Once again, Max awoke to the smell of an old campfire. His face was still pressed against the leather jacket, and it was obvious he had fallen asleep without quite realizing. He gazed around the room, a quiet reminder that he was stuck in this little white and beige room for sometime. He closed his eyes again, wondering how much of the day he could sleep away. After all, if he was passed out, there was no need for interacting much with the public. After yesterday, that was the last thing he wanted to do. Part of him had really hoped Chikae would change his mind about telling him who stole the jacket. One thing he hated was people taking his stuff. He had a sinking feeling that that would happen quite often if he wasn't careful. While he wanted to take the jacket- for reasons he refused to list even to himself- he knew that it could only end poorly unless he was wearing it, which he would absolutely not do.

Relishing the last few beats of laying on the bed, Max eventually sighed and pulled himself upright. There was nothing to do in his room aside from watching netflix or texting people. He slid forward on the mattress until his feet hit the floor, tugging his phone from the charger. Today was Saturday, not that that really meant much. He didn't have school for another two weeks. Max paused with entering his phone password. School. He had forgotten about that. He needed a new backpack, new binders, new everything pretty much. He still had no clue what his parents did with his stuff, after all. Speaking of…

Max felt relief wash over him again, grateful he'd decided to pack Honeynuts. If he had left him home, he had no clue what they would have done with him. Probably sold him for a buck, or less. Max tugged his bag from underneath the bed and lifted the bear in question. He looked at the barren walls and picked at the stitches on the bear's fur. One of them concealed the wad of cash he had stored in there over the years, but the others were from 'siblings' in his houses tearing it away from him, dogs chewing it up, general stuff. Max had learned how to sew a while ago. He sewed Honeynuts, his own jeans, shirts. Whatever needed sewn. It was hard to fly under the radar when your clothes had holes in every stitch. He was tired of the constant questions, so he had only a few options. Of course, the pocket kit he'd stolen when he was at his last foster home only went so far, and he had decided to leave it home anyways. The last thing he needed to do was lose it at camp.

Max's socks were quiet on the hardwood again as he stuffed honeynuts further into his bag, which he then shoved deeper under the bed. After the jacket, Max refused to take chances. He couldn't afford to, at this point. Getting new school stuff was enough wasted money from David. He didn't need to lose what little amount of clothes he had and get… get some sort of trouble for losing the shit in the first place. Thinking twice, Max grabbed the jacket off the bed and shoved it under the bed, too.

He padded across the room to the door, slipping his phone from his pocket. Two texts from David.

David; 5:45 am; Gwen needed me to go in today to help out with files, but I'll try to be there by three, like we said!

David; 6:30 am; I'm so excited to see you! Anywhere you wanna go? :D

Max swiped away from the texts, leaving them to sit. He'd need to think about that one. In the meantime, he was bored. He moved to the door again and cracked it open. Nobody was in the dim hallway, leaving Max to slip out into the quiet air. He stuck his hands in his pockets to protect against the chilly air. He was glad no floorboards creaked as he walked, leaving him alone to wander down to the first floor and explore a bit. After Chikae ran off for the office yesterday, he had yet to finish looking around this place. No better time than now, right? It was quiet, nobody was really awake to bug him. Max briefly wondered how early Chikae came in. Maybe he stayed here? Who knows.

After walking aimlessly for a little while, the boy turned down a hall with a few doors on either wall. He tugged the ones that weren't locked open, and they had craft stuff in them. Pencils, paper, crayons. Some even had old and stale clay. He wondered when all that stuff had been shoved into the closets. At the end of the wallway, Max came across two foggy glass doors. They were held open by a little wooden chunk stuffed inbetween. Curious, he pushed through them. What he saw made his day quite a bit better.

Shelves were lined with books, nothing but the early sun drifting through to light the place up. There were two tables with little desk chairs in the middle of the room, and it was clear they were dusty and needed wiped down. If Max had had any allergies- aside from his affliction with kiwi- he would have asphyxiated just opening the door. He lifted his shirt in front of his face, stepping into the room. The wooden block skid across the floor. He stepped further into the room and the door clicked shut. The large window litl it up for the most part, but some areas max was still straining to see things. He lifted a hand against the wall, searching for a lightswitch.

Once he found it, the lights flickered, then hummed to life above. There was a large, circular dome in the center of the room above the table, and a few wall lights that glowed a soft yellow light. The only lights that didn't work were right in front of the doors to the library. Now Max could see the dust on the bookshelves, too. The whole place was covered in it, like it hadn't been touched for a few months at least. He walked further into the room, touching his fingers against the light-colored wood and pulling them along the length of it. His fingers were coated with the dust, and he rubbed them against his sweater to clear them of it. It wasn't too big a room, to be fair, but it was definitely a decent size. Past the bookshelves up front, a few fluffy chairs had been hidden from view. Max turned away from them in favor of searching through books.

