MxB roleplay_Spring Break AU

Credits:
cracked139 as Bradley Uppercrust
VPadial as Max Goof

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[While the Gammas managed to get inside a presidential suite at a luxurious hotel overlooking the beach, the "The Musketeers" Max, PJ and Bobby do happen to get enough money for that same hotel, only in a decent sized unit though with 2 beds *one has to sleep on the floor and they switch off who does each night.]

*When the Gammas throw their things down, except their leader who sets his things daintily on his bed*

Bradley: Mmhm~ *sitting on the edge of the mattress, crossing a leg over the other* This is the break we needed, brothers!

 

*The three boys enter the room throw their things around. Bobby and PJ go straight to the TV after they arrive, trying to connect the video games they brought. Max goes to the big window overlooking the blue sea*

Max: This is exactly what we needed, guys! *takes deep breath* Blue sky, sunshine and lots of free time!

 

Bradley: Free time, and free spirits~~ *by that he meant easy-to-get "dates" throughout the week*

*The Gamma Brothers went straight to the showers near the shore and changed into their shorts, tank tops and swimming trunks. Tank had carried their volleyball set over and he set it up for a celebratory game. The weather was perfect with a slight breeze under the glaring sun. Already Bradley began scoping out possible targets from the corner of his eye as he played*

 

*Max turns and furrows his eyebrows at sight of his friends*

Max: Really guys? *he sighs* We came all the way down here for you two to spend the day in a room?

PJ: Don't worry, Max *PJ smiles, with his eyes glued on the screen* We will just defeat the boss and that's it! We are done for good!

Bobby: Yeah, Maxie; just relax, bro! *Bobby laughs, imitating the video game’s noises* If you want badly to get out, why don't you wait for us in the beach?

Max: No need to say that to me *he sneered, taking one of his bags to the bathroom to change himself* You know where to find me when you guys want to have some real fun!

*Max don't wait for his friends answers and rushes to beach*

 

*Bradley was just getting into the game and thinking of other sports related activities instead of dates when he saw a familiar visage. He about paled and choked before the volleyball bonked him on the head*

Tank: What's wrong, sweetheart?

Bradley: ..... *he then growled lowly* .. That freshman geek's here of all places!

*Hearing him announce this out loud caught his Brothers off guard. The Bigfoot Jr. one grunted in question while the shortest of them all stroked his goatee in thought*
That must mean his teammates are here too!

Bradley: *forcing a smile* Perfect.

 

*Max is walking around the beach, checking out the place and also the girls. He's looking for a place where he could rent a surfboard and get some classes, maybe tips of good places for him and the guys to practice. That was when he saw an unpleasantly familiar group of people. The Gammas*

Max: Crap! *he mutters, trying to hide his face and walking away* Of all places, they needed to be here!

*He was walking without paying attention and bumped into a girl. She was little bit taller than him, had a cute face and was wearing a blue and white polka dot bikini*

Girl: Oops! *she chuckles*

Max: Sorry! *Max says, taking a step back*

 

*There Max went playing clumsy and cute again. Bradley inwardly growled, volleyball now in his hold*

Tank: Umm, what are you thinking, Bradley?

*Focusing on the Goof, the jock smirked and threw the ball up in the air, only to spike it towards the kid once he was turned around distracted*

 

*Max felt the ball when it hit his ear, but most importantly, he felt when he fell over the cute girl. There was hot sand everywhere and a lot of eyes focused on the little "accident". Oh, crap*

Max: Oh, crap! *Max shouts, trying to get on his feet. Both his face and the girl's were violently red* I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!

Girl: Ahm, it's ok? *she laughs, trying to help him too* You're weird, you know that, right?

Max: I've been called worse *Max let out one of his family's famous goofy laughs* My name is Max, by the way.

Girl: Pamela *they shake hands* Nice to meet you, Max.

Max: Same here *Max smiles* So... Do you know any good places to rent a surfboard?

*And if Max could, he would have turned to Bradley, 'cause he was sure that the ball was one of the Gammas leader's many presents, and give him the biggest "Thank you" grin*

 

*Perfect, perfect, perfect! Bradley only helped the insufferable and shirtless Goof along, and now he got a chance for fun the whole day! In retrospect this shouldn't have been the least bit offensive considering the jerk jock could get any girl OR boy with a snap of his fingers, metaphorically speaking. He was that popular of a man on campus. Right now he couldn't tell what he was feeling towards Max Goof. Maybe jealousy, but directed at what, exactly?*

Bradley: .. Tch. *turning his back towards the guy and his new lady friend*

*The other Gammas understood, especially Tank, how much Max and Bradley didn't get along. Their leader would nitpick just about every feature of the freshman after the rejection back in the Bean Scene cafe*

*For now the Gamma leader had it for the moment and sulked off back into the hotel.. It was time for a bodily distraction. He spied on a giggling girl couple and pursued them...*

*The day went by rather quickly thanks to Bradley's "Time Warp" strategy and the image of a moonlit night over the flames of a raging fire pit on the beach had settled. The Gammas were separated doing their own thing. Bradley stuck around the heat now only in his swimming trunks as a guy seeming just a tad younger than him caught his attention. Their eyes met and they began a casual conversation. He about forgot that Max Goof and his buddies were even around despite the fact he caught glimpses of them since the first encounter...

They apparently had the same hotel*

(Guy): I'm gonna roast sticking around here..!

Bradley: .. You wanna walk around?

(Guy): *shrugging his shoulders* I dunno.

*After Bradley's little joke, Max spent a great afternoon with Pam and his friends, which he called and told to come learn how to surf with him. Pam had a small kiosk were she rents the surf boards and offer surf lessons; by the end of the day, they all were tired and with tomato-like tanned skins. Pam and Max got along so well that she invited The 3 Musketeers to a casual beach bonfire with friends. The boys returned to the hotel to get ready and Max was the first to take a shower, dressing himself with a white button shirt and dark blue shorts; he left Bobby and PJ in the room and decided to wait for the guys in the beach near the hotel, from there they would go together to Pam's party. However, while there, he couldn't help but notice his oh-so-dear-friend Bradley also there, talking with a random boy.
Max thought with himself if he should return this morning's favor.
Of course he should.*

 

*Not noticing anyone in particular in the front of the hotel (he was too focused on the small talk), he leaned sideways whispering a question into the stranger's ear*

Bradley: .. So do you want to?

