**Chapter 1: Love in the Time of Cataplexy**

The warm water cascaded down their bodies as they stood under the showerhead, enjoying the relaxing sensation of the water on their skin. Max and Nick had been together for four years now, and moments like these were their favorite. They had just finished a long day of classes and work, and a hot shower was just what they needed to unwind. Nick was leaning against the wall, his eyes closed, letting the water wash away the stress of the day. Max was standing beside him, gently massaging his shoulders. Suddenly, Nick's body stiffened, and he let out a small gasp. Max immediately knew what was happening – another cataplexy attack. Nick had been living with this condition for years, and Max had learned to recognize the signs. He quickly moved to catch Nick, who was starting to slump forward, and sat him down in his lap. "Nick, I've got you," Max said softly, holding him close. Nick's body went limp, and he lost consciousness for a few seconds. Max just sat there, holding him, waiting for him to snap back to reality. When Nick finally came to, he looked up at Max with a mixture of embarrassment and apology in his eyes. "Lo siento, Max," Nick said, his voice weak. Max just smiled and kissed the top of Nick's head. "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. I love your hair, your eyes, your amazing thighs – your beautiful face, your big heart, your amazing hips, I love your amazing ass. Don't roll your eyes like you don't know it's true. I love your amazing ears that turn red when I kiss you, your chest – kissing Nick's nipple – I love your dick. I love your personality, I love your arms, and your legs, I love your jawline, I love the little moan you do when I kiss you deeply. And I love you. 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 looked up at Max, his eyes shining with tears, and smiled weakly. Max could see the gratitude and love in his eyes, and it melted his heart. He gently kissed Nick's forehead, and they sat there in silence for a moment, enjoying the warmth of the water and each other's company. As they sat there, Max couldn't help but think about how much he loved Nick. He loved the way Nick's eyes sparkled when he laughed, the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck, and the way his voice sounded when he spoke Spanish to his brothers. He loved Nick's quirks and flaws, and he loved the way he made him feel – like he was home. As the water started to get cold, Max gently stood up, still holding Nick in his arms. "Let's get out of here," he said, smiling. "We can get dry and make some dinner. I'm starving." Nick nodded, still looking a bit shaken, but also smiling. "Sí, I'm starving too," he said, his voice a little stronger now. As they stepped out of the shower, Max wrapped a towel around Nick's waist and another around his own. They stood there for a moment, looking at each other, and Max knew that this was just the beginning of another amazing day with the love of his life.