**Chapter 1: Unconditional Love**

The warm water cascaded down their bodies as Max and Nick stood under the showerhead, enjoying the relaxing sensation of the water on their skin. They had been together for four years, and moments like these were their favorite. It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and they had decided to spend it lounging around the house, doing absolutely nothing. Nick was humming a tune, and Max was smiling, watching him with adoration. Suddenly, Nick's eyes widened, and he stumbled. Max quickly caught him, concern etched on his face. "Nick, what's wrong?" he asked, but before Nick could respond, his body went limp, and he fell into Max's arms. Max sat down on the shower bench, cradling Nick in his lap. This was not the first time Nick had a cataplexy attack, and Max knew exactly what to do. He stroked Nick's hair, speaking softly to calm him down. "It's okay, baby, I've got you. You're safe." Nick's eyes fluttered open, and he looked up at Max, his face sheepish. "I'm so sorry, Max," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Max's expression turned stern, but his eyes sparkled with love. "Don't you ever apologize for the way your body is," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "I love you so much. I love everything about you." Max began to kiss every part of Nick's body, as if to emphasize his point. "I love your hair," he said, kissing Nick's hair, "your eyes," he kissed each of Nick's eyelids, "your amazing thighs," he kissed his thighs, "your beautiful face," he kissed Nick's nose, "your big heart," he kissed right where Nick's heart was, "your amazing hips," he kissed Nick's hip, "I love your amazing ass," he kissed the side of Nick's ass. Nick's eyes widened, and he tried to roll them, but Max caught them. "Don't roll your eyes like you don't know it's true," he said, his voice low and husky. "I love your amazing ears that turn red when I kiss you," he kissed the shell of Nick's ears, "your chest," he kissed Nick's nipple, "I love your dick," he kissed Nick's dick lightly, making him shiver. "I love your personality," Max continued, "I love your arms," he kissed Nick's shoulders, "and your legs," he kissed both of Nick's legs. "I love your jawline," he kissed Nick's jawline, "I love the little moan you do when I kiss you deeply," and he demonstrated, making Nick's eyes flutter closed. "I love you," Max said, his voice filled with emotion. "Okay? Don't you ever ever apologize for something you can't control, okay? You are so so so amazing in every way shape and form. Whether you're flustered or worn out or upset or mad or happy or scared or speaking Spanish to your brothers. I love you so so so much Nicholas, you don't know how much I love you." Nick's face was flushed, and his eyes shone with tears. He looked at Max, his heart full of love and gratitude. He knew that Max meant every word, and it was a beautiful feeling to be loved so unconditionally. As the water continued to cascade down them, Nick smiled, feeling his heart swell with love for Max. He knew that he was lucky to have found someone like Max, someone who loved him for who he was, cataplexy attacks and all. The moment hung suspended, and Nick knew that this was just the beginning of their story. What happened next would change their lives forever.