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Max Goof and Bradley Uppercrust III. Two different people who, surprisingly, have more in common than you might think. Although neither of them would admit it, it was mostly because they couldn't really talk like normal people when they were around each other, instead they would bicker back and forth until one of them would give up or at least offer a bet. And after they parted, they would both complain about each other while talking to their friends.
Surprisingly, however, they still managed to stand together at the gate of Bradley and his parents' house. Both were dressed in formal suits, which Max in particular found rather uncomfortable. “Remind me, why am I here again?” the Goof asked while he examined himself one last time with a suspicious look on his face. He really didn't like it, even though it suited him somehow. But it wasn't his style.
Bradley sighed in annoyance and touched the root of his nose. “My family is having a very important celebration to announce my joining our company.” “Yeah, I got that, but what does that have to do with me?” “Do you ever listen when I'm talking to you?” “Doesn't answer my question”, Max replied, shrugging his shoulders. Of course, Bradley had already explained the whole situation to him. But by the time he had done so, Max was focused on something else and agreed to whatever Bradley wanted from him, without knowing what the entire thing was about, except for the reason this celebration was organized. “I need a plus one this time”, “Why didn't you bring Tank?” “Believe me, I would have brought him if I had the choice. But he didn't have time to be my plus one. So, I have to make do with you”, “Yeah, well, why me?”, “Because there was no one else I could ask. They are either too busy or not presentable. So don't get ahead of yourself. You were just the only decent and available option I had,” Bradley explained, but maybe he lied. Sure, Tank was busy, but there is a possibility that this wasn’t the only reason he asked Max for help. “Does that answer your questions?”, “Yeah, pretty much.” “Good, because there are some things I need to clear up.” “Well, go ahead,” Max responded as he gestured with his hand as if he wanted to lead Bradley to an imaginary stage or something like that.
Well, Bradley was talking about a few things, but, honestly, he actually only had one simple request regarding Max: “Don’t embarrass me, Goof. Unlike me, my parents, or rather, my father, don’t tolerate a single misstep. You’re new, so he’ll be even stricter and pay attention to every little thing. I don’t expect you to win him over, just… don’t be yourself too much”, Bradley explained, his face serious. Max was about to complain. I mean, how could he dare to demand Max pretend? But as they locked eyes with each other, something in Bradley’s tanzanite eyes let him stop. He was serious, he could see that. There wasn’t a single glimpse of provocation or pride. No, they almost seem to plead: ‘Don’t mess up, because if you do, my life would be ruined’.
Max wasn’t sure whether the words he thought he could read in his eyes were directed at him or at Bradley himself. Whoever they were meant for, they showed him that the boys were not going to a party, but rather to a battlefield. Max sighed; he had never seen Bradley in such a state before. Not even at the X-Games. Of course, Bradley was really set on winning, but he still showed his pride and wore his nose high. This time, he doesn’t show off his pride or wear his nose high, it’s quite the opposite. It was more as if they were almost on the same level, but only almost. Even though Bradley seemed to be more careful, he still had his standards.
“Don’t worry, I won’t mess up anything, and I won’t be myself too much. I mean, I can literally see with which kind of people I’ll probably be dealing. I still have manners and respect, but I never had respect toward a snob who thinks he’s the King of the world itself”, Max still provoked Bradley a little, but not because he wanted to cause a fight. He just tried to lighten up the mood, which went down after Bradley told him to be less himself. Besides, he probably just likes it to tease the other boy. He got some funny reactions, which were intimidating too, but most of them were just funny. Also, it was a pretty easy way to get Bradley’s attention, and that was pretty much everything Max wanted. “Well, then you’re going to have a rough time with my father. To say it with your words, he’s the biggest snob on this planet with a nose higher than my own. But enough with that, we shouldn’t waste any more time with this nonsense. Let’s just get it over with.”
Bradley took a deep breath, put on his smiling mask, and opened the gate. Soon they reached the house's, or rather, estate's, back door. “We are going to take the back door”, Bradley explained the obvious and Max nodded. But he still asked himself why they are taking the back door and not the front door.
