Chapter Text
“Arthur Montgomery III, when we met here so many months ago there were countless fire hazards in this place–” Perry began.
Mo pursed his lips and raised his eyebrow in a challenging manner, but nodded for Perry to continue.
“ Which were quickly resolved! And now the only fire hazard is you, for reigniting a flame in me that I thought was dead. You have shown me what it means to be brave and unapologetically myself. You have exquisite taste in everything from decor and music to the people you choose to surround yourself with – and who I am thrilled could be here for this moment as they have been for so many other moments. You have been an exceptional role model to my kids, and there is nothing more important to me than that. I am sure that this short list will grow more and more for as long as we are together, which I hope will be a very long time. Will you marry me Mo?”
Obviously Zoey knew this was coming – she and Max were sworn to secrecy two weeks ago when Perry had asked Max if he could use Maximo for his big proposal to Mo and obviously Max told Zoey immediately – but actually hearing the four word question sent a shock through her.
Zoey had been thinking a lot about her future lately. It was difficult to say the least, getting past the fear of losing another person – and even more so getting through each day unable to look too far forward – but she had gotten past it and now there was Max. Always Max. Only Max.
Max had always been there of course, but it was so different now and yet so similar. They still got takeout and had movie nights just as they always had. Still debated the superiority of Star Wars and Star Trek, and argued over pop culture references that Zoey clearly didn’t know as well as Max. Only now they share their meals, they snuggle close together during films, debates are less heated and more playful, and of course – sex.
More than any of that though was the feeling that she was no longer alone – in anything. Max was her partner – they were a team – and Zoey had never been happier. She wasn’t sure there was anything that could make her happier.
Apparently Mo said yes at some point because Max suddenly leaned over to her and interrupted her thoughts.
“So what do you think Zo, is that something you might want?” He asked her. The question came across in a playful manner, but Zoey knew there was some hesitation and fear of rejection hiding behind his smirk. She couldn’t blame him for it. Max had been so patient with her on more than one occasion and at the first sign of doubt she had run in the other direction. Ever since they had gotten back together, though, Zoey had been making an extra effort to convince Max that she wouldn’t run away this time.
“Wouldn’t you like to know? I guess you’ll just have to ask me to find out.” Zoey attempted to wink for effect but she’s pretty sure it looked more like an exaggerated blink.
She suddenly heard the beginnings of a heartsong. Max stood and held his hand out for Zoey which she took and they walked to the center of the room where they began to dance.
Dance with me here in the diamonds
See me like breath in the cold
Sleep with me here in the silence
Come kiss me, silver and gold
You say that I won’t lose you
But you can’t predict the future so just hold on like you will never let go
“Oh Max.” She understood his fears. Hell, until recently she was so afraid of losing him that she wouldn’t even give their relationship a real chance. She now sees that he has the same fears, but he’s always believed in them even before she was ready to do the same.
Yeah, if you ever moved on without me
I need to make sure you know
That you are the only one I’ll ever love
I gotta tell ya, gotta tell ya
Move on? Zoey isn’t sure she will ever truly move on from Max. No matter what their future holds whether they are together forever or their relationship goes up in flames, she knows now that he’s the only one for her.
Yeah you if it’s not you it’s not anyone
I gotta tell ya, gotta tell ya
It still surprises her how in sync they are sometimes and how similarly their trains of thought are.
Looking back on my life you’re the only good I’ve ever done
You if it’s not you it’s not anyone. Not anyone
After seeing that her comment did not instill confidence, she looked at him with determination and cupped his face. “Max, listen to me. I love you. I like you. I am happy with you and there is no one I would rather have by my side – always. We work better as a team, remember?”
He looked at her with a lopsided grin and renewed hope in his eyes, but Zoey could see the gears turning in his mind as he began planning his proposal.