**Chapter 1: Unconditional Love**

The warm water cascaded down their bodies as they stood under the showerhead, enjoying a quiet morning moment together. Max and Nick had been together for four years, and their love only seemed to grow stronger with each passing day. At 19, they were still young and exploring life, but they knew they had found something special in each other. As they showered, Nick suddenly froze, his eyes fixed on something across the room, but his gaze was unfocused. Max noticed the change in Nick's demeanor and turned to face him. "Hey, Nick, what's wrong?" Max asked, concern etched on his face. But Nick didn't respond. His body began to stiffen, and he let out a faint mewling sound. His eyes rolled back, and he crumpled forward, his legs giving out beneath him. Max quickly caught him, holding him upright as Nick's body began to convulse. "Nick! Oh my god, Nick!" Max exclaimed, panic rising in his chest. The sound of Nick's cataplexy attack was like nothing Max had ever heard before. It was as if Nick's body had suddenly given out, and he was helpless. Max had seen Nick's episodes before, but this one seemed different. The way Nick's muscles relaxed and his body went limp was both terrifying and heartbreaking. As quickly as it had started, Nick's attack subsided, and he snapped back to reality, his eyes fluttering open. He looked up at Max, disoriented and embarrassed. "Lo siento, mi amor," Nick whispered, his voice shaking. "I'm so sorry." Max held Nick close, supporting him as he trembled. "Don't apologize, Nick," Max said softly. "You have nothing to apologize for." Nick looked up, his eyes searching for reassurance. Max could see the fear and vulnerability there, and his heart went out to his partner. "Seriously, don't ever apologize for the way your body is," Max said, his voice filled with conviction. "I love you, Nick. Every part of you." And with that, Max began to kiss every part of Nick's body, as if to prove it to him. "I love your hair, your eyes, your amazing thighs," Max whispered, his lips brushing against Nick's skin. "Your beautiful face, your big heart, your amazing hips... I love your amazing ass." Nick's eyes widened, and he rolled them good-naturedly, but Max could see the tension in his body begin to ease. "Don't roll your eyes like you don't know it's true," Max continued, his voice low and husky. "I love your amazing ears that turn red when I kiss you, your chest... kissing your nipple." Max chuckled and kissed Nick's chest. "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." As Max spoke, Nick's face transformed, his eyes shining with happiness and love. "And I love you," Max concluded, his voice full of emotion. "Okay? Don't you ever, ever apologize for something you can't control, okay? You are 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 much, Nicholas. You don't know how much I love you." Nick's face softened, and he looked at Max, his eyes brimming with tears. Max could see the depth of Nick's emotions, the love and gratitude that filled him. "Gracias, mi amor," Nick whispered, his voice thick with emotion. Max smiled and leaned in, his lips brushing against Nick's. "No, thank you," he whispered. "For being you, for being my Nick." As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Max knew that he would never let Nick feel ashamed or embarrassed about his body or his episodes. Nick was loved, completely and utterly, and Max would make sure he knew it every day for the rest of their lives.