A/N: OK, so before we start, I wanna apologise if anything seems rushed or if you feel there are not enough descriptions in some areas. Also, I know some things in this chapter are a bit... far fetched? Yea, I know, just bare with me OK? :-P lol. And lastly, I'm so sorry if certain... things in this chapter (especially towards the end) are a little corny X-D lmao. Again, gimme a break, I was up until the wee hours of the morning trying to finish this, I was tired!! X-P
Disclaimer: I own nothing but Villikosto.
"Keisha....."
"Mmmmm...."
"Keisha."
"Don't wanna go to school, mommy..."
"Keisha! Wake up!"
Keisha groaned and opened her eyes as she was insistently shook awake. After blinking a few times to clear her vision, she looked up above her to see Demetra starring down at her with a very irritated expression.
"I feel like the mother sometimes." The silver-eyed blader grumbled in annoyance.
Keisha turned her head to look at the clock beside her bed and groaned loudly when she saw it was only six-thirty am.
"Uhhhhhh!!! Demi!! It's Saturday, you promised to let us sleep in!!"
A devious smirk appeared on the older teens face as Keisha pulled the blankets over her head.
"I was planning on it." She said truthfully "But there's someone here to see you."
Brilliant green emeralds peeped out from under the covers and starred at Demetra curiously.
"Who?" Came the muffled reply from under the sheets.
Demetra said nothing but simply pointed over her shoulder. Keisha's entire head emerged from under the blankets and tipped to one side to look behind her Captain. She blinked blankly at the person standing just off to the side of the bed.
"Morning sleeping beauty!" Max laughed cheerfully as he waved at her.
Keisha starred at the blonde for a minute then finally yawned, rolled over and closed her eyes again.
"Morning Maxie." She said sleepily. "It's Saturday... morning. Come back later and I might say it's nice to see you."
Max laughed and shook his head. At least she didn't freak out when she saw him like all the girls in the movies do.
"OMG!! There's a boy in my room! In the morning!! And I look like crap! AHHHHH!!!"
The blonde had to resist a giggle at this and forced himself to focus back on the current situation.
Walking past Demetra and over to the bed, the blonde sat down beside the redhead and watched her for a minute. There was no way she could be asleep already. But still, it almost seemed a crime to wake her when she looked so peaceful....
Oh well, a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do.
Keisha squealed loudly when she suddenly felt her sides being tickled. Trying desperately to get out of the hold, she only managed to roll over and look up at the blonde.
"S-s-s-..... STOP!!" She managed to cry through her laughter.
In the bed beside her, Victoria groaned and shoved her head under the pillow.
"I'll stop as soon as you agree to go to breakfast with me."
"C-c-.... come back in a few hours!"
Max fingers moved faster and Keisha squealed again before grabbing his hands, trying to pry them off her. Unfortunately, it was useless.
"OK, OK!!!" She yelled loudly. "I'll- ...... go! I'll Go!!!"
Max stopped tickling her and the redhead threw her head back on the pillow, panting heavily. When she finally stopped, she looked up at Max with a none-too-impressed look. When he held up his hands and wiggled his fingers suggestively, she laughed and sat up.
"I'm goin', I'm goin'!!" She said with a grin.
Max laughed as he fell back on the bed, courtesy of Keisha's playful shove as she crawled out of bed and headed for the bathroom.
When he heard the shower running, Max sat up and looked across the room. His eyes fell on Demetra, sitting at a small table with closed eyes as she drank what smelled like strong black coffee. After a slight hesitation, the blonde got up and walked over to the table. Once in front of the older girl, he tipped his head to one side slightly and spoke to her.
"Mind if I sit down?" He asked softly.
Without opening her eyes, Demetra took another sip of her coffee before speaking.
"Free country." She said bluntly. "Isn't it?"
Max smiled at her sarcasm as he sat down.
"Where's Kage?" He asked conversationally.
"Down in the exercise room."
Max tipped his head to one side slightly.
"And you're not with her?"
"Obviously."
Max resisted a sigh after this blunt answer, but to his surprise, Demetra spoke again before he himself had the chance.