“May I ask, why did we take the back door?” He voiced his inner question. He just couldn't figure out why Bradley insisted on taking the back entrance. After all, they had somehow been invited. Which only served to increase his curiosity even more, making it unbearable. Bradley sighed again; this really wasn’t the time for questions. “You’ll figure it out soon enough”, he responded. “Now, follow me and be as quiet as possible”, he continued, lurking around his own home. Or at least meant-to-be-home. In his eyes, it was more like being locked up in a nice cage. He has all the things he needs, at least when it comes to materialistic things money can buy. But he never truly felt the warmth of a caring family. Of course, he always had the back of his mother, but that doesn’t change much since his father was the one in charge. Even if he got his mother’s back, it didn’t change his father’s behavior towards him.
The boys lurked a bit around with Bradley guiding Max and giving him some instructions now and then, and after a while of playing hide and seek, they managed to disappear into the crowd, and Bradley guided Max upstairs, right in the direction of his room. “Bradley, I know, my questions are annoying–”, “Then shut up”, Bradley interrupted Max. “But why are we up here? Do you need something?” Max still finished his question. Bradley sighed. “If you didn’t already notice, we’re quite late, and my father doesn’t like it when I’m too late. An Uppercrust is never too late. Besides, I wanted to check on me and you, making sure that you’re quite presentable, and your messiness didn’t transfer to me. Also, we need to fix your hair, and here I have everything I need,” Bradley answered as they entered his room. As Max looked around for a sec, he wasn’t really surprised by what he saw.
Bradley’s room was pretty much empty. There was a bed, a desk with a lamp, and some bookshelves with boring-sounding titles, which, in Max’s mind, only someone like Bradley could enjoy, but there was nothing personal. Even the wall seemed to be lifeless, and it was a freaking wall! The colors were natural, but not cozily. It was cold and almost lonely. There was nothing individual or personal in here. Even so, not a single photograph was there. This room wasn’t meant to be lived in. At least, that’s what Max thought. After all, one reason for the emptiness was that Bradley had already taken the most of his stuff. But besides that, this room was always quite empty and lonely.
After a while, Brad went back to Max with some hair tools in his hands and a little smirk on his lips. He is definitely enjoying this too much. Max thought as he saw that little grin on Brad’s face. “No chance, Brad, stay away from my beautiful, hard-to-tame hair, which always has the right, messy look,” the boy complained. “I already took out my piercings, which must be enough! You’re playing with my feelings here”, “Oh, will you shut up? Some sacrifices have to be made. It’s not like I’m going to cut it off”, “If you did, I’d kill you,” Max responded with a serious, frowning face. “Yeah, yeah, and now, hold still. We don’t have the time,” and with that being said, Bradley began to fix Max’s hair. It truly was very difficult to tame his hair, but in the end, he succeeded. Clearly, nobody resists Bradley Uppercrust the Third, not even Max’s hair.
Bradley examined Max from head to toe and back before he nodded with a satisfied smile. Also, he had to admit that Max somehow looked handsome with the laid-back hair and the suit. But, of course, he would never say it out loud. After a while, he led Max to a mirror, letting him examine himself. Bradley could already tell by his distorted face that he didn’t like it that much. “Eww, I look like a greasy snob,” he commented while he turned around and examined every inch of his new appearance. “Then my job here is done. Now, we need to face my parents. They won’t be very pleased about the timing. And I also don’t have a very satisfying explanation since I can’t say I brought a delinquent”, “No need to be rude, dude. Hey, I totally get that, you’re stressed out,” Max said, trying to comfort the brunette, who just looked at him with a raised eyebrow and a scoffing look on his face. “I don’t need your comfort, Goof, now, let's go”, “Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, Brad” Max responded, but in a quiet voice, only speaking to himself while rolling his eyes.
They exited Bradley’s room and walked Upstairs, where the people were already crowded, but it wasn’t too full, since the Uppercrusts lived in a big house and had enough place for a whole football team, maybe even two. They squeezed through a little until they reached the room where the main event was to take place and where Bradley's parents were.