(Guy): Wha--? *trying not to make a scene; they both got up casually and walked down the beach* .... We don't even know each other's name..

Bradley: *giving him a sly wink once the fire was hidden from their view by the tropical brush* Trust me; it's a lot easier when we don't.

*With nothing else said afterwards, he took the guy's hands and pulled him gently into the darkness of a vacant hut; the floor nothing but sand and a bit of straw. Truth to tell, the only Gamma brother that knew "that side" to Bradley's preferences was Tank--not one of the members of their rival team knew anything about it. And perhaps it was for the best.

The young man could soon feel the other's face heat up, and he couldn't help but blush too*

 

*Of all the things in the world that Max could have expected Bradley to do in that dark hut, this was certainly not one of them. Nope. Not at all. For God's sake, even cocaine looked more logical than all of this! Bradley Uppercrust, The Leader of The Gammas, was actually making out pretty hard with a boy and Max just had the VIP seat to watch it. Max was confused, so freaking confused. The only thing he was 100%, completely sure in that moment is that he had to get the fuck out of there right now. With his stomach feeling like a rock, he tried to quietly leave his hiding spot. Tried.*

 

*The Gamma Leader groaned within his and the other boy’s frenching as his fingers went down the sides of the waistband, to which the stranger gave a yelp seemingly afraid of the sudden move*

(Guy): Wait.

Bradley: Kid, I’m very impatient.

*All of his attention honed into these intense moments—So much that he didn’t care to turn around at a sound crunching the straw behind them. The other guy’s eyes widened*

(Guy): D-Dude! *pointing into the pitch at a thankfully hidden silhouette* Look!

Bradley: Shut up. You’re making way too much fuss over this, and you should have just run away when you had the chance..!

*Uppercrust muffled the boy’s yells with a determined hand as their swimming trunks reached down to dangerous levels to where he was finally accessible. When the “kid” was finally given a chance to breathe it was soon interrupted by passionate burning lips and his lewd actions. Once or twice a whimper got out of the stranger and that only turned Bradley on more. Alas, he found himself being as quiet as humanly possible although he preferred being loud, to assure it to himself that he really did enjoy doing this with anyone…*

*Max just couldn't stop running in the opposite direction, his face burning red and his head spinning. He felt horrible, terrible and really guilty. He shouldn't have been there, he shouldn't have seen that! And now, the other boy had seen him too! Thank God Bradley was so horny that didn't even let the boy speak, or Maxie would be in some serious crap.*

Max: Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God *he kept muttering to himself*

*He dashed back to the beach, just to find Bobby and PJ looking for him and complaining about how late they would be. Max stared at his friends, thinking of what he would tell them. Oh, right! Nothing. He wouldn't tell anyone what he had watched; ok, so he and Bradley were kind of enemies and really disliked each other, it was a mutual hate and I-do-not-stand-you-relationship, but even so it's not an excuse to be a total douche and gossip about his... ahm... other sexual preferences? Yeah, Max Goof could be a jerk sometimes, but not that kind of a jerk. So, with a faint smile he dismissed his friends’ questions nervously and soon enough, the 3 of them were at Pam's party.*

 

*The jock finally finished, not too long after, and pulled out panting. In the moonlight barely creeping its way inside their hut he could see a small tear forming on an otherwise warmed face.*

Bradley: You didn’t enjoy that, did you? *sounding deathly aloof*

(Guy): S-Someone saw us. I-I didn’t w-want them to.. *holding back a cry*

*Someone? The dominant young man stood up after pulling his trunks back on. Someone walked in on them? Uppercrust’s thick eyebrows shot up finally understanding--*

Bradley: What did he look like??

(Guy): I couldn’t tell! *greeted with a glare due to his outburst* .. The moon was… I didn’t know who. *dressing gingerly while wincing from their strong intercourse* … Why’d you say “he”?

*It was a default for him, he thought. Brows lowered in thought. If the guy, or gal, was a complete stranger to the two of them, their reputations would be okay.. But if not..!*

Bradley: Are you certain that you couldn’t tell?

(Guy): *nods*

*This was not good.*

Max: This is not good *He laughs, as Pam takes another sip of her drink. The party has been going great so far, nothing or no one to mess up the night. However, Max couldn't stop the images of Bradley and the other dude to keep flashing on his mind.* You're a terrible influence on me, girl!

Pam: Yeah, I'm like, the worst influence you'll find in this place *She giggled, while they both kept walking around the bonfire. The music was blasting and everyone was loving it; Max had no idea which one of these people were Pam's friends, but they surely knew how to throw a party* I want another drink.

Max: Another? Ain't this one, like, your 5th cup? *He laughed and Pam shrugged, grinning at him. He could see Bobby in the dance floor, trying to hit on multiple girls at the same time; and PJ was casually talking with a group a nerdy-like-people, laughing and mostly refusing the drinks that were offered to him. Max rolled his eyes to his best friends*

Pam: Yeah, I have a high tolerance towards alcohol or something like that*the girl laughed, but her voice got a little malicious by the end of the sentence* What about you, Goof boy?

*Max stood in silence for a second, but a second that seemed like an hour to him. Again, the images of Bradley and the other guy splashed against his eyes, together with the idea of turning it into gossip. He quickly finished his drink, smiling in a flirtatious way towards Pam.*

Max: I don't know *he laughed slowly. Pushing the memories away* So let's find out, uhm?

*Bradley saw the stranger off, who practically ran back to his chosen hotel building feeling a tad humiliated. He gripped his scalp really wanting to know who the hell decided to follow them.. He had an idea but if that was the case..

He walked back to the bonfire gathering which swelled into a loud beach party and saw that freshman again with the same girl from this morning. "Pam" was it? Whatever; his sight sharpened and could see the signs of oncoming drunkenness in both the alcohol and "loving" sparks between them. It was time to finally greet his rival directly out of "politeness".*

Bradley: *approaching them with a very boisterous flair--hands and arms out and extended* Maximilian Goof. It is an absolute pleasure seeing you on the high end of the social class spectrum.

