HOME | DD

Description
Reunion

Max grumbled softly to himself. The bell had rung and Ayame was there in her seat yet there was no sign of Kurai. He tried asking her about it yet she gave him no straight answer nor had anybody seen him all morning. This made him worry. Was Kurai sick or just straight up avoiding him this morning? He drummed his fingers across the desk, chewed on the end of his pencil, tapped his foot, and even started to tear at his paper in frustration at Kurai's absence. The teacher just turned to the board to begin the kanji lesson of the day when the door slowly slid open to allow Kurai to slowly wander in.

Max sighed in relief. He didn't appear to have any new injuries. No blood, no bandages or lumps. However the area around his eyes seemed a bit darker than usual as if the boy hadn't sleep. Max stayed quiet as the teacher addressed him on his tardiness; Kurai muttered a quick, soft apology then moved to take his seat near the Australian. Max waited until the teacher turned back around before leaning closer to Kurai.

“Where where you? You've never been this late,” he questioned and received no response. “What time did you get to bed Kurai? You look beat.” Once again, no words left the Asian. Max frowned, tapping him slightly. “Kurai?”

“Sh,” Kurai pointed towards the teacher and resumed his copying of what was on the board. The red head scowled, turning in his seat.

“Answer me Kurai. I take back what I said,” Max whispered. Kurai scowled, pointing towards the board again. “Please Kurai, talk to me, respond. Something other than the pointing.”

「マクスーチャン」 Max flinched and looked at the teacher who scowled in irritation at him.

“Sorry miss,” he turned back in his seat to turn his attention back to the board. Max frowned, keeping his eyes on the clock, waiting for it to ring as to allow him a chance to talk things over. Time had never seemed more slow to him. Every tick of the clock seemed like an eternity. Every word that the teacher said seemed to take forever; at the chime of the bell he jumped and knocked his pencil off his desk. “oops.” Max watched as the teacher moved out, along with a few students. He turned once again to Kurai who continued to stare and flip intently through the text book while gazing at notes from another class mate. “Oi.”

“Hm?”

“You gonna talk to me or not?”

“Maybe.” Max frowned, he didn't like that answer at all. It sounded halfhearted and mumbled.

“C'mon Kurai please. I'm sorry. I let my temper get the better of me. At least tell me why you look so tired.”

“I was out late.”

“Doing what?”

“Walking.” Max blinked. He didn't think Kurai would actually go for that long of a walk. In fact, he actually kinda expected Kurai to walk home, not wander around for apparently half the night.

“I'm sorry. Let dad drive you home this afternoon. In fact, come with us. Dad has a dinner thing that we have to go to. Come with,” Max suggested, praying that he was slowly working his way back into good graces.

“I can't, I have work this evening,” was the blunt response from Kurai as he stood, gather his materials to depart the room. “Bai bai.” The Australian sighed, lightly kicking his desk as he turned back to the front in his seat as he snagged his apple from his bag. Well, that plan had failed. He drummed his fingers on the desk; he knew he couldn't get out of the dinner. He had tried that already quite a few times. He grumbled to himself as he slipped his phone out of his pocket to send Kurai a message. He expected a quick response yet received nothing; Max requested a trip to the bathroom as to sneak over to the Kendo room where he knew Kurai was for his next class.

“He can't avoid me all day. There's no way,” Max mumbled, leaning against the wall, hiding when staff came by, until the bell rang. He could tell that the class had bathed before class ended, however he still spotted no Kurai. He peeked into the room where Kunagi was putting away a few of the training supplies, her back to the door; no Kurai in sight. He glanced towards the locker room, darting over to it as quiet as he could. This room was void of the dark haired male that he sought as well. Max scowled and cursed under his breath. His rage slowly ebbed at the faint sound of running water. “Kurai?” The Australian slowly approached the door that led to the showers. All of the stalls where empty except for one at the very end. The faded blue curtain was still pulled closed and steam drifted lazily through the room.