“Bradley, there you are! I was already wondering where you were!” Bradley’s father approached them. He seemed very cheerful and nice, but when you looked into his eyes, you knew it was only a facade. He played a role in gaining the trust of the people around him. Pretty ironic, since trust is something you gain automatically if you’re sincere around your people. But maybe for rich people, it worked differently. “I’m sorry, father. I had something to deal with, so I couldn’t tag along earlier”, “You know, Bradley, nothing’s more important than your family and everything that is linked to it. Except, it could influence our family.” Bradley’s father responded in a serious voice and looked deep into Bradley's eyes. It almost seemed like he tried to read his soul, finding every flaw, so he can correct it and bring the heir under his control. But in a blink of an eye, his serious facial expression turned into a bright smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. No, his eyes were still cold and icy, no hint of love in them. “Just kidding, son! But please, it doesn’t look very great if the heir of the Uppercrusts comes late to his own event,” he said, but he didn’t really mean it. No, he meant the things he said before. But these words were a hidden way of saying: “Never be late again, or there will be consequences. I won’t tolerate tardiness”.
“Well, don’t you want to introduce your company?”, “Oh, sure. Father, this is Maximilian”, “Hello Maximilian, welcome. I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy your time around here”, “Nice to meet you, Sir Uppercrust,” he answered, shaking his hand while smiling at him. Though, he didn’t mean it, he knew he wasn’t welcome here, he saw it in the man’s eyes in front of him. His words weren’t words to welcome him, they were words of humiliation. He looked down on Max. Like everyone around here, all of them played a huge game of deception. Because what he actually meant was: “Enjoy it while you can and see how much better we are compared to a worm like you.”
Not only Bradley’s father’s eyes told Max that. The man also intensified the handshake, a subtle way to challenge Max, and to show his own domination. Of course, Max felt the urge to also intensify his handshake, but this wasn’t a challenge like Bradley’s. No, this was a test to see if Max knew his place. Oh, and Max totally knew that, above the ego of those snobby asses. All of them are so full of themselves, it made him sick. However, this wasn’t the right time to be bratty and complain about practically everything. He didn’t want to make it more complicated than it already was and cause Bradley more problems.
“Nice to meet you, too, Maximilian. I need to go, boys. Bradley, go and see your mother. She also is waiting for you. I have business to do.” With these words Bradley’s father vanished. Already heading to the next possible business partner. “Dude, your father really is shitty”, “how do you know? I mean, he didn’t say even a thing. At least, when you just listen to his words and aren’t his son”, “Got an eye for that. You can’t fake the expression of your eyes. I simply know he doesn’t like me at all. Plus, my family is kind of a magnet for snobby people. P.J.’s dad is a greedy douchebag, yes, but at least he still loves his son in a way. You can see that in his eyes, even if he’s bad in showing it” Max explained while Bradley can’t do anything else except for nodding. He was quite impressed how Max managed to read the people around him, even if he just met them. Which lead to one question inside his head: Did Max read him, too? Is that why he’s still willing to be around him?
But he hadn’t the time to think about such trivial things. After all, the danger has not been averted. There was still a risk to getting punished because of his tardiness, and oh boy did he know, that he would be punished for it.
The two boys walked for a while through the house squeezing themselves through the numerous guests. Soon, they finally reached their destination and found Bradley’s Mother. A woman of beauty, with the same tanzanite blue eyes Bradley had. But they didn’t seem to have the tendency of craziness, like Bradley’s did. Quite the opposite. Her eyes seemed so loving and caring, quite differently from her husband. “Bradley, my son! I’m glad you could've made it!”, she greeted her son and squeezed him in a hug. Max couldn’t help it but chuckle with amusement, causing Bradley to give him a deadly glare. But Max didn’t take it very seriously. “And who’s this young man?”, “Mother, may I introduce you, this is Maximilian. Maximilian, this is my mother”, “Nice to meet you, Ma’am”, greeted Max and took her hand to place a polite kiss on it’s back. “Oh my!”, she chuckled, “The pleasure is all mine”, she responded with a friendly smile. “How polite, now, that’s some sensible company!”, she looked at Bradley. It seemed like she was judging him for something, or at least hinting something only Bradly could understand. And apparently, he did understand. “Well, as much as I want to talk to you, I have guests to look after”, Bradley’s Mother said with a smile, but still sending Bradley a last warning gaze. Possibly signing him to behave. “Well, your mom seems nice, though”, “She is, but she doesn’t have the courage or power to speak against him. I mean, my father is a great husband, but not a good father”, Bradley explained as they watched his mom leaving. “Anyway, why do I even tell you this?”, “Maybe because you trust me?”, Max tried, looking at Bradley with a bright, winning smile. Already knowing that their relationship seems to grow into something besides hatred and arguing. “Not even in your dreams”, Bradley immediately contradicted. He and trusting a Goof? Never, especially not Max. He only needed someone friendly and naïve enough to help him out. Sure, he could’ve paid someone, but he knew his parents would’ve figured out the moment they saw the chosen victim. So, he needed someone authentic and convincing and since Tank had other plans and the other frat brothers have quite questionable personalities and manners, Max seemed the only person he could’ve asked for this. And his intuition didn’t fail him, although he would’ve preferred someone else. Someone less curios and attentive regarding inner emotions and reading facial expressions.
