9:08h.

Max lowered his gaze, hiding the sudden desperate flame in his glistening eyes. He leaned into the touch, so innocent and soft. It seemed as if Kenji's touch was the one pure thing in the world, that it made him clean by simple physical contact. Trembling awe and relief of his burning hatred in his gut cooled with his hand. Max sighed softly, quivering at Kenji's effect on him.

Kenji, he mused, had always had that wondrous power. He had known it, had felt the sleeping purity in Kenji's touch, that at once he reviled and longed so desperately for - but now something was different. Kenji's feeling of innocence, the only human touch he could stand, that felt clean and unsullied by the varied sins of mankind. The cool Japanese youth's hands seemed the only ones that wouldn't make him filthy.

Max rubbed his cheek against Kenji's palm, purring as if a large feline. Kenji shuddered slightly, then parted his lips, afraid to speak and frighten the timid fairy that was his friend.

Max spoke first, his voice soft and unused. "Kenji...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have run from you," he mumbled, perching on the bench as Kenji sat up, his wide blue eyes innocently demanding further explanation.

Max's green gaze dropped to the concrete floor of the shelter. "Kenji..." His friend's name rolled off his tongue with burning intensity. The Japanese youth smiled gently, and encouraged him, "Hai, Max? Why, I just want to know why you ran off. Why you ran from me. No evasions, just the truth, please."

A sharp flush spread across Max's face. "I-I...I guess I was scared of your reaction, especially since I told you about-" Kenji interrupted, slowly considering his words, "I do not mind. I wish it had not happened, and that could help you more...but I will not think ill of you. It wasn't your fault." Max stared at him, a sliver of relief, and then trepidation in his fiery green gaze.

"Thank you," Max whispered, then rushed grinning at Kenji, hugging him tightly. Kenji's arms swept around his back, then Max moved back, retreating from the cool comfort of Kenji's shoulder. The Japanese student studied him quizzically, then his eyes shot wide as Max leaned forward with great intent and softly pressed a flare of a kiss from his hot lips to Kenji's own.

Return to Fire and Water: A Story Arc

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