*He threw a condescending smirk at him and his tag-alongs knowing how much they loved seeing his mug on school campus*

Oh, where are my manners? *giving a shy little bow to "Pam* Maxie Boy, I think an introduction would help me get to know your new friend here! *giving him a look that read, "Don't be a rude- or smart-ass"*

*Max mind went blank for a second, were he really didn't knew what to do. Why the hell was Bradley here? And why was he "oh-so-friendly" talking to him? Had he saw him?! No impossible, he had his back turned to him and Max was pretty sure it was too dark to see his face anyway. Maybe Bradley was just being a dick, like always. Yeah, let's hope that was it.*

Max: Hey, Bradley *the words came out sour and not so friendly. True to be told, Max had expected to avoid Uppercrust and his "friends" until their vacation at the hotel came to an end; and probably keep to avoid him a little more when classes started again.* Pam, this Bradley, he's from my school.

Pam: Hey there *the girl laughed, giving signs of clearly being drunk*

 

*Bradley perked up at how Pam's tolerance was wearing down. He gave a kiss on her cheek as he held her hand firmly, like they were vacationing in Europe or something*

It's wonderful coming across a flower like you~

*And oh, oh. Max's expression paled at the sight of him. The college junior bit down the side of his tongue about leering. He had to keep his voice loud and clear above the noise*

Pam, did you know we're, Max and I, are bitter enemies?? *he had to be honest* Guess how you and him "got along" so well this blue morn?
I make a great Cupid! *giving her a wink*

Maxie Boy, you failed to give me proper thanks.. *from playful to suddenly deathly serious--his sapphire eyes steeled in contact with baby blue with orange sparks from the bonfire*

.. You've had a ton of fun thus far, haven't you?

 

*Max exacts thoughts were: holy freaking hell. From, 1 to 10 in "How screwed I am", the boy was positively sure that he had hit 20. Bradley was not looking at him, he was glaring with a dangerous intensity; like he would punch him straight in the face if there was no one around.*

Pam: Oh, so you're the guy who hit Maxie's with the ball? *she asked, raising her eyebrows to him. Pam was obviously drunk already, and Max was starting to feel the effects of alcohol.* You're quite a jerk, uhm?

Max: Yeah, it's actually ok *the boy jumped in the conversation before it could get worse. He just wanted to get the hell out of there and take Pam with him, so Bradley wouldn't have the chance to do anything with both of them. Max knew the Gamma Leader too well to believe they would just laugh it off* Thanks, Bradley, but I guess we're going now...

 

Bradley: Well I figure I'm not Mr. Sunshine but neither is this guy here *patting Max's shoulder to emphasize his jerkiness*

*Seeing Max tensing up as he did made Bradley confirm his suspicions. He HAD seen them going at it. This was a bad piece of information for the kid to just harbor around with high risk of letting it out to his friends, strangers, people on campus.. The other students involved with him male or female kept a very strict code of secrecy, and the Goof was not about to break it.*

Oh, no no. Let me escort you two to your hotel room for the night. Don't worry; I won't bother watching you, little virgin~ *giving a little laugh, his remark completely aimed at Max*

*Whether or not his rival wanted to, he'd have his say about this matter one way or another before he got any ideas*

*So, Bradley was going with them whatever Max wanted or not. Pam also didn't looked satisfied with the new boy being around, but she agreed to endure it without complaining; Max was relieved with the girl's presence there, since he was pretty sure that if Bradley managed to get alone with him, things would get very much unpleasant. He was already feeling the alcohol start to make things dizzy and funny, so Maxie just wanted to get the hell out of there was soon as possible; and of course, leave Bradley behind. Right now, they were walking around the dance floor and going to their respective hotels; Max was silently praying that PJ or Bobby would pop out of somewhere anytime soon.*

Pam: So yeah, Maxie, do you want to hang out with me in my hotel's pool? I don't feel like going to bed yet *she suggested, keeping close to the Goof and avoiding Bradley* Just the two of us? *and she gave the Uppercrust boy a significant glare*

Max: I would love to *Max blurted out, without thinking twice. He felt a wave of relief washing over him*

Pam: Ok, wait me here while I go tell my friends that I'm going already *she smiled at him*

*And there goes the relief. And the whole night, for all that Max could tell*

 

*Bradley immediately clamped an iron hand onto his shoulder as soon as Pam was out of sight. It was obvious that his tone was being kept in check to at least keep civilized*

Max, I don’t want you telling a single soul about what you saw in that hut. What I do in my private life is none of your business, much less the fact that I’m…. *he was not going to give himself the label of “gay” or “bi” as it really reduced if not killed his deeper sense of identity*

That I’m, attracted to, other males. *letting go of Max in that moment* But mainly females.. I mean… *his voice now faltering and his eyes no longer meeting the others* Dammit.

.. T-Tell anyone, and I’ll make your life back on campus hell, you hear?!

*The jock couldn’t keep control of a pulsing headache as he distanced himself from his enemy; still odd how the kids was two years younger but just as tall as he was. Made him jealous for a moment, again.*

Just, go with Pam. Don’t fool around with her because she’s about wasted and you’re getting drunk too. Don’t do anything stupid; I should just let your weirdo friends know where you are so you don’t.

*He merely walked away as he began saying all this, not understanding how his thoughts were working at the time. Why did he care if Max did anything that wasn’t true to his real dorkish and innocent character?*

N-Night. I’m going to bed. *failing to call out to Max’s buddies and just heading to their picked hotel and rushing towards the elevator just inside the glass entrance*

*Once the double metal doors were closed and gravity and technology did its thing toward the top floor, Bradley could only breathe closing his eyes feeling a migraine coming on. He needed a coffee—no tea—anything just to get rid of it! This was going to be another long and sleepless night.*

 

Max: What the flying hell...? *Max muttered to himself, after watching to a scene that he would never forget. Bradley Uppercrust, the biggest jerk in campus, just got worried about him. Well, ok, he did after threatening him and all, but it wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. No punches, no kicks, no "I-will-make-your-life-miserable" and etc.. He even was nice enough to wish him "good-night" - or something like that. The Goof actually... actually felt quite sorry for Bradley.*

*Nah. It was probably just all the booze making fuzzy things with his mind.*

Pam: Hey, Maxie Boy! *the girl laughed, throwing her arms around his neck behind his back* Ready to go?

