[The sudden flash of anger that pours through him, causing some glasses in the kitchen to rattle and fall off their shelves, isn’t a surprise. Michael has always been protective of his family no matter what was happening between them and his fingers tighten around Max’s as he tenses against him. But listening to Max talk, he feels a lot of emotions. Anger of course, he wanted to kill the bastard that did this to him. Hurt that Max never told him and guilt. Mostly an overwhelming guilt that sucked the air from his lungs. How could he not know something happened? That something was so very wrong? He had been so wrapped up in his own bullshit once again that he didn’t even know Max had been fucking kidnapped.
.

Hearing Max plead, the fear in his voice is enough to bring him out of his pity party. For now. He tears his eyes away from their joined hands to Max’s face and his heart breaks. He tries not to let it show on his face but he’s never been good at hiding especially from his brother.]

Max, I had no idea. What happened to the bastard? I’m going to fucking kill him. I don’t care if I have to go there myself. Fuck.

[He can feel his anger rising again and he pulls away to stand up.]

How could I not know? I was so fucking wrapped up in my bullshit. I should have been there for you.

[He starts pacing, running a hand through his unruly curls, trying to calm down.]

We don’t have to play this game anymore, Max. It must be bringing up horrible shit. Fuck. I’m sorry.