Disclaimer: Not mine

Notes: AU. Dedicated to everyone who wanted a sequel to this. Thanks to these guys, what was supposed to be an one-shot is now going to (hopefully!) be a five-part series. I'm still feeling out the plot as I go along (even though I know how I want the fic to end), so apologies if it's of poor quality.

--

"But why can't Max stay with us, Papa?"

Duncan Delgado's hands tightened around the steering wheel as he waited for the light to turn green. He'd had no qualms with Danny's new friend staying the night-- especially since guessing from what little Max was willing to share about himself, he didn't have anyplace else to go. Unfortunately, as much as Duncan wanted to help the poor kid out, there was only so much a widower with four children (and two of them in college, no less) could do-- but he wasn't having much luck convincing Danny of that.

"First off, he's eighteen. As far as the state's concerned, he's an adult," Duncan explained for what felt like the umpteenth time as he leaned back in his seat. If the light didn't change soon the car was going to overheat again.

"But he still has a semester of high school left," Danny countered. "And he can share my room. The girls and I already went over the budget last night, and we can afford another mouth to feed, really-- and if we can't, I'll work more hours at the floral shop. Papa, I promise--"

"Danny." Duncan rubbed his eyes. They were beginning to strain from staring at the traffic light. "I realize you're only trying to do the right thing, and I know that you're responsible enough to pull this off... but son, this isn't like all the stray animals you snuck inside the house when you were little."

"What do you mean?"

"I know that you're just trying to help, but Max hasn't known you as long as I have. He might think that you're taking pity on him."

Danny's eyes went wide. "I-I would never--"

"Of course you wouldn't. But Max may see it that way."

The eldest Delgado child stared at the dashboard remorsefully... and then a hint of hope flickered across his face. "But what if Max doesn't see it that way? What if he wants my help?"

Duncan allowed himself a smile as the light finally turned green. "If that's the case, Danny... then I guess we'll have another mouth to feed."

--

Danny knew the neighbors were staring at him as he dashed to his door, but he didn't care. He couldn't wait to see the look on Max's face when he told him the good news. After a minute or two of fumbling for his keys, Danny was inside the house.

"Anyone home? I got something I want to tell all of you!" The only person he saw was Elise, who was putting away the dishes. He made his way into the kitchen. "Have you seen Max?"

"Yeah, about that-- Max left about an hour ago. He said he could take care of himself or something like that." Elise stood on her tiptoes and kissed Danny on the cheek. "Listen, I'm already late for my Math class, so I'll see you later, okay?" She didn't look at him as she grabbed her bag and ran for the door. "Papa? Could you give me a ride, please?"

One slam of the door later, Danny was alone.

--

He was here solely on a hunch, but it was better than spending the rest of his evening worrying himself sick over whether Max was okay or not. Danny glanced around the bowling alley anxiously. The crowd seemed to be made up mostly of adults, but there were some teenagers-- including a very familiar one.

Danny waited for Max to roll the ball before he made his presence known. "Knocking all the pins down is good, right?" When Max turned to look at him, Danny could only smile sheepishly. "I'm not much of a bowler."

To Danny's relief, Max smiled in return. "Yeah, it's good," he said as he led Danny to a nearby bench. "How did you know I'd be here?"

"I remembered last night at dinner you mentioned this as one of the places you wanted to check for work, so..." Danny trailed off, not sure of what else to say.

"Holy-- you remembered that? I forgot that, and I was the one who said it." Max smiled again. "Oh, that reminds me-- you're now looking at this bowling alley's newest gofer."

"Really? Max, that's great!" Danny clapped a hand on Max's shoulder. "I bet you've already found a place to stay, too."

Max's lips were still curled upwards, but it was in no way a smile now.

Danny felt his shoulder sag. "Listen, Max... about before, I didn't mean to--"

He glanced at Danny, dark eyes quizzical. "What are you talking about?"

It came out all at once. "I-I just wanted to help-- and I still do-- but I came on too strong, a-and now you probably hate me--"

"Whoa... just calm down, okay?" Max placed a hand on Danny's chest, and somehow that simple action was enough to steady his breath. "And why would I hate you?"

"Because... you think I just pity you..."

"What?!" Max gaped at him for a second... and then laughed as he nudged him playfully. "Danny, I've known better than that from the beginning."

Relief crashed over Danny, and as much as he liked the feeling he had to know...

"Then why did you leave?"

Max leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "Because I want to prove my dad wrong."

Danny remembered that Max had told him that his father had thrown him out of his home... and nothing else. He hadn't pushed to know more, so this was new-- and understandable. But he couldn't leave Max alone. He just couldn't.

"You can't prove him wrong at my place?"

Max was quiet long enough for Danny to lose hope... but then he nudged him again. "Okay, but I have to finish my game first."

Danny nodded and smiled as Max grabbed a new ball. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew things were far from okay-- or over. But for now, he was just glad to know Max was willing to accept help.

His help.