“Kurai?” Max questioned, slowly pulled the curtain aside. The black haired male jumped and flinched, nearly slipping on the wet floor as he scrambled to cover himself and look away. “The bell rang. You're going to be late.”

“I'm taking a shower! Close the curtain!” Kurai snapped, latching onto the curtain and trying to shut it.

“Kurai, I've seen you naked. Remember? Stop freaking out. Talk to me damnit. If you don't mind being late to your next class for a shower then you can make time to talk to me!” Max demanded, jerking the curtain free. Kurai scowled. Shutting off the shower with a bit more force than needed.

“Can't I be left alone long enough to bathe?! I don't want to talk to you! You made it quite clear yesterday that you don't need me!” Kurai snapped, barging past the Australian to gather his towel to dry himself.

“Kurai, I told you I was sorry! I don't know what came over me!” Max pleaded, following the nude male that proceeded to dry himself off. “I'm sorry mate!”

“Sorry? Heh. Doesn't matter. I'm over it,” Kurai grumbled, tossing the towel onto the pile of towels that resided in the corner and grabbed his boxers.

“Really?!” Max treaded closer, arms open wide to embrace the younger male, and instead was greeted with a knee to the groin. Max sunk to his knees, gripping himself as he rested his head on the floor, fighting the urge to be sick or cry. “K-Kurai..N-not..right.” The male simply shrugged, tugging on his clothes, and promptly left.

Max skipped out on most his classes for the rest of the day. Sitting still brought him small, short pain surges and his mood just didn't deem class worthy. He went from pissed, to irritated, to upset and the verge of tears to just wanting to punch a hole in the nearest wall. He stormed outside when the bell rang where his father was already waiting. Steve calmly opened the back door to allow Max to toss his book bag in before slumping down on the passenger side to stare angrily out the window. Steve frowned, watching as Kurai quickly walked by with Ayame, either not so much as tossing a glance in his direction. Steve slowly slid into the driver's seat to restart the car and drive away.

“So, I take it Kurai is still mad?” Steve asked softly once they were a short distance from the school. He hated to say it, it made a slight lump well in his own throat. Kurai and Max wouldn't of had separated if it wasn't for him accepting the move back to Australia; he felt responsible for their current fight.

“He wouldn't look at me. He wouldn't talk to me. He wanted nothing to do to me. He kicked me when I apologized,” Max mumbled softly, his gaze not leaving the window.

“Kicked you? Kicked you where?”

“Where do you think?”

“Oh. There. That's not right.” They continued their drive in silence for quite some time before back slumped further into the seat, loosely crossing his arms, yet kept his gaze on the window.

“Dad.”

“Hm?”

“Can we move back?”

“Move back?”

“Home.”

“We are home Max, well, we're a few blocks from it but we're home.”

“No, I mean Australia. Or can I go back and live with Grandma or mom? Preferably mom.”

