Something loosened in Michael’s chest at Alex’s words, and even more so at the kiss. He rested his forehead against Alex’s, as his lips curved in a smile for a brief moment, before he pulled back a little. Concern flickered in his eyes.

“If I get Max to fix it, you see why I have to leave, right? I mean, if your dad saw me, and my hand was healed...”

And dropping this on Alex and asking him to still run away with him seemed like...a lot.