Max sighed, he tried. But apparently, he couldn’t make it through the walls of a stubborn Uppercrust. After all, he felt something was off with him. His intuition told him that Bradley didn’t want to be here. And a Goof’s intuition is never wrong, as his father has often proved. Besides, why would Bradley even say, his mother would never speak against her husband? Maybe it was just a simple remark, something out of impulse. Nothing else, just a silly detail to show off his father’s power he even beheld within their family (if you could call it that, though). But what if not? What if, there was a reason for this remark? What if Bradley hinted something, even without purpose? What if there was a reason for the lost expression inside his eyes which got even more intense since they entered the Uppercrust estate?
“Max”, the Goof heard the warning voice of his companion and looked at him with an innocent look on his face while shivers ran down his spines as he heard his name out of Bradley’s mouth. But he didn’t show it. He simply looked at the boy who had just snapped him out of his racing thoughts. “Yes, Bradley?”, he answered with a little smile on his lips, not even showing that he was thinking about something “Whatever you’re thinking about, don’t”, Bradley simply warned. “What makes you believe that I’m thinking about something?”, the dark haired asked, tilting his head, knowing quite well what he was doing. Even if he didn’t know what he was doing to Bradley, though. After all, he hadn’t a single clue about the feelings of the brunette towards Max. Well, Bradley was just as clueless, though, or rather, in denial.
Sure, he did need someone who would be his plus one, but he simply could’ve asked someone of the girls to join him. After all, there still were a few who got a crush on him. But no, he chose Max. The boy he hated the most, or thought he would hate the most. Little did he know what those feelings actually meant and why he picked Max. But this was another problem he didn’t have time for now.
“Oh please, I can already see the smoke coming out of your ears”, “Well, you got me. I’m gonna be honest with you, whether you like it or not. You said, your mother won’t speak against your father”, he started, Bradley looked at him with confusion and a raised eyebrow. Well, obviously he said that, but he didn’t have any clue what that has to do with Max’s racing thoughts. “In a matter of fact, I did. But what are you trying to imply?”, “I’m wondering why you would say something like that, or rather, why would want your mother doing that?”, “Just, get to the point, Max”, Bradley responded, almost annoyed by Max’s nowhere-going hints and implications. Although, they weren’t really going “nowhere”. After all, he did understand what Max was trying to say, but he didn’t want talk about it, especially not with Max.
“I just did, Brad. Are you even listening?”, Max asked, but didn’t get a response from Bradley. “All I’m trying to say, there is something off between you and your parents, especially between you and your dad, and it must have to do something with your mood, today”, Max explained, a sound of concern in his voice. He just wanted to help wherever he could, it was part of his personality. But he was also worried because the strange feeling that there was something wrong with Bradley wasn't going away.
“Max, I’ll only say that once: whatever you're implying, it’s none of your business. Just leave it, okay? You have only one job: be my plus one, so my parents would leave me alone. You neither have to be my therapist nor my wannabe friend. This is definitely the first and last evening we’re hanging out or however you want to put it. So, just leave it. They’re my family and my problem, not yours, got it?”, Bradley raged, but he kept his voice low. While he was Max giving a speech, he stomped towards him and dug his finger into Max’s chest and looked at him with narrowed eyes. Max could basically feel and almost see the anger dancing in Bradley’s eyes. They were beautiful, yet so intimidating, serious and … hurt?