Today could definitely be good.

Max spent god knows how long sifting through books in each section. In the fiction section, he found one of his guilty pleasure books- Cirque Du Freak. He openly admitted hating media's version of vampires, because he did. But he loved this series for reasons he couldn't explain. Everytime he read them he felt a sense of engrossment he couldn't find in very many other places. He had never read the whole series, only the first two and either the seventh or the ninth. He had no idea where to get the full series- even this place didn't have all of them. They did have quite a few from the series though, so Max snagged the third and fourth. He didn't feel like breathing in a cloud of dust, and settled for sitting on the floor against the fiction's section shelf.

He read, and read, and read. He must have gotten four chapters in before he heard footsteps a bit too often outside the doors. He could hear scattered voices, fading in and out. It felt a little panicked. Max gathered his books and tucked them under his shirt, carefully keeping them concealed as he inched towards the door. He flipped off the light and pressed against the door near the edge so he couldn't be seen as he listened.

Where is he?

Did Chikae come in?

I knew he was trouble…

Max realized quickly it had been more than a few minutes since he left. He tugged his phone from his pocket, swiped past David's texts, and felt panic seize his stomach- it was almost 9:30. Then meant wake up calls had gone through already, and since Max was nowhere to be seen, that left the staff in a frenzy to find him. How did he get out of this one?

He could just walk out, but Max worried that they wouldn't let him back in here. This place was closed up for a reason, right? Max didn't have shit else to do while he was here, he couldn't lose this place. He scowled at the voices as they passed, wondering what he could do. What could they not get mad at him for? Breakfast? No, they could ask the chefs where he was. If he said he was with Chikae, they'd bullshit him immediately, they had just asked if he was in yet. What could he do? When his stomach tensed to hold his bladder, Max got his plan. If he was in the bathroom, they couldn't deny that he was or wasn't, could they? He could tell them he had IBS, and number two was a little more complicated than he wanted this morning. Chikae might call him out on it, but the other idiots couldn't say anything.

He squinted at the floor to see where the block had gone; if he didn't put it back, he wouldn't be able to get back in. After straining to see in the dark room, he saw it had skittered across the floor towards the front desk area. When he picked it up, a little sign caught his eye,

Upstairs Office: Staff Enter/ Exit Only.

That could prove useful, later on.

Max shuffled back to the door, creeping next to it until the hall was deathly quiet. He slipped out, dropped the little block in between the doors, and hurried down the hall. If he could make it to a bathroom, he'd be off the hook. He heard footsteps coming, and he opened a closet and quietly snuck inside. He held the knob turned until the wood closed completely, then gently let it relax and shut. He listened, waited, and breathed through his mouth to keep himself silent. Something about this felt too close to sneaking around for food, and it settled hard and heavy in Max's stomach. He needed to focus now, though. The building was still relatively quiet, since some kids were still in their rooms getting ready or passed out. Even the staff tried to keep their voices down as they passed by. Max needed to be sneaky, and that meant pulling out old tricks he hoped he'd have gotten rid of.

Once the hall was silent again, Max crept into the hall again, almost as grateful for wearing socks out as he was for bringing Honeynuts with him. He stepped as fast as he could down the hall, and ducked immediately into a closet near the showers when he heard the stairs creak loudly. Max steadied his breath, in and out through his mouth lest his nose whistle and give him away, and stayed frozen until they passed. So close, just past the stairs there was the boy's bathroom. Get in there, and he was done. Once it was quiet again, he stepped back into the hall.

When he reached the stairs, he dropped slowly to his hands and crawled up the steps like a dog. As soon as his palm touched the dirty wood, Max's breath caught in his throat and he was smacked in the face with vivid memories.

The smashing, screaming, and banging around downstairs had stopped an hour ago. Still, Max was hidden in the closet with another boy. What was his name? Max blanked for an answer. They were two years apart, and the real kid was older. Max had been through this twice before, and this third home was just routine by now. Even so, Max still trembled like a rabbit as they waited for it to be silent. Max crept forward to the door as it stayed silent, reaching up to the handle. The boy grabbed his hand and shook his head.

Max lifted his hand to his stomach, and pulled his hand away. He needed food, so did the other kid. They hadn't eaten for two days. Max opened the door silently.

