[mizushield]

*Once Max makes his way to Ginza, he's greeted by the same kind doorman who's always manned these apartments and sent up to Kai's suite.*

*Max smiles, waves at the doorman, before coming in, looking for kai* Hey moody bird! I’m here!

[kaihiwatari777]

*When Max enters the apartment, Kai is at the fridge in a dress suit; loosening the dark tie from around his neck with one hand and pouring a cold glass of milk with the other.* “Hm?” *He looks over at Max and nods his head in greeting.* “Hey.”

[mizushield]

Are you back from work?

[kaihiwatari777]

“Got home a few minutes ago.” *Kai closes the fridge door and then works on scuffing off his jacket, tie hanging loosely around his neck.* “You look good.” *And he does… Max is the sort of person who never looks like he changes; and that, Kai is quietly happy with. He likes familiar.*

[mizushield]

*scoffs* Thanks dude! You look amazing! It’s so strange to look at you wearing a suit! What kind of job do you have, huh?

[kaihiwatari777]

“A job that requires me to sit down with a bunch of fucking idiots a few times a year to keep things in order.” *He gestures to the fridge once more, realizing he shut it without offering Max anything to eat or drink.* “Hungry? Want a drink?”

[mizushield]

Oh, but you’re travelling, most of the time, right? *shakes head* no, I’m fine! We should go outside for that!

[kaihiwatari777]

“Hm? Want to go grab a bite?” *Kai grabs his keys from the counter.*

[mizushield]

Yeah, why not?? Or...*grins* did you cook something?

[mizushield]

*Once Max makes his way to Ginza, he's greeted by the same kind doorman who's always manned these apartments and sent up to Kai's suite.*

*Max smiles, waves at the doorman, before coming in, looking for kai* Hey moody bird! I’m here!

[kaihiwatari777]

*When Max enters the apartment, Kai is at the fridge in a dress suit; loosening the dark tie from around his neck with one hand and pouring a cold glass of milk with the other.* “Hm?” *He looks over at Max and nods his head in greeting.* “Hey.”

[mizushield]

Are you back from work?

[kaihiwatari777]

“Got home a few minutes ago.” *Kai closes the fridge door and then works on scuffing off his jacket, tie hanging loosely around his neck.* “You look good.” *And he does… Max is the sort of person who never looks like he changes; and that, Kai is quietly happy with. He likes familiar.*

[mizushield]

*scoffs* Thanks dude! You look amazing! It’s so strange to look at you wearing a suit! What kind of job do you have, huh?

[kaihiwatari777]

“A job that requires me to sit down with a bunch of fucking idiots a few times a year to keep things in order.” *He gestures to the fridge once more, realizing he shut it without offering Max anything to eat or drink.* “Hungry? Want a drink?”

[mizushield]

Oh, but you’re travelling, most of the time, right? *shakes head* no, I’m fine! We should go outside for that!

[mizushield]

*Once Max makes his way to Ginza, he's greeted by the same kind doorman who's always manned these apartments and sent up to Kai's suite.*

*Max smiles, waves at the doorman, before coming in, looking for kai* Hey moody bird! I’m here!

[kaihiwatari777]

*When Max enters the apartment, Kai is at the fridge in a dress suit; loosening the dark tie from around his neck with one hand and pouring a cold glass of milk with the other.* “Hm?” *He looks over at Max and nods his head in greeting.* “Hey.”

[mizushield]

Are you back from work?

[kaihiwatari777]

“Got home a few minutes ago.” *Kai closes the fridge door and then works on scuffing off his jacket, tie hanging loosely around his neck.* “You look good.” *And he does… Max is the sort of person who never looks like he changes; and that, Kai is quietly happy with. He likes familiar.*

[mizushield]

*scoffs* Thanks dude! You look amazing! It’s so strange to look at you wearing a suit! What kind of job do you have, huh?

[mizushield]

*Once Max makes his way to Ginza, he's greeted by the same kind doorman who's always manned these apartments and sent up to Kai's suite.*

*Max smiles, waves at the doorman, before coming in, looking for kai* Hey moody bird! I’m here!

