A/N: Only one more after this guys! I'm sorry (again) that this took so long! I don't think I'll get the next one out tomorrow but I'll do my best to get it out Sunday. (Only one more after this! :D) Please check back and bare with me! REALLY hope you guys like this one!.... Oh! BTW; I deeply apologize for the absolutely corniness of this chapter! It's almost sickening... !! lol!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but Villikosto.

"That's not good enough, Demi!!"

Demetra glared at the shorter brunette before her but said brunette just glared right back.

"I said no!" The tall girl replied heatedly.

Beside the two, Kage sweat dropped while Keisha gave her Captain an intense look.

"Come on, Demi! Please!"

Demetra turned her glare on Keisha now.

"NO! And I mean it!"

Keisha's eyes narrowed in an uncharacteristic way as she starred at her Captain intensely.

"If you don't, I'll never attend another team practice again."

Demetra's own eyes narrowed threateningly now.

"You wouldn't dare." The silver-eyed teen hissed dangerously. But even before she said it, the Captain knew the redhead was serious.

Keisha raised an eyebrow.

"You know I would."

Kage and Victoria looked back and forth between their two teammates as the two had the stare-down of the century.

It was quiet for a very long time, and neither girl seemed willing to move an inch. Finally however, Demetra's lip curled up into a scowl.

"Fine." She hissed venomously. "But it better not be anything too frilly or I'll have you two doing level twelve drills everyday for the next three years!!"

Keisha grinned triumphantly and Kage smiled in amusement as Victoria cheered enthusiastically.

"Promise." The redhead sad simply.

Now that Demetra had been swayed, it was time to pick out her dress.

Keisha and Victoria had spent the entire day picking out their dresses for the Closing ceremonies/Christmas ball Mr. Dickenson was holding that night. They'd even gone to the trouble of picking out something for Kage and Demetra as well. While Kage had agreed with little more then an uncaring shrug, Demetra had been much harder to convince. But, in the end, they had finally managed to talk her into it -- with, of course, a little persuasion.

"OK, then! Let's get this party started!"

Keisha grinned at her own cheesiness while Victoria laughed, Kage smiled, and Demetra scowled.

"I totally know what you mean! It was the same thing when I battled Kei in the tournament and Victoria in the park!"

Tyson nodded at the blonde across him and grinned at his enthusiastic answer.

"Those girls are way cool!" The blunette said with a grin. Beside the two, Ray smiled.

"One things for sure, Maxie; you're certainly gonna have your hands full with this girl."

Max blushed lightly and Tyson's grin widened.

"That's for sure!" He agreed enthusiastically. "Never a dull moment! Hey, you think they'd agree to another battle with us? I wanna see how I'd do against kage or Demetra! Those girls are awesome!"

Tyson focused his attention back onto his blonde friend.

"So? Whatta ya think Maxie? You think they'd do it?"

But Max's attention no longer belonged to the blunette.

Tyson blinked at his blonde friend.

"Max?" He questioned in confusion, waving his hand in front of the fair face. "Helloooo? Earth to Maxie?"

Ray tilted his head to one side as he starred at the blonde. Turning to follow his gaze, the White Tiger grinned a toothy grin as his eyes fell on the object of the blonde's affections.

"Hey, Maxie." The Chinese blader whispered, leaning in close to the blonde.

"Uh.... yea, Ray?" Max replied dumbly, eyes not budging.

"What are you still doing here?"

Max starred for a moment before finally shaking his head and grinning.

"Good question! Excuse me guys!"

Ray and Tyson turned to watch Max go, each grinning from ear to ear as the blonde walked away.

-;-

Emerald orbs scanned the sea of faces until they fell upon the one they were searching for. The redhead completely tuned out Victoria's excited rant as she watched Max approach her with a one-hundred watt grin.

"And here I thought you couldn't get any prettier."

Keisha blushed as Max finally reached her a lifted her hand to his lips for a delicate kiss. Looking the blonde over, she had to admit, he looked good too.

Decked out in a formal tux with his usual unruly blonde spikes arranged just so, the blonde was a total knock out.

