Chapter Text
It’s been a while since his defeat, a whole summer to simmer in his shame. It wasn’t easy coming back to his family, telling them that he’s been beaten by a freshman, safe to say they weren’t exactly pleased. Even so he was the one of the youngest in the family, second youngest out of five, his baby sister only starting senior year of highschool. Least to say he wasn’t in too much trouble about it, they just gave him half assed comments and disapproving stares, all he could take with stride. I mean, he didn’t tell them he was kicked out of the Gamma Mu Mu fraternity, since after a heartfelt apology and a few feelings being shared Tank took him back in. Of course there was the exception that he would no longer be leader, and that if he even pitched a scheme they’d kick him out for good. He was grateful nonetheless, even with the stale and awkward air that followed him throughout the frat house.
Even so he himself will be going on his fifth year of college, being he was studying to be a doctor, already had four years of undergraduate programs. He could now completely focus on the course he wanted: medical. He wasn’t one to necessarily ‘help people’ but it was a high paying, respectable job, plus he enjoyed learning about how the body worked, it was fascinating, something he could never truly get bored of. From the way stem cells could block off genetic material based on where they were in the body to the way penicillin was discovered from moldy bread in world war two. So many things in one course, so different and interesting, unique and almost impossible, what could be more exciting?
Well there was skateboarding..
The adrenaline when you felt yourself almost slipping from imbalance, the way you could feel your body roll fluidly with the movements of your board. The wind entangling your hair, the way your muscles get so slightly sore, just barely, just enough for it to sting when you stretch the next day. The way you can feel everything your board can, the texture of the street, the pebbles to the smoothed cement, the way the wheels grind over them. It was intoxicating, freeing, like if you closed your eyes it felt like you could almost fly.
Of course that was all ruined by Maxamillion Goof. Who even names their kid that? Why was his last name Goof? Was his father really named Goofy Goof? Nonetheless he ruined it, all of it. He tarnished the Gamma’s X-game record, Tank’s trust and loyalty to Bradley would never be the same, would never be truly repaired. His high popularity sunk just enough that it would punch at his ego ever so often, but not enough to truly whine about it. He made Bradley not so perfect anymore, and it was infuriating. Everytime he thought of Max his teeth would grind, his lips would purse and his skin would boil, the heat traveling to his face. It made his stomach turn, and it was so extreme how his body reacted that he was genuinely surprised the first few times.
But he kept thinking about Max. He thought about how Max could skate circles around him, how effortlessly he could ride his board, almost like second nature, like he was born with the skill or rather talent. How his smile was infectious, even in his worst moments Bradley’s lips couldn’t resist curling up into a grin under Max's display of happiness. How he could seem to be on the same level as his own wit, making it a game whenever they spoke, trying to out-sass the other or to be the last to say something. The way his outfits hung loose around his body, oversized, whenever the wind got too powerful, he did some elaborate trick on his skateboard, or he was wiping the sweat off his face with his shirt Bradley would see a glimpse of his body. It looked soft yet sturdy, he seemed somewhat lean from his athletics but not at all built and muscley.
He had been thinking of him a lot. It was all annoying of course.
The good news was that he would no longer have classes with the sophomore, maybe bumping into him via hallways or campus in general but he would have no need to actually be around him for long periods of time. That was until the first week back at fuckass college.
Bradley was unpacking, mostly clothes and stuff he wouldn’t find outside of the suburbs in where he lived. It was mostly country actually, big acres of land, his family weren’t farm people but who are to blame them for wanting a scenic place to live? So yes he did bring raw sunflower seeds that grew here in there on their property, still neatly embedded into the head of the wildflower. He was about to stash it too until Tank knocked at the door. The gentle taps coupled with heavy, short lived footsteps told Bradley it was him, and so he invited him in with a simple “Hi Tank”. The heavy set man opened the door, making the door creak from years of unrepaired, rusty hinges. “Hey sweetheart, you need help with ya luggage? All done with mine.” He asked with a raspy voice, closing the door politely. Bradley’s heart panged bittersweetly at the petname, happy that just maybe their relationship as friends wasn’t completely ruined. “Nah, I got it, I appreciate it though.” Bradley replied, not looking up as he neatly folded his clothes, gingerly putting them in his wooden drawers. Tank hummed, “I know you hate him but- I feel like Max changed you for the better.” Tank said, and Bradley could hear the smile in his voice.