[kaihiwatari777]

*When Max enters the apartment, Kai is at the fridge in a dress suit; loosening the dark tie from around his neck with one hand and pouring a cold glass of milk with the other.* “Hm?” *He looks over at Max and nods his head in greeting.* “Hey.”

[mizushield]

Are you back from work?

[mizushield]

*Once Max makes his way to Ginza, he's greeted by the same kind doorman who's always manned these apartments and sent up to Kai's suite.*

*Max smiles, waves at the doorman, before coming in, looking for kai* Hey moody bird! I’m here!

[mizushield]

Hm.

Oh hello kai! It’s been a while! It’s great to see you in this site!! What have you been up to?

[kaihiwatari777]

Hey. I’m not sure if I’m a fan of this site just yet. Nothing, working. You?

[mizushield]

aw why not? Are you back in Japan? I went back there for a break!

[kaihiwatari777]

Finding people is hard. And people ask fucked up questions. I am. Are you still here?

[mizushield]

Did you get any weird anons? Yes I am! Would you like to meet up?

[kaihiwatari777]

Mm. Deleted most. We should.

[mizushield]

What did they say? Are you available? I’m in a hot chocolate milk mood!

[kaihiwatari777]

Written by a bunch of idiot fanboys and girls. Take a guess. Yes. Where do you want to go for that?

[mizushield]

Are you in Ginza?

[kaihiwatari777]

Yes. You remember the apartment?

[mizushield]

Of course! I’m on my way then!

[mizushield]

Hm.

Oh hello kai! It’s been a while! It’s great to see you in this site!! What have you been up to?

[kaihiwatari777]

Hey. I’m not sure if I’m a fan of this site just yet. Nothing, working. You?

[mizushield]

aw why not? Are you back in Japan? I went back there for a break!

[kaihiwatari777]

Finding people is hard. And people ask fucked up questions. I am. Are you still here?

[mizushield]

Did you get any weird anons? Yes I am! Would you like to meet up?

[kaihiwatari777]

Mm. Deleted most. We should.

[mizushield]

What did they say? Are you available? I’m in a hot chocolate milk mood!

[kaihiwatari777]

Written by a bunch of idiot fanboys and girls. Take a guess. Yes. Where do you want to go for that?

[mizushield]

Are you in Ginza?

[mizushield]

Hm.

Oh hello kai! It’s been a while! It’s great to see you in this site!! What have you been up to?

[kaihiwatari777]

Hey. I’m not sure if I’m a fan of this site just yet. Nothing, working. You?

[mizushield]

aw why not? Are you back in Japan? I went back there for a break!

[kaihiwatari777]

Finding people is hard. And people ask fucked up questions. I am. Are you still here?

[mizushield]

Did you get any weird anons? Yes I am! Would you like to meet up?

[kaihiwatari777]

Mm. Deleted most. We should.

[mizushield]

What did they say? Are you available? I’m in a hot chocolate milk mood!

[mizushield]

Hm.

Oh hello kai! It’s been a while! It’s great to see you in this site!! What have you been up to?

[kaihiwatari777]

Hey. I’m not sure if I’m a fan of this site just yet. Nothing, working. You?

[mizushield]

aw why not? Are you back in Japan? I went back there for a break!

[kaihiwatari777]

Finding people is hard. And people ask fucked up questions. I am. Are you still here?

[mizushield]

Did you get any weird anons? Yes I am! Would you like to meet up?

[mizushield]

Hm.

Oh hello kai! It’s been a while! It’s great to see you in this site!! What have you been up to?

[kaihiwatari777]

Hey. I’m not sure if I’m a fan of this site just yet. Nothing, working. You?

[mizushield]

aw why not? Are you back in Japan? I went back there for a break!

[mizushield]

Hm.

Oh hello kai! It’s been a while! It’s great to see you in this site!! What have you been up to?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

hello!!

Hey Maxie.