"I just back from my morning run." She informed him tonelessly. "I was just heading down there when you came."
There was no sense of malice, bitterness or annoyance in Demetra's voice at all, which surprised Max greatly. He was astounded at how freely she was talking to him. Obviously she wasn't quite ready to leave him alone with Keisha just yet, but right then he was willing to take what he could get.
"Oh. Cool." Max replied. "And you do that every morning?"
Demetra gave a single brisk nod.
There was a long silence between the two and Max shifted a little uncomfortably. Finally the silence became to heavy for him and he simply had to lift it.
"Hey, Demetra...." He began softly. "I... wanna apologise again for that day a few weeks ago. I didn't mean to come between Keisha and her team and I didn't mean to ruin your plans or anything. I'm really sorry."
Demetra's eyes remained closed but her free hand lifted from the table and gave a dismissive wave.
"It's fine." She said simply. "I'll admit, she does better with you around then without. You're good for her."
Max sat back in his seat, quiet as he processed this. It wasn't a compliment or a kind gesture, he knew that. Demetra's comment had been a stated fact, nothing more, and he knew she would quickly take it back and be out for his blood if he ever gave her the slightest reason to. She truly was a great leader and the best friend. Almost like a mother in many ways.
"Thank you." Max said finally, knowing the situation didn't call for it. The blonde then smiled and decided to see how much he could get away with.
"You know, I think that cold air is all just for show. You're really a good person on the inside."
Demetra's lip curled up into a scowl and her eyes finally opened to glare at the blonde.
"Don't push your luck blondie!" She growled at him. Max resisted a laugh and turned his head when a third voice was heard.
"Careful, Maxie." Keisha said teasingly. "Her bite's bigger then her bark."
"So it's not all for show?" Max added playfully. Demetra's eyes narrowed.
"And don't you forget it."
Max grinned as he got to his feet and held a hand out to Keisha. She took it with a smile and Max turned back to Demetra.
"I promise I won't keep her out to late this time." He promised teasingly. Demetra's nose wrinkled in disgust as she closed her eyes and sipped her coffee again.
"You'd better not." She replied, but there was a slightly mocking undertone in her voice this time. This surprised Keisha greatly.
The two younger teens headed for the door and just before Max closed it behind him he spoke one last farewell to Villikosto's Captain.
"Later... mom."
Demetra's eyes flew open and Keisha's mouth dropped open in shock. Max laughed and quickly shut the door -- just in time to hear a loud bang and see a huge bump appear in it.
Keisha sweat dropped.
"And que Trea." The redhead said wearily.
Max blinked at her in confusion.
"Trea?"
"Never mind." Keisha mumbled. She then laughed as she lead him along down the hallway. "I can't believe you said that! You're lucky you're still standing!!"
Max laughed.
"She doesn't scare me anymore." He said pointedly. "I mean, what's the worst she can do?"
Keisha laughed knowingly.
"Famous last words."
"What can I get ya, darlin's?"
Keisha smiled up at the waitress beside her kindly.
"I'll have the french toast and chilled strawberries, please."
"And to drink?"
"Orange juice." Keisha said with a smile.
"Sure thing, sweetie." The brunette said kindly. She then turned to Max. "And you hun?"
"I'll have the same." Max said with a smile. "Only apple juice instead, please."
The brunette scribbled the orders on her notepad before taking their menus and giving them a brilliant smile.
"Your order's will be ready in a jiffy." She said cheerily, clearly a morning person.
Max turned to Keisha and smiled brightly when the waitress was gone.
"So. Big day next week."
Keisha smiled back.
"Yea." She said simply.
Max rested his chin in his hand as he watched her.
"Not nervous?"
Keisha shook her head.
"Not really. I probably would have been if it hadn't been for Tala's little speech yesterday. But now I'm kinda just.... angry." The redhead frowned as she looked out the window. "I really wanna beat those jerks."
Max gave her a lopsided smile.
"I get it." He said simply. "I used to hate it when people taunted us like that too. I still do in a way but for the most part, I got over it. People only act like that and say those things when they're scared or feel threatened. Tala and his team are no different. Like I said yesterday, he knows you're good and he knows you have a chance at winning. He just wants to psyche you out."