Through their bathroom, out to the hall. Everything was so still and quiet it was howling in Max's ear as he stepped towards the stairs. Slowly, he knelt and began sliding down on his rear, one at a time. Each quiet shift of his shorts against the wood was like a bomb dropping to him, but he kept going despite his racing heart.

When he got near the bottom, he looked up. The woman stood there, staring at him with a sickening hunger. Max felt his entire stomach jolt. He could do nothing as she climbed up towards him. He had to take it, or she'd get them both.

Max felt like air shoved itself away from his lungs and he lost his balance. His foot slipped back and he stomped on the step below, which resounded loudly against the walls. Instantly, he scrambled up the steps, down to the bathroom, and bolted inside. He found a stall and just barely made it in before he heard footsteps. He shoved the books behind the toilet, sat on the throne, and tried to calm his breath to a normal pace. The door swung open moments later.

"Max Mora?" A voice called,"Are you in here?"

Max faked a groan, even as his mind raced through the things he just saw,"I'm here…"

Steps came towards the door,"Have you been in here all morning?"

"Yeah… digestive system sucks, I forgot," Max mumbled pathetically.

The guy behind the door considered for a few moments too long,"We need to see you outside within five minutes, or you go to the nurse,"

Max groaned again,"Okay,"

He was hesitant, but he stepped outside the bathroom again. Max was alone once more, his heart still beating so fast he'd thought it would explode.

His phone suddenly chirping David's ringtone didn't help either.

He fumbled to pull it out of his pocket, and answered.

"Max? Oh, kiddo! They called and said you were missing! What's going on? I tried to text!"

Max couldn't help but struggle for words, recalling the five messages from David in the library he had ignored.

"Max?"

"Come get me," Max said, in a voice he hated hearing from himself.

"Are you okay? Please tell me, I left when they called- I'm already about twenty minutes out,"

Max couldn't answer, the flash of the old woman's eyes crossing his mind again.

"Please, tell me you're okay?"

"I'm okay,"

David sighed softly over the phone,"Okay. I'm coming now! I'll be there soon, alright?"

"'Kay," Max hung up the phone and took a second to calm down.

When he could breathe, and his heart was in no danger of bursting, Max eased out of the stall and to the world to deal with the library incident.

And later, to deal with whatever the fuck he had just remembered.


David was bleary eyed as he drove down the highway, tired from little sleep. After driving home last night, he had to stop at the camp to finally pick up his stuff to take home. That was a near three hours on the road, and another forty to drive home from the camp. By the time he got home it was close to midnight. And on top of that, he was up at five to go in and get everything figured out at the camp before he absolutely had to leave to see Max. With the twoish hours driving, he'd have to leave by one. And there were mountains of papers yet to sort through. Some from Campbell's wrongdoings in the past, some from the camp's financial trouble, others requests for the Camp and invitations to send out. It was overwhelming, but David had his morning tea to go and tried his best to put on a happy smile. It was all for Max.

When he got a call at eight concerning Max, David felt his heart drop. He apologized over and over to Gwen, who looked irked even though she shooed him off to the car, and tried to keep himself from overreacting. At every stop sign, he tried to send a text or check his phone. He wanted to know if he was okay at least. Why he would run off was beyond David, he thought he would be settled there for a little while. David did need some time to fix things at his house, despite the fact that he had the camp, Max, and his job hunt going on. Camp didn't pay for everything year round. He hadn't heard back from his usual seasonal gig, and that meant he needed some job before he had to show them how much he made yearly. Of course, if worse came to worst- meaning last resort- David could call his parents to help him. That's a story for later, and David refused to dwell on that possibility.

For now, he slowed the car at a red light and found his fingers drumming against the wheel anxiously. At least Max was okay. He sounded quiet on the phone, but David had to hope he really was okay. His phone buzzed under his thigh and he picked it up off the seat.

Chikae!; 9:47 am; Found Max in the bathroom. Had stomach bug, he's okay. Asking 4 u.

David breathed a sigh of relief, even more eager for the light to change so he could hurry up and get there already. He wanted to see Max just to be sure he was alright. He needed to remember to thank Chikae later, for helping look after him. Max could be a handful, but it was wonderful to have small moments if you got close enough to him. David remembered those moments anytime Max got hateful, knowing somewhere deep down Max could be so sweet. He smiled slightly remembering how small he looked when he offered David his hand to hold. THe gesture itself was something David was incredibly grateful for.

For now, it looked like plans had changed. David didn't have three more hours for the day, so that meant he either got time with Max now or he didn't get any at all. He hoped Max would be okay with the time change. Maybe he could take the kid to Toasters! It was great for breakfast, and they could talk there too! After that, maybe shopping somewhere. David didn't know for sure, but he wanted to do something if Max let him! He wanted to try!