Max: Oh, yeah *he chuckled back, letting the girl guide him away from the party*

*Now, what most people would think is that after Pam kissed him deeply and passionately in the elevator of her hotel, and after she invited him to her room, Max and the girl would probably have sex. They were both young and terribly drunk. However, after getting to her room, Pam fell into her bed, lost in a deep sleep; and while Max watched her chest go up and down, he just laid down next to her and also fell into the land of dreams. A dark place, were Bradley's face popped out of nowhere like a daisy for a whole, long night.*

 

Bradley: .. Tank. I’m not liking this. Part of me just wants to go home… I mean back to the fraternity house.

*Tank was his right hand man and his only confidante. The other Gammas were doing who-knew-what out there at parties or at the bar or dance floor; these two had no idea. Brad seemed all right with the silence around them in their little kitchen within the presidential suite. He took a long sip of chamomile; he insisted on having black tea but Tank convinced him otherwise, despite being a usually stubborn guy.*

I don’t want him knowing that about me; I really don’t *looking into the mug and pursing his lips; it was well past 1:00 in the morning now*

Tank: Well, sweetheart, if he’s the innocent kid you think he is, *to this Brad just frowned as he hated to admit it*, I don’t think he’ll try making you look like, well, bad. It’s obvious to the rest of us that you two hate each other anyway.. but I don’t believe he’d start blackmailing you with that.

Bradley: Let’s hope so.

*He sounded defeated in that moment. He gave his warning; there was nothing else to do now but wait for Max’s way of dealing with this tidbit about him. Brad sighed deeply and tried smiling at Tank before looking away, eyes sunken*

I’m going to turn in. Thanks for listening.

Tank: Anytime. I guess I’ll clean up and then “turn in” too.

*It took about another hour for Bradley’s eyelids to finally droop to fall into a deep, relaxed slumber. Nothing but pitch black, and that was his favorite kind of dream*

*The loud noises were annoying. The pain in his dry throat was horrible. But nothing was worse than the awful amount of light in the room. Max grumpily opened his eyes, getting blind for a couple long seconds, and staring at ceiling that was not the one from his hotel room; the boy was alone, curled up in a bed that was not his either. And he was also shirtless.*

Max: What the...? *he mumbled, trying to sit down. His body felt numb and tired, just like the rest of him. Suddenly, a girl who he has never seen before walked into the room, carrying a bottle of a transparent liquid. But for the love of God, what was that awful sound?*

Girl: Hey, you're awake! *she said, smiling to him* Pam is in the bathroom taking a shower, it's your turn after her.

*It took him some time to realize what was going on there.*

Max: Who are... *the words tasted like ghosts of all the drinks from last night in his mouth.* You?

Girl: Oh, yeah! *she laughed, taking a sip of the bottle* My name is Jenny, I'm Pam's friend.

*Flashes of last night went across his fuzzy mind, while he barely could focus on the present. So he and Pam had had too many drinks, they also had made-out and by the end of night, they both had passed out in her bed. Sounds fair enough.*

Max: Right... *it was all he could say, brushing his eyes with the back of his hands* And what... what time is it?

Jenny: Uhm, I guess it's almost 2 p.m., but I not quite sure *she shrugged, while Max felt like he should be worried. Yes, indeed he should. But he couldn't, since he still felt like a whole gallon of dirty salt water was shoved up in his mouth* But hey, no worries! I told your friends that you're just fine, even though this one guy just wouldn't stop calling, you know?

 

*How Brad managed to get Pam’s hotel room number no one knew, but once he got a hold of it and jotted it down on a small scrap of paper, he called every hour from around 7:00 or 8:00am. He wouldn’t quit—Maximilian had to be safe.*

Bradley: Call me a bleeding heart, pfft. *dialing the number again; this time his call was ignored—he never bothered to leave the people on the other end his name*

*While he knew how loose he was in some life areas, it really irked him and worried him seeing his near opposite playing “catch up” to a debased lifestyle that he knew Max was too good for. To Bradley he was still just a naïve, stupid.. kid.*

*Tank was up and about and few of the Gammas had made it back to crash in their designated suite, still snoozing. The big guy smiled and patted Bradley’s shoulder very lightly so not as to dent it. Seeing this sort of “goodwill toward men” from his years-long, before-college friend was rare. The other tried to return said smile but kept neutral, the cell still in his hand after hanging up.*

Bradley: I’m just going there and check.. *leaving a curious Tank behind, doing just that; luckily Pam’s hotel wasn’t too far away*

*After much functional flirting with the reception desk staff, he was able to coax and bribe to get the room number. He knocked on the door politely*

Max..? Are you there?

 

*Max heard the high-pitched-scream above the sound of cold water splashing against his tired, sleepy face. At first, he thought it was just his impression, a trick of his still drunk mind, but when the second voice joined the first one, into one being terrified begging of help, he almost fell in the slippery floor. What the hell was that? Why were the girls screaming? Did someone burst into to room?! What was going on, is this "Taken"?!*

Max: Pam?! Jenny?! *he called, dashing out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his waist and bursting out of the bathroom almost falling in the floor* Girls?! *he yelled again, turning to living room while holding his precarious outfit*

*However, not even in his wildest or creepiest dreams he could picture this image. In the entrance of the hotel room there was Bradley, with a confused and annoyed expression, while the 2 girls stood in a corner, pointing and shouting at him. The 3 of them went deeply quiet as they realized Maxie's presence in the room; the silence was... embarrassing*

 

*Ugh! He had no intent of taking advantage of these broads or kidnapping them for that matter. True he was a complete stranger save for meeting a drunken Pam last night. They didn’t know that he was the one that called before.*

Bradley: Calm down you two..!

*Damn women! His hands were up in the air in gesture to get them to calm the fuck down but then his head swiveled to catch sight of Max safe and sound—and practically naked save for that damp towel. Brad felt his cheeks go red out of sheer embarrassment; he just got out of a shower that was interrupted by him, no doubt by the wild eyes that froze in a sort of shock.*

Uh, um.. I *clearing his throat and standing in a no-nonsense fashion, focusing in on Max’s face than his figure* I hope you didn’t screw up anything last night after I told you….

You really should get back to your own hotel room. I don’t have the number to your place therefore I couldn’t let your friends know about you being with her and..

