Final Chapter

Life looked different now. Messiah got signed to play pro soccer, and Javier's shop was doing better than ever. Their apartment felt like real home - Messiah's trophies mixed with Javier's art, their cat ruling everything like always.

Sunday dinners at Javier's mama's house became regular thing. Messiah even started helping her cook sometimes, learning family recipes while she told stories about Javier as a kid.

"You see how happy you make him?" she said one day, watching Javier laugh with his sister in the other room. "He different with you. Better."

Messiah just smiled, cause he knew exactly what she meant. He was different too - still himself but softer now, more open to love.

That night at home, Messiah was stretched out on their bed watching Javier draw. Something about this moment - just being together, comfortable and safe - made his chest feel full.

"What you thinking about?" Javier asked, catching him staring.

"Just... never thought I'd have this." Messiah moved closer. "Someone who loves me right."

Javier put his sketchbook down, pulling Messiah into his lap. "Get used to it chiquito. Cause you stuck with me forever."

"Promise?"

Instead of answering, Javier just kissed him deep. They'd come so far from that first day in the shop - from Messiah's walls and Javier's patience, from learning to trust and love and build something real.

Now they had this: a home together, a family that chose them, a love that kept growing stronger. And maybe that's all anybody really needs - someone to see past their walls, love them through their fears, and stay even when things get hard.

For two boys who started out scared to love, they sure figured out how to do it right.

"I love you," Messiah said against Javier's lips.

"Love you too baby. Always."

And that was their truth - always and forever, no matter what came next. Just them, choosing each other every day, building the kind of love stories are made of.