Lirin: Back again for the next chapter.

Kai: Hn.

Lirin: Aw Kai's still acting cold. But he has liked seeing all the reviews people have sent in. They're the bright spot of his days since Rei's departure.

Kai: Bitch. I'm out of here.

Lirin: *watches Kai leave* Oh well. Thanks to LovelySinner7, GabZ, and Beywriter for always taking time to leave a quick message. Much love and invisible cookies to you guys :) ...oh and last bit of business is that I dont own Beyblade or characters. And I don't make money from my writing. Enjoy the installment.

Chapter 10: Maxie's Advice

Kai woke up the following morning feeling better then he had for a while now. He wasn't burdened alone with the regrets he had over Rei. Now he could turn to Tala and Bryan to talk instead of turning to a bottle of liquor.

However that brought up a new issue. What was he going to do with his life? Sure he could stay in town, probably move out of his old house and into a smaller apartment. But that would only help deal with some issues. He doubted that there was anywhere in this town he could go that wouldn't remind him in some way of Rei.

Then there was still Bryan's offer to move with them. Of course being in Russia held less memories of Rei for him, but was running the best option to consider.

Kai felt like he was between a rock and a hard place. Either option was going to make him feel weak and vulnerable in some way or another.

He was making a list in his head of pros and cons of living in each place when a soft knock came from the other side of the door followed by an equally soft voice.

"Kai, can I come in?"

It was Max, a none sugar high Max too. He only came to Kai when he had something important to say and sometimes that was also insightful. Kai figure this couldn't be all that bad as long as Tyson wasn't tagging along.

"Sure Max."

The door was slowly pushed up and Kai noticed that Maxie's head was bowed and he was playing with the hem of his shirt. A sign Kai recognized as something was troubling the American boy.

"How are you feeling?" Max asked without looking up.

"I'm better Maxie. Thanks for all the help."

"It wasn't a problem. We couldn't leave you like that, you're our friend."

Silence fell over them. Max was still standing in the door fiddling with his shirt and Kai was just sitting on the bed watching him, waiting for the blond to move or say something.

"Um..." Max slowly raised his head to look into Kai's crimson eyes. He was checking to see if his old captain was angry or in a bad mood. When he didn't see the usual signs, Max realized it was alright to continue. "Tala and Bryan told us you and Rei got into a fight and broke up. Is that really true?"

Kai now lowered his head. More memories he didn't want to remember. "Yeah, we did."

"I'm not going to ask for details. It's obvious that it upsets you Kai."

"So then what do you want?" Kai wasn't sure if he sounded snappy or miserable as he spoke to the American.

"Nothing, I just wanted to see how you were doing. It was clear you loved Rei so this really has to hurt. And I want you to know that I'm here if you need someone to talk to."

Kai raised his head to study the other. Max's eyes were still downcast and his fingers stilled played with his shirt hem. Kai unleashed a long irritated sigh.

"What else did those two tell everyone else?"

Max's head whipped up and his blue eyes were wide. He should have known Kai was able to read him so easily. "Um, they mentioned about the offer they made you. To go live with them."

"I see. So what do you think about that?"

"I, um," again the American lowered his head, "I think it might be a good idea. Sure I'll miss you Kai, you're a good friend to have around. But for you to get better I think you need to be with friends you're closer to. Tala knows you better then any of us here. He can help you better.

"If you stay here you'll just mope around all the places you and Rei went. There wont be any time for you to heal your heart if you're living in past happy memories.

"Tala and Bryan have a good offer. I want you to take it so you can be happy again. Not the person Tyson and I found unconscious surrounded by empty liquor bottles.

"And I think Rei would want you to move on too and not hurt yourself. Sure you guys are over, but I know he still cares about you as a friend. Sure I don't know all that happened, but Rei's a kind and caring person, so whatever happened I'm sure he'll forgive you and wish you the best in life."

Kai was crying when Max talked about Rei. But he was right that he didn't know what happened. There's no way that Rei would ever forgive him for the pain and suffering he went though.

"Thanks Max, you've got a good point," Kai said keeping the quake out of his voice. "I'm still thinking stuff over so if you don't mind letting me be."

"Oh right. Sorry I bothered you. I'll tell the others not to come back here too. Oh and Bryan's cooking lunch soon so you know it's going to be kind of good, not as good as Rei's cooking, but still edible. We'll save some for you."

"Thanks Maxie. I'll keep that in mind. Now out please."

"Right. Bye Kai." Max left the room as quickly as he could before Kai's anger flared up.

Kai watched as the American left. He was glad he'd allowed the teen to come in. Once again Max had proven to have some good insight on what to do without all the information needed to come up with a conclusion.

Kai knew what he had to do. He wasn't overly happy with his decision but knew it was the only way to go about healing his broken heart without crossing the line back into insanity.

Max: I really hope Kai makes up his mind soon. I hate seeing him so down like this.

Tala: Oh god I can agree with one of Kai's teammates for a change! Do we have reviewers thinking the same thing? Please review.

Lirin: Well they said it all...except that there's only one more chapter.