“Max, we, you can't leave just because Kurai doesn't want to talk to you. Give 'em some time,” Steve coaxed. Max turned his head slightly to look at him. His eyes slightly red along with his nose; his mouth twitched and quivered every so often from the strain of trying to keep it calm and even. Steve sighed, slowing to a stop to run his fingers through his hair and glance out the window himself. “Alright, after dinner...I'll give Victoria a call and see what I can do if that's really what you want.”

~~~~*~~~~~

Noah bit and chewed at his lip, cheek, tongue anything he could to keep his mouth closed. He wanted to say something to Max. Anything. Something that may help the teen feel better or change his mind. Yet every time he directed his gaze to the backseat or opened his mouth, Steve would slowly shake his head and gently pat the blond on the thigh. It was driving Noah crazy. Steve and him never got this upset with each other. Sure they fought and disagreed but by the end of the day they would at least speak to each other even if it was curt. Neither wanted to move away or just completely part. Steve would either go for a walk or just go find something to fiddle with outside then come back in when he was sure they had cooled. Seeing Max, stare blankly out the window, slouched in his seat was killing him.

“Max.,” Steve shook his head, pulling into a parking space. He leaned over, kissing Noah lightly on the cheek.

“Leave him be. I'm going to wait until he goes to bed before I call Victoria. We can talk about this as well then,” Steve uttered softly, climbing out the car. Noah sighed, climbing out as well with Max sluggishly behind him. He turned, trying to straighten Max's hair and collar.

“Please perk up. Give him a few days,” Noah mumbled softly, ushering Max in with him to join the rest of the group inside the restaurant. To be ironic, the Police crew had chosen Outback as their place of welcoming Steve back. Steve found amusement in it and Noah simply shook his head at it; Max just seemed to ignore it. He stuck back close to the door, leaning against the frame work until the group started moving towards the back of the restaurant to their seats. Their host bid them farewell to return to her post with her coworker to tend to the rest of the people on wait. Max grumbled softly to himself, plopping down in his seat to flick his menu open. He really didn't feel hungry. Food was the last thing on his mind, but he knew if he didn't eat, he might not hear the end of it later and would probably just appear rude to the police chief that sat not far from his father.

They waited quietly, Max, staring blankly at the menu. He was just gonna point and order what ever his finger landed on. He would answer the occasional question when asked but other than that, he was just a lump on the chair.

“Hi, sorry about the wait. Your server is a bit busy and tad weak on English. So I'll take your drink orders for her and also be your interpretor,” the person greeted, their voice slowly trailing off. Max casted his glance towards them half-heartedly then nearly leapt from his chair. Steve nearly choked on the bite of bread he was happily munching on; Noah lightly kicked him under the table.

“Kurai?!” Max blinked, earning the young Japanese male's attention. Kurai blinked in surprise. Straining out a smile, quickly turning his attention to the police chief.

“Ah, your drink order sir?”

「コーラ」.

“Kurai.”

“Yours?”
“Kurai!” Kurai turned his gaze towards Max, his eyes starting to drop into a glare until a slightly winded female popped up beside him, slowly reaching for the pen and pad that he held.

“This is Yumi and she shall be your server for this evening. Enjoy.” Kurai turned quickly to calmly stride away, whipping around a corner to vanish into the kitchen. Max grumbled hotly under his breath, slinking down into his chair. He spent the time glancing around the restaurant, staring at the soundless TVs, and sipping moodily at his drink while everybody else talked.

“Ah, excuse me. I'm going to the restroom,” Max uttered quickly once he saw Kurai swiftly vanish into the blokes restroom. He wandered in just in time to see the door to the handicap slowly swing close. Max darted forward, throwing the door open to wander in.

「ごめんね。一分にください。」 Kurai responded, turning to glance over his shoulder and jumped into the wall. Max turned, snapping the lock closed with more force than needed so that the lock nearly undid itself. “Max! Let me out of here right now!”

“No! Not until you talk to me!”

“I need to get back to work!”

“I don't give a shit! I'm an unhappy customer and I want you to fix it!” Kurai scowled at the male blocking the door. Max glowered right back, crossing his arms firmly over his chest. They stood there in silence, the air thick with their irritation. Kurai jumped and scrambled, doing his best to scale the stall wall to gain his freedom to return to his work. Max latched onto the older's male's waist, dragging Kurai to the ground with him. They squirmed, wiggled, and hit each other in attempts to gain control of the situation.

After a solid head butt did Max manage to pin the struggling Asian to the ground. Kurai strained and grunted, trying to lift his trapped arms to force Max off of his waist. He bucked slightly, trying to throw the taller male off of him. Finally, Kurai growled and submitted, laying on the ground with Max holding down his arms and sitting on his waist; Max sighed heavily, panting slightly. Kurai could wear a person out when he wanted to. It took Max everything he had to hold the retaliating male down, “now will you talk to me?!”

