"I-I don't know if I can do this, Simon…"

"Baz, you can do this. I believe in you."

"Simon—I—"

"Baz. Please."

Baz shut up. The magic word, he thought. Baz took a long and audible gulp. He wasn't ready. He was never ready. He took one last glance into Simon's eyes and remembered why he was doing it. It was all for him. It was all for Simon.

Baz could see the ghost of a smile on Simon's rosy lips. He wanted to kiss him—right then and there. Baz breathed deeply. Beads of sweat were rolling down his forehead. Simon stood on his tiptoes and kissed the taller boy's cheek.

"You can do this," he whispered.

Baz felt his courage build up. He felt his insides grow warm and full of Simon's love. He wasn't afraid anymore. He had Simon at his side. They were in this—together. Baz felt that their love—however taboo it may seem—was stronger than any in the World of Mages. In that moment, he felt time pause. It was just the two of them, wrapped up in each other's love. Simon tiptoed again and put their foreheads together. Their noses were nearly bumping each other.

This time, Baz wasn't afraid anymore.

With Simon by his side, he was unbreakable.

With Simon by his side, he felt safe.

"Go get 'em, Basilton," Simon said finally as he pulled away. "Go get 'em."