Bradley’s head snapped into Tank’s direction, but he was not fazed by the reaction to his words. “Why would you say that. I- he made me worse!” Bradley retorted, Tank’s smile faltering, leaving his eyes for just a second. “Because babes, you’ve been at school for a week and you haven’t even wanted to throw a party, you’ve driven into your studies, you focus on yourself instead of others more and most importantly”, he points to an open drawer with perfectly folded clothes, “you passed up on someone doing your dirty work.” He finished, his well meant smile turning into a smug smirk. Bradley’s face flushed in embarrassment at how Tank could read and observe him so well. “I’m a grown man! I can unpack and fold my own clothes! Plus learning about medicine and overall biology is practically my hobby, of course I'm going to pay attention and shit!” Bradley tried sticking up for himself, but his voice was unstable and whiny, occasionally cracking. Tank had to subdue a chuckle in the back of his throat at such a display.
“Sorry I just- talking about a party, some of the other guys have been talking about throwing one, just to start off the year. They thought you’d pick up the idea but since you didn’t say anything, we decided to make the decision ourselves.” Tank said, looking around the room, admiring the decorations.
Bradley’s ‘respectable’ nature did not extend into his college dorm room. Posters of old sci-fi movies and biology plastered on the wall alongside old polaroids of his time throughout his years on campus, mostly from parties and the X-games. He had a desk with pencils that had alien pencil toppers, a realistic stomach anatomy model, a robot action figure and a stack of notebooks that he’d use this year, color coordinated by class. A regular wooden chair held his plain backpack in its seat. His bed sheets and blankets all had a matching childish ocean theme, obviously all bought together. He also had a rug, in which Tank was standing on, that had the main colors of the fraternity. His dresser held a blue and green lava lamp, only other thing than the ceiling light that lit up the room.
It was a total nerd bedroom.
“But I thought I wasn’t the leader anymore.” Bradley spoke up, interrupting Tank’s look around the room. Tank huffed good heartedly, a soft expression on his face, “They forget sometimes.” He admitted, but his face melted into that of a more serious one. “To warn you babes, I did invite Max and his friends.” Tank said just a little too fast. Bradley groaned loudly at the news, flopped onto his bed back first dramatically, sinking slightly into his comforter, there had to be something. Tank walked over, hovering over him, “There’s the Bradley I know and love.” He said sarcastically. Bradley whined in frustration, putting his inner elbow on the bridge of his nose, covering up his face. “Why did you have to do this to me?” He grumbled, Tank rolled his eyes at the statement. “Unlike you, me and Max put our differences aside and are friends. I expect you to at least be friendly, just for the party at least, don’t want any fights.” Tank explained, Bradley murmured in agreement, he knew that this was a test. To be friendly, to not be hostile, to make sure he was worth keeping around, that he could be kept around.
Tank seemed to be in the mood for mercy, “How about this, if you get overwhelmed by all of this-”, “You mean by the ‘Goof Troop’” Bradley cut him off. The side of Tank’s lips seemed to be tugged by an invisible force. “By all of this”, Tank repeated, “you can go into your room, I won’t force you to socialize. Plus we can put a sign on your door to not enter.” Tank suggested. Bradley lifted his arm from his face, and sighed, staring up at the smooth ceiling. He sat up, and Tank gave him some room to do so, propping him up with his hands. His lips pursed before he spoke, “Yeah I can do that.” He admitted with defeat. He really didn’t want to, he hadn’t seen Max since the X-games, being he was in the hospital for a week because he was slingshotted into a blip and by the time he was out everyone was either staying in the college town and partying for the summer or headed home, Max included with the latter. “Thanks Sweetheart , prepare yourself, the party is tomorrow night!” Tank said loudly, interrupting Bradley’s thoughts. Tank seemed happy to leave his once leader alone now that he squeezed the answer he wanted out of him, leaving Bradley deflated.
What was he going to do?