David, in a little fit of frustration despite his attempted good mood, smacked the radio's knob to off when he heard a 'back to school' ad. He returned his hands to the wheel, fuming a little. It wasn't that school was starting so much as he was worried Max wouldn't be home in time for the first day. It wasn't a huge deal, but it meant something to David, at least. He had to go get a new bag for him, and school supplies. He had no idea what school district he was in, there was so much to do but David had no idea how to get it all done and still keep seeing Max. He was trying, like everything else, he wanted to try. He hadn't even started on the guest room, he hadn't painted or washed the sheets, or cleaned up too much for a while. He still had to clean the house after going to camp for three months. It would be a dusty nightmare. The only interaction the house had was a neighbour stopping in every now and then to water his plants, which he proudly kept in a large-windowed sun room. And reminded of cleaning, how would Max like the house? Not that he had an option, but… David gripped the wheel a little tighter. Why did everything feel so tense? It wasn't like him to get like this, and he didn't like it at all. Taking a few breaths, David calmed down as he exhaled. Things would work out just fine. That was that!

...Right?


Who was that kid?

Why couldn't Max remember?

Max held the jacket in his hands once again. His bed was made, the books stuffed into his bag, which was safely tucked away, and he had an apple sitting in his lap. He couldn't eat right now, he felt sick. Fucking remember. That kid hadn't crossed his mind for years. He had forgotten his name, forgotten his face. Everything. That house was so damn awful, he blacked out chunks of it. He remembered he hated it, and remembered that fucking woman, but he had dropped the guy from his memory. He had reason, Max knew that. What it was… Max couldn't remember. He knew the biggest chunk of time he was in that house, that kid wasn't there. Why? Had the bitch killed him?

Max felt chills run over his skin. The jacket made a quiet noise as it shifted between tight fists. Hw couldn't do it. He was getting flickers of memories, but he couldn't remember where that kid went. If he died, if he killed himself. Max had no clue. He couldn't remember.

Even so, Max didn't get the chance to think on it too hard. The door opened and Chikae entered, not looking too happy with him. Max would have been at least a touch intimidated if he wasn't so shaken up.

Chikae lifted a chair from the desk and dropped it in front of Max's bed,"So, what happened?"

Max knew he meant with the morning, but he couldn't help but get a touch angry because he couldn't remember what happened with the other guy. He checked his attitude, lest he make this guy angry and get on his bad side.

"My stomach has been fucked up since last night," He grumbled, staring right back at the man.

Chikae pursed his lips,"Really? That's interesting. Because usually…" Chikae leaned forward and crossed his arms on the back of the chair,"Protocol for a runner says check the bedroom, the bathroom, the kitchen, then everywhere else,"

"Maybe your goons broke protocol," Max scowled.

Chikar shook his head,"No. I have the footage from this morning, and I alone have authority over it and where it ends up unless I find out you left the property," He looked at Max with a tired gaze,"Tell me you didn't leave the property? I don't need to deal with the guys in the office anymore than necessary,"

"I didn't leave," Max stated- it was true, to be fair- but his scowl stayed firmly in place,"Happy?"

Chikae smiled a bit,"Very. You're not a bad kid, and I don't honestly care what you do as long as you're safe and I don't get any trouble," He hummed,"You wanna tell me where you went?"

"No,"

"Alrighty," Chikae hummed, standing and pushing the chair to the side,"Try and eat, David is on his-"

The door opened for the second time that morning and in came in a frenzied David, looking immediately worried.

"...way," Chikae grinned and shrugged in his chair at Max.

Max had a sinking feeling this would not be an encounter he could roll his eyes at.

David saw him and came to the side of the bed to sit down,"Max! You scared me! Are you okay, kiddo? I tried to be here as soon as I could,"

"David I'm fine," Max grumbled,"I told you that,"

David turned a surprisingly stern gaze on Max,"Don't give me that! I panicked, I didn't know if you had run off for good or hurt yourself or, or, something awful happened," He said, helpless,"I just want to keep you safe! You know that!"

Max, usually, would at least have the good sense to look away a little shame-faced. Today, he just wanted to be left the fuck alone to think. Why did he even ask David to come here? He was just gonna be obnoxious and stress Max out more, in the end. He scowled at the counselor.

"Well fuck your keeping me 'safe'. I can take care of my own ass," He snarled, getting out of bed and away from him,"If I knew you were just gonna come here and bitch I would have told you to stay home,"

David frowned at him, looking a little like a kicked puppy,"I just thought-"

"Yeah, you thought wrong, David," He snapped,"Fuck you,"

David looked less frantic, but far more upset,"Max, I… why do we do this every time?"