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“It’s alright Max. I think I was kinda naive.. Thinking you still had feelings for me just because we were close when we were younger was foolish. And, I was happy that you were happy with Ozuma. I think I’m happy for everyone on the inside, I just.. Don’t show it well. Who knows what’ll happen in the future, y’know? Maybe you two will make up. It was, it wasn’t bad. Showed me that in some ways we’re the same, and just that in other ways we’ll always be different.”

[mizushield]

Well, to be honest…It wasn’t that simple. I had feelings, they got confusing at some point when Ozuma and I met again…I was happy, yeah, but things turned differently…I wish we had been more honest to each other…I don’t know, he disappeared, I doubt he kept the same phone number, and he’s nowhere to be found in the internet…The same?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam smiles sadly, and she’s quiet for a moment. It’s still a little painful to think about, but for the first time in a couple months.. She’s in a good place. She’s got Bryan, work has been going well for her and her brother, and she’s content. There’s no use stirring up old feelings so she or Max can get hurt all over again.* “I was pretty hurt at first that Ozuma decided to go for you. But he barely did anything for himself so.. I let it go. What if you just tried to send a casual text..? Maybe you two could still be friends even if you don’t work together.” *She shrugs.* “We’re both pretty edgy, I guess. Me and Ozuma hang onto stuff for a long time. Probably longer than we should. And we’re both so damn stubborn that we can’t beat each other in an argument.”

[mizushield]

I guess..*Max goes silent for a moment*

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam waits, hoping to hear Max break the silence. When he doesn’t, she has to ask.* “What’s on your mind, kid? Don’t be upset.”

[mizushield]

I’m sorry, I was just thinking…I didn’t mean to be scuh a downer, heheh

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*His tone of voice, that ‘don’t worry about me!’ way is so Max.* “It’s okay Max… I would be really surprised if you didn’t miss him.”

[mizushield]

Even tho I do miss him, I’m hoping he’s fine, wherever he is…But I’m glad you went to this trip, your were the kind of person he needed, to take care of him!

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*This time Max’s words bring a quiet sigh out her.* “I don’t really think I took as good care of him as I should’ve.” *Mariam raises a hand and paws it back through her hair, thankful that Max can’t see the telltale sign of stress.* “I was a bit.. Occupied, too.”

[mizushield]

Occupied? what do you mean?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“I was a little bit upset over somebody, so I was kinda wrapped up in my own head. And well, other things.. Kinda fell back into old bad habits.” *She sighs, looking back now, it all seemed so foolish and stupid. But coming down from the drugs always makes her see the world that way: everyone seems less than what they were, her sadness seems less.*

[mizushield]

What do you mean by….bad habits?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*She’s quiet for a few moments. Should she tell Max..? She has a feeling he knows, but to confirm it to the blonde almost seems evil in a way.* “I just.. Went through a tough time.” *Max has never been forgetful. And it would be nice to know that she doesn’t have to come right out and say it to anyone else.*

[mizushield]

*Max opened his mouth to reply, but ended up making a weird sound* Are you-…Did you-…hm…*should he really ask? Something made him feel like he shouldn’t add gasoline to the fire. Max gulped down his saliva* Are you feeling better?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam cringes at his questions.* “Do you really wanna know if I did..? But, yeah Max, I’m feeling better. I’m feeling a lot better.” *She tries to sound as uplifting as possible.* “Bryan actually, he made things a lot better.”

[mizushield]

*raises his eyebrows, astonished* Bryan? Bryan was here?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“Yeah, he still is. We’ve kinda been off and on for awhile. He felt like something was off with me, came to check in. I thought he hated me. I’m glad I was wrong.”

[mizushield]

Sooo…Are you two together now?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam can’t help but grin a little a the question.* “I think so. We’re as together as we’re ever gonna be, anyways. Can’t say I’m not happy about it either.” *She laughs a little at herself. Honestly it’s about time she started enjoying life.*

[mizushield]

*Max laughs* you’re being a total tsundere right now!! *his tone gets softer* I’m glad you’re happy though, bryan may seem like a tough guy, he’s the guy to make you smile, and that’s what matters!