Sapphire eyes subtly rolled over Keisha's body as they starred appreciatively. She was wearing a sleeveless white dress with a purple floral design on the top. The dress flared out at her hips, had many layers, showed her knees and lower legs while slanting in the back to brush the ground. Around her neck was a small silver chain around which hung a small amethyst gem. Her ears were decorated with tiny purple studs and her feet were adorned with elegant white strappy heels.

Finally emerald met sapphire and both teens smiled at each other affectionately.

"You don't look so bad yourself, blondie." Keisha teased as her cheeks took on an attractive pink tinge.

Max grinned and held his arm out to the girl. When her arm looped with his, Max looked over at Demetra, whom looked none to happy to be there.

"And even mom is dressed up!" The blonde teased playfully before giving a low whistle. "and she sure cleans up good."

Demetra's attention focused from someone she'd been glaring at to Max, at which point the glare intensified tenfold.

"Keep pushing your luck blondie." She dared venomously. Max simply grinned.

"I'm sure you'll get your revenge one day." Max replied absently. "For now, mind if I borrow your little sister?"

Demetra's expression softened ever-so slightly as she snorted humorlessly.

"The tournament's over." She stated bluntly. "You can do what you want with her."

Both teens across her grinned in amusement -- and slight surprise -- at the brunette's playful comment. Finally they bid farewell to Keisha's teammates and the redhead followed the blonde onto the dance floor.

Keisha's arms slipped around Max's neck once they'd found a place to dance. Her head came to rest on Max's chest and the blonde pulled her close as his arms slid around her waist. The current song was a beautiful one, and one Keisha always liked. But she smiled brightly and closed her eyes when she heard Max's voice in her ear, softly singing along with the music.

"Every time our eyes meet. This feeling inside me. Is almost more then I can take."

Keisha lifted her head and looked up into Max's eyes as she sang the next line.

"Baby when you touch me, I can feel how much you love me. And it just blows me away."

Keisha felt the whole thing was a little cheesy and corny -- and according to the grin on the blonde's face, he did too. Still, corny or not, it was still cute and it was a moment together, and one neither would ever forget.

Max grinned and leaned down to press a quick peck to the redhead's cheek before singing again.

"I've never been this close to anyone, or anything. I can hear your thoughts. I can see your dreams."

Keisha giggled lightly and pulled closer to Max, both swaying softly to the music as they softly sang together.

"I dunno how you do what you do. I'm so in love with you. It just keeps getting better."

Max's grin faded to a warm smile as he reached up to gently caress Keisha's cheek. This caused the redhead to pause in the song as the blonde continued.

"I wanna spend the rest of my life, with you by my side. Forever and ever."

Keisha blinked up at Max, stunned. Max brushed his fingers along her lips, making her shiver slightly and smiled again.

"Every little thing that you do. Baby, I'm amazed by you."

Finally Keisha blinked and rested her head against Max's chest once more, this time pressing a feathery kiss to his neck before singing again.

"The smell of your skin. The taste of your kiss. The way you whisper in the dark."

Max smiled again and rested his chin atop Keisha's head as he took over.

"Your hair all around me. Baby, you surround me. Touch every place in my heart."

Keisha smiled too and sang along once more.

"Oh, it feels like the first time, every time. I wanna spend the whole night, in your eyes."

The song's solo drifted from the speakers. Max pulled back from Keisha a little and placed his finger under her chin to encourage her to look up at him. When she did he leaned down and covered her lips with his.

Keisha's eyes slid shut and her arms slipped further around Max's neck. The kiss was sweet and gentle, but held more love and feeling then either had ever either given or felt before.

The rest of the world and the people in the room melted and faded away, and the only thing that existed anymore was each other.

"Every little thing that you do. I'm so in love with you. It just keeps gettin' better....... I wanna spend the rest of my life, with you by my side. Forever and ever........."

Some people paused and looked on with smiles and whispered comments, but still the couple dancing and kissing softly didn't notice.

"Every little thing that you do. Oh, every little thing that you do.... Baby, I'm amazed by...... you....."

Finally sapphire and emerald eyes slid open as both teens slowly pulled away from each other.

Max again reached up to gently caress Keisha's cheek and there was a strange sparkle in his eyes as he starred down at the redhead.