“I really don't have a choice now do I?!” Kurai snapped, jerking his wrists. Max nodded, firmly sitting on Kurai's waist and slowly released his wrists. “What do you want?!”

“To apologize. Kurai, please, listen and forgive me. I realize I acted childish and blew that completely out of proportion; said some things I shouldn't have. I've never found a female attractive,” Max uttered softly. “I was scared. Scared that I might have lost you and I wouldn't have been able to do a thing. I was miles across the sea and unable to fight for you. If I could have I would have been back here sooner or never left at all. You gotta believe me.”

Kurai scowled, and averted his gaze; grumbling softly at the stall door.

“Please Kurai. I love you and I was scared. You know I love you. I get overly jealous and overly protective. I get it from Dad.”

“Fine. Fine. I forgive you. Now get off me, I have work. We can really rejoice over this later, alright? I'm on the clock.” Max nodded, shifting slightly as he was he going to get back up then firmly planted himself again. “Max, off. I gotta go back to work.” Max slowly shook his head, leaning down to press his forehead against Kurai's.

“Next time I do anything like that, knock the hell outta of me. Just no more kicks, please, that hurt. Greatly.” Max instructed, placing a gentle kiss on Kurai's lips. Kurai slowly nodded, returning the kiss then quickly had to break away once Max tried to deepen it. Max lazily trailed his lips along Kurai's throat.

“No! No! Max, stop! Not here!”

“But your hot when your angry,” Max mumbled, biting down gently on Kurai's shoulder.

“I don't care. Not here! Max! Max! No!” Kurai tried to lean up to prevent the hand that was lingering around the front of his pants.”No! Sto—ah~!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Max wandered back to his seat, much happier than he had been as he watched Kurai sneak back into the kitchen with a noticeable limp. Least nobody had come into the bathroom and Max had discovered that shirts made an excellent gag. He sipped happily at his drink, earning Steve's attention. The red head raised an eyebrow at him in mid-bite of his steak and Max simply winked in response. Steve sputtered and coughed, startling Noah.

“In public?!” Steve all be shouted, Max snickered and Noah blinked in confusion before finally understanding what Steve was getting at. Noah scowled at Max who shrugged and contently ate his chicken.

“So, dad, after dinner can we hang around? Kurai might need a ride home.”

Description
Reunion

Max grumbled softly to himself. The bell had rung and Ayame was there in her seat yet there was no sign of Kurai. He tried asking her about it yet she gave him no straight answer nor had anybody seen him all morning. This made him worry. Was Kurai sick or just straight up avoiding him this morning? He drummed his fingers across the desk, chewed on the end of his pencil, tapped his foot, and even started to tear at his paper in frustration at Kurai's absence. The teacher just turned to the board to begin the kanji lesson of the day when the door slowly slid open to allow Kurai to slowly wander in.

Max sighed in relief. He didn't appear to have any new injuries. No blood, no bandages or lumps. However the area around his eyes seemed a bit darker than usual as if the boy hadn't sleep. Max stayed quiet as the teacher addressed him on his tardiness; Kurai muttered a quick, soft apology then moved to take his seat near the Australian. Max waited until the teacher turned back around before leaning closer to Kurai.

“Where where you? You've never been this late,” he questioned and received no response. “What time did you get to bed Kurai? You look beat.” Once again, no words left the Asian. Max frowned, tapping him slightly. “Kurai?”

“Sh,” Kurai pointed towards the teacher and resumed his copying of what was on the board. The red head scowled, turning in his seat.

“Answer me Kurai. I take back what I said,” Max whispered. Kurai scowled, pointing towards the board again. “Please Kurai, talk to me, respond. Something other than the pointing.”

「マクスーチャン」 Max flinched and looked at the teacher who scowled in irritation at him.

“Sorry miss,” he turned back in his seat to turn his attention back to the board. Max frowned, keeping his eyes on the clock, waiting for it to ring as to allow him a chance to talk things over. Time had never seemed more slow to him. Every tick of the clock seemed like an eternity. Every word that the teacher said seemed to take forever; at the chime of the bell he jumped and knocked his pencil off his desk. “oops.” Max watched as the teacher moved out, along with a few students. He turned once again to Kurai who continued to stare and flip intently through the text book while gazing at notes from another class mate. “Oi.”

“Hm?”

“You gonna talk to me or not?”

“Maybe.” Max frowned, he didn't like that answer at all. It sounded halfhearted and mumbled.

“C'mon Kurai please. I'm sorry. I let my temper get the better of me. At least tell me why you look so tired.”

“I was out late.”

“Doing what?”

“Walking.” Max blinked. He didn't think Kurai would actually go for that long of a walk. In fact, he actually kinda expected Kurai to walk home, not wander around for apparently half the night.

