The fight in his arms gradually weakened until his trembling hands no longer had the strength to keep pushing.
They came to rest against Matteo's chest as his body sagged from sheer exhaustion, his tears continuing to fall between them.
Adrian didn't kiss him back.
He didn't push him away anymore either.
He simply stood there, utterly exhausted, allowing the kiss to happen as tears slipped silently down his face until Matteo finally pulled away.
Matteo looked down at him, his own eyes filled with remorse.
"I'm sorry…" he whispered. "I'm so damn sorry I hurt you this badly."
His trembling fingers gently brushed away the tears on Adrian's pale cheeks.
"Everything you said out there…" His voice cracked. "The others may not understand, but I do. I know how much your freedom means to you. I know how badly I failed you."
He hesitated before asking softly,
"Can we go somewhere else and talk? Just the two of us?"
Adrian stared at him, his voice flat with exhaustion.