Keisha looked back at Max, a small frown on her face.
"I duno.." She said thoughtfully. "He didn't really look all that scared yesterday."
Max laughed.
"Tala's a good actor." He said with a smile. "Trust me, I've known him for a while. He's not capable of feeling much, but when he does feel something, it's usually pretty intense. And I'm positive, if he's not scared, he's a little worried at the very least."
Keisha starred at Max for a moment before finally smiling.
"Thanks, Max." She said gratefully. "You always know exactly what to say."
She giggled a little before speaking again.
"Even if it's not always true."
Max laughed, and at that moment, the waitress returned and placed their orders in front of them.
"Thanks."
"Thank you."
Both teens continued to chat and laugh as they proceeded to eat their breakfasts happily.
Little did they know, someone nearby was watching them, having just spotted them on her way out of the quaint little cafe. She watched the two curiously for a moment before finally smiling and walking up to the two.
"Hey there Maxie!"
Max paused in his conversation with Keisha and turned to his right. He blinked in surprise as he starred up at the person looking down at him.
"Mom!" He exclaimed in surprise. "I thought your flight went out this morning."
The blonde woman smiled and nodded.
"It does. It goes out in an hour or so. I was just grabbing a quick coffee before heading back to the hotel and collecting my things."
The blonde woman looked down at Keisha then and gave her a small smile.
Catching the hint, Max shook his head and gestured to the redhead.
"Mom, you remember Keisha?" He said, scooting over in the booth then to make room for his mother.
The older blonde reached out her hand to the redhead.
"Hello, Keisha. It's a pleasure to see you again -- without the.... tension."
Keisha blushed sheepishly as she reached up to take Judy's hand.
"I'm sorry about that..." She apologized guiltily. "Thing's won't be so... cold, now."
Judy smiled as she released Keisha's hand and slid into the seat next to Max.
"I'm sure they won't." She said kindly.
The blonde placed her elbows on the table and folded her hands, resting her chin on them before setting her eyes on Keisha observantly.
"So, Keisha. Where are you from?"
"Finland." The redhead replied with a charming smile.
"Finland? Wow. Long way from home aren't you?"
Keisha furrowed her brows for a moment before setting her face into a smile again.
"Well... yes. But we'll be going straight back after the tournament."
Judy continued.
"I see. So, when did you start beyblading?"
Keisha's smile slipped a little. She was beginning to feel like she was being interrogated. What was Judy trying to prove?
Across her, Max frowned, thinking the same thing. Still, he said nothing as he let his mother continue.
"Um... when I was about five." The redhead told the blonde.
"And how many matches have you lost?" Judy asked calmly.
Keisha forced herself to keep her smile n place. Whatever Judy was trying to prove, whatever test she was giving, the redhead was determined to pass it.
"I've lost exactly four matches." She said proudly. "Tied twelve and won literally thousands. I'm sorry, but I can't give you an estimation on those."
Judy's face was expressionless.
"Thousands?" She repeated. "That's impressive."
Keisha had to resist scowling at the blonde woman, who sounded anything but impressed.
"Yes, that's right." Keisha replied truthfully. "I'm sure it's nothing like your team is used to, but we do our best."
Finally Judy smiled and sat back, then tension lifting considerably. Keisha exhaled in relief.
"Yes, our team does spend a lot of time battling." She admitted truthfully. "Still, those statistics are impressive, Keisha. I really am impressed."
Keisha blinked at the woman for a moment, before finally giving her a genuine smile again.
"Thank you." She replied kindly. Judy nodded and spoke again.
"One more question; Breal, is he your brother?"
Keisha shook her head.
"No. He's Demetra's brother. I don't have a brother.... I don't think."
Judy raised an eyebrow.
"You don't think?" She repeated questioningly. "Shouldn't you know if you have a brother or not?"
Keisha frowned now and looked at the table.
"Well..." She began quietly. "I suppose if I did we would have been put together."
Judy starred at the redhead in confusion and said girl took the questioning silence correctly.