Before Max could make some snippy reply, Chikae clapped his hands together and looked between both of them,"This sounds like a need for some guidance, don't you think?"

David looked at his hands in his lap, and Max seethed,"Back up, nail polish. This isn't your fucking problem,"

Chikae smiled easily,"First off, it is. The kids in this hall are mine to look after, and as the only trained psychologist in the building, I'm equally the therapist for these issues," His smile turned somewhat stale,"Now we play this my way, or maybe I don't turn such a blind eye to those tapes,"

David looked up, confusion evident on his face, but Max pointed at him with a glare,"Don't ask,"

"Agreed?"

Max hated it, but he knew if he argued then the library was as good as gone,"...Fine. Bastard," He crossed his arms.

Chikae hummed,"Good," He turned a soft smile to David,"We'll start off simple- why do you think you're upset?"

David sighed quietly,"I… I wanted today to be perfect, and I had so much planned… I had to work but I wanted to get it done before I got here so I could just focus on making Max have fun," he wanted to continue, but a yawn cut through and he held up a hand,"...Excuse me,"

Chikae nodded,"So you had planned today and feel like it's ruined, now?"

David nodded.

Max wanted to scream. Chikae was a fucking traitor. He was taking David's side immediately, like Max was always the problem. He just wanted time to himself, to read and think and be left the fuck alone. He hadn't had that option for a long time, because camp had little to no boundaries. He had really needed to work to get himself lost enough to be alone. And even then, Nikki was sneaky enough to find him occasionally. That library was nice. It was empty, and quiet, and he knew he was absolutely alone. Why couldn't he just exist in peace? Now he had David in a hissy fit, and Chikae throwing the blame at Max. Stupid, conniving, piece of-

"Did you ask Max about these plans?"

What?

David looked a touch surprised,"I mean, I asked what he wanted to do today… He didn't reply, just read it… I thought we would both like what I had set out,"

"What'd you have planned?"

David shifted, and Max stood by and listened, still taken off guard,"I was gonna take him out to lunch- or I guess breakfast this early- and go to a movie or shopping somewhere, and see if he… wanted… anything," David seemed to be tripping over his own words, as if he was really hearing himself for the first time.

"Max, how much of that would you want to do?"

"Maybe lunch,"

Chikae looked to David again,"When you make these plans, you have to understand that Max has a totally different set of hobbies and interests than… most other kids, I would assume," He explained softly,"Max is in a new place, with a lot ahead of him. He may be overwhelmed or-,"

"Hey, I am not-"

Chikae cut him off with a stronger tone,"Overwhelmed… or stressed. He may just want time to relax in a quiet place. Bringing lunch here could help keep the tension down. Next time, make plans with Max, not for Max. Can you do that?"

David slowly nodded, smiling just a touch,"Yessir! I can do that,"

Chikae returned the little smile and shifted to look at Max,"Now, what's eating at you, Max?"

Max sputtered for a moment, feeling angry but not very well able to communicate it,"I… he- you… just like that? Problem is fucking fixed?"

Chikae shook his head,"Not even close, no. But this one issue is resolved, halfway. It's up to compromising, give and take," He explained.

Max wanted to protest the whole thing. He hated therapist. They always sounded too uptight and high and mighty to him. Always asked about the past, how the beatings made him feel, how he felt now. It was basically routine. He couldn't remember ever talking about current events with a therapist, no current home life issues. Now, Chikae hadn't even considered the idea of dipping into his past. Max was at a loss at the moment.

Max slumped his back against the wall, glaring down at the woodfloor, thinking quietly.

"Max?"

His eyes shot up to glower at David on the bed. Chikae held up a hand to David, asking him for quiet as he watched Max.

"You're incredibly hostile towards David, right now. Any reason why?"

Max felt his mood turn black at the situation,"I told him I was fine and he still comes in here yelling about how worried he was! Like it's my fault everyone of your shitty people panicked and called him to come down. I would have been fine at three- like you fucking told me- but no,"

Chikae hummed,"Okay, I could see how that could get on your nerves. TO be fair though, David wasn't yell-" He sympathized, but Max cut him off- he wasn't finished.

"No, I'm not- He always steps in like… like the whole fucking world is his problem! If I tied my fucking shoelaces wrong, he would act like there was this long, convoluted undertone about my past and everything going on!" Max shouted,"I just- everything isn't the end of the goddamn world! Shit happens, let it happen," He shoved his hands in his pockets,"I just wanted some fuckin peace and quiet. I told him to get here because I thought he would just sit there but no, my fucking bad, he's too much of a drama queen!" Max directed the last line at David with a sneer.

