Operation Falling For The Cover Story

Once And For All.

Charles helped Max stumble down the dimly lit hallway of the hotel. Max's steps were unsteady, his bruised and battered body protesting with every movement. They finally reached Max's room, and Charles fumbled for the key card in Max's pocket to unlock the door. The room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn shut, and the only source of light was the faint glow of the city outside.

Once they were inside, Charles gently pushed Max down onto the bed, taking a moment to assess the extent of his injuries. Max winced as Charles began to unbutton his shirt, revealing a canvas of dark bruises across his chest and stomach. The dried blood on his cheek and the faint oozing of fresh blood from a cut made him look like he'd been through a brutal brawl.

"Max, you really got yourself into a mess," Charles said, shaking his head in disbelief.

Max chuckled weakly, his voice hoarse. "At least I'm not dead yet, thanks to you." The Monegasque smiled slightly.

Charles started to wet a washcloth with warm water from the bathroom. As he began to clean the dried blood off Max's cheek, Max winced at the sting but didn't pull away. Charles couldn't help but notice the intensity in Max's eyes, the way they seemed to lock onto him, even in his beaten state.

Charles left Max's side briefly to fetch some painkillers and a first-aid kit from the bathroom. He returned with a small glass of water and the necessary supplies, setting them on the bedside table.

Max tried to prop himself up on the pillows but winced in pain. "Yeah, maybe you could give me a hand with that," he said, his smile a bit strained.

Charles moved closer to Max, helping him sit up. Max took the painkillers with a grateful nod, downing them with a sip of water.

As Charles carefully examined Max's cut cheek, Max couldn't help but wince again when he touched the tender area. "Ouch! Easy there, doc. I'm not sure you've got the whole 'gentle' thing down yet."

Charles grinned, his fingers deftly cleaning and applying antiseptic to the cut. "Sorry, I'm more used to rough and tumble first-aid situations."

Max smirked. "You should've seen me in my prime. I could handle myself."

Charles finished bandaging the cut and sat back. "I have no doubt about that."

Max looked at him with a glint of mischief in his eyes. "You know, you still owe me a story. Why did you kiss me?"

Charles leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I kissed you because... I couldn't bear the thought of losing you, Max. In that moment, I realized how much you meant to me, and I had to show it, even if it was impulsive and reckless."

Max raised an eyebrow. "Reckless is right."

Charles chuckled. "I know. It was foolish, and I'm sorry if it complicated things."

Max reached out and touched Charles's arm gently. "You have no idea how much that kiss meant to me. You saved my life today, Charles. It made me realize that I care about you more than I can put into words."

Their eyes locked, and Charles leaned in, placing a soft kiss on Max's forehead. "I'm just glad you're okay, Max."

Max's smile was genuine now, despite the pain he was in. "So, no sex, huh?"

Charles laughed. "No, no sex. You're in no condition for that."

Max sighed dramatically. "Well fuck. I guess we'll have to settle for a platonic sleepover then."

Charles helped Max settle back into the pillows, and they both got comfortable in the bed, mindful of Max's injuries. As they lay there, side by side, Charles reached out and took Max's hand, their fingers intertwining.