“I'm sorry. Let dad drive you home this afternoon. In fact, come with us. Dad has a dinner thing that we have to go to. Come with,” Max suggested, praying that he was slowly working his way back into good graces.

“I can't, I have work this evening,” was the blunt response from Kurai as he stood, gather his materials to depart the room. “Bai bai.” The Australian sighed, lightly kicking his desk as he turned back to the front in his seat as he snagged his apple from his bag. Well, that plan had failed. He drummed his fingers on the desk; he knew he couldn't get out of the dinner. He had tried that already quite a few times. He grumbled to himself as he slipped his phone out of his pocket to send Kurai a message. He expected a quick response yet received nothing; Max requested a trip to the bathroom as to sneak over to the Kendo room where he knew Kurai was for his next class.

“He can't avoid me all day. There's no way,” Max mumbled, leaning against the wall, hiding when staff came by, until the bell rang. He could tell that the class had bathed before class ended, however he still spotted no Kurai. He peeked into the room where Kunagi was putting away a few of the training supplies, her back to the door; no Kurai in sight. He glanced towards the locker room, darting over to it as quiet as he could. This room was void of the dark haired male that he sought as well. Max scowled and cursed under his breath. His rage slowly ebbed at the faint sound of running water. “Kurai?” The Australian slowly approached the door that led to the showers. All of the stalls where empty except for one at the very end. The faded blue curtain was still pulled closed and steam drifted lazily through the room.

“Kurai?” Max questioned, slowly pulled the curtain aside. The black haired male jumped and flinched, nearly slipping on the wet floor as he scrambled to cover himself and look away. “The bell rang. You're going to be late.”

“I'm taking a shower! Close the curtain!” Kurai snapped, latching onto the curtain and trying to shut it.

“Kurai, I've seen you naked. Remember? Stop freaking out. Talk to me damnit. If you don't mind being late to your next class for a shower then you can make time to talk to me!” Max demanded, jerking the curtain free. Kurai scowled. Shutting off the shower with a bit more force than needed.

“Can't I be left alone long enough to bathe?! I don't want to talk to you! You made it quite clear yesterday that you don't need me!” Kurai snapped, barging past the Australian to gather his towel to dry himself.

“Kurai, I told you I was sorry! I don't know what came over me!” Max pleaded, following the nude male that proceeded to dry himself off. “I'm sorry mate!”

“Sorry? Heh. Doesn't matter. I'm over it,” Kurai grumbled, tossing the towel onto the pile of towels that resided in the corner and grabbed his boxers.

“Really?!” Max treaded closer, arms open wide to embrace the younger male, and instead was greeted with a knee to the groin. Max sunk to his knees, gripping himself as he rested his head on the floor, fighting the urge to be sick or cry. “K-Kurai..N-not..right.” The male simply shrugged, tugging on his clothes, and promptly left.

Max skipped out on most his classes for the rest of the day. Sitting still brought him small, short pain surges and his mood just didn't deem class worthy. He went from pissed, to irritated, to upset and the verge of tears to just wanting to punch a hole in the nearest wall. He stormed outside when the bell rang where his father was already waiting. Steve calmly opened the back door to allow Max to toss his book bag in before slumping down on the passenger side to stare angrily out the window. Steve frowned, watching as Kurai quickly walked by with Ayame, either not so much as tossing a glance in his direction. Steve slowly slid into the driver's seat to restart the car and drive away.

“So, I take it Kurai is still mad?” Steve asked softly once they were a short distance from the school. He hated to say it, it made a slight lump well in his own throat. Kurai and Max wouldn't of had separated if it wasn't for him accepting the move back to Australia; he felt responsible for their current fight.

“He wouldn't look at me. He wouldn't talk to me. He wanted nothing to do to me. He kicked me when I apologized,” Max mumbled softly, his gaze not leaving the window.

“Kicked you? Kicked you where?”

“Where do you think?”

“Oh. There. That's not right.” They continued their drive in silence for quite some time before back slumped further into the seat, loosely crossing his arms, yet kept his gaze on the window.

“Dad.”

“Hm?”

“Can we move back?”

“Move back?”

“Home.”

“We are home Max, well, we're a few blocks from it but we're home.”

“No, I mean Australia. Or can I go back and live with Grandma or mom? Preferably mom.”

“Max, we, you can't leave just because Kurai doesn't want to talk to you. Give 'em some time,” Steve coaxed. Max turned his head slightly to look at him. His eyes slightly red along with his nose; his mouth twitched and quivered every so often from the strain of trying to keep it calm and even. Steve sighed, slowing to a stop to run his fingers through his hair and glance out the window himself. “Alright, after dinner...I'll give Victoria a call and see what I can do if that's really what you want.”