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*She scoffs, but it’s playful.* “Don’t use that word in reference to me. Bryan maybe, but not me.” *Mari leans back on the couch with a sigh.* “You’re right though.. He makes me smile. Hey, Max? Anyone new caught your eye or what?”

[mizushield]

*Max laughs harder* Bryan the tsundere? I wouldn’t say that out loud in front of him! *Max emits a ‘huh?’* Why are you asking?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“He might kill me, for real.” *She chuckles.* “I dunno… I just think it would be cool if you moved on too, got happy. There’s really no one?”

[mizushield]

I’m happy! I’m just going to be a little gloomy eheheh, but no, noone for now!

[heartoftheocean-xx]

hello!!

Hey Maxie.

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“It’s alright Max. I think I was kinda naive.. Thinking you still had feelings for me just because we were close when we were younger was foolish. And, I was happy that you were happy with Ozuma. I think I’m happy for everyone on the inside, I just.. Don’t show it well. Who knows what’ll happen in the future, y’know? Maybe you two will make up. It was, it wasn’t bad. Showed me that in some ways we’re the same, and just that in other ways we’ll always be different.”

[mizushield]

Well, to be honest…It wasn’t that simple. I had feelings, they got confusing at some point when Ozuma and I met again…I was happy, yeah, but things turned differently…I wish we had been more honest to each other…I don’t know, he disappeared, I doubt he kept the same phone number, and he’s nowhere to be found in the internet…The same?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam smiles sadly, and she’s quiet for a moment. It’s still a little painful to think about, but for the first time in a couple months.. She’s in a good place. She’s got Bryan, work has been going well for her and her brother, and she’s content. There’s no use stirring up old feelings so she or Max can get hurt all over again.* “I was pretty hurt at first that Ozuma decided to go for you. But he barely did anything for himself so.. I let it go. What if you just tried to send a casual text..? Maybe you two could still be friends even if you don’t work together.” *She shrugs.* “We’re both pretty edgy, I guess. Me and Ozuma hang onto stuff for a long time. Probably longer than we should. And we’re both so damn stubborn that we can’t beat each other in an argument.”

[mizushield]

I guess..*Max goes silent for a moment*

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam waits, hoping to hear Max break the silence. When he doesn’t, she has to ask.* “What’s on your mind, kid? Don’t be upset.”

[mizushield]

I’m sorry, I was just thinking…I didn’t mean to be scuh a downer, heheh

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*His tone of voice, that ‘don’t worry about me!’ way is so Max.* “It’s okay Max… I would be really surprised if you didn’t miss him.”

[mizushield]

Even tho I do miss him, I’m hoping he’s fine, wherever he is…But I’m glad you went to this trip, your were the kind of person he needed, to take care of him!

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*This time Max’s words bring a quiet sigh out her.* “I don’t really think I took as good care of him as I should’ve.” *Mariam raises a hand and paws it back through her hair, thankful that Max can’t see the telltale sign of stress.* “I was a bit.. Occupied, too.”

[mizushield]

Occupied? what do you mean?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“I was a little bit upset over somebody, so I was kinda wrapped up in my own head. And well, other things.. Kinda fell back into old bad habits.” *She sighs, looking back now, it all seemed so foolish and stupid. But coming down from the drugs always makes her see the world that way: everyone seems less than what they were, her sadness seems less.*

[mizushield]

What do you mean by….bad habits?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*She’s quiet for a few moments. Should she tell Max..? She has a feeling he knows, but to confirm it to the blonde almost seems evil in a way.* “I just.. Went through a tough time.” *Max has never been forgetful. And it would be nice to know that she doesn’t have to come right out and say it to anyone else.*

[mizushield]

*Max opened his mouth to reply, but ended up making a weird sound* Are you-…Did you-…hm…*should he really ask? Something made him feel like he shouldn’t add gasoline to the fire. Max gulped down his saliva* Are you feeling better?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam cringes at his questions.* “Do you really wanna know if I did..? But, yeah Max, I’m feeling better. I’m feeling a lot better.” *She tries to sound as uplifting as possible.* “Bryan actually, he made things a lot better.”