*The longer he stayed, the more he noticed how tingly he was getting all over. The jock gave an intense stare at the girls as if trying to search them to confirm the truth that Max hadn’t done anything lewd, before stepping out of the room and just walked away not looking back. What he thought was a noble deed backfired in those moments. He wrapped arms around himself feeling cold now this spotted cloudy afternoon.*

.. God damn it.

 

Max: So... *he let out a faint smile, offering each girl a cup of tea while grabbed another bottle of water for himself. He had already drunk 3 while making the tea for the girls, looking all over the small and improvised kitchen of the hotel room* Feeling better yet?

Pam: Much *she said, taking a sip of the hot and sweet liquid* Thanks, Max. How are you feeling, Jenny?

*The second girl, Jenny, have been sobbing quietly since Bradley left and just couldn't stop apologizing. Her eyes were starting to get red and puffy, and Pam kept her arms around the shoulders of her friend; Jenny's hands grasped the tea-cup so tightly that Max was worried that she would burn herself.*

Max: I know Bradley scared you girls, but I can assure that he would never do anything to hurt anyone, ok? *unless this someone was himself, but anyway, this offered no threat for the girls and wouldn't make anything better. Jenny sniffled*

Jenny: Sorry, Max. I'm so sorry, I worried you guys... *her voice was soft and so low that they almost couldn't hear it* But he looked so much like Brandon! I was terrified! And even their names are similar!

*Max rose his eyebrows in confusion, while Pam's face contorted in a grimace. Who is Brandon?*

Pam: Brandon is Jenny's ex-boyfriend * she didn't wait for him to ask and her voice sounded disgusted and angry, what made Max drink almost half of his bottle of water at once. Pamela looked quite scary when angry.* She broke up with him after finding out he was being charged for rape.

Max: Fuck... *he blurted out, for the lack of anything better to say.*

Pam: Yeah *she sighed, still with the concerned look on her face* But then he got aggressive with her, started to follow Jenny wherever she went and to threaten her and her family. She came here to escape him Max and, well, I think you can guess why I came with her. * and she gave him a sad smile*

*Max nodded from his chair. They were sitting on the old table of four seats, and Max never felt so troubled, anguished and confused in his entire life. Maybe his father was right, maybe he really should had come back home with Bobby and PJ this vacation.*

 

*It was official: Bradley Uppercrust was no longer enjoying his time at the resort and suddenly even his usual distractions were looked upon with boredom and apparent distaste. Although he’d make a few raunchy comments here and there with the girls that his Gamma brethren showed off (they seemed to enjoy it a lot), he barely took the opportunity to brush his fingers on their poorly-clad skin. After his disaster of an encounter with that boy, whom he saw a couple of times at the breakfast bar to which the other ignored him, he couldn’t begin to think of entertaining that “other” notion. And this was because..!*

Damn it, damn it. Damn it!

*He should have just stayed out of Max’s view altogether. Unfortunately for this jerk jock the image of Max in nothing but a towel cemented itself into his memory. He didn’t mean to barge in like that at such in a bad time! What the hell was the girl’s deal with him anyway??*

Fuck me, urgh..! *He buried his face into the pillow of his king-sized bed growling after he had made sure that the others were gone having a great time possibly “sporting” around, drinking and drugging and all that college party stuff. None of it seemed attractive now; he felt like being a hermit for the rest of the week. He sat up and pulled up his pack to look for a scratched up spine of a sketchbook to doodle and write in. Coffee suddenly sounded good to him this not-so-fair afternoon and he set up the machine thinking about that one poet girl and then his first meeting with Max and….*

.. Can’t I just go back to campus now? *sounding he whined as he hung his head*

*Max wanted to go home. He wanted to go back so much. Really, he felt like this was no vacation at all, but much more like a terrible, terrible movie that couldn't be either a drama or a comedy. While Max walked back to his hotel, he kept thinking about Pam, Jenny and Bradley; things had turned up poorly with all of them - or at least, he felt like it had. To the Goof, this was his worst choice so far. Why had he come to the beach? Why had he ignored his father's motherly pleads, to spend vacation in their little and cozy town?*

Max: Urgh... *he grumbled to himself, rubbing his face with his bare hands. The sun, all the clarity was too much of bother; and all the noises of the beach weren't helping either.*

*His feet stopped in front of the big and imposing structure of the hotel, he just wanted to turn right back and go to the airport. However, he still had to run a few errands; one of them being Bradley Uppercrust. Max was decided to talk with Bradley and finally settle things right. Then, he would take Bobby and PJ and go home; he had already talked to his father in the girl's hotel room.*

Max: Just this more *he sighed to himself.* Just this more, Max.

 

*Brad was in a complete lull, filling the page with unplanned swirls of illustration ink looking as if they were flames or leaves, or the steam rising from his dark roast coffee in a simple yet elegant mug. He didn’t bother to check the time as he figured that wouldn’t matter now; a ton of events were occurring but again none seemed to catch his attention. Bradley certainly wasn’t bored though, but immersed in his distraction from certain people and his own thoughts*

…. As per usual, no color.

*A faint knock sounded at the door and he thought it was Tank using a single knuckle to rap the panel. He pushed the items aside on the kitchen island countertop gently and got off the high seat. He had moved only a few feet when he stopped dead in his tracks. No “sweetheart”, “Bradley”, “kid”—nothing like he was used to hearing to urge him to open it up.*

Maybe I should just ignore it then, he thought, I’m not here.

*His face got mildly tingly and that was not a good sign. Wait no it couldn’t be that mutt of a kid, that freshman. Not unless he found one of the Gammas, Tank quite possibly, and had been told where..! Uppercrust’s stiffening hand was inches away from the lever that would let whoever was there, inside.*

Who the hell is it??