"I was an orphan." She said bluntly, looking then back up at Judy. "Breal adopted the girls and I some years ago and has raised us all like his own sisters. I suppose your right, I should know if I had a brother, because I'm sure he would have been placed at the orphanage with me if I did right? After all, why would my parents leave one and keep the other?"
The comment was both meant to inform and tell the woman before her to back off. Thankfully the message was received.
Judy sat back as she starred at Keisha guiltily. She knew she'd crossed the line.
Max frowned at the whole situation. He'd never understood why Keisha always said Breal was Demetra's brother and not the others' as well, and he knew his mother was wondering the same thing, but he wouldn't allow himself or her to ask about it after the upsetting interrogation the redhead had already received.
"That's enough questions, mother." The young blonde said firmly. He then looked at Keisha.
"She didn't mean anything by it, Keisha." He said softly, looking at his mother suggestively. "Did you, mom?"
Judy frowned.
"No, I didn't." She said truthfully. "I was just being curious. I'm sorry, Keisha, I didn't mean to open any old wounds. I hope you can forgive me."
Keisha felt like a bolder had been lifted from her shoulders and she smiled kindly.
"I can. It's alright, don't worry about it. They say the only way to learn is to ask questions, right?"
Judy gave a lopsided smile, before looking down at her watch.
"Well, it's time for me to be going." The blonde woman said, a little louder then necessary. She got to her feet and gave Keisha a slight nod.
"It was nice seeing you again, Keisha." She said kindly. "I hope to see more of you."
The redhead blushed slightly and Max grinned.
"Ya never know!" He said cheerfully, making Judy smile and Keisha blush brighter.
The blonde woman bid the two farewell and left. Max turned to Keisha.
"I'm sorry about that..." He said softly. "It's a bad habit of hers, asking so many questions and all... ya know, being a researcher I guess."
Keisha looked up at him from under long eyelashes.
"It's OK, Max." She said softly as well. She then gave him a small smile. "But I think that was more of a motherly gesture then that of a researcher."
Max gave a sheepish smile.
"Yea... maybe. Still, I am really sorry. She's not a bad person, I swear."
Keisha lifted her head fully and her smile widened slightly.
"I know. Don't worry."
Seeing that their happy little moment was over, Max grinned wide.
"So, you done?"
Keisha looked down at her food, decided she didn't have much of an appetite anymore, and looked up at Max again with a nod.
"Yea, I'm done."
The blonde's grin grew impossibly wide.
"Good!" He said enthusiastically. "Now I can show you what I got you up so early for!"
Keisha cocked her head to one side.
"I thought this was why you got me up so early?"
Max shook his head and laid some money on the table. He then jumped up and grabbed her hand.
"Nope! Come on!"
Keisha laughed as she was pulled behind the blonde, out the door and down the street.
Keisha stood in awe as her and Max finally reached their destination.
"Wow." She whispered in amazement. "It's beautiful..."
Max smiled wide as Keisha starred out over the water. He'd taken her to the beach, despite the time of year. The air was mild, not too cold, and this made the perfect conditions for what he wanted to do.
Finally the redhead turned to the blonde with a confused expression.
"This is gorgeous, Max...." She began slowly. "But why did we have to come here so early?"
Max smiled again and moved to stand behind her. He waved to what appeared to be a boat, then placed his hands on her hips and leaned down so his face was next to hers over her shoulder.
The motion made Keisha blush brightly, but she brushed it aside when the blonde spoke to her.
"See that boat out there on the water?"
Keisha nodded.
"Watch it."
Green eyes locked on the small boat unblinkingly. When finally her eyes started to sting and water, Keisha blinked a few times and turned her head to look at Max, blushing again at how close his face was to hers.
"I don't see anything..."
Max was still starring out over the water and smiling.
"Look." He said quietly. Keisha turned back to the water again.
"I still don't see-"
Suddenly she gasped.
"Oh Max! Are those... are they whales??"
Max laughed and nodded. He then pulled away from the redhead but she didn't notice what he was doing, she was too busy watching the white spots in the water.