[mizushield]

*raises his eyebrows, astonished* Bryan? Bryan was here?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“Yeah, he still is. We’ve kinda been off and on for awhile. He felt like something was off with me, came to check in. I thought he hated me. I’m glad I was wrong.”

[mizushield]

Sooo…Are you two together now?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam can’t help but grin a little a the question.* “I think so. We’re as together as we’re ever gonna be, anyways. Can’t say I’m not happy about it either.” *She laughs a little at herself. Honestly it’s about time she started enjoying life.*

[mizushield]

*Max laughs* you’re being a total tsundere right now!! *his tone gets softer* I’m glad you’re happy though, bryan may seem like a tough guy, he’s the guy to make you smile, and that’s what matters!

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*She scoffs, but it’s playful.* “Don’t use that word in reference to me. Bryan maybe, but not me.” *Mari leans back on the couch with a sigh.* “You’re right though.. He makes me smile. Hey, Max? Anyone new caught your eye or what?”

[mizushield]

*Max laughs harder* Bryan the tsundere? I wouldn’t say that out loud in front of him! *Max emits a ‘huh?’* Why are you asking?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

hello!!

Hey Maxie.

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“It’s alright Max. I think I was kinda naive.. Thinking you still had feelings for me just because we were close when we were younger was foolish. And, I was happy that you were happy with Ozuma. I think I’m happy for everyone on the inside, I just.. Don’t show it well. Who knows what’ll happen in the future, y’know? Maybe you two will make up. It was, it wasn’t bad. Showed me that in some ways we’re the same, and just that in other ways we’ll always be different.”

[mizushield]

Well, to be honest…It wasn’t that simple. I had feelings, they got confusing at some point when Ozuma and I met again…I was happy, yeah, but things turned differently…I wish we had been more honest to each other…I don’t know, he disappeared, I doubt he kept the same phone number, and he’s nowhere to be found in the internet…The same?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam smiles sadly, and she’s quiet for a moment. It’s still a little painful to think about, but for the first time in a couple months.. She’s in a good place. She’s got Bryan, work has been going well for her and her brother, and she’s content. There’s no use stirring up old feelings so she or Max can get hurt all over again.* “I was pretty hurt at first that Ozuma decided to go for you. But he barely did anything for himself so.. I let it go. What if you just tried to send a casual text..? Maybe you two could still be friends even if you don’t work together.” *She shrugs.* “We’re both pretty edgy, I guess. Me and Ozuma hang onto stuff for a long time. Probably longer than we should. And we’re both so damn stubborn that we can’t beat each other in an argument.”

[mizushield]

I guess..*Max goes silent for a moment*

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam waits, hoping to hear Max break the silence. When he doesn’t, she has to ask.* “What’s on your mind, kid? Don’t be upset.”

[mizushield]

I’m sorry, I was just thinking…I didn’t mean to be scuh a downer, heheh

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*His tone of voice, that ‘don’t worry about me!’ way is so Max.* “It’s okay Max… I would be really surprised if you didn’t miss him.”

[mizushield]

Even tho I do miss him, I’m hoping he’s fine, wherever he is…But I’m glad you went to this trip, your were the kind of person he needed, to take care of him!

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*This time Max’s words bring a quiet sigh out her.* “I don’t really think I took as good care of him as I should’ve.” *Mariam raises a hand and paws it back through her hair, thankful that Max can’t see the telltale sign of stress.* “I was a bit.. Occupied, too.”