Why does he look so pained? Was the only question that came up to Max’s mind. He didn’t understand but cooperated. After all, Bradley was right: his only purpose was to help Bradley out at this event. But that didn’t imply to befriend him or something like that. However, Max isn’t an ignorant, he simply couldn’t let Bradley alone with his problems. That’s just who he is. “Got it, but if you need someone, I’ll be there”, he sincerely said, smiling at Bradley like nobody could break his kindness. Bradley scoffed. He took a deep breath and straightened his posture. “Leave it, Goof. After this evening, I won’t talk to you ever again. That’s a promise”, His voice was cold and distanced. Like they were nothing else than business partners, maybe not even that.
After this conversation, they just tag along with the celebration and the guests, or rather Bradley. Max stood aside, judging by the looks he got, those people weren’t really pleased to see him – a commoner – at this event. They didn’t even think it was necessary to speak with him, but fine by him. This way, he could keep a better eye on Bradley, who clearly showed that he was born in this kind of environment. The nose high, but not too high and his signature smile, which Max knew too well. But it wasn’t a genuine smile, just a mask to keep the control over the situation, even if he was uncomfortable with it, and boy, some guests really were something.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, attention please”, the voice of Bradley’s father echoed through the room and all the guests and all the guests, who had just been busy gossiping, fell silent and turned around to Mr. Uppercrust. “Firstly, I want to thank you all for your attendance. It’s great, that we’re all here to celebrate my son’s entrance into our company”, he said with a cold, slight intimidating grin that all the rich people with a reputation have. At least, that’s Max’s opinion. “And that brings us to the reason for this celebration. Although, there were some matters, I’m grateful to announce his official entrance”, he declared, before he turned to his son, giving him a sign to say something.
Bradley looked around and the moment he saw Max, they locked eyes with each other. And Max saw his pain, not only saw, but he also felt it, clearly and distinctly. He knew Bradley didn’t want it; his eyes told him. Max’s eyes narrowed. There must be a way how he can help, even if Bradley wouldn’t want that. Oh boy, he definitely won’t want that. Max thought as he saw the warning glimpse in Bradley’s eyes.
Sure, Bradley isn’t very happy with the situation, he definitely didn’t want to enter the family company, even if he always said so. But this was just a show, nothing else. He had his own plans for his future, for god’s sake. However, he never had a say in this. His entrance was planned since the day he was born. And if he said something and complained, his whole life would turn into a full disaster. So, obedient was the lesser evil. But he probably didn't reckon with a certain Max Goof who would turn his whole life upside down. Although, if Bradley is honest with himself, he already has. Especially when he considers all the emotional chaos, he has been experiencing with Max recently.
Max pushed himself away from the wall against which he had been leaning a moment ago and took a few steps towards the Uppercrusts. “Sir, due to all my respect, I don’t think that’s what Bradley wants “, he explained, now locking eyes with Bradley’s dad. His eyes were seething with anger, but he managed to hide it well. “Well, if it isn’t Maximilian, my son’s company for today’s celebration. Tell me, what makes you think that you know what Bradley want?”, “Oh, quite a lot. There’s something called body language, Mr. Uppercrust. Did you once pay attention to the body language of your son? I fear not, but I did, and I can clearly see that this isn’t what he wants”, Max explained in a calm and matter-of-fact voice. “Even so, he’s an Uppercrust after all, you’re a simply commoner. How do you know what is best for a son of a family which is much wealthier than your own?”, he asked calmly, but not less intimidating. He even didn’t care about the guests. He knew, they would be on his side. And if not, he had the means to change that quickly. “Maybe your family does have more money, but money isn’t everything in your life. A loving family is much more worthy than a big, cold house with a cold-hearted family”, Max responded, while checking on Bradley for a short amount of time. Yep, I totally broke his one rule. And he isn’t pleased at all. He thought as he saw the horrified, angry expression on Bradley’s face. But he turned back to his father.