"This should be about your size."
Keisha turned to look at Max and blinked at what he was holding.
"How did you-?"
Max grinned and handed her the dry suit.
"Doesn't matter. So you wanna swim with them or not?"
Keisha's eyes widened and she nodded eagerly.
Max's grin widened as he handed her the suit and all her equipment. He then turned to a huge chest behind him and pulled out a set for himself. It didn't take the blonde long to suit up but when he turned to his date, he realized she was having a lot more trouble then he was.
"Here, lemme help." He said with a laugh.
Keisha blushed lightly and gave him a small grateful smile as he walked over to her and helped her.
Once she was all ready, Max took Keisha's hand and lead her towards the water.
Keisha was too much in shock to really grasp what was happening. It wasn't until the two had waded waist-deep out into the water that the chill finally hit the redhead.
"AH!" She squealed in alarm, pulling her hand from Max's to cross across her chest. "It's cold!!"
Max chuckled.
"Yea, it's gonna be at first. But once you get moving a bit, your own body heat will warm you up and you'll be fine. The suit keeps the heat in. Promise."
Her teeth chattering slightly, Keisha nodded at Max and took his hand again.
The two kept wading until they got out nearly to their necks. Once there, Max stopped and turned to Keisha.
"You can swim, right?"
"Um..." The redhead said uncertainly. "Well... I've never really had much a chance to find out."
Max blinked at her.
"You've never swam in a pool?"
Keisha thought for a minute.
"Um... I think I might have... once.. when I was a kid.."
"How about the beach?" Max questioned in disbelief. "During summer? You've never swam in the ocean?"
Keisha shook her head.
"I've been there with the girls sometimes, like on vacation and stuff, but... I never really went out far enough to have to swim."
Max blinked at the girl for a minute, then smiled.
"Alright. Well, that's OK, I'll help you. You're not afraid are you?"
Keisha shook her head again and Max grinned.
"OK. Just do what I do."
Keisha watched as Max leaned forward in the water and kicked his feet. This thrust him forward and due to their hands still being linked, it caused Keisha to jut forward with a slight gasp. Max chuckled.
"It's OK. Just try it."
So, she did.
Max smiled.
"Good. Now move your other hand like this.... would you like me to let go so you can use both?"
"NO!" The redhead said suddenly, making Max start in surprise. "Er, I mean.... I'd... rather have you hang on, ya know, to help me."
Max smiled warmly and nodded.
"OK, I won't let go. Remember, just do as I do."
Max let her practice in the shallow for a bit, where she could still touch, and smiled at how quick a learner she was -- not that there was anything overly complicated about your basic swimming.
"Good!" He praised. "Now, ready to try further?"
Keisha nodded and so Max slowly eased her out deeper.
There were a few unpleasant moments; which included a few mouth fulls of nasty, salty water on Keisha's behalf, but she was determined. Slowly but surely she caught on until finally, about half way out, she seemed to be able to swim well enough on her own to both stay above water and still be able to breathe. She was also able to tread water as well, which was very good, because a few stops were needed on the way to the boat for breathers.
Finally, after what felt like forever, the two finally made it out to the boat -- which evidently was much bigger then Keisha had anticipated. Max pointed to a ladder along side it and Keisha clung on gratefully, thankful to finally have something solid to hold onto without the worry of drowning.
When he was sure Keisha was secure, Max looked up at the boat to see a blonde man leaning over the side and grinning at him.
"Maxie, m'boy! How's it goin'?!"
Max grinned and waved.
"Fine, Uncle Jonas!! How's the research coming?"
"Fine, fine. Who's your girlfriend?"
Both teens blushed and Max gestured to Keisha with a smile.
"This is Keisha." He called to his uncle. "And she's a friend."
Jonas grinned a very Max-like grin.
"I see." He said teasingly. "Well, I guess you're here to see some whales, huh?"
Max nodded.
"Well, come around back! They're all over here with Cappa!'
"Thanks, Uncle J!"
Max looked back to Keisha with a grin and took her hand again.
"Come on, you wanna see them, don't you?"
