So here's chapter 8......it's the new school year and what's in store for our favourite hero.....

i'm sorry i didnt update sooner i had soon typin issues but they are all sorted so I hope you enjoy chapter 8

"I can't believe we're sophomores," Bianca gushes as they walk through the halls.

"Why are you so cheery?" Chris asks, shoving his hands in his pockets to show he didn't want to be here.

I just miss summer the long careless days, the beach, the sun and the fun.....Chris thinks sadly

Bianca rolls her eyes at him as she guides him to his new locker. Chris shoves his bag into his locker and looks up and down the hallway seeing the new freshman looking at their maps and holding their bags close to them. Chris rolls his eyes at Bianca's smile that hasn't moved since he walked into the kitchen his morning and saw her.

"Okay, I'll bite, what's the smile about?" Chris asks leaning against his now closed locker.

"I'm dating a senior," She gushes at Chris, who rolls his eyes and smiles at the freshman who is getting into his new locker, which is next to Chris'.

You got back on the horse quick....Bianca states

I, What, Wait, I was just smiling at the new boy...Chris thinks back

The cute boy, mmmm.....Chris continues, Bianca slaps him on the head. Chris rubs his head and looks over at her.

You're sick...Bianca thinks back

"Come on Romeo, we're gonna be late," Bianca says, grabbing Chris' hand and walking down to their first lesson of a new school year.

"So how was your first day, smelly?" Chris asks ruffling Melinda's hair as he enters the kitchen after swim practice later that afternoon. Melinda scowls up at him, the boy and Chloe sitting at her sides watching Chris. Chris smiles at them and watches as the boy begins to blush.

"Chris, I didn't realise you were home," Piper says walking into the kitchen, Chris smiles at her and sits on the chair by the island.

"How was swim practice?" Piper asks, looking at Chris' wet hair and the way his t-shirt is sticking to him.

Looks like I'm not the only one who has noticed...Piper thinks, Chris raises an eyebrow, turning to see the boy Melinda is sitting with quickly look down at his book. Chris and Piper look at each other and chuckle.

"What's for dinner?" he asks.

"I don't know, yet, I've been at the Restaurant all day we're down on waiters, again," Piper explains.

"I could do it," Chris suggests, looking hopeful at his mom, who has an eyebrow raised.

"I mean with swimming, Training Max and school, I think I could manage it," Chris explains thinking his mom's raised eyebrow was doubt.

"Chris that's brilliant," Piper gushes running around the island and hugging Chris, who goes red and tries to push her away.

"Mom," he whines as Piper continues to fuss about him.

"So how's your first day going?" Max asks as he lounging on his sofa. He hears Chris growl down the phone and Max begins to laugh which only annoys Chris more as he loosens his tie and first few buttons of his new white work shirt. He sits across the bench in the locker room eating a sandwich.

Why did mom think that giving me this job would work, I mean it sucks...Chris thinks, as he listens to Max laugh.

"Piper thought it would give you some sense of responsibility," Max answers, neither realising that Max answered Chris' thoughts.

"This sucks, the customers are annoying and insulting and I'm getting talked about cos' I'm the owners son," he whines, rolling his eyes at sensing that Max is trying not to laugh.

"It'll get easier and at least you can save some money for that car you want, even though you can't drive yet," Max teases.

"Hey, in another three months I can take the test and I can get my car," Chris explains back, as he picks opens his crisps and begins to munch them loudly.

"How can you be eating at nine a clock at night?" Max wonders.

"I've been here since three and only had five minutes earlier to have a fag cos there was a rush and now I'm starving and I'm here till eleven and Brittany was supposed to have a party tonight," Chris grumbles.

"You're not gonna be tired for training tomorrow?" Max asks.

Please say yes, you're so hard on me, I didn't do kicking boxing since I could walk....Max thinks sighing

"Oh course I won't be, I'm never too tired for you," Chris laughs, not realising that another waiter has entered the locker room and is giving him a weird look.

"Look, I gotta head back, don't want the owner's son slacking do we," Chris jokes.

"Bye slacker," Max chuckles. Chris rolls his eyes and clicks his phone off, seeing the other male waiter for the first time. As Chris shoves his half eaten food in his locker and straightens his tie and shirt, he feels a pair of bright eyes on him; watching him.

