Author's note: The beginning of this chapter is at the same time as Maku chan's walk in ch8. Halfway through this chapter, it is after Maku chan's walk. (It will be obvious when this happens. Not too hard to underst and.)

For some reason…this chapter took a lot of editing. I have no idea why…but at least its finally done! sighs

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Chapter 9: the fall

He could recall Ginji's reaction clearly. The expression slowly washed over Ginji's previously calm face. Anxiety stirred in those soft brown eyes, as he was told that Makubex was gone.

That kid…causing so much trouble. Making Ginji worry so much. What the hell was he thinking?

As Ban crossed the street, he reflected on Makubex. The more that he was around him; the more he didn't like him. That kid caused way too many problems. He caused Ginji too much pain. Who is he to do this to Ginji? Ginji doesn't need him. He needs me. I'm the one who takes care of him. Makubex is only in the way. Ban couldn't think of any reason for Ginji to even talk to Makubex. He's just some kid, after all.

Ban was always there for him. Makubex wasn't. And he isn't now. In an inexplicable way, he was jealous of him. Jealous of all of the attention Ginji gave to him. Jealous of the unique bond that they shared. Jealous of…the…kiss? That can't be right.

The rain shifted from the soft pattering, to a hard slapping on the sidewalk. Ban's spiky locks were easily flattened by the heavy drops. Rain poured outside and Makubex was nowhere in sight. It grew increasingly darker outside, as the sun lowered and grey clouds filled the sky. The streetlights lit up almost instantly. Ban approached the park. He took a shortcut through the wet, muddy grass to the other side of the park. Looking around, he saw people with umbrellas, but no Makubex.

Ban left the park and walked down the same street that Makubex had. There was significantly less walking traffic. A few people walked briskly down the street. He crossed to another street and into an alley. Ban spotted an abandoned ball lying in a puddle of mud against a brick wall. He walked down the alley and spotted a few silver hairs on the chain link fence that divided the opposing sides. Ban picked up a single hair and examined it closely. A single drop of water slid down the hair shaft. His blue eyes brightened. Makubex was here. He can't be too far off, now.

Ban swiftly climbed the fence and jumped down. He exited the pathway and entered a street. As he was walking, something silvery caught his eye. It was Makubex. He ran down the street and shoved past a few people as he made his way to Makubex.

"Gotchya." Ban said, as he grabbed a hold of Makubex by his shoulders. Makubex turned his head to see his captor. "Oh. Its you." He responded in a disappointed tone.

"What's that supposed to mean, kid?"

"Kid?"

"You heard me. Let's go."

"Go where?" Makubex asked calmly.

"Don't play stupid."

"I don't have to go anywhere." He replied indignantly.

"What about Ginji? Does he mean nothing to you?" Ban was growing frustrated by the lack of cooperation.

"I'm sure that he would be better off without me." Makubex responded in a somber tone. His eyes were completely fixed on the ground below him. The rain had darkened his silver hair to a dull grey.

"Look, kid. I'm not here to argue with you. I just came to get you because Ginji was worried. He wanted to look for you himself, but I didn't let him."

"Why not?" He asked, as he continued to stare at the ground.

"I have my reasons." Ban responded with a strange tone as if he were hiding something.

"Why?" Makubex looked up at him with a prying stare.

"You'll see if you come."

"Well if you have no reason..." Makubex began, as he walked away. Ban stepped in front of him.

"If you don't come willingly, I'll have to make you."

"I'm fully aware of your capabilities and I would prefer to return in a state of consciousness." He replied with a sigh.

"Then let's go." Ban walked away and Makubex reluctantly trailed behind him.

"I wanted to find you because-" His voice trailed off into an inaudible murmur.

"You want to impress Ginji? I know that." Makubex interrupted with a piercing stare.

"Actually, I just wanted to talk to you."

"It's true though."

"No." Ban interjected quickly.

Makubex was beginning to grow curious about the subject matter. "What did you want to speak with me about?"

"If you hurt him again…" He began, with a flicker of anger in his eyes.

"Is that a threat, Mr. Midou?"

"It could be. Depends on your actions."

"I was right. It is like that." He replied with a slight smirk.

In a flash, Ban grabbed the back of his neck. "How much do you want to live?"

"You wouldn't." He said calmly.

"Maybe not. But I don't think being unconscious for a week is very much fun."

Makubex was silent.

"You've changed." Ban added, with a disappointed expression.

Makubex didn't care about Ban. He didn't care about anything or anyone else at the moment. Not even Ginji. All he could think about was the rejection. He was unable to handle the situation and the inexplicable feeling that followed with it. Makubex didn't want to return, but he didn't want to remain alone in the rain either. It was a strange feeling. A feeling that nothing mattered anymore. He had ruined everything.