*With a feigned air of command and irritation, he swung the door wide and glared at whoever or whatever it was.*

 

*The door was opened so angrily that Max had to jump back, with his heart in his mouth. His expression of tiredness was replaced by his eyebrows getting furrowed in confusion; yet, nothing compared to Bradley’s expression towards him. Quite angry, quite in disbelief, and also quite surprised, but nothing in a happy way. Max just could think: what the hell has into him now?*

Max: You ok, dude? *he asked, trying to be polite. The walk he had took on the beach had helped him in more than one way: he got to clear his mind; wake up a little more; and ask Tank, the only Gamma that Maxie slightly enjoyed to be around, where Bradley was. At first, Tank was suspicious and insisted to know why he wanted to see Bradley; Max didn't wanted to talk, 'cause if he did, then there would be a long explanation of everything that happened last night and, at this point, the Goof had already made his mind about Bradley's "secret": which was his and no one had anything to do with it. If he liked boys, girls, boys and girls or whatever more, it was not Maxie's business. Nope. Not at all.*

*And so, here he was. Honestly, being a goody-two-shoes didn't sound that nice right now.*

 

*While Bradley just stared at him, thick brows lowered, his face started up with unwanted heat, and he had to turn away while keeping his tone in check.*

Are you gonna come in or not, Goof? *leaving the door wide open*

*He figured he’d have to play it cool and interrogate later. He pulled out another high seat at the kitchen island and got out a red mug for him.*

Coffee or tea?

*There was no hint of a smile on his face. He was merely polite as one should be, even in front of a rival or enemy.. He didn’t seem to understand their boundaries now that Max knew more about him than what was comfortable. Not waiting too long for a response, he starting taking out teabags of various flavors. Would he just take coffee from the pot he had reserved for himself? Bradley suddenly noticed his sketchbook and utensils lying in plain sight and the reserved artist in him was becoming anxious*

 

*Max had to take a deep and uncertain breath before getting inside the room. All the way up here, he had been thinking what he would say to Bradley, just to make things better and less... worse? Awkward? He was not sure, but so far, none of his ideas were good enough. What would he say? "Hey Bradley, I just wanted to say that you don't have to worry about me knowing that you like to bang guys! After all, if you like girls, boys, boys and girls, or whatever else, it's none of my business!", then high-5 him and leave the room? Oh yeah, that would be perfect. So polite. So reasonable.*

Max: Thanks. *he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. Max walked to the high seat and stayed there, looking like a statue. Or just a really, really tired boy with a hangover. His eyes wandered around the room and, even though that he knew Bradley would have a room 100% better than his and his friends, this was almost ridiculous. What the heck was this this place? The Presidential Suite?* Ahmm... Nice place.

*The Goof just wanted so badly this to be over.*

 

Hey, I just asked you if you want coffee or tea?

*If Max was still recovering from the hangover it didn’t excuse him from a very clear question. He set the mug down on the counter*

Sit down, Goof; quit wasting my time. *He shut his sketchbook and tossed it on the bed along with his pens and pencil. His expression read as “no-nonsense” and his hair while a bit unkempt still gave him his known air as one in command.*

.. I think we both know why you’re here and maybe it’s best that… We get this over with. Coffee or tea? *like a broken record for Max to follow through with the prompt*

*Max didn't like either of the options, but hey! Everything in name of politeness, and to avoid of letting things get worse than they already were.*

Max: Tea is good. *he shrugged. His father always told him that his mother loved tea, and that he probably had taken the taste for the thing from her. Max didn't used to drink tea much often, but he really enjoyed the warm and soft drink, and he knew that it was just the best thing that he could get to help not only with his hangover, but also with talking this whole situation out.* Thanks.

*Now back to thinking about how to try to discuss their new "partnership" with Bradley.*

Max: You're right. *the Goof sighed heavily.* I want to get this over with, Uppercrust.

 

Tea it was. Maybe something caffeinated to get him a little less somber—Darjeeling sounded good. He just stood there letting the thing steep, fingers tapping lightly as he kept his face in check, not wanting to give away anything he might be feeling towards his rival at this crucial time. Eyes closed in forced relaxation and opened as soon as Max’s tea was ready.

Setting it down on the island right in front of the freshman, “Here you go,” before taking his own seat, taking a long sip of his cooling coffee. Ideally he needed something to eat along with this drink but his inner organs be damned; he wasn’t the least bit hungry.

“How long where you there, Goof?” Straight to the point as there was rarely—if ever—beating around the bush with this guy. Brad already had some idea, recalling that his compromised partner of the evening pointed into the pitch while it was happening. He just needed the other’s perspective: Was he scared or disgusted in watching it? Did the boy’s view of his elder-of-two-years change drastically? Would the gap between them relationship-wise increase?

Why would Bradley care about that last question??

It took the jerk jock a while before realizing that he had been staring out the window for too long.

 

*Max took a sip of the tea. Whatever this flavor was, it was good, calming and refreshing; better than anything he had had so far this day.*

Max: How much... *Max repeated under his breath, trying to pick between "Nothing at all!" and "Quite everything!". His determination was leaking out to somewhere else, while he took another sip; the boy was just too tired to play lies and, please, if he really hadn't seen anything, why would they be having this conversation right now?* I saw... *Well, at least let the guy have some privacy, Max! Be a damn gentleman!* I saw a... good... part of it?

*He blushed while all the memories came back to his mind in a rush, forcing another long sip of tea down his throat. Suddenly, all the calming and hot liquid was over, and Max looked at his empty mug like a child that hadn't got socks, and not a new toy, on Christmas.*

 

Brad was nearly three-fourths of the way done with his drink and blinking, “You downed that quick.”

He heard just what Max admitted, and his mind went numb. When did that other boy point to ‘nothing’? It was.. before they had even started. What was he saying then? Lack of sleep nearly erased all of this out, but it wasn’t good. If Bradley had been going red it soon reversed into him looking pale, “Oh. That much.” His grip on the ceramic getting a little too tight before he let out a single long breath and gulped the rest down, setting it very gently down.

“…” Brad in a swift movement afterwards took both their mugs and placed them in the sink wanting to just throw them in there but stopped himself. Now what could he say? ‘Did I look good?’ No. ‘Must have been funny for you to realize that I was..’ Not that either.

“Why’d the hell did you follow me, Max??” Finally giving him an intense stare—“If I wanted you to I would have just invited you along too!” He meant it very hypothetically and coldly, but the more he lingered on the visual of the idea the more he pursed his lips looking away frustrated and, something else. “.. I never thought in eons you would find out about me being…”

Peering back up at his so-called enemy with a tired gaze. At this moment it didn’t matter if his face was burned up without use of a tan or stone cold. Bradley ran out of things to chuck out at this Goof. All this time he kept beside the sink leaving quite a bit of distance between them.

