant earlier."
Adrian hesitated, the weight of the upcoming week settling back onto his shoulders.
"Just... thinking about everything. Mr. Gavin... the dinner..."
Maxen stepped closer, taking Adrian's hands in his.
"Hey. One step at a time, remember?
Today is for this. For us.
Let's just... be for a little while longer."
Adrian nodded, squeezing Maxen's hands.
The warmth of his touch, the genuine care in his eyes — it was a grounding force, a reminder of what truly mattered amidst the swirling possibilities and anxieties.
The waiting might be difficult, but having Maxen by his side made it feel a little less daunting.
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TO BE CONTINUED...
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Next updates: Wednesday at 7:30 PM GMT. Adjust for your local time!
MUSE,
"Sometimes the world feels too heavy to carry alone — and that's okay. Letting someone share the weight doesn't make you weaker; it makes you stronger together. If you find a place where you can breathe easier, smile without fear, and feel truly seen, treasure it. You deserve that kind of peace."
With all our love,
ADRIAN 💜 MAXEN