"What?" Chris asks defensively. The male just adverts his eyes to his own locker.

"You're doing great," Chris says weakly to as he watches a sweaty Max punch the punching bag that is hanging in the basement as Chris lies on the mat yawning.

"Long night," Max states cheekily. Stopping his punching and turning to watch Chris.

Why did you call me for training when you should be in bed?....Max asks

Cos you'd get sloppy and in a fight that's not good...Chris thinks back

"Right, come on, let's liven you up," Max laughs, grabbing Chris an pulling him to his feet and throwing a light punch at Chris, who dodges it easily even though Chris is half asleep. They continue to spar until each is out of breath and have fallen back on to the mats.

"Water," Chris hoarsely says an entrance to the kitchen; Chris and Max walk up from the basement to see Melinda, Chloe and the boy sitting studying.

"You do realise that it's your first week you don't need to do the homework," Chris teases, as he gets two bottles of water out of the fridge and hands one to Max.

Thanks...Max thinks, Chris just slightly nods his head.

"Just because we're not lazy like some people," Melinda states back.

You Lazy never...Max thinks

Chris slaps him over the head making him choke on his water; Max shoots him a glare and moves to sit on a stool.

"What you studying anyway?" Chris asks after a sip of water. Melinda sighs but answers "English," with a cheeky smile towards Max. Chloe and the boy look confused but when they take a good look at Max they realise that he is their English teacher.

"Mr McAdams hi," Chloe says in a small voice. Chris bites his lip hard to stop him from laughing.

Oh she so wants you...Chris thinks

Max turns to Chris looking at his lips, "Your lips bleeding," he whispers, as he puts his hand to Chris' lip, but then Chris backs away quickly turning to get some kitchen roll.

"Hey, everyone," Paige greets followed by Phoebe and Piper who have lots of shopping bags. Phoebe looks around the room feeling the energy and feelings coming off the two males by the counter; Chris still with his back turned is feeling guilty and worried; while Max who is sneaking glances at Chris' back and saying hello to Piper is feeling ashamed and confused. Phoebe sighs loudly drawing attention to herself as everyone looks at her; Chris turns around smirk in place and says.

"Aww poor Aunt Pheebs all that shopping must have wiped you out,"

You know perfectly well why I was sighing Mister and can I just ask what do you have to feel guilty about....Phoebe thinks, knowing that Chris is listening and Melinda hasn't got the skill to listen in. Chris' face hardens for a second, then he rolls his eyes at her saying,

"Well this is lovely but we got more training to do," Moving back towards the basement sensing Max move with him.

So Pheebs has pissed you off....Max thinks, watching as Chris tightens his grasps on the door handle and all but bursts through it to get to his safety. Max nods his head to Phoebe, who is shocked to see the gesture thinking it means that Chris did have something to feel guilty about, however Max frowns at her shocked face realising that something big just happened. Max continues to the basement as the rest of the family settle into easy chatter.

Max walks slowly down the steps and stops once he gets to the bottom as he watches the way Chris punches and kicks the punch bag aggressively.

This is gonna be a long training session.....Max thinks, as he sees the punch bag go flying off the hook and smashes loudly into the wall, his eyes flick to the door, but he doesn't see or hear anyone, so he turns back and notices that Chris is standing looking at him eagerly with his fists clenched at his sides. Chris takes a deep breath and swings a punch at Max sending him back on to the stairs.

"Get up," Chris growls, Max stands and quickly moves to join Chris in the centre; as Chris starts to throw punches.

This is gonna be a LONG session..Max thinks again, as he missing one of Chris hits, but groans in pain as Chris kicks him hard in the stomach.

Chris walks into the English classroom the following day after swim practice, he notices Mr Lopez leaning down at Max; who is smiling bashfully at him.

He's never shy with me....Chris thinks and coughs loudly, bringing the two adults out of there trance on each other, Mr Lopez backs away from Max and walks out but not before a whispered "Later,"

Chris walks further into the room and stops in front of Max' desk feeling awkward.

Snap out of it, you never feel awkward around Max expect for when he gives you that look or touches you or smiles or....Chris thinks, he snaps his head up to meet Max' when he hears his name.