“Maximilian is right, darling. Bradley has his own future, he isn’t determined to join the company”, now it’s Bradley’s mother who joined the discussion between Max and Mr. Uppercrust. She placed a hand on her husband’s shoulder. “Now, you too? I thought we had talked about it”, “Yes, we did, but not enough. You’re a great leader, but a horrible father. You think it’s the best for your son, but did you ever ask him about it? Did you ever ask him what he wants? I did, and he isn’t pleased by how you’re treating him “, “Enough! This celebration ends here! You, Bradley, will take over the company one day and you, Maximilian, are banished from the Uppercrust estate!”, his last word is spoken as he stared into the eyes of his son.
Bradley argued. If he just obeyed, everything could go back to normal, or at least halfway normal. He probably wouldn't be allowed to have any more contact with Max, but he never wanted that anyway. If he disobeyed, he would be stepping into the unknown. Perhaps he could implement his own plans for the future, but that would involve far more risks. He looked around, confused and upset at the same time. And once again, at the moment of his crisis, he looked at Max. Directly into his warm, dark eyes, which possessed far too much kindness. Why did he do that so often?
And perhaps, he disobeyed for the first time in his life. “Excuse me? “, “No, father. Mother is right, I don’t want to be part of your company “, “You’re just confused, son. Please, you’re an Uppercrust. This punk did influence you. Not in a good way, in my opinion”, “No, father, he didn’t. I never wanted the future you thought would be the best for me, you never paid attention to me. You said, no matter what, I must be on top “, “And you were”, “Yes, but at what cost? Nobody can really talk with you, not even mother, and she’s your wife “, “Bradley Sebastian Uppercrust the III, that’s enough! It was enough that you lost those stupid games, but I'm not going to let you embarrass me in front of our guests. If you choose this path, you will no longer be part of this family, and you will no longer be able to enjoy your privileges. If you want to continue your studies after graduating from college, go ahead, but I won't pay the costs”, “Ronald! “, “No, Melinda. He crossed a line”, his father replied to Bradley’s mother’s words. “What’s your decision, son? “, “Fine by me, if that does mean I’m finally free from you”, and with these words Bradley grabbed Max and left the estate with him.
“What did I say about ‘don’t embarrass me’, Max?! Literally, you can’t be anywhere without causing trouble, can you?”, Bradley sighed as they walked a few meters. Max’s eyes widened, and he stared at the brunette. “What is it, freshman?”, he asked, clearly annoyed and crossing his arms. He really can’t handle this slob. “You said my name”, Max grinned widely, his eyes sparkling as if a whole starry sky were caught in them. Bradley blushed and looked away. Who would have thought calling the goofball by his name would make him so happy? He cleared his throat. “Don’t distract. I’m serious, why did you do that? I clearly told you to stay out of it”, “And I decided not to listen to you. Really, Bradley. I saw your eyes, they showed clearly that you didn’t want that”, “Even so, that doesn’t give you the right to ruin people’s lives”, “So, do you regret it and want to go back?”, “Are you going completely crazy now? Not after a speech like that”, “Guess, we’re heading back to campus, then?”, Max asked. Bradley rolled his eyes. “What else, Goof? Really, aren’t you supposed to be smart or something like that? Because your questions don’t make you seem very smart right now”, the brunette commented with a slight sound of judgment in his voice. It wasn’t very judging, though. It was the kind of judgment when a friend is supposed to be smart, but also tends to be an idiot. “You think I’m smart?” Max grinned. That was the first real compliment he had ever received from Bradley. Not that he thought he'd ever get one from the arrogant guy. In fact, it was probably both the first and last at the same time.
“Well, I’ve seen your results in the exams. I must say, they’re not bad for a freshman”, Bradley explained, not believing that he actually complimented the dark-haired guy next to him. To be honest, there were tons of compliments he had in mind, but he decided to die with them. That’s easier than to admit that he actually liked this Goof for some reason, or at least his heart seems to like him. Well, that actually explained a lot, when he thought about his behavior in front of Max. “Not anymore”, Bradley replied, “But you have”, Max returned with a big grin. Bradley sighed and shook his head, he barely understood Max. How could he take the life so easily and was able to turn Bradley’s own world in such a big chaos in no time? Maybe because he was a Goof, but there has to be something else, right? Otherwise, the former head of the Gammas didn’t have an explanation for all those confusing and strange feelings. Why his heart was racing, when he was near Max. Why he wanted to be left alone but at the same time near Max. Why he wanted his attention so bad, that he was ready to start a fight with Max every time he saw him, at least that was before the X-games. Since Bradley lost the games and Max cancelled their bet, he didn’t do anything but simply stare at him when he saw the Goof. He still wasn’t out of his head and Bradley couldn’t explain, why. He had tried to ignore it, but didn’t really succeed. Until today.