David winced, wringing his hands together.

Chikae tilted his head at Max,"You wanted him here?"

Max shot him a dirty look,"He called me. I just- stop twisting my fuckin words!"

"I didn't twist anything," Chikae said calmly,"You said you told him to come here. Why did you want him here?"

"I didn't!" Max barked,"I wanted to not be stuck in this fucking room by myself!"

Chikae lifted his head, surprise on his face. Max realized what he said and his face burned. David refused to look up, but it looked like he was very seriously thinking about everything Max said. At least he wasn't passing him off as a joke.

David spoke up before Max could take it back,"I'm sorry I get so… overbearing sometimes," He said, carefully,"Next time I'll consider what I'm trying to help with more carefully,"

Max stared at him, gripping the fabric of his sweatshirt with a deathgrip.

"Even if I'm just sitting here, I… I'm helping?" He asked, looking up to Max for a confirmation.

Max gave an unsure nod, not trusting his voice to convey what he needed so clearly.

David smiled in that stupid way he did, like he just knew he was fixing things stitch by fucking stitch,"Okay. I can try to do that in the future. I want to help! Even if it's just by sitting here!"

Max gave a contrite nod again, not sure where to go from this point. He had just fought with David. It didn't end in tears, or a beating, or screaming at each other. It ended with I'm sorry? What was Max supposed to do with that? He couldn't be angry with David, he couldn't hide anywhere. He was stuck, being stared at by both of them as if it was some miracle they'd just finished. He turned away, rubbing his arm. He still had a lot on his mind. David couldn't help that, and he doubted anyone could help him fix it, but he needed to think. But David was here, and looking so hopelessly in awe at Max. Still, Max voiced what he needed to. He wasn't gonna be dragged around all day for some bullshit he didn't wanna be doing.

"Pick somewhere decent to eat," He grumbled, shifting off the wall he'd stood against and inched back to the bed to sit down,"But we're done after that,"

David smiled despite his words,"Okay!"

Chikae smiled at both of them,"Much better. I'll be around if you guys need me. Remember to sign out," He said cherrily.

David smiled brightly at him,"Thank you again, Chikae! For everything,"

Chikae seemed to pause in thought, and Max looked up at him with a searching look. He eventually nodded his head and stepped back out to the hall, leaving Max with David. The man began rambling about places to eat, and Max pretended to listen.

This whole morning had been a shit show compared to how he thought the day was gonna go. He had a new hiding place, to be fair. But what happened on the stairs, Max couldn't stop thinking back to. That damn kid- what was his name?. Max couldn't even remember the guys last name. He remembered how much it sucked when he was gone. But he had nothing to go off of as far as how he ended up leaving. Why did he care? Max couldn't remember quite a bit from early years, and blacked out a lot from a while ago. Why was this so much more important?

Because he wasn't alone.

That chilling thought left Max quiet for the ride to wherever David was taking him. He still felt a little sick to his stomach after the memory, but he could get something down at least. Or, he hoped he could.

"Hey, Max?" David interrupted the radio and turned it down a bit,"I know- well, I don't know. But I feel like this can be very stressful, like Chikae said," he started, and Max was a little something-once again he hadn't found the word to describe David's words to him- that David had changed his phrasing.

"But I… I want to know, and it may be a little selfish to ask, if you were at all looking forward to signing those papers?" David ended on a cautious, withered note.

Max could say yes or no and they would both be true. Yes, because Max might have a decent living if David really was as nice as he seemed to be. Yes, because David made him hate his existence even a tiny amount less, which was a lot more than most people had done. Yes, because he could only hope that David's house would bring him some sort of stability. On the other, totally possible hand, No. David didn't seem like the type to be hateful or cruel, but Max still had no idea. He had hope that he wouldn't be, but that was all. And David could be an emotional wreck sometimes, and that meant weird things and crazy drama. It would be better than worrying someone would snatch you for repossession because your parents hadn't paid off the meth they got, Max thought, anything would be better than that. It was a toss up, but David apparently sensed that, too. How? Max drove himself crazy trying to answer that question.

"Are you nervous? Is that it?" David's voice was once again quiet.

Max hummed,"I thought I would be living on the fucking streets a few days ago," He said, honestly,"Life could be a lot fucking worse than you yelling at me for getting mud on the carpet,"

"Oh! I do actually have a scrub for that! I'll show you how to make it when... We- er, not the point?"

"Not even close," Max said, shutting his eyes.