"Keisha..." He whispered softly. Keisha blinked up at him.

"Yes, Maxie....?" She whispered back.

Max cupped her cheek and gently brushed his thumb along her jaw line.

"I lo-"

"Aw! How sickeningly cute!"

Max stopped as he was patted on the back enthusiastically. The blonde turned to the side to see a certain blunette grinning broadly.

"Glad you thought so." Max replied sarcastically, giving his best a small grin.

Tyson grinned back and gave both teens a cheerful look before gesturing towards the tables.

"Well, come mingle! There are other people in the world besides you two!"

Max blushed lightly.

"Yea, OK. We'll be over in a minute."

Tyson grinned again before turning and heading back to a group of tables, where sat a wide group of their friends, all grinning at the pair. This made the blonde blush heavily.

Suddenly feeling a pair of eyes on him, Max looked back down at his companion. Noting that she was still starring up at him with a dazed look, Max smiled as he realized she hadn't taken her eyes off of him. She knew what he'd been about to say and it had stunned her.

The blonde leaned down again, this time past the fair, beautiful face to brush his lips lightly against Keisha's ear.

"I'll tell you later." He whispered softly before giving her ear a soft kiss.

Keisha bit her lip and starred into Max's eyes when he pulled back. Max smiled and gave said lip a small kiss before leading his partner off the dance floor and towards their friends.

Tyson grinned like a fool as Max and Keisha sat along side him at his table.

"Awe! You old charmer, you!" The blunette teased, nudging the blondes ribs playfully.

Max blushed slightly but grinned at his blunette friend as he slipped an arm around Keisha's shoulders. The redhead was blushing too but she smiled lightly as she leaned into Max and rested her head on his shoulder.

The others at the table all laughed, chatted and talked amongst themselves as Keisha absently looked around the room, occasionally listening to the others talk, joining in on the conversation when the situation called for it, and savoring the sound of Max's voice each and every time he spoke.

As emerald eyes scanned the area, they fell on a particular pair and paused to watch curiously.

Victoria was pushing a very resistant Kage towards a group of people and it was taking every bit of strength she had as the purple-touched blader was digging in her heels and trying desperately to get away. Unfortunately for the older girl, her grip-less shoes made the feat impossible.

Kage was blushing furiously and she stumbled slightly as Victoria gave the girl one final, mighty shove. When she straightened, she was standing among the very stunned and confused faces of the White Tigers; each one blinking in bewilderment. Ignoring them all, Victoria looked at Ray, irritably brushed a strand of hair from her face, and spoke. Keisha smiled, having a feeling what the blonde-streaked brunette was saying as she gestured towards the dance floor. Ray blinked at her as she spoke, but when she stopped, he nodded and smiled warmly at Kage before holding out his hand. Kage's bright flush deepened, especially when Ray was bold enough to take her hand and lead her away. Glaring at Victoria, the older teen turned to look over her shoulder and give a very peeved looking Mariah an apologetic frown before following Ray onto the dance floor.

Keisha smiled and shook her head, causing Max to look down at her curiously.

"What's wrong?" He inquired questioningly. Keisha grinned and looked up at him.

"Nothing. Just observing."

Max smiled at her and kissed the top of her head, but the smile widened as something a ways away seemed to catch his eye.

"Well, if you like people watching, I think I found something that might interest you."

Keisha blinked at the blonde in confusion before lifting her head from his shoulder and following his gaze. She blinked when her eyes fell on a particular pair again, but this time Victoria had a different companion.

Victoria's arms were crossed across her chest as her face was set int an annoyed expression. Her eyes were closed and her face turned away from her companion as the one and only Enrique Giancarlo tried his damndest to will her to talk to him. The blonde European was twisting his head this way and that, stepping in front of the brunette each and every time she turned away from him. He was obviously trying to convince the brunette to dance with him, but the brunette wanting nothing to to with him. Finally the blonde seemed to be getting desperate and he reached out to take her hands in his, the most suave and charming look he could produce displaying across his handsome features. Unfortunately, that was the last straw. Victoria's eyes opened and she finally looked at the blonde before yanking her hands out of his grip. Her expression was one of great annoyance and irritation as she spat a set of angry words at the blonde and turned to storm away.