"Finally I thought I'd gone brain dead, Kid" Max teases as he picks up this pen again.

"What can I do for you?" he asks semi-professional teacher, Chris shakes his head to get his mind out of the gutter.

Why am I having this thoughts know?....Chris thinks

Chris sighs and leans against the desk behind him, he watches as Max waits for an answer and as he slowly looks over the paper he is marking.

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry and well thank you for letting me beat the crap outta you yesterday," Chris says in a rush.

I'm friends with you so why do I sound like a dork?...Chris thinks

"It' okay, I don't wanna know how Pheebs could off pissed you off that bad, but I'm glad I helped even though I'm now bruised," Max replies

"Well thanks and the driving lesson too," Chris adds sounding more calm and in control.

"No problem you're pretty good, look out November 14th," Max teases lightly, Chris laughs with him spying the clock in the room.

Shit I'm late....He thinks

"Shit, I gotta get to work, later," Chris states, as he closes his eyes and orbs out. Not seeing the shake to Max' hand as he gently rubs his temples and lowers his head to the desk.

A few days later Chris orbs himself into the boy's toilets at school, he dusts off his jeans and slowly making his way to class.

I've got English and Max is never hard on me...Chris thinks, rolling his shoulders knowing that after Monday they are friends and nothing else and Chris has stopped all those crazy and inappropriate thoughts about Max.

However when Chris saunters into the room, he sees Mr Lopez at the front desk.

Great all I need is his boyfriend sitting there...Chris fumes as Mr Lopez notices him.

"Well Thank you for joining us Mr Halliwell and I'm sure you're okay to stop behind for detention to learn what you missed," he states in a stern voice.

I know it already...Chris thinks, as he takes his seat and looks around the room.

Where's Max?...He thinks asking Bianca who is behind him doodling in her notebook.

I don't know....she thinks back

Can you sense him?....She asks, Chris shrugs

I usually don't have to try....he thinks, concentrating on Max and sensing that he is in his apartment.

He's at home....Chris thinks

Oh, that's strange he seemed fine yesterday..Bianca thinks back, Chris laughs sarcastically out loud drawing attention from Mr Lopez who gives him a disproving look, but doesn't say anything.

He looked terrible hadn't you noticed at dinner he hardly ate and he didn't say a lot...Chris thinks worriedly

I noticed that but I just thought, Oh I don't know Chris you're right, you're his whitelighter, you see things we don't...Bianca thinks back

Harsh on me ain't ya....Chris thinks, turning to see her face, he frowns as he sees her sad eyes that don't hold any fire in them.

What's he done?...Chris asks

He's a guy, do I need to say more...Bianca huffs back

Your anniversary....Chris thinks back

I hate it when you do that, Christopher....Bianca darkly thinks

Don't worry I'll talk to him, if he's still here after my detention from hell...Chris huffs, as the bell rings and everyone begins to move apart from his knowing that Mr Lopez is gonna lay into him about being late.

Finally...Chris thinks on orbing into Max' apartment

Wyatt's such a dumb jock, how could he forget his six month anniversary thank God I'm not going out with him I'd kill him....Chris' thoughts trail off

Stop...Please...He hears someone think

"Max?" he whispers into his empty living room, Chris follows Max' thoughts into his bedroom, on opening the door his sees Max curled up in a ball in the middle of his bed, hands on his head clawing at his temples.

"Stop thinking please it hurts, so much pain and heartbreak," he whispers, Chris frowns but then closes his eyes in concentration stopping Max from hearing any of his worrying thoughts. Chris slowly makes the short distance to his bed and sits on the edge.

"No don't," Max says moving to the other side of his bed away from Chris.

"Can you hear what I'm thinking?" Chris gently asks. He watches a Max slowly shakes his head.

"But it's not just your thoughts, I can hear everyone's there all in my head and it's hurting and scary and I just don't understand," Max says becoming more eccentric as he starts to cry. Chris lies on the bed and brings Max closer to him.

"I could take it away, but it wouldn't help in a long run," Chris whispers into Max' ear, Max turns looking at Chris through his wet lashes.

