Though Max knew it wasn't the definitive source of answers, Vlad's "no" made him feel strangely better. It was said with conviction, with power. If Vlad said no to something, you'd better believe that it was getting chucked out the window while on fire. Despite the situation, he cracked a wan smile. He was right. Brian was still ignorant. And as long as he remained that way, things would be fine.
Vlad's reassurance that Max wasn't just some figment of an insane man's imagination brought a real smile to his face. "Thanks, Vlad," he said genuinely. "If we can just keep him in the dark. I just..." He paused, rubbing his chin. "If he finds out about me. If he learns what I've done?" He went quiet, staring at his shoes. "I don't know what would happen." Sighing, he looked up at his one and only friend. "But I promise you. Whatever happens. He will know nothing about you. I give you my word. I don't think he'd ever be able to, I mean...knowing about me would be bad enough, but opening me up? He couldn't handle it." He paused. Nobody could, really.