~
The night had just started, the sun had barely gone down, the night sky melting from a graying turquoise to an almost black navy blue, with a light sprinkle of stars. Yet in the frat house that didn’t matter, loud music with such a strong bass it vibrated from the wooden floors through your shoes and into the nerves of your feet. They set up the lights, mostly just strobes and a few cheap spinning LED disco balls. Everyone was wrecked by sweet and stupid decisions. The more people that spilled into the house the more people seemed to get intoxicated and louder, feeding each other. Bradley was all for a good party but he wasn’t feeling it tonight. He ended up making himself a tall glass of coke and whiskey, finished with ice that bobbed slightly now and again in his hard plastic cup. Sure he flirted with the occasional person, always fun to do so, but as the people got more desperate for something romantic and the more jam packed the house got, the more Bradley wasn’t as keen on partying.
He found himself on the poarch, leaning over the old and chipped white painted railing, his elbows popping him up as he swirled his drink, beads of humidity wetting his hands. There were very few people outside the house, mostly people who got too overstimulated or simply wanted to talk and be in each other's presence without having to scream their voices hoarse. Even from outside the screaming and noises made it in his ears, not as harsh but it was still there, the lights dancing out of the windows, seeing the bright colors switching themselves out, cascading into the patches of dying grass on the frat’s yard. The autumn air was crisp but it was refreshing. The wind found itself kissing the skin of his face and he welcomed it.
He took a swig of his drink, it was harsh and had a distinct taste of how nail polish smelt, but it was watered down by the sweetness of the coke and the blandness of melting icecubes. He breathed through his teeth at it, but the warm, buzzing feeling in his chest made up for it, helping feel more comfortable. He didn’t enjoy being drunk, he tried to pace himself, the one drink would be all he needed tonight, just enough to keep that fuzzy feeling in his chest but not enough to get him any sort of hangover the next day. A nice mix if you asked him.
After an hour or so ‘enjoying the moment’ did lose its appeal. He decided to go to his room, having to bear the too loud music, squeeze past the too many people and climb a staircase with oh so many couples that decided the steps to the second floor were oh so good for making out and public semi-sex. He grimaced and bore the whole of it to make it to his room, his own epic in its own right. They, being Tank, did end up making a sign with cardboard, sharpie and spare twine to say ‘Bradley’s Room, Keep Out’ and hung it on his doorknob. He sighed in relief, happy to make it into his room, ready to switch into some more comfortable clothes and put on a movie. He could go for 1944’s House of Frankenstein right about now, having more than enough drink to get him through the night and maybe if he put his headphones on he could drown out the club music playing downstairs. Not to mention he hadn’t run into Max or his little gang the entire night, not even sure if they showed up.
He opened the door, its natural rusty whine being silenced by the music drowning almost everything, but when he closed it said noise dampened to the point of a loud whisper. He looked up and saw something he was not expecting.
Max was standing near his dresser, he had found his poorly stashed head of sunflower, the size as big as his face. Max was running the pad of his thumb along it, feeling the bumps of the sunflower seeds inside it, the yellow petals wrinkled and bruised from being shoved in his bag and traveling to college not a week ago. Max was so engrossed in the flower and examining it that he genuinely didn’t hear Bradley enter, Max was facing away from him but he knew it was him. Who else would have raven black hair in the shape of a mullet and saggy, oversized clothes, his signature red shirt on.
Bradley was in shock of the situation, almost forgetting the drink in his hand, almost slipping out of his fingers but before it completely got away he managed to catch it with a little too hard grip. “What are you doing.” Bradley more demanded than asked, his voice booming along the walls of his room. Max squeaked at this, intrinsically squeezing at the sunflower seeds as he turned his head over at Bradley. Bradley yelped, hurriedly walking over and putting his drink down on his dresser as he rushed to Max’s side, taking the sunflower from him. “Don’t do that! The seeds can loosen and create a mess on the floor.” Bradley said, putting it away on his desk. “Oh uh, my bad.” Max said sincerely but Bradley scoffed at it, turning to him. “Yes you’re bad. What are you doing here? I highly doubt you’re illiterate, you did read the sign, no?” Bradley said, his arms crossed tightly against his chest. Max's face soured at his words, “I was looking for a place to cool off, never really been to one of these parties so all the noise, smells and people”, Max’s face twisted into that of disgust, and Bradley softened at it. He knew that feeling at parties all too well, especially Gamma parties. “So I went upstairs and when I saw your room I got curious. And I didn’t expect all of this.” He looked around the room, motioning to it.