Keisha pursed her lips and Max bit his cheek, each trying not to laugh at the blonde playboy some feet away -- whom quite obviously now had a very bruised ego.

"Poor, Enrique." Max said, trying very hard not to laugh. However, by the tone of his voice, the American-bred blonde didn't really sound to sorry for the other teen.

Keisha took a deep breath to calm herself and gave the other blonde a sympathetic -- albeit, a little amused as well -- smile.

"Yea.... maybe he should stick to one girl instead of chasing so many." She suggested, unable to resist a small laugh.

Max laughed and his free hand took one of Keisha's in his and lifted it to his lips to press a delicate kiss to the backs of her fingers.

"Yea, he should." The blonde replied with a smile. "One like mine."

Keisha felt her cheeks flush brightly as she blinked up at the blonde.

"Yours?" She repeated, a small smile coming to her face. "So I'm yours, am I?"

Max grinned lightly.

"I hope so." He replied playfully, leaning down to playfully rub his nose against hers. "I'm all yours too... If you want me."

Keisha grinned and affectionately nuzzled the blonde's cheek.

"Deal." She whispered playfully.

Max grinned as well and closed the distance between them to press a light kiss to the soft lips so tantalizingly close to his.

But before the light caress could become a significant kiss, a voice nearby separated the two.

"Awe! Get a room!"

The two pulled away and turned to look across the table. Keisha blushed lightly when she saw Tyson grinning at them. Max grinned back.

"You're just jealous, Ty." He teased playfully. Tyson laughed.

"Yea. Totally."

Max laughed too and looked down at Keisha.

"You wanna get some air?"

Keisha smiled and nodded, so the blonde removed his arm from around her shoulders and reached for her hand instead, linking their fingers before standing up.

"We'll catch ya later, Ty." Max said with a smile. Tyson smiled back.

"Kay! Later Maxie! Later Keisha!"

Keisha smiled at the blunette and gave him a small inclination of the head.

"See you later, Tyson.

The two turned then and left the ballroom in direction of the balcony.

There was no one out on the balcony as the new couple stepped out into the chilly night air -- which, Max reasoned, was probably the reason no one else was there. Looking down at his new girlfriend, he smiled with a mix of sympathy and amusement as he watched the redhead obviously trying to hide a shiver.

Keisha looked up at Max when she felt a new weight on her shoulders.

"No, I don't want it." She said insistently. "You'll be cold."

Max smiled at her and slipped an arm around her shoulders as he lead the petite redhead towards the railing of the balcony.

"I'll be fine." He replied softly. "And besides, you're wearing a whole lot less then me."

Keisha laughed lightly and pulled the jacket tighter around her shoulders as she gave the blonde a warm smile.

"Thank you, Maxie."

Max's eyes sparked and he starred down at Keisha with an affectionate expression as she turned to look out over the scenery.

"I love it when you call me that..." He said softly.

Keisha turned back to him and gave him a funny look.

"What? Maxie? Lots of people call you Maxie."

Max smiled softly.

"Yea, I know. But... it sounds so much more adorable coming from you."

Keisha's smile widened slightly before she finally laughed lightly and reached out to slip her arms around the blonde's waist.

"Silly boy..." She whispered, laying her head on his chest.

Max smiled softly to himself and wrapped his arms around her back, resting his cheek atop her head as he pulled her close.

There was a peaceful silence for a while until Keisha buried her face into the blonde's chest and Max instantly knew something was wrong.

"Kei..?" He questioned softly. "What's wrong...?"

Keisha turned her head so her cheek was resting on the blonde's chest again.

"Nothing..." She mumbled softly, but she hugged him tighter and Max frowned.

The blonde removed a hand from the redhead's back and pulled back a little to place a finger under her chin, gently encouraging her to look up at him. When she did, Max's frown deepened as he noted the glossy eyes.

"Keisha...." He cooed soothingly, gently caressing her cheek with his thumb. "Please.... what's wrong?"

Keisha frowned lightly and closed her eyes.

"I was just thinking...." She admitted softly. "Tomorrow..... tomorrow we leave... I go back to Finland and you go home, and.... and who knows when we'll see each other again...."

