He takes a breath. The kind of breath that means he’s trying to formulate a sentence he’s never said out loud before. “I was so lonely before you. Except I didn’t even realize I was lonely. I thought that was the way I was supposed to be.” Eli’s throat is abruptly tight. “Alex.” “So. My point is. There’s no going back for me, now.” “Okay,” Eli says and sort of throws himself at Alex, and Alex catches him because of course he does. “Hey,” Eli says a minute later, palms pressed to the sides of Alex’s neck. “Hey,” Alex agrees, lacing his fingers at the small of Eli’s back. “Te amo,” Eli says. And
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