Keisha nodded eagerly and smiled in anticipation. She let go of the ladder and followed Max around the back of the boat, which had a sort of platform on it for people to sit close to the whales and the water.
Once at the back of the boat, Keisha gasped as something big, white and slippery slid along her thigh.
Max laughed.
"Guess he likes you."
The whale whom had brushed her surfaced and stuck his face in front of Keisha curiously. She blinked at him, unsure of what to do.
"Go on, touch 'im!" Max's uncle said to her, watching with a grin from the platform. "He aint gonna bite!"
Hesitantly, Keisha reached a hand up and rubbed the top of the whale's head. She laughed when he leaned into it.
"What are they?" She asked anyone in particular.
"Belugas." Jonas replied.
"They're adorable." The redhead said admiringly, laughing as a second, and then third whale came over to play with her. "How did you get them here?"
Jonas sat down on the low platform, along-side a younger looking brunette boy Keisha took to be Cappa.
"We used a sonar system." The blonde man explained. "They're special sound waves only the whales can hear. It attracts them."
"And you study them?" The redhead asked curiously. Jonas grinned and nodded.
"Every day we can.... you like 'em?"
Keisha grinned and wrapped her arms around a smaller whale in front of her for a small hug.
"I love them! You have the best job ever!"
Jonas laughed.
"I think so." He said with a grin. "Seems they like you too."
Jonas looked over at Cappa and tipped his head towards Keisha. The young man looked at her and smiled before holding out the bucket in his hands. Keisha blinked at him and swam over to the boat. She peered into the bucket and looked up at Jonas questioningly. This made the blonde man laugh.
"You wanna feed 'em?"
Keisha's face lit up.
"Yes please!"
"Then take a fish!" Jonas said with a laugh.
Keisha peered back into the bucket, starred at the motionless fish for a moment, then pulled a hand out of the water to take one.
Turning around to face the whales again, Keisha started in surprise when she saw a dozen or so wide open mouths before her. This time all three of her companions laughed, including Max.
"Looks like everybody's hungry!" Jonas said in amusement. "Gonna need more then one fish, love!"
Keisha looked back and forth between all the whales for a moment before tossing the fish into the mouth closest to her. This whale closed his mouth to eat but the others were still begging.
With a grin, the redhead turned back around, grabbed a handful of fish and filled all the open mouths. When everyone had a snack, some of the whales swam elsewhere while a few younger ones approached Keisha to play with her.
Max grinned wide as he watched his date giggling and swimming with the big white babies. She was so sweet and gentle. It was no wonder the creatures were so attracted to her, how could they not be? She was a pure and gentle soul, just like them. They could sense a kinship with her, and if the look on her face was any indication, the same was so for the redhead.
The blonde sighed happily. It didn't matter that he was no longer in her picture, it didn't matter that she seemed to be in her own world with the lovable creatures now, and it didn't matter that his heart was pounding a million times a second....
All that mattered was the fact that Keisha was happy, that she was having fun. She even seemed to be glowing....
"Hey, Maxie."
Max shook his head and blinked himself out of his trance before turning to his uncle. Jonas tipped his head in a 'come hither' gesture and Max took one glance at Keisha to make sure she was OK before swimming over to the boat.
Jonas leaned in to Max's face so only the younger blonde could hear him.
"That one's a keeper Maxie." The man said with a smile. "And by the look on your face, I don't need to tell ya that."
Max felt his face burn. Was it that obvious?
Hang on? Was what obvious? He wasn't crushing on Keisha, they were just friends!!
Jonas shook his head with a wide grin at his nephew's expression. He knew that face.
"Don't even try to kid yourself, bud." He said with a grin. "Nothin' wrong with caring about someone and don't let anyone ever tall ya otherwise. If you think something over this girl, then don't wait for nothin', just go for it."
Max starred off into nothingness for a long while until eventually a cold splash shook him out of his reverie. The blonde turned to see a certain redhead laughing uncontrollably.
"Hey!" He scolded, trying not to laugh.
Keisha couldn't say anything. Instead she pointed at one of the young whales, whom was slapping his fin on the water playfully, his mouth open in what looked comically like a laugh.