"You just need to close your eyes and breathe," Chris whispers again moving Max so he is lying flat on the bed. Chris can't help himself as his hand gently slides down over Max' chest, Max doesn't move a muscle, but Chris feels his breathing hitch.

"I did this too," Chris starts as he feels Max totally relax.

"When I got my telepathy I didn't tell anyone and everyone's thoughts were in my head, I couldn't do anything other than think of what was in my head, I kept answering everyone's questions before they asked and then I was getting headaches and always tired and well I was a bitch," Chris explains with a chuckle at the end, however he sees as Max doesn't move.

"Then one day I just passed out and I woke in the hospital everyone was so worried about me and anger because I didn't tell them, so when we got back home Piper binded the power, but the following few days I knew it was back, but this time it was so much as like everyone was in my head all at once, I was able to pick and choose and see who's thoughts they were, I learnt Yoga and mediation to keep it under control, when you see just starring at a wall for four hours straight your mind concentrates on the fact that it's a wall in front of you and nothing else," Chris continues to explain, all the time watching Max, who continues to breath slowly in and out.

"Max?" Chris asks seeing his eyebrows move together he continues.

"I want you to feel me, feel my hand on your chest and feel it moving," Chris instructs; he feels Max becoming more relaxed.

"Now just concentrate on my voice, Max just concentrate on me, there are no other voices but mine," Max Moves his head shaking it. Chris places his hands on Max' temples and slowly runs them.

"No! Max listen, there's just me and you, no one else, Now look inside you head, all those voices, coming at you, it's just like a light switch just turn them off one by one, that annoying girl who is worried about her boyfriend, click, she's gone, the man who's dog just died, click, gone and everyone else you don't want to hear," Chris says silkily. He watches as Max' body relaxes and he slowly falls to sleep.

I hope that was him and not me doing that....Chris thinks, as he removes his hands from Max admiring his form.

We'll see soon enough...Chris thinks again and orbs home.

"So you're really okay?" Chris asks as he and Max walk down the street Saturday afternoon.

"Yer, still a bit shaky from time to time but I'm good," Max replies. Chris smiles at him realising he has helped him.

"So now for the test," Chris states as he grabs his wrist and pulls him into Charmed; Piper's restaurant, Chris watches as Max takes a deep breath as the thoughts of everyone rush at him, Chris goes to grab him, but Max shakes it off and walks towards the hostess.

"Halliwell," Chris says simply and the he man shows them to a table in the middle of room. Chris eyes Max as they sit; Chris scans the room and sees some of the waiters he works with and looks at his menu.

"What can I get you?" A young waiter asks standing beside them, Max watches the waiter eyes Chris.

"I'll have the steak with potatoes, well done," Max says looking over his menu.

"Oh, I'll have the same, Ty's steak is the best," Chris says handing the waiter his menu, while talking to Max, never noticing the waiter looking at him.

"So what's your problem the waiter was checking you out and you don't even look at him," Max says with a frown.

"I work with Dom, I mean yer we talk and flirt a bit but, I work with him and if Piper found out..."Chris trails off; Chris turns his head scanning the room again,

"I'll go get us sometime to drink," he states and leaves the table before Max can answer. Max sighs starring after Chris, but takes a deep breath as he feels the people's thoughts around him. Max wonders if Chris is ever gonna tell his mm about him being gay, although with the looks and the thoughts Dom had he won't be tell her anytime soon.

"How did you get those?" Max asks astonished as Chris places a bottle of beer in front of him while Chris has coke.

"I have my ways," Chris laughs at Max.

That's not just coke is it...Max thinks as Chris takes a long sip

What do you think....Chris smirks back

As their food arrives they begin to eat and settle into easily conversation, all the time Chris watches Max closely for any signs that his telepathy is still hurting him. Max and Chris sit enjoying they meal when Max' cell phone rings.

Won't be a second...Max thinks, standing as he answers his phone quietly, he offers Chris a smile and turns from the table

Okay...Chris thinks raising his head to smile at Max as he moves from the table

Chris continues to eat his meal silently.

"Hey, Chris, how's it going?" A voice asks; Chris looks up to see Dom standing with his tie and shirt loosened.