"Oh. Well, uhm," David's halting reply was just noise in Max's ear,"If I.. hadn't shown up that night… what would have happened?"

"It doesn't matter. You showed up," Max averred plainly.

David frowned,"But if I hadn't-"

Max turned to narrowed his eyes in a dark look,"I would have figured it out. Stop getting stuck in the fucking past,"

David nodded quietly and looked to the road, focused on driving,"Well… I'm glad I came. If you're not excited about the adoption, I'll be excited for the both of us!"

Max rolled his eyes,"Whatever gets you through the day,"

David smiled anyways, happy to talk however much Max was up to talking,"Do you want quiet until we get there?"

"...no,"

In truth, Max was entirely sick of thinking about that memory, worrying about the library, and anything else. If David could get his mind off of it, cool. If not, Max would just tell him to shut up again. He seemed willing to do whatever Max would want, which could definitely work to his advantage. But for now, he was gonna let David talk until he was blue in the face.

"Okay! Hm… What about school?"

Max grimaced, nose scrunching at the thought,"What about it?"

"Well, we need to get you enrolled somewhere, and get some good school stuff so you're ready for it! What grade are you in?"

"Fifth," Max huffed darkly.

"I forgot how little you were still!" David chuckled brightly,"You act so much older, I forgot you were 10!"

"11 in October," Max mumbled, turning away as David mentioned his maturity.

David gasped,"What?"

Max raised an eyebrow at him,"What?"

"Your birthday is so close! It's just two months!" David was visibly excited,"What day?"

"The 26th." Max murmured,"I don't celebrate,"

David's cheerful expression turned sour,"What? Why not? Max, your birthday is the most special day ever!"

Max glowered,"Take a look at my fuckin life. You really think I'm excited about the day I was literally dumped into this world?"

David bit his lip, tapping the wheel,"Can we celebrate? I'd really like to try!"

"No. Move on,"

David shrunk a bit,"...Will you let me know if you change your mind?

"...Fine,"

David wasn't the happiest after that, but he was at least smiling a bit. Max doubted he would change his mind. He didn't really like big parties much, and he had a feeling that's exactly what David would end up doing. People he didn't even know, too much cake, loud music. Not Max's scene. He would much rather eat a little too much chocolate and ice cream with a book and call it a day. He tried to keep the conversation going. If he could just get David to start on a story, he wouldn't have to reply at all.

"When's yours?"

"Hm?" David glanced at him,"What?"

"Your birthday, dipshit,"

David smiled,"May 17th!" he announced proudly,"Usually my parents would take me out somewhere for cake, but lately it's just been me! Sometimes Gwen, if she isn't busy!"

Max listened quietly as David continued talking. He would much rather listen to the babbling then be expected to respond to it in a mood like this. David was more than happy to share his stories on a whim, so once Max got him started, he could keep going for an hour and maybe pause for a breath.

While he listened, Max pulled his phone from his pocket.

Calendar May 2019 Add New Annual Event Enter Event Name

David's Birthday.

Confirm David's Birthday Event? OK.

Max slipped the phone back into his pocket, casting a wavering glance up at David as he talked.

There was still time to fix the day, why try to waste it?


After lunch, David dropped Max off back at the temp home. Max returned to his room to grab the book he'd taken from his bag. He still had plenty to read, and tonight he could make a trip to the library if he needed to, just to stock up on the other books in case he couldn't make it down there. As soon as he opened the binding, Max flipped to the page he'd stopped on and felt himself wrapped in again. His fingers pulled at the binding tag, slowly peeling it off even as he delved deeper into the world of Mr. Crepsley and Darren Shan. If he was gonna pass off this book as his own, he needed to get rid of the library tag first. Not that he would read too much outside of his room. Kid were loud around here, and he didn't need another incident like the jacket. Speaking of, Max shut his eyes with a groan as he realized he had forgotten to give it back to David again. It was cold outside, how did David keep forgetting? Whatever.

Max continued to scan the pages, peeling at the tag. Eventually, he got the whole thing without much trouble. He stood slowly, eyes still glued to the page, walking slowly across the room to his trash can. In the tag went, and Max returned to his bed. His shoes were slowly toed off, kicked under the bed, and his sock-clad toes scratched the back of his ankle. He lay on the bed. It had been far too long since he got his hands on a decent book. He thought passively that, if he did ask David for something for his birthday, it would be this set. He had no idea how much they went for online, but he hoped it was inexpensive enough that David wouldn't make it a big deal for getting it. Hell, Max still needed school stuff that David would waste money on. He probably had every right to bitch if Max asked for the series. The hopeful thought was quickly scrapped, and Max decided that he would keep it to himself.

