Silverykitsune: I'm happy you like my story. I was really debating whether I should have kept it going.

Lena: Thanks, it means a lot to me. 

Vampirewiccan: Yay That's good to hear.

Sangoistheverybest: Ok, where to start. I gave you a warning in the summary that if you had a problem with people being gay (aka yaoi content) then I said then you might as well not read it. Yet. . .you read it. Where the hell is your common sense? And if you went ahead and read up to 3rd chapter and found that you didn't like it, why did you keep reading? Are you stupid or do you like getting chewed out? Honestly, and you call me a moron. Just because you have homophobia issues, doesn't mean you need to leave rude, unconstructive comments. Fuck off. Don't read my bloody story if you don't like it.

Blackfire15: I hope I don't disappoint you. 

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing remotely beyblade, though I wouldn't mind kidnapping Tala.

PREVIOUS CHAPTER: "I don't think I've ever seen him turn down food before." Emily said, looking at the doorway that he'd gone out of. "Well, I have to go. Michael is waiting outside for me in the car. I know Max will come back and he'll be all right." Emily hugged Rei before going out the door. Rei picked at a chocolate chip muffin, thinking. His eyes flicked to the basket that Emily had left behind. Grumbling, he grabbed it and opened the door. Gasping, he stepped back, shocked.

"M-Max?"

Max watched Emily go into the house. Sighing, he shouldered his bag, wincing when it rubbed against a sensitive bruise. Josh had dropped him off here and told him that he'd be back by tomorrow.

A grim smile graced his features. His brother would be in for an interesting surprise when he came back here tomorrow. He'd stolen Josh's pocket knife before they'd left Josh's home.

The rumble of a car engine signaled that Emily was leaving and jolted him from his thoughts. Taking a deep breath, he went up the stairs to the door. His finger hovered over the doorbell for a moment, wondering if this was really a good idea when the door opened. Rei stared at him in shock for a moment before dropping the basket in his hands and sweeping him into a tight hug.

"Oh god. . .i thought I'd never see you again." Whispered Rei, his voice thick with emotion. Max smiled slightly but his eyes were emotionless.

"I. .I missed you." He murmmered. Rei pulled him into the house where he was jumped by Kenny and Tyson. Kai watched them from the doorway, though even he couldn't hold back a relieved smile.

"Were you kidnapped? Where's your brother?" asked Tyson. Max laughed softly.

"No, I went and he didn't force me to do anything." Said Max, lying easily. Rei's eyes studied him, sensing something different about him. Max's face was pale and the skin under his eyes were dark. He winced when people touched him and he avoided questions about Josh.

"Guys, I'm really sorry I caused you so much trouble and worry, but I'm really tired. Can I go to sleep?" asked Max.

"Sure, I'll come with you." Said Rei. Max stared at him for a moment before nodding slowly. Max got up and went with Rei upstairs.

". . .Max, I need to apologize. For what happened before you left." Said Rei when they reached their room. Max smiled and shook his head.

"It's in the past, Rei. I. . .can you just hold me." Rei wrapped his arms around Max's waist, holding him gently. He rested his chin on Max's head, closing his eyes. Emotion welled up inside of Max, making him hug Rei tighter. There was no way he could kill himself and leave Rei to Joshua.

"Rei, I love you." Said Max quietly. "And that's why you need to know everything. " Max explained everything, somehow detatching his emotions from his story as he shared it. Rei listened, silent either from courtesy or shock, Max couldn't tell. When he was done, he couldn't bring himself to look Rei in the eyes. The bed dipped under Rei's weight as he sat down next to Max.

". . .have you told anyone?" asked Rei. Max shook his head. Rei wrapped his arms around Max's waist and buryed his face in Max's neck.

"He won't hurt you again, I swear it." He said coldly. Max smiled grimly.

"No. . .he won't." Rei smiled weakly and kissed his cheek.

"We need to report this to the police." Said Rei. Max shook his head, hugging Rei tightly.

"No. . not today. I'm. .I'm just not ready." Said Max. "Just. . .lie down with me, I'm really tired?" Max pulled Rei down next to him and kissed his forehead before closing his eyes. Rei's eyes took in Max's relaxed face before kissing him softly and going to sleep as well.