“Hey, everything’s alright?”, snapped the other him out, disturbing the peace and quiet Bradley was enjoying. “Why do you ask?”, “You seem to be deep in thoughts, I was just checking. Are you still thinking about the party?”, “No. However, do you ever stay quiet? sometimes a man just wants to enjoy the silence”, “Sorry, that I’m concerned about your well-being”, Max responded, raising his hands as if to surrender. Bradley only looked at Max. He was concerned? About him? How could that even be possible? Well, it did make sense, after all, he was a Goof. Their hearts are too big for their own good. “You’re joking”, “No, seriously, Bradley. I am concerned about you, even if you were a dickhead most of the time, but I saw you. Your dad–”, “–DON’T!”, Bradley raised his voice, but then sighed, rubbing the root of his nose. “Let’s not talk about him, I don’t want to think about what happened there, okay? I know, there will be consequences. But I don’t want them in my thoughts, yet, and you don’t need to be concerned about me. I’m fine, okay?”, he replied, visibly exhausted. This day has really done him in. All he wanted was to get some sleep. The consequences were a problem for future Bradley. Besides, he already had an idea in which form he’s going to be punished. The only question is whether he should be grateful to Max for the chaos or angry. After all, it won't make his life any easier for the time being. But he didn't have the energy to think about it now. He was burnt out.
“Hey, do you still have your Skateboard?”, Max suddenly asked after they walked a while in silence, which Bradley actually quite enjoyed. But of course, Max had to disturb the wonderful peace and quiet, again. “I do, why are you asking?”, “Would you mind accompanying me on a midnight round? Maybe you can cool off your head a bit after what happened and all the stuff that seems to be going on inside your head”, Max smilingly suggested while looking at Bradley, who actually took a thought into the suggestion. He was really exhausted and wanted nothing more than a good night’s sleep, but after the X-games it’s been a while since he jumped on a board, and it was always very helpful when he thought about too much and had to organize his thoughts. Especially before he went to sleep. Besides, he wouldn’t have the pressure that he has to win, he could just have fun skating. With Max, just the two of them. With this thought, Bradley’s heart started racing, ponding against his chest, as if it wanted to escape from its prison. He probably could try it, even if he just wanted to get some sleep. But he always enjoyed the night, it was quiet and peaceful, there were no monsters who put too much pressure on him. He was free, even if it was for a short amount of time.
“Let’s give it a try, then. But I promise, I’ll stomp you into the ground”, “So, that’s the Bradley I know”, “Brad”, “What?”, “You heard right, you’re allowed to use this stupid nickname of yours”, Bradley responded, while going ahead. He didn’t believe what he was saying, but before he could even think about it a second time, his mouth was already moving. And on top of that, his cheeks turned red, too! Fortunately, it was already dark outside, so Max wouldn’t notice, at least Bradley hoped so.
Speaking of which, the goof could only stand there, blinking at Bradley in disbelief. Did he hear right? Did Bradley actually allow him to use the nickname? Apparently, he did. Max couldn’t control himself and started grinning like the biggest fool in the entire universe. Especially, because he only started calling Bradley Brad, because it pissed him off. So, with Bradley’s allowance, he probably can’t tease him with the name, anymore, but Max was pretty sure, he would soon find something else to get on Bradley’s nerves.
It wasn’t long before they finally reached the campus. “Let’s meet at the fountain, again. Then, we’re going to head to the skate park and have some fun”, Max smiled, and Bradley nodded. After that, they separated and headed to their dorms where they quickly changed clothes. But especially Max needed to be quiet, so he wouldn’t wake up Bobby or P.J. even though they were quite sound asleep. But he managed to be quiet enough, changed his clothes quickly – which was never more pleasant than now – took his board and left his dorm again, heading to the fountain. And to be honest, he was never happier that it was the weekend, than now.