Full belly, warm bed, and a cozy spot on the bed eventually led to his downfall. Max lost track of time. He was all too invested in the story. Aside from shifting on the bed now and then, Max was hell-bent on finishing the book. That's why he was a bit surprised when Chikae opened the door.

"Dinner in a half hour," He hummed, deep voice and creak of the door cutting straight through the otherwise silent room.

Max stared for a moment at him,"What time is it?"

"Five something," Chikae answered,"They were a little early getting stuff together,"

Max nodded slowly. It absolutely didn't feel like he'd sat still for that long. When was the last time he had been able to do that? If ever?

"You hungry now?" Chikae asked,"I'm going to the break room for something quick to eat before dinner. You could bring your book if you wanna,"

Max thought on the offer for a moment. Honestly, he was a little hungry since he'd eaten a bit early with David. He eventually slid off the bed, turning the corner of the page inwards before closing the book.

"Fuck it, sure," He agreed, deciding he didn't feel like putting his shoes on.

Chikae gave a relaxed smile, pushing the door open a little further and letting Max out to the hall,"What book have you got?"

Max was iffy about answering,"...Cirque du Freak,"

"Sounds a little cooky," Chikae murmured in reply,"What's it about?"

"People doing stuff," Max answered plainly, stuffing the book into his pocket with just a little difficulty.

"Oh, well now I'm hooked," Chikae commented sarcastically, grinning.

Max rolled his eyes, but a smirk pulled the corners of his lips,"You do this a lot?"

Chikae glanced at him, figuring out what he meant after a few seconds,"Oh, to the break room? Not really. There aren't too many kids in my hall in the first place, and most of them just shy away when I tell them to get something done,"

"You're a big dude," Max commented bluntly.

Chikae lifted a hand to his chest,"Words can hurt, Max,"

Max huffed a breath of a laugh,"What happened to those fuckin' sticks and stones?"

Chikae shrugged,"Like you said, I'm a big guy. Just a big softie too," He grinned.

"Sure seems like it," Max agreed.

They walked quietly the rest of the way, which was only a little ways passed the cafeteria doors. He led Max to locked doors, which he pulled out a key card for. He nudged the doors open and let Max in first, and the doors shut with a soft click. The room wasn't too much bigger than Max's room. It had three folding tables, with a wall covered end to end with lockers. A few of the staff sat around, watching a low-volumed TV in the corner. Some news anchor spoke about a string of violent crimes somewhere, but Max didn't care enough to pay attention. He followed Chikae to the corner of the room where they both sat down at a table. After poking his keys around on the loop, Chikae found a tiny golden one and went to the lockers. Out he pulled a box of nutty bars, and Max could see there was plenty more snacks where that came from.

"Want one? I have these, almond joys, starburst…"

"Nutty bar," Max said simply, pulling out his phone to check for texts from the group.

Nikki and Neil had chatted for a while, after Neil finally replied.

Neil; 2:07 pm; David's taking you in? Like, legally?

Nikki; 2:26 pm; ya of course. david can't just grab him and take him home. wtf dude.

Neil; 2:30 pm; I was just asking, damn. I mean if you're cool with it, good for you! We need to hang out sometime.

Nikki; 2:33 pm; my mom is having a party next week :P she said kids could come or go, doesnt matter 2 her.

Neil; 2:49 pm; I can ask. Is Max busy or what?

Neil; 3:05 pm; Y'ello?

Nikki; 3:26 pm; idk. i only txt him here.

Max tapped out a quick reply before tucking his phone back in his pocket;

Max; 5:24 pm; I might still be at this fuckin temp home. I'll let you know.

Picking up the snack Chikae had handed him, Max broke a chunk off the end and popped it in his mouth. They sat around for close to ten minutes, Max pulled out his book and Chikae checked his phone and emails. The quiet was broken by Chikae's beeper, to which he sighed. He stood and grabbed his phone after checking the little machine.

"Gotta run, you can finish in the cafeteria before dinner," Chikae told him, turning the key in his locker again and led Max back outside.

Left in the cafeteria again, Max found no empty tables. He settled for one with a girl in a soft purple and black striped sweater, who was picking at her food. He sat a few seats away, just wanting to read his book in peace. He couldn't help glancing over though, and saw the familiar burns on her arm. Max shared those marks regretfully. He glanced up at her face, looking bored and a little lonesome as she scrolled on her phone, reading something. Max shifted and rolled his sleeves up subtly. The white and pink burns on his forearms now showed clearly.

He went back to his book. If she spoke up, great. If not, nothing lost.

After Max turned a page, she spoke softly.

"Hey,"