Bradley’s eyes narrowed, “What is that supposed to mean.” He assumed the worst. People didn’t usually go into his room, the few that did either didn’t care for it or poked fun at his stuff he’d grown so attached to. Max’s face was blank but eyes twinkled with interest while he looked at his posters, and that light in his eyes kept themselves when looking at Bradley. “It’s nice.” Max said, like it was more than just nice, he didn't expect it out of Bradley. Max had expected it to be modern and bland, monochrome colors, maybe a house plant, looking more like a prison than a dorm room. But the old nerdy posters and pictures of his friends? It showed a side to Bradley Max didn’t know was there, that maybe Bradley wasn’t as bad as he let on, even if it was wishful thinking.
He blushed at the compliment but looked off to the side to hide it, clearing his throat half heartedly. “I’d hope so, seeing as you probably couldn’t do better.” Bradley said, mentally facepalming himself as the words slipped out of his mouth. He truly couldn’t take a compliment, he couldn’t help it! Years of backhanded comments and slander weren’t going to be forgotten within a season full of shame.
Max’s pupils shrunk and the soft light in his eyes hardened as his brows furrowed. “What’s your problem?” Max asked, his face scrunching up in frustration. Bradley huffed, “My problem? What about your problem!” Bradley yelled out defensively, pushing at Max’s chest, escalating the situation, but he would not back down. There was something about Max that just made his brain let go of any thoughts or reason, fueling his actions and words with pure passion.
Max grabbed at Bradley’s sweater, pulling them close, “Don’t push me.” He says seriously, his breath hot on Bradley’s face which smelt suspiciously of cheerwine. Bradley grips onto Max’s wrists, not hard enough to bruise but hard enough to make a point. “And what if I do?” Bradley said, his voice going low but not losing his fury. Max scoffed, turning them around forcefully, pushing him down, Bradley pulling Max down with him, his hands still neatly wrapped around Max’s wrists, Max’s hands finding themselves on Bradley’s chest. There was a silence between them, not sure how to continue in such a position. Bradley could finally take a good look at Max. New snake piercings glittered beneath his lips, almost hidden from the plump facial feature. His black hair was longer than last year, sticking to his face from the sweat and humidity from what Bradley assumed was the heat from the many bodies downstairs, filling the house with foggy hormones and the warmth of lust.
“How drunk are you?” Max asked, almost like he was concerned, interrupting Bradley’s observations of the face above him. “What?” Bradley replied almost immediately, confused, releasing his hands from Max’s wrists but Max’s hands still pressed against his chest. Bradley’s hands found themselves neaty put on the opposite sides of his head. “You’re not as hostile ‘s all. Thought you’d try to clock me by now, plus I can smell whiskey.” Max admitted. Bradley blushed slightly in embarrassment, “No, I’ve been sipping the same drink all night, I’m practically sober.” Bradley retorted. Max hummed, getting even closer, Bradley could feel his breath on him again and it made the blood in his face burn, Max’s hands left his chest and he almost whined from the loss of contact. But Max’s forearm propped himself up on one side of Bradley, making the sensitive skin tingle being so close to Max’s. With his other hand he started playing with Bradley’s hair, putting the locks between his thumb and index finger, examining the brunette’s hair, strand by strand.
Bradley’s face lit up, pink dusting his cheeks and nose, all he could think was this could not possibly be happening. “Have you been drinking?” Bradley asks back, trying to avoid eye contact. “Not a drop.” Max said, almost blankly, he looked back at Max who was already looking at him, his eyelids lidded. Max smiled, “You’re more attractive when you’re polite.” Max teased, his voice breathy and only a bit louder than a whisper. Bradley’s eyes were wide, “Thanks.” Bradley gulped, his head was hazy, overthinking and underthinking all at the same time, like he knew what to think at all. How could he? This was flirting, Max was flirting with him, making him go speechless. How could he go speechless? He’s Bradley Uppercrust the third, he cannot be silenced. Or at least that’s what he wanted to believe, but the way Max was on top of him, so clearly in control of the situation made him weak and he just seemed to lay there because truly, what was he supposed to do?