The redhead bit her lip as her eyelashes grew suddenly wet.

"This could be the last time.... the last time I get to be held by you...."

Max's heart broke and his stomach twisted sickeningly as a single tear slipped from under Keisha's closed eyelid.

Gently brushing away the criminal drop, Max cupped Keisha's face and lowered his closer to hers.

"Kei... look at me..."

After a slight hesitation, Keisha opened her eyes and blinked up at the blonde with a watery expression.

"This won't be the last time I ever hold you." Max promised firmly. His hands moved from her face and slipped around her again, pulling her impossibly close as he pressed light, feathery kisses to various areas of her face.

"We will see each other again and I'll hold you just like I'm holding you now...."

Keisha hugged Max tightly and buried her face into his chest again.

"I'll never let you go..." Max whispered, his hand reaching up to stroke copper curls soothingly.

Keisha bit her cheek hard as a sudden wave of emotion crashed over her like a tidal wave.

"Maybe it would have been better if we'd never met...." She choked out through a sob. "There wouldn't be so much pain and...... I wouldn't have to say goodbye to you..."

Max's hand's froze and his eyes widened slightly. He pulled away from Keisha a second time and this time she looked up at him of her own accord.

"Don't say that!" The blonde gasped in a whisper. "I don't regret a single moment with you, and I know you don't either!"

Max frowned and closed his eyes as he leaned down and rested his forehead against Keisha's.

"People spend their whole lives searching for what we've found, Kei... don't you dare wish that away..."

Keisha felt ashamed of herself at those words and her own eyes slid shut too as the arms around the blonde hugged him tighter.

"I'm sorry..." She whispered painfully. "I don't.... I'll never wish it away. Meeting you was a gift, Max... no matter what."

Max's eyes slid open and he pressed a light kiss to Keisha's forehead before resting his against hers again.

"We've got lots of time to spend together." He whispered softly. "And we've got lots of holidays."

Keisha's own eyes slid open again too and her heart broke to see Max's eyes as watery as hers.

"Like what...?"

"Like spring break. And we'll see each other at World's next summer, and next Christmas."

Max leaned down a little further and nuzzled Keisha's cheek affectionately.

"And we don't need an excuse..." He whispered softly. "I'll come and see you whenever I can... I promise."

Keisha sighed lightly, feeling as if a little weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

"And I'll come visit you..." She replied in an equally soft whisper. "And it'll be just you.. no one else."

Max hugged Keisha tight to him one last time and pressed a lingering kiss to the top of her head.

"I know... And you know that goes double for me. I'll never need anyone else, Kei... Not as long as I know you're waiting for me."

Keisha closed her eyes and clutched the back of Max's shirt as she pulled herself as close to him as possible.

"I'll always be waiting for you Maxie...."

It was some time after midnight when Keisha began yawning. She was once again sitting beside Tyson and Max, having danced herself nearly to sleep. She'd had plenty of dances with Max, some playful fun with the girls and, of course, she had to boogie with Tyson.

So now, tired and satisfied, Keisha watched her surroundings tiredly with a smile from under Max's arm. The redhead had to smile as she looked around the room and located her teammates.

Demetra was talking to Kai and both seemed to be deep in conversation. Keisha was surprised the silver-eyed blader was talking to the blunette at all, especially considering she'd lost the most important match of her life against him. But apparently, the blunette had managed to teach her a lesson and obviously get on her good side. For that Keisha was happy.

Some ways across the room, Kage was leaning against the wall with crossed arms and closed eyes, looking very embarrassed. She was pointedly avoiding Ray and Mariah, whom were dancing together some ways away. Keisha smiled again as she watched a certain redhead approach the silent blader from across the room. Kage opened her eyes when Johnny reached her and blinked down at his outstretched hand. After a moment or two, she forced a small smile, nodded and followed him -- though she didn't take his hand -- onto the dance floor.

A movement in the corner of Keisha's eye made her turn her head as she located the fourth and final member of her team. Victoria was once again standing before a particular European blonde and said blonde looked absolutely determined. After a sort of argument, it seemed Victoria had finally had enough. But instead of slapping the blonde like Keisha had expected, Victoria stuck her finger in his face, seemed to give him a fair warning and finally took his hand before leading him onto the dace floor as well.

