For the longest time, Max says nothing. He holds Andrew and listens to the soft crying, trying his damndest not to add his own tears to it.

He can remember nights like these when he first got to the city. He'd cried in his lover's arms, and felt that same wonderful release. Now he can pay it forward.

"I'm real. This is real. You're finally safe." Max caresses Andrew's tearstained face and stretches forward to kiss his crown. "You can rest. I swear, I'll be right here tomorrow morning. So sleep. Sleep." Max says a little firmer the second time. A gentle order.

"I'll be right here."