[mizushield]

Occupied? what do you mean?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“I was a little bit upset over somebody, so I was kinda wrapped up in my own head. And well, other things.. Kinda fell back into old bad habits.” *She sighs, looking back now, it all seemed so foolish and stupid. But coming down from the drugs always makes her see the world that way: everyone seems less than what they were, her sadness seems less.*

[mizushield]

What do you mean by….bad habits?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*She’s quiet for a few moments. Should she tell Max..? She has a feeling he knows, but to confirm it to the blonde almost seems evil in a way.* “I just.. Went through a tough time.” *Max has never been forgetful. And it would be nice to know that she doesn’t have to come right out and say it to anyone else.*

[mizushield]

*Max opened his mouth to reply, but ended up making a weird sound* Are you-…Did you-…hm…*should he really ask? Something made him feel like he shouldn’t add gasoline to the fire. Max gulped down his saliva* Are you feeling better?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam cringes at his questions.* “Do you really wanna know if I did..? But, yeah Max, I’m feeling better. I’m feeling a lot better.” *She tries to sound as uplifting as possible.* “Bryan actually, he made things a lot better.”

[mizushield]

*raises his eyebrows, astonished* Bryan? Bryan was here?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“Yeah, he still is. We’ve kinda been off and on for awhile. He felt like something was off with me, came to check in. I thought he hated me. I’m glad I was wrong.”

[mizushield]

Sooo…Are you two together now?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam can’t help but grin a little a the question.* “I think so. We’re as together as we’re ever gonna be, anyways. Can’t say I’m not happy about it either.” *She laughs a little at herself. Honestly it’s about time she started enjoying life.*

[mizushield]

*Max laughs* you’re being a total tsundere right now!! *his tone gets softer* I’m glad you’re happy though, bryan may seem like a tough guy, he’s the guy to make you smile, and that’s what matters!

[heartoftheocean-xx]

hello!!

Hey Maxie.

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“It’s alright Max. I think I was kinda naive.. Thinking you still had feelings for me just because we were close when we were younger was foolish. And, I was happy that you were happy with Ozuma. I think I’m happy for everyone on the inside, I just.. Don’t show it well. Who knows what’ll happen in the future, y’know? Maybe you two will make up. It was, it wasn’t bad. Showed me that in some ways we’re the same, and just that in other ways we’ll always be different.”

[mizushield]

Well, to be honest…It wasn’t that simple. I had feelings, they got confusing at some point when Ozuma and I met again…I was happy, yeah, but things turned differently…I wish we had been more honest to each other…I don’t know, he disappeared, I doubt he kept the same phone number, and he’s nowhere to be found in the internet…The same?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam smiles sadly, and she’s quiet for a moment. It’s still a little painful to think about, but for the first time in a couple months.. She’s in a good place. She’s got Bryan, work has been going well for her and her brother, and she’s content. There’s no use stirring up old feelings so she or Max can get hurt all over again.* “I was pretty hurt at first that Ozuma decided to go for you. But he barely did anything for himself so.. I let it go. What if you just tried to send a casual text..? Maybe you two could still be friends even if you don’t work together.” *She shrugs.* “We’re both pretty edgy, I guess. Me and Ozuma hang onto stuff for a long time. Probably longer than we should. And we’re both so damn stubborn that we can’t beat each other in an argument.”

[mizushield]

I guess..*Max goes silent for a moment*

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam waits, hoping to hear Max break the silence. When he doesn’t, she has to ask.* “What’s on your mind, kid? Don’t be upset.”

[mizushield]

I’m sorry, I was just thinking…I didn’t mean to be scuh a downer, heheh

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*His tone of voice, that ‘don’t worry about me!’ way is so Max.* “It’s okay Max… I would be really surprised if you didn’t miss him.”

[mizushield]

Even tho I do miss him, I’m hoping he’s fine, wherever he is…But I’m glad you went to this trip, your were the kind of person he needed, to take care of him!

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*This time Max’s words bring a quiet sigh out her.* “I don’t really think I took as good care of him as I should’ve.” *Mariam raises a hand and paws it back through her hair, thankful that Max can’t see the telltale sign of stress.* “I was a bit.. Occupied, too.”