Max looked down at his girlfriend as she heard her giggling to himself. With an amused smile, he tilted his head to one side and spoke to her.

"And just what are you laughing at?"

Keisha grinned as she looked up at him.

"Just amazed by how well everything turned out." She said happily. And then a mischievous grin took a hold of her face. "And it looks like you and I might not be the only happy couple in the near future."

Max looked around at the other members of Villikosto, easily locating them, before looking back down at it's most spirited member with a small grin.

"Bit much to ask for, don't you think?" He said with a laugh. Keisha laughed too.

"Yea, maybe. But I'm allowed to hope aren't I?"

Max laughed and kissed the top of her head.

"Yea. You're allowed to hope."

The blonde looked back down at his companion one more time and gave her a warm smile as he watched her trying to stifle a yawn.

"Tired?"

Keisha looked up at him and gave him a sheepish grin.

"Yea, a little."

"You wanna go to bed?"

Keisha chewed her cheek as she thought about this. She'd had a lot of fun already and she'd spent time with all her friends. She was also exhausted... perhaps a little sleep might do her some good....

"Yes. I think I do."

Max smiled and pressed one more kiss to the top of Keisha's head as he gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze.

"C'mon. I'll walk you up."

Max took Keisha's hand and waited for her to stand. The two walked around the room and gave each of their friends, new and old, happy farewells and hugs before finally leaving the room and heading for the elevator.

"This is pretty convenient for you." Max teased as he walked with his girlfriend down the hall to her room.

Keisha smiled slightly.

"Yea, it is. I'm glad they had the ball in our hotel."

"Well, it is the biggest.... and the snobbiest."

Keisha laughed at Max's playful statement and shouldered him playfully.

The two stopped once they'd reached the door to Keisha's room and both turned towards each other. They starred at each other wordlessly for a long time, neither one wanting to be the one to end anything...

Finally Max smiled and placed his hands on Keisha's hips before leaning down and pressing a tender, lingering kiss to her lips.

"Goodnight..." He whispered once he'd pulled away.

"Goodnight..." Keisha whispered back. "I'll... see you tomorrow morning...."

Max smiled and leaned down to press a sweet kiss to her cheek.

"Of course you will. Sweet dreams, Kei."

The blonde gave the redhead's hand a gentle squeeze before finally turning and walking away.

Keisha's hand went to her heart and she winced at the physical painful surge that shot straight to it as she watched Max walk away. It was a horrid feeling, absolutely sickening. And it was definitely not something she was accustomed to.

Pain. Hurt. Loss. Loneliness...

Emptiness.

The redhead bit her lip and winced again as she forced air into her lungs, the tremendous effort literally wearing her out as she fought to breathe. Finally, just before Max turned the corner at the end of the hallway, Keisha called out to him.

"Max!"

The blonde stopped walking and looked over his shoulder. The redhead's heart and stomach twisted painfully as she noted the tears in his eyes.

"Come back to me....."

There was no way the blonde heard the whispered words, but he didn't need to. Quick as a flash Max was before her again and had her in his arms.

"Stay with me." Keisha stated more then asked. "I don't know when I'll see you again and I want to spend as much time with you as I can."

Max hugged Keisha tight to him.

"What about Victoria?" He asked quietly.

"What about her?" Keisha countered. "For one, she's a total party animal and she never gets home til way late in the morning. Secondly, there are two beds in our room, and Victoria only needs one. Anyway, she won't mind... believe me."

Max smiled and pulled out his cell phone.

"OK, you've convinced me." The blonde replied playfully.

Keisha watched Max's fingers fly across the key pad on his phone as he texted his team, letting them know where he was and not to expect him back that night. The redhead returned Max's smile as he replaced his cell back into his pocket and turned to her. Keisha took her card key from her purse and moved to insert it into the door, but before she could get the chance, the sounds of Max's ringtone stopped her.

Pulling the obnoxiously bright green cell from his pocket again, Max looked down at the screen. Keisha tilted her head to one side as the blonde blushed furiously.

"Who was it?"