"I was wondering if you would mind going out with me, sometime?" He asks shyly. Chris looks taken back and begins to choke slightly on his food.

"Hey, oh sorry did I interrupt," Max says coming back, half getting into his seat.

"I better go," Dom quickly says and moves away. Max raises his eyebrow at Chris who just ducks his head and continues to eat.

"So interesting phone call?" Chris asks.

You're changing the subject...Max thinks

Yes I am....Chris thinks

"Actually it was I have a date on Friday," Max answers.

"Well at least one of us is getting some," Chris says cheekily.

"Christopher!" Max shouts drawing attention from an old couple sitting next to them; Max looks down cast at their stares. Chris chuckles.

"Pudding?" Chris asks. Max mmm's at the thought of Pudding, Chris laughs at this as they order chocolate cake each and both tuck in to it eagerly.

"Why have you been so secretive anyway?" Max asks as he gathers up his papers at the end of detention on the following Wednesday. Max looks at Chris when he doesn't respond just continues to star into space as he approaches Max' desk, Chris finally looks up and meets Max' questioning look.

"Not secretive, just busy working and stuff," Chris answers quickly. Max giggles at him.

"So no more flirting with the hot waiter," Max enquires, Chris begins to blush slightly.

"He asked me out," Chris replies.

"So, did you say yes, could I would," Max answers, Chris shakes his head at him muttering "Sick,"

"I didn't answer him yet and I'm not in work till Thursday so I've still got time to decide," Chris explains with a sigh, as he picks up one of Max' bag for him.

Thanks....Max thinks

"What's there to decide about, you're young and you need to have fun again," Max explains.

"I guess, come let's get home, can I drive?" Chris asks quickly changing the subject as they walk out of the school.

As Friday night rolls around Chris waits anxiously outside the movie theatre, after having Bianca and Max convince him to go out with Dom, while Bianca told him about Max and Mr Lopez, who have been going out for a while.

Wonder why Max didn't tell me, stop thinking about him, I'm meeting Dom....Chris thinks taking a deep breath and sees Dom come running up to him.

"Sorry I'm late, my car, well it's old," he explains, Chris laughs and gently grabs his elbow steering him into the theatre.

"Come on," Chris whispers.

They sit in their seats before the movie starts talking, however Chris can't get the feeling that something is wrong.

I can feel it in my stomach....he thinks, as the movie starts

Chris feels Dom wrap an arm around his shoulder him, bringing Chris closer, Chris smiles at Dom and places a hand on Dom's thigh, Chris feels Dom tense a bit then relaxes. The movie continues and Chris and Dom get closer, but Chris can't shake the bad feeling that he's got.

"I'll be right back," Chris whispers quickly making his cell phone vibrate, watching as Dom sees he has a phone call. Chris quickly gets to the toilet and closes his eyes trying to sense Max.

Why the hell is he....Chris wonders in frustration

Chris orbs out to the Manor's attic.

"What's up Bud?" Phoebe asks on orbing into the attic, Chris quickly spins and answers, "Max I can't sense him anywhere,"

Wonder if related to the demon attack...Piper thinks

"You guys were attacked?" Chris asks looking at his aunts and mother. Piper glares at him for reading her thoughts.

"Sorry I just wanna make sure Max is okay then I can go back to my d....night, back to my night," Chris quickly covers, however he sees that only Phoebe is smiling and looking at him.

"So, anyway what kinda demon is it?" Chris asks to stop himself from getting embarrassed in front of his family. He watches his mother and Paige flip through the book.

"Here," Paige states, turning the pedestal around so Phoebe and Chris could look.

"There's a spell," Chris says pointing to the writing.

"Yer, but we need a piece of the demon to summon it and why are you so into this anyway?" Piper asks suspiciously.

"I just wanna make sure Max is okay, didn't you hear me earlier," Chris explains slightly annoyed and upset she wasn't listening.

"So just reserve it," Chris states, now standing over the book reading the spell the sisters have moved to the cauldron. Three sets of eyes look at him curiously.

"Take me to where he dwells,

To find the one I'm missing that's in his home,

Transfer me now so he cannot roam,"

Chris chants and is engrossed in a golden light leaving the Charmed Ones staring after him.

Well what did you think? Good? Bad? Please review????