[mizushield]

Occupied? what do you mean?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“I was a little bit upset over somebody, so I was kinda wrapped up in my own head. And well, other things.. Kinda fell back into old bad habits.” *She sighs, looking back now, it all seemed so foolish and stupid. But coming down from the drugs always makes her see the world that way: everyone seems less than what they were, her sadness seems less.*

[mizushield]

What do you mean by….bad habits?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*She’s quiet for a few moments. Should she tell Max..? She has a feeling he knows, but to confirm it to the blonde almost seems evil in a way.* “I just.. Went through a tough time.” *Max has never been forgetful. And it would be nice to know that she doesn’t have to come right out and say it to anyone else.*

[mizushield]

*Max opened his mouth to reply, but ended up making a weird sound* Are you-…Did you-…hm…*should he really ask? Something made him feel like he shouldn’t add gasoline to the fire. Max gulped down his saliva* Are you feeling better?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam cringes at his questions.* “Do you really wanna know if I did..? But, yeah Max, I’m feeling better. I’m feeling a lot better.” *She tries to sound as uplifting as possible.* “Bryan actually, he made things a lot better.”

[mizushield]

*raises his eyebrows, astonished* Bryan? Bryan was here?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“Yeah, he still is. We’ve kinda been off and on for awhile. He felt like something was off with me, came to check in. I thought he hated me. I’m glad I was wrong.”

[mizushield]

Sooo...Are you two together now?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

hello!!

Hey Maxie.

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“It’s alright Max. I think I was kinda naive.. Thinking you still had feelings for me just because we were close when we were younger was foolish. And, I was happy that you were happy with Ozuma. I think I’m happy for everyone on the inside, I just.. Don’t show it well. Who knows what’ll happen in the future, y’know? Maybe you two will make up. It was, it wasn’t bad. Showed me that in some ways we’re the same, and just that in other ways we’ll always be different.”

[mizushield]

Well, to be honest…It wasn’t that simple. I had feelings, they got confusing at some point when Ozuma and I met again…I was happy, yeah, but things turned differently…I wish we had been more honest to each other…I don’t know, he disappeared, I doubt he kept the same phone number, and he’s nowhere to be found in the internet…The same?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam smiles sadly, and she’s quiet for a moment. It’s still a little painful to think about, but for the first time in a couple months.. She’s in a good place. She’s got Bryan, work has been going well for her and her brother, and she’s content. There’s no use stirring up old feelings so she or Max can get hurt all over again.* “I was pretty hurt at first that Ozuma decided to go for you. But he barely did anything for himself so.. I let it go. What if you just tried to send a casual text..? Maybe you two could still be friends even if you don’t work together.” *She shrugs.* “We’re both pretty edgy, I guess. Me and Ozuma hang onto stuff for a long time. Probably longer than we should. And we’re both so damn stubborn that we can’t beat each other in an argument.”

[mizushield]

I guess..*Max goes silent for a moment*

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam waits, hoping to hear Max break the silence. When he doesn’t, she has to ask.* “What’s on your mind, kid? Don’t be upset.”

[mizushield]

I’m sorry, I was just thinking…I didn’t mean to be scuh a downer, heheh

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*His tone of voice, that ‘don’t worry about me!’ way is so Max.* “It’s okay Max… I would be really surprised if you didn’t miss him.”

[mizushield]

Even tho I do miss him, I’m hoping he’s fine, wherever he is…But I’m glad you went to this trip, your were the kind of person he needed, to take care of him!

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*This time Max’s words bring a quiet sigh out her.* “I don’t really think I took as good care of him as I should’ve.” *Mariam raises a hand and paws it back through her hair, thankful that Max can’t see the telltale sign of stress.* “I was a bit.. Occupied, too.”