"Michael." Max said shortly. Keisha blinked ta him.

"So.... what'd he say?"

Max stuffed the cell back into his pocket and forced back his flush.

"Nothing."

Keisha starred at him for a minute before finally smiling, shaking her head and turning back to the door.

Again, before she could open it, Keisha turned back to Max as his cell went off for a second time. When the blonde pulled the offending object from his pocket, he gawked at the screen.

"Woah!" He exclaimed in disbelief. "Text assault!"

Keisha opened her mouth to speak when suddenly her own cell went off. Furrowing her brows in confusion, she pulled the purple cell from her purse and looked at the screen. Like Max, she'd been assaulted with text messages from various people as well.

Opening the first one, the redhead blushed hotly as she read Victoria's message.

"Oooo! Heard the news! Rawr! I'll stay out extra late tonight! ;) Don't to anything I wouldn't do.... or is that would do? Have fun! Lates, Ki-ki!"

Keisha hid her face with her bangs as she moved on to the next message.

"Be careful! Don't do anything stupid, Kei. We're leaving tomorrow, don't forget that. I'll see you tomorrow morning. -- Demi."

Keisha cleared her throat and willed back her blush she turned the cell off and stuffed it back into her purse, deciding to read the rest later.

Apparently Max had the same idea.

"Embarrassing texts?" The blonde inquired awkwardly with a bright flush.

"Yep." Keisha replied shortly.

"Warning from Demi?"

"Probably not as harsh as yours but, yep."

"Yea..."

The two looked away from each other with bright blushes but eventually they looked back at each other through the corners of their eyes and laughed.

"Come on." Keisha said with a smile as she took the blonde's hand. "Lets go inside."

Keisha finally opened the door to the hotel and Max followed her in and waited as she shut the door. The redhead lead the blonde deep into the massive suite and over to one of the beds. He sat down as Keisha let go of his hand and moved towards a dresser before extracting a set of pyjamas.

"I'll be right back." Keisha said with a smile.

Max smiled and nodded as she disappeared into the bathroom.

The blonde stood up off of the bed, stripped down to his boxers and folded his clothes neatly before placing them on a nearby chair and crawling under the covers of the bed. He sat up against the headboard and placed his hands behind his head, closing his eyes as he waited for Keisha.

Before long, the bathroom door opened and Max opened his eyes as Keisha emerged. He watched her walk over to the same chair his clothes occupied and fold her dress over the back of it, smiling when she looked at him.

The redhead had taken her hair down and her natural curls were bouncier and cuter then usual. She was also wearing a pale purple tank and shorts set with the words "Cutie Pie" written on them.

"You look adorable." He stated with a playful grin.

Keisha blushed prettily and gave him a small smile as she crawled across the bed and snuggled down along side him.

"I would say the same for you but I was thinking something a little different."

This time it was Max's turn to blush, even though he knew the little redhead was just teasing.

Max slid down in the bed so he was laying down and cuddled up with Keisha as she closed her eyes.

"When do you expect Victoria back?"

Keisha yawned but opened her eyes to smile up at the blonde nonetheless.

"Not for a long time. Actually, I'd be surprised if she came back at all; especially knowing you're here."

Max smiled playfully and reached a hand up to place a finger under her chin.

"So I've got you all to myself for a few hours?"

Keisha laughed lightly and grinned back at him.

"Looks like it." She replied shyly.

Max's smile softened as he gently pulled her face up to meet his.

"I think there was something I was supposed to tell you..."

Keisha's heart fluttered sickeningly as she starred up into the blonde's face expectantly.

Max's eyelids slid down half-mast as he leaned down and brushed his lips against Keisha's.

"I love you, Keisha..." He whispered against her lips.

All the tension, unwanted feelings, sadness and everything negative instantly evaporated as Keisha closed the distance between them and pressed her lips firmly to Max's. The blonde pulled her impossibly close and poured all his love and passion into his administrations. The redhead pulled away from him just long enough to utter four small words before loosing herself to him completely.....

"I love you too, Maxie."

A/N: Mind out of the gutters ppl! Nothing like that happened, it's Keisha and Max! The story's called "Innocent" for a reason! lol.