~~~~*~~~~~

Noah bit and chewed at his lip, cheek, tongue anything he could to keep his mouth closed. He wanted to say something to Max. Anything. Something that may help the teen feel better or change his mind. Yet every time he directed his gaze to the backseat or opened his mouth, Steve would slowly shake his head and gently pat the blond on the thigh. It was driving Noah crazy. Steve and him never got this upset with each other. Sure they fought and disagreed but by the end of the day they would at least speak to each other even if it was curt. Neither wanted to move away or just completely part. Steve would either go for a walk or just go find something to fiddle with outside then come back in when he was sure they had cooled. Seeing Max, stare blankly out the window, slouched in his seat was killing him.

“Max.,” Steve shook his head, pulling into a parking space. He leaned over, kissing Noah lightly on the cheek.

“Leave him be. I'm going to wait until he goes to bed before I call Victoria. We can talk about this as well then,” Steve uttered softly, climbing out the car. Noah sighed, climbing out as well with Max sluggishly behind him. He turned, trying to straighten Max's hair and collar.

“Please perk up. Give him a few days,” Noah mumbled softly, ushering Max in with him to join the rest of the group inside the restaurant. To be ironic, the Police crew had chosen Outback as their place of welcoming Steve back. Steve found amusement in it and Noah simply shook his head at it; Max just seemed to ignore it. He stuck back close to the door, leaning against the frame work until the group started moving towards the back of the restaurant to their seats. Their host bid them farewell to return to her post with her coworker to tend to the rest of the people on wait. Max grumbled softly to himself, plopping down in his seat to flick his menu open. He really didn't feel hungry. Food was the last thing on his mind, but he knew if he didn't eat, he might not hear the end of it later and would probably just appear rude to the police chief that sat not far from his father.

They waited quietly, Max, staring blankly at the menu. He was just gonna point and order what ever his finger landed on. He would answer the occasional question when asked but other than that, he was just a lump on the chair.

“Hi, sorry about the wait. Your server is a bit busy and tad weak on English. So I'll take your drink orders for her and also be your interpretor,” the person greeted, their voice slowly trailing off. Max casted his glance towards them half-heartedly then nearly leapt from his chair. Steve nearly choked on the bite of bread he was happily munching on; Noah lightly kicked him under the table.

“Kurai?!” Max blinked, earning the young Japanese male's attention. Kurai blinked in surprise. Straining out a smile, quickly turning his attention to the police chief.

“Ah, your drink order sir?”

「コーラ」.

“Kurai.”

“Yours?”
“Kurai!” Kurai turned his gaze towards Max, his eyes starting to drop into a glare until a slightly winded female popped up beside him, slowly reaching for the pen and pad that he held.