[mizushield]

Occupied? what do you mean?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“I was a little bit upset over somebody, so I was kinda wrapped up in my own head. And well, other things.. Kinda fell back into old bad habits.” *She sighs, looking back now, it all seemed so foolish and stupid. But coming down from the drugs always makes her see the world that way: everyone seems less than what they were, her sadness seems less.*

[mizushield]

What do you mean by….bad habits?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*She’s quiet for a few moments. Should she tell Max..? She has a feeling he knows, but to confirm it to the blonde almost seems evil in a way.* “I just.. Went through a tough time.” *Max has never been forgetful. And it would be nice to know that she doesn’t have to come right out and say it to anyone else.*

[mizushield]

*Max opened his mouth to reply, but ended up making a weird sound* Are you-…Did you-…hm…*should he really ask? Something made him feel like he shouldn’t add gasoline to the fire. Max gulped down his saliva* Are you feeling better?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam cringes at his questions.* “Do you really wanna know if I did..? But, yeah Max, I’m feeling better. I’m feeling a lot better.” *She tries to sound as uplifting as possible.* “Bryan actually, he made things a lot better.”

[mizushield]

*raises his eyebrows, astonished* Bryan? Bryan was here?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

hello!!

Hey Maxie.

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“It’s alright Max. I think I was kinda naive.. Thinking you still had feelings for me just because we were close when we were younger was foolish. And, I was happy that you were happy with Ozuma. I think I’m happy for everyone on the inside, I just.. Don’t show it well. Who knows what’ll happen in the future, y’know? Maybe you two will make up. It was, it wasn’t bad. Showed me that in some ways we’re the same, and just that in other ways we’ll always be different.”

[mizushield]

Well, to be honest…It wasn’t that simple. I had feelings, they got confusing at some point when Ozuma and I met again…I was happy, yeah, but things turned differently…I wish we had been more honest to each other…I don’t know, he disappeared, I doubt he kept the same phone number, and he’s nowhere to be found in the internet…The same?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam smiles sadly, and she’s quiet for a moment. It’s still a little painful to think about, but for the first time in a couple months.. She’s in a good place. She’s got Bryan, work has been going well for her and her brother, and she’s content. There’s no use stirring up old feelings so she or Max can get hurt all over again.* “I was pretty hurt at first that Ozuma decided to go for you. But he barely did anything for himself so.. I let it go. What if you just tried to send a casual text..? Maybe you two could still be friends even if you don’t work together.” *She shrugs.* “We’re both pretty edgy, I guess. Me and Ozuma hang onto stuff for a long time. Probably longer than we should. And we’re both so damn stubborn that we can’t beat each other in an argument.”

[mizushield]

I guess..*Max goes silent for a moment*

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*Mariam waits, hoping to hear Max break the silence. When he doesn’t, she has to ask.* “What’s on your mind, kid? Don’t be upset.”

[mizushield]

I’m sorry, I was just thinking…I didn’t mean to be scuh a downer, heheh

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*His tone of voice, that ‘don’t worry about me!’ way is so Max.* “It’s okay Max… I would be really surprised if you didn’t miss him.”

[mizushield]

Even tho I do miss him, I’m hoping he’s fine, wherever he is…But I’m glad you went to this trip, your were the kind of person he needed, to take care of him!

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*This time Max’s words bring a quiet sigh out her.* “I don’t really think I took as good care of him as I should’ve.” *Mariam raises a hand and paws it back through her hair, thankful that Max can’t see the telltale sign of stress.* “I was a bit.. Occupied, too.”

[mizushield]

Occupied? what do you mean?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

“I was a little bit upset over somebody, so I was kinda wrapped up in my own head. And well, other things.. Kinda fell back into old bad habits.” *She sighs, looking back now, it all seemed so foolish and stupid. But coming down from the drugs always makes her see the world that way: everyone seems less than what they were, her sadness seems less.*

[mizushield]

What do you mean by….bad habits?

[heartoftheocean-xx]

*She’s quiet for a few moments. Should she tell Max..? She has a feeling he knows, but to confirm it to the blonde almost seems evil in a way.* “I just.. Went through a tough time.” *Max has never been forgetful. And it would be nice to know that she doesn’t have to come right out and say it to anyone else.*

[mizushield]

*Max opened his mouth to reply, but ended up making a weird sound* Are you-...Did you-...hm...*should he really ask? Something made him feel like he shouldn’t add gasoline to the fire. Max gulped down his saliva* Are you feeling better?