It was likely just another hollow promise, words said because they were what he wanted to hear, that he wanted to believe.

Wyatt should have called them out. At the very least told Max he didn't have to pretend for his sake, that it would make it harder when the time came.... But he didn't. Instead he reached out, palm warm against the side of Max's throat, fingers a light band on the back of his neck.

Another day, a week, a few months - whatever time he got would be worth the pain.

"Wouldn't want ya anywhere else, Max."