章 105: Toxic Prelude

"Sorry for my question ..." Martin began as the drunk boy walked away. The young mechanic felt awkward and a little panicked. "I did not want to…"

"It's all right," Steve replied. His voice was calm and warm, although a little sad. "It's not a nice topic for me to talk to, but since we're going to be together, I think you should know about it to avoid any surprises."

"But if it's painful ..."

Steve shook his head. A pale but warm smile appeared on his face, as if he wanted to prove that Martin hadn't actually touched the hard-healing wound.

"A man always wants to be strong and perfect in the eyes of those he loves, but you already know that I am not like that. I mean, I'd like to be perfect, but you know how many faults I have and how serious they are."

"But you are perfect," Martin enthusiastically assured and then, not even realizing that he was repeating what Steve had said about him, added: "In my eyes you are perfect."