Max laughed and splashed the young whale but the white creature simply ducked under the water to avoid it. This, of course, caused an entirely different scene all it's own.
It was sometime in the late afternoon when Max finally glanced at the sun, low in the sky, before smiling at his redheaded date.
"Hey, Kei." He said with a smile. "I think it's time we were heading back, Demetra's probably ready to kill me for keeping you out so late."
Keisha turned away from the small whale she'd just been playing with and looked towards the setting sun. She knew Max was right, they'd been out on the water all day, literally! They'd had lunch on the boat, courtesy of Max's uncle Jonas and spent the rest of the time playing with and learning about the whales among them, also courtesy of Jonas. Now it was time to head back.
"Yea, I guess you're right." The redhead said with a sigh, reaching out to stroke the smooth head of a baby before her.
She wrapped her arms around one of the creatures with a smile, then swam towards the boat.
"Thank you so much, Jonas!" She said happily as she grinned up at the blonde man.
Jonas smiled and crouched down onto the platform before reaching his hand out to her. Keisha shook it with a smile and Jonas gave her hand a small, affectionate pat.
"You take care a yourself, love." He said with a smile. "It was nice meetin' ya, hopefully we'll see more of ya."
The man glanced at his blonde nephew at the last part and gave a small wink. Both teens blushed at this but smiled nonetheless.
"You never know." Max said for the second time that day.
Keisha smiled at the older man, then turned to give Cappa a kind farewell before turning and swimming over to Max.
"Ready?"
Keisha nodded and the blonde held out his hand to her. The redhead took the extended hand and followed Max back to shore, both looking over their shoulders for one more farewell before finally continuing on their way.
The two had company for most of the way in and Keisha laughed at the playful creatures swimming under and around her playfully. But, once they were so far in, the whales finally stopped and backtracked to the boat.
Finally the two teens made it back to shore and walked out of the water. Max once more helped Keisha with her dry suit before heading back over to the huge chest from earlier. He put the wet things inside on one side, then pulled out two huge fluffy towels for their faces and hair and, to Keisha's relief, two massively huge fire blankets.
Max handed Keisha one of the towels with a smile then proceeded to spread one of the blankets out over the sand. He sat down on the blanket with the other one and his towel in his hand, then patted the spot next to him. Keisha smiled and walked over to sit next to the blonde and when she did he wrapped the second blanket around them both.
"Have fun?" The blonde asked with a smile as he reached up to dry his wet hair.
Keisha mimicked him and nodded with a smile.
"You have no idea!" She replied truthfully. "I can't ever remember having such a good time! Thank you so much Max!"
Max laughed when the redhead put her towel down and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. With a smile, he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back. To Keisha's delight, he didn't let her go once the hug had been accomplished. This suited her fine and instead the redhead's hands slipped around the blonde's waist before resting her head on his shoulder.
Both teens starred quietly out over the water as they watched the sun sinking lower in the sky. Finally, after a lengthy silence, Max spoke up.
"I'm really glad you and mom seemed to click."He said softly. "Even if... it started out a little rough. She really did mean well and I'm proud of you for taking her interrogation so well. Thank you."
Keisha smiled, not looking up at the blonde, and spoke.
"I could say the same." She replied. "I can't believe how well you hit it off with Demetra! I can promise you, there are only a handful of people who could say they had the kind of conversation you guys had -- meaning civil!"
The redhead laughed.
"Not to mention the nice little comment you left on your way out!" She exclaimed with a grin. "You're definitely the only one who could say you lived to tell that tale!"
Max laughed.
"I'm sure I'll have payback for that yet." He said with a grin of his own. Keisha laughed again and agreed.
There was another silence but this time it was a little shorter. Once again, after a while, Max broke it.
"Kei...." He said softly this time. "I'm.... also really sorry for last week.... about our match. I-"
Keisha lifted her head this time and looked up at the blonde, only to place a finger to his lips and cut him off.
"You already apologized for that." She whispered. "Once is enough, I believed you the first time."