 

Max: If it makes you feel better, I've never thought that I would see you in that situation neither *he let out a long, tired sigh. That was all he was feeling right now, tiredness. And a little bit of guilt. The boy just wanted go home so badly* I've never thought that you would be into these things, Bradley. I just wanted to play a prank on you, after what you had done on the beach earlier *he made a pause, letting his mouth open and waiting for the right words. He looked in the Gamma's eyes, trying to show him that this was no lie* and that I'm sorry for it.

*Max felt sorry for Bradley. He had no idea of how he was feeling, or what he was thinking, so the least he could do was to reassure him that, well, he was not that much of dick. And that his secret was safe with him.*

Max: I'm sorry that all this had happened *he sighed loudly* I'm really sorry.

 

…. “It’s fine, Maximilian.” A ghost of a smile shone before giving out to a somber look. “I wasn’t sure what was going on through my head yesterday and…. ”

Their near stools for chairs weren’t so comfy anymore. He got up and sat on the couch instead, not inviting Max over but not telling him to stay away either. Bradley had to think. He gave a deep sigh and closed his eyes, elbow on the arm of this cushioned seat.

“I’m such a prick huh?” Chuckling but failing to see in the Goof’s direction, staring outside again at vivacious youth. But look at him and that other guy, holed up and alone. Not together though. The junior shook his mind to ward that notion off, ‘Go away he wouldn’t want to!’

The last thing Uppercrust wanted was to let his emotions rise to the surface. He didn’t know if he would start to laugh or cry or lash out at him—he was that uncertain. Brad bit the side of his finger peering down at the part of the suite with dark carpet.

“I think.. you’ve said enough. Thanks for coming over. I, appreciate it.” His hand had its own agenda and merely reached to a part of the couch not too close to him, keeping there.

 

*Max nodded, but something yet felt amiss. Bradley said it was okay, but sure as hell he didn't look okay; more like, Bradley's words and actions didn't felt okay. They seemed to be held back, under pressure.*

Max: Okay *he said, getting up from his seat and stretching a bit. The Goof slowly walked to the door and opened it, but didn't get out of the expansive room; he turned himself back to look at Bradley and as calmly as he could, smiled.* I'm not telling it to anyone, so you don't have to worry. *again, the boy sighed heavily.* You were right when you said you were a prick, you know? You are also a jerk, most of time too. But neither it, or that, changes anything about you, Uppercrust. You're still a great athlete, a great student and a good leader, when you want to be. *he paused for a few seconds, surprised with his own words* And it also don't change my opinion about you.

*And that being said, he decided not to wait for answer and just leave, closing the door behind him and rushing to the elevator. When the metal doors closed behind him, Max finally was able to let out a relieved sigh. Well, he had done his job, and now he was 100% ready to leave this place and really start his vacation. At home.*

 

By the time Max rushed out of the suite, Bradley’s face had been set ablaze; it was too overwhelming and he was more than glad that Max only saw the back of his head. It wasn’t just a blush; his eyes reddened considerably and he found himself curling up on the couch, pursing his lips and letting out a hot breath. It was beyond embarrassing that his frame shook. A deep part of him did not want Max Goof to leave so soon. What he said..! Oddly one of the nicest things he had ever heard—it went beyond trivial musings by others of his physique and techniques in bed.

“M-Max..” Hugging a pillow to his chest.

To keep the last of his dignity Bradley didn’t dare sob, and sniffed it all back in before sitting up and grabbing the nearest box of Kleenex.

.. Would it hurt more to see him again this week? If at all?

 

PJ: What?! *the boy gasped, letting his Doritos bag fall from his hand.*

Bobby: Man! No way! *the ginger said, while only his feet were visible on the top of the couch. The sound of something falling on the ground came right after.* Ouch!

*Max smiled briefly, but didn't stop putting his things on his bag with little care. He barely had arrived in the room and already was packing things up, after telling PJ and Bobby that he was planning to go home for the rest of their vacation. He hadn't felt so great or at peace since they arrived at the hotel.*

PJ: Max, wait! Why are you going?! *PJ hurried to his side and started to stare at him, completely concerned and worried. But nothing out of normal, so far.*

Bobby: Yeah, man! What happened? *Bobby asked, also coming closer and pushing his glasses up* Are you ok, dude?

*Max paused for a second, tempted for this one single second to tell his best friends what had happened. Tell them about Bradley, tell them about Pam and Jenny and how everything had turned into some kind of Shakespearian drama, in the blink of an eye. But he didn't, did he? After all, Maximilian Goof was a man of word; he got that from his father.*

Max: I guess I just miss home, guys *he said simply, shrugging.* I haven't seen my father since the beginning of the year, and I know he misses me. Also, I've been kind of a jerk for coming here instead of visiting him and Sylvia; you two know that. *he politely smiled, finishing folding the last of his clothes and throwing it on the bag. Max closed it with a relieved sigh and rushed to the phone.*

PJ: But Max! *he pleaded, grabbing his friend by the shoulder.* We've waited for this vacation since last year!

*The Goof sighed, pushing his friend's hand off of his shoulder gently and smiling to him. Max felt able to smile, now that this nightmare was coming to an end.*

Max: Guys, I'm not saying you two need to come with me, ok? *he giggled, picking up the phone.* I'm going home 'cause I want, and both of you can stay here if you want. I won’t get mad, I swear! *he started to put his father's number on the hotel phone. Early this morning, Max had called Goofy to tell him he wanted to go home, almost sounding like a lost child, and being the lovable father that he was, Mr. Goof quickly bought his soon a plane ticket, promising that he would personally go fetch him. Max couldn't help but to smile to the memory of this promise.*

*It meant that his vacation would finally start. Without drama, without surprises. Without Bradley Uppercrust.*

Bobby: Man, why’d you change your mind like this? *he asked, sitting on top of Maxie's bag heavily.*

*It took one second for Max to answer in which, again, he felt tempted to tell the truth. After all, Max was a good boy and hated having to lie to people he cared for.*

Max: I don't know *it was his final answer.* I really don't know, guys.

 

Bradley’s attempt to re-integrate himself into the daily Spring Break activities with his Gamma Brothers failed miserably. For the most part he nearly clung onto Tank both physically and in conversation. He really wanted to speak with him alone about his unexpected guest. Max Goof was in his mind, flagrant and not dissipating any time soon. They didn’t have a proper “goodbye” or “see you” or… They weren’t even friends to speak that way so how could Bradley expect that?