Bradley, meanwhile, sat down on his bed and was thinking, again. He simply didn't know what to make of the whole situation. He didn’t know what he should think about Max’s behavior or about his own feelings he seemingly had for the Goof. Probably, some sleep would help, but he still had a meet up with Max. Besides, if he went to sleep now, he was sure he would dream something strange, which would only confuse him even more. He needed to clear his head somehow, so Max's suggestion was quite apt. So, he changed into something more comfortable, took his skateboard and exited his dorm. The moment he arrived their agreed location, he already saw Max, who started waving the moment he noticed Bradley. “So, you really didn’t fall asleep”, the younger one teased. “I’m not that exhausted. Besides, I’m pretty sure I’m going to regret it, when I go to sleep, now. So, let’s go, we still need to be back in time “, and so, they both headed to the park. Surprisingly, this time, Max didn’t say a single word, they just enjoyed the nightly silence, and Bradley was very thankful for it.
It wasn’t long before they reached the park. The two boys looked at each other, having a light smile on their faces and entered the park. Max took a deep breath, he already felt like home when he was at the park. Skating was a huge part of him, he practiced it since he was little, so it was always also something he connected with home and freedom at the same time. Bradley on the other side, looked around for a second. This place never seemed stranger to him, and yet there was that all-too-familiar feeling of familiarity. It felt like he was returning to an abandoned friend he had lost along the way of proving himself. But a friend who was willing to give him a chance, just as Max seemed willing to give him a chance. It was a weird but good feeling.
“Ready to pull out some moves? “, “You can rely on that”, they grinned at each other and started their skating session. It went pretty well, except Bradley really fell down a few times. You could tell he was a bit rusty from the lack of training. Of course, Max made a few comments, but surprisingly Bradley actually took it quite sportingly. As Max was also practicing some new tricks, he also fell down a few times. Of course, Bradley used these moments to get a little revenge for Max's comments. They definitely had a fun time, and after they skated around a bit, they decided to take a break and sat down under a tree. Their mouths were silent, but their hearts were not. They were racing and ponding, longing for each other. Which made them both fear that the other might hear.
As they rode around like this, Bradley's thoughts did indeed become clearer, but it also made him realize that if he really wanted to change something, he should be honest with himself, first. But he didn't really know how to go about it, so he was still struggling. Fiddling with his fingers, looking back and forth, the nervousness was clear.
“So, did it help? “, snapped Max Bradley out who only flinched and stared at Max, the question marks were visible. Max giggled, and Bradley’s heart warmed up, oh how much he adored Max’s giggle. “The skating, did it help? “, “Yeah, pretty much. The nightly silence really helps to calm down. I must say, I missed this, more than I would admit “, the Uppercrust admitted. At this point, he didn’t even try to keep his pride. He met Max at eye level, which made the latter even happier. “You know, you really aren’t as bad as you seemed to be “, “Don’t get too ahead of yourself, I’m just tired of this bullshit. I still like to be on top, it’s great to have so many people around you and to be admired. But It’s a difference, when you NEED to be on top, so you get acknowledged. But don’t worry, Goof. It won’t last long, probably just today “, “Whatever you say, Brad. I’m just happy you opened up a bit and I must say, I like the true Bradley more than the snob I met before. Is he a foreign cousin or something? “, Max smirked, and Bradley shook his head but with a little smile on his face. “Now you’re being ridiculous “, “Maybe, but when I get a smile from you, it’s worth it”, the dark-haired boy replied, still smirking. Even his piercings seem to sparkle mischievously under the starry sky.
Bradley blushed a little, but thank God it was already dark outside, so it wouldn’t be very noticeable. “So, you want me to smile? “, “Of course, I don't know about you, but I don't like it when the people I like or start to like are miserable”, Max replied, and Bradley nodded. Well, he was never really focused on other people around him, only on himself. But if he looked back, when he left his only friend alone, he somehow felt guilty. Yeah, maybe he did change and maybe Max had an influence on him. Whether for good or bad, he'll probably find out. But for now, he was pretty happy to have someone he could rely on. And maybe at some point he'll be ready to tell Max how he feels. But until then, he will accept things as they currently are.