Max smiled warmly at the redhead and lifted his own hand to take a hold of Keisha's. He placed a gentle kiss to the fingertips and the redhead smiled before replacing her head on his shoulder. Their fingers intertwined before starring back out over the ocean once more.
"I want to be there for you from now on, Keisha." Max said then, not giving the silence a chance to settle again.
Keisha sat up now and blinked at him. After a moment, she smiled warmly.
"I'd like that." She said softly, feeling greatly touched. She then laughed lightly. "After all, I do better when you're around then not. It'll feel better to have you in my corner."
Max starred at her for a moment until finally he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
"I don't mean just for the tournament..." He whispered softly. "I mean... always...."
Keisha's smile faded as a 'doe caught in headlights' look took over her face. Max had to chuckle at this but when her eyes went a little glossy, the affectionate look she gave him was enough to make him blush brightly.
"I-... I-"
The redhead bit her lip, unsure of what to say as her chest tightened with the new, overwhelming feelings and emotions brewing inside her.
Max bit his lip too.
The blonde took this silence to look over the adorable upturned face before him. Keisha was beautiful, there was no question about that. Brilliant emerald eyes you could get lost in, flaming hair as vibrant as her soul and fair, flawless skin that seemed to shimmer in the glow of the setting sun......
Perhaps the salt of the water had something to do with the latter, but it added to the awe-effect Max was in nonetheless.
Under the pressure of his intense stare, Keisha blushed prettily and Max's heart did a somersault. The girl was driving him mad!!
"Keisha..." The blonde whispered, barely audible.
"Yes, Max...?" The redhead replied in a whisper of her own.
"Can I kiss you?"
Keisha's eyes widened slightly as she blushed heavily, making Max's heart beat faster. Finally she swallowed and gave him a small, nervous smile.
"I duno..." She whispered in response. "Can you?"
The reply was meant to be playful, but it came out much more timid and nervous-sounding then she'd intended.
Max smiled, loving her humor and personality.
With all the permission he needed, the blonde released Keisha's hand in favor of lifting both to gently cup her face. Keisha's hands reached up to place over his and Max could feel her face burning as he slowly leaned in.
Finally, after a slight hesitation, their lips brushed.
There was a pause.
Eyes slid shut and hearts fluttered sickeningly as both sets of lips pressed firmly together in an explosion of fireworks before the glow of the setting sun.
The huge, dopey grin on a certain fair face, was enough to inspire grins and giggles all around as Keisha finally appeared in her hotel room.
Demetra paused in her blade tweaking to look up as the redhead walked into the room. A blank look on her face, she opened her mouth to speak but the younger girl held up a hand to cut her off.
"Don't say it." Keisha said pointedly, not looking at Demetra as she continued to stare off into nothing, still grinning like a fool. "I'm not distracted and you said it yourself; I do better with Max around then without."
Demetra blinked at Keisha, stunned to silence. She'd never seen the redhead so dazed and out of it before. But the girl was right, she had to admit that.
Victoria bounced up onto her knees from one of the beds in the room and grinned like the Cheshire cat as she starred at Keisha impatiently.
"Spill!" She exclaimed excitedly.
Keisha's eyes finally focused and she looked at Victoria, her already thousand watt grin widening to cracking point.
"I don't kiss and tell." She said with a playful wink. Victoria squealed.
Kage, leaning against a near-by wall with crossed arms, listened as Victoria bugged and pestered Keisha while the redhead gathered her clothes for a hot shower. Finally Keisha got annoyed and turned on the brunette, though her anger and annoyance was only mocking.
"I'll give you details when I get out!" She caved finally. "Just lemme enjoy the aftermath, will ya!"
The silent blader looked over at her Captain, whom was sitting at the same table she was at earlier, only to find the silver-eyed teen looking at her as well. The two starred at each other for a moment, more said in that one look then words could ever have done, before both finally smiled lightly and looked away from each other.
Yes, endangerously rare as it was, even Demetra smiled as she considered her youngest teammate's good fortune. Her honorary little sisters were at the top of their game, they were all they could be, and; most importantly, all three girls were happy.
And that was all Demetra really ever wanted.