Him and that guy; they were rivals and enemies—and complete strangers to each other now that he thought of it. Only months of daily contact only gave him a dim surfaced look of what this boy was really like. Was he a goody two-shoes or a cunning type all along? In between? Only the threat of upcoming competitions was what kept them apart. But if that was absent was it possible..

“You want to see him again?” Tank blinked his eyes in incredulity.

“I do and that bothers me.” Looking away from his friend, “You know why.”

The Brother raised his hands up as if mentally constructing a barrier, “Whoa wait. Not..? Bradley, don’t.”

“Don’t what?? I don’t mean that!” Reddened cheeks betrayed him but Brad knew deep down this matter was different from others. Fists tightened up as he outright glowered at Tank, feeling wounded all the same. He had no idea what he would do upon being alone with Max again, but he was willing to take a risk.

That chance came a lot sooner than expected; the junior spotted the freshman walking down the sidewalk, away from the beach and the hotel…. With pieces of luggage.. Was he leaving?

“Why?” Tank was not expected to follow his leader’s stare, or to try and hold him back as he walked at a normal pace towards the younger college student. If he ran or just jogged, he’d draw attention for sure; their being in non-threatening conversation was deemed almost sacred.

“.. Max?” In a rather quiet voice once he was within hearing range. To not give away that part of him would rather not see him gone, he added, “Can I tag along for a bit before you go? I got time to kill.” A slight pause, “If, you don’t want to, that’s fine.”

*Max was kind of surprised but, somewhat, not in a bad way. Of course, he and Bradley have never been friends, or anything even close to that, but due to the recent events, he could understand the sudden move from Uppercrust. A few days ago, he would bet all his money that the Gamma was planning something with it, but now... now he knew that he just wanted to make sure that things were fine. It was just obvious that he, Bradley, wouldn't believe everything Max said right on the first try, 'cause after all, Bradley was naturally very careful and, now that Max knew the rest of the situation, it just made sense that Uppercrust would want to make sure he was keeping his word so far.*

Max: Sure, man. *it was the Goof's final answer, with a very honest smile right after. He wanted to prove to Bradley that he was trustworthy and avoiding future problems that they could have. And after all, he had only one hour left in this city, so why leave a bad impression? Max just wanted things to go okay.* But I'll take a cab to take to the airport soon, sure you wanna come?

*He saw Tank coming closer, walking towards them with a worried face and casual clothes. Max waved at him too, still smiling. Hardly anything would take him from his good mood.*

 

Brad took note of Max’s gesture toward someone else, and saw it was just Tank. Still, he gave his right hand man a look void of any threat but filled with a sort of.. longing. Wanting to have some small talk before the departure. It wouldn’t hurt and nothing too crazy would happen since they happened to be in broad daylight, still a tad cloudy though. Tank got the message and gave a tiny smile, “I’ll see you back on campus, Goof Boy.”

With a glance for permission, the big guy gently shook hands with the rival captain. Once he turned ‘round to head back, Bradley finally got to answer the question, “Sure alright.” A lingering part of him trying to hold back a bona fide grin. “Kn-Knowing that this was unplanned,” Sticking his hand in his faded jeans pocket, “this would help.” A wad of cash from a dark leather wallet, “Cabs and plane dinners are ridiculous in their pricing.”

He hoped he could just keep his mouth shut but the jock was curious, “.. Where’re you headed?”

They had started to walk; he could only wait.

 

Max: Oh, I'm going home *Max laughed, while pondering if he should accept Bradley's money. It was a peace offer, right? After all, he didn't want to look suspicious or ungrateful.* Thanks, man. *was his final answer, accepting the money and taking, only to shove it in his back pocket. Their fingertips brushed against each other, but the Goof barely noticed it, since he couldn't care less about physical contact.* And I suppose The Gammas will remain here for the rest of the vacation?

*Suddenly, he remembered that PJ and Bobby were staying behind, and Max started feeling quite uneasy. His friends could do well without him, right? And... Bradley wouldn't do nothing with them, since he and Max were now... ahm... friends? The more Max thought about it, the less he felt comfortable with the idea of leaving Bobby and PJ behind. Here we go again.*

 

He felt their accidental touch and the sensation traveled up his limb, mind hoping it wouldn’t affect the color of his cheeks out of a sudden awkwardness, again out of a simple favor. He nearly forgot what the Goof had just asked; his own question to Max from earlier had yet to be answered. “Yeah; the Gammas, and I, will stick around here for the break. Don’t worry about your teammates..” Thinking he should add in a quirk, and a smirk, to alleviate any uncertainty, “They’re not worth making fun of without their ringmaster.”

“So um, again, where’re you headed? Just back to campus or..?”

 

*Max didn't know if he should feel glad or quite worried about what Bradley said, but again, he decided to play it cool and go along with the "ringmaster" thing. Bradley was being nice, which was one last problem in his long, long list.*

Max: I'm going back to my hometown *he smiled politely, feeling happy for saying it out loud. All the recent events and the stress caused by others made him realize how much he actually wanted go home. He missed his father very much, and also, he was excited to see how him and Sylvia would be.* I really miss my father, so you know... It will be good to spend some time with him and his girlfriend *the Goof shrugged. Suddenly, the remembered that both of them, Goofy and Sylvia, loved books and that in his absence, they more likely had transformed his messy room in a library.*

*The sudden thought made him giggle alone.*

 

“Your hometown? Mr. Goof’s got a girl??” Although he sounded amused by this fact, he was at the same time glad that… he was glad that Max would have a chance to unwind finally with people he trusted. His dad especially, and here Bradley didn’t even want to start thinking about his father in comparison.

When Max giggled out of the blue, the uncontrolled heat rushed to his cheeks more blatantly than ever; there was no way Goof Boy could ignore that. He sounded so damn cute; the junior had to stop himself from hitting a hard hand to his skull for even letting his thoughts trail in that direction. “Wh-What’s so funny?? Was it something I said?”

Partially covering his face as he turned away for a few seconds so that his blushing could subside; they were still moving their feet. Clearing his throat before looking back to give his undivided attention.

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Part 2: MxB roleplay_Spring Break AU_pt 2