“This is Yumi and she shall be your server for this evening. Enjoy.” Kurai turned quickly to calmly stride away, whipping around a corner to vanish into the kitchen. Max grumbled hotly under his breath, slinking down into his chair. He spent the time glancing around the restaurant, staring at the soundless TVs, and sipping moodily at his drink while everybody else talked.

“Ah, excuse me. I'm going to the restroom,” Max uttered quickly once he saw Kurai swiftly vanish into the blokes restroom. He wandered in just in time to see the door to the handicap slowly swing close. Max darted forward, throwing the door open to wander in.

「ごめんね。一分にください。」 Kurai responded, turning to glance over his shoulder and jumped into the wall. Max turned, snapping the lock closed with more force than needed so that the lock nearly undid itself. “Max! Let me out of here right now!”

“No! Not until you talk to me!”

“I need to get back to work!”

“I don't give a shit! I'm an unhappy customer and I want you to fix it!” Kurai scowled at the male blocking the door. Max glowered right back, crossing his arms firmly over his chest. They stood there in silence, the air thick with their irritation. Kurai jumped and scrambled, doing his best to scale the stall wall to gain his freedom to return to his work. Max latched onto the older's male's waist, dragging Kurai to the ground with him. They squirmed, wiggled, and hit each other in attempts to gain control of the situation.

After a solid head butt did Max manage to pin the struggling Asian to the ground. Kurai strained and grunted, trying to lift his trapped arms to force Max off of his waist. He bucked slightly, trying to throw the taller male off of him. Finally, Kurai growled and submitted, laying on the ground with Max holding down his arms and sitting on his waist; Max sighed heavily, panting slightly. Kurai could wear a person out when he wanted to. It took Max everything he had to hold the retaliating male down, “now will you talk to me?!”

“I really don't have a choice now do I?!” Kurai snapped, jerking his wrists. Max nodded, firmly sitting on Kurai's waist and slowly released his wrists. “What do you want?!”

“To apologize. Kurai, please, listen and forgive me. I realize I acted childish and blew that completely out of proportion; said some things I shouldn't have. I've never found a female attractive,” Max uttered softly. “I was scared. Scared that I might have lost you and I wouldn't have been able to do a thing. I was miles across the sea and unable to fight for you. If I could have I would have been back here sooner or never left at all. You gotta believe me.”

Kurai scowled, and averted his gaze; grumbling softly at the stall door.

“Please Kurai. I love you and I was scared. You know I love you. I get overly jealous and overly protective. I get it from Dad.”

“Fine. Fine. I forgive you. Now get off me, I have work. We can really rejoice over this later, alright? I'm on the clock.” Max nodded, shifting slightly as he was he going to get back up then firmly planted himself again. “Max, off. I gotta go back to work.” Max slowly shook his head, leaning down to press his forehead against Kurai's.

“Next time I do anything like that, knock the hell outta of me. Just no more kicks, please, that hurt. Greatly.” Max instructed, placing a gentle kiss on Kurai's lips. Kurai slowly nodded, returning the kiss then quickly had to break away once Max tried to deepen it. Max lazily trailed his lips along Kurai's throat.

“No! No! Max, stop! Not here!”

“But your hot when your angry,” Max mumbled, biting down gently on Kurai's shoulder.

“I don't care. Not here! Max! Max! No!” Kurai tried to lean up to prevent the hand that was lingering around the front of his pants.”No! Sto—ah~!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Max wandered back to his seat, much happier than he had been as he watched Kurai sneak back into the kitchen with a noticeable limp. Least nobody had come into the bathroom and Max had discovered that shirts made an excellent gag. He sipped happily at his drink, earning Steve's attention. The red head raised an eyebrow at him in mid-bite of his steak and Max simply winked in response. Steve sputtered and coughed, startling Noah.

“In public?!” Steve all be shouted, Max snickered and Noah blinked in confusion before finally understanding what Steve was getting at. Noah scowled at Max who shrugged and contently ate his chicken.

“So, dad, after dinner can we hang around? Kurai might need a ride home.”