Max’s smile softened, “Wanna makeout?” Max asked, twirling Bradley’s short hair between his index finger. It made Bradley’s legs turn into jello and he seemed to sink further into his bed. His abdomen tightened and twirled, butterflies bouncing off the walls of his stomach lining. As blunt and absurd as Max’s words were, it was also an exit door, a way out. It was to let Max know if Bradley wanted all of this. Bradley didn’t know what to say, this was his rival, a person who ruined him, made him less than what he was.
But this was hot, and Bradley wasn’t exactly keen on ending this.
Who said they couldn’t do this, just once.
“Yeah, I’d like that.” Bradley said awkwardly. That’s all he had to say, Max’s lips pressed onto his, a peck, but it left Bradley wanting more. Bradley’s eyes fluttered shut, letting Max do just about anything he wanted. He would leave kisses all along his lips, Bradely would try to kiss back but Max would get just out of reach. Trying to be able to get more of him, Bradley snaked one hand to Max’s back and the other in his hair, making Max hum as his lips pressed longer on Bradley’s. He started licking at Max’s lips, and in return he was granted access to Max’s mouth. Slowly he explored his mouth, and Max tasted just how his breath smelled, sweet and just like North Carolina's signature drink: cheerwine. They massaged their tongues together, the feeling was addicting, all reason seemed to melt out of his ears, and replacing it was a drive for pleasure. The hand that was on Max’s back found its way on his neck, trying to press Max more into him, making their teeth clatter. He wanted to press himself into Max, wanted to make the two of them into one person, but it seemed no matter how hard Bradley pressed into Max he couldn’t get what he wanted, leaving him wanting more than this.
Max broke the kiss, and Bradley frowned, whining like a dog for more, for Max to give him more. Max smiled softly, gently shushing him, kissing at his face. It seemed as though Max wanted to kiss all the skin on his face, from his hairline to the corners of his eyes to where his chin and lips met. All this attention made Bradley’s face turn the color of a ripe tomato, and he wanted more, he wanted to taste the soft drink in Max’s mouth again. “..Max please..” he tried but Max didn’t seem too keen on listening. His mouth found itself going to Bradley’s neck, making Bradley’s breath hitch. He started to kiss right where the jaw and neck met, the feeling of lips on his soft skin shot lighting through his nerves and he let out a breathy moan, his eyelids heavy and shut.
“You’re so pretty, so polite.” Max whispered the praise in his ear and Bradley could swear that his skin was on fire. “Do you still want me to kiss you?” Max asked into the crook of his neck and Bradley couldn’t help but frantically nod. “Your words please.” Max teased, pressing his face into the crook of his neck, Bradley’s hands still loose in his dark hair. “Yes please.” Bradley said but it sounded more like a beg. Max complied, “What a good boy, such good manners.” Max complimented, those words going straight down his pants. And so they were tongue kissing again, Bradley’s hands wandering to the back of Max’s thighs, squeezing the flesh and pulling Max even closer, even more on top of him.
That was until short, heavy footsteps were coming closer and closer to his room.
Bradley’s eyes snapped open, breaking the kiss, pushing Max off of him. He looked towards the door, and he could still feel the footsteps- no hear them, the music from the party was mysteriously gone. It was Tank, Tank was coming towards his room. He was going to see Max and Bradley, in bed. He can’t see all this. “Is everything ok?” Max asked, concerned. Bradley harshly shushed him, and Max seemed offended by it, “Did you just shush me?” He asked, his tone whiny and accusatory. “No I- you have to get out of here!” Bradley whisper-yelled. Max seemed confused and frustrated but Bradley didn’t have time. He shoved him off the bed near the closed curtain window, out of view of the door, and just in time.
The door opened with a squeak. “The party’s over sweetheart, wondering if you want any leftover pizza.” Tank yelled into the room. Bradley laughed dryly, “No thanks, not really hungry!” Bradley said just a little too sweetly. Max must have gotten the memo, he was silent and he didn’t make a move, at least from what Bradley heard. Tank shrugged, “Ok, by the way, have you seen Max? His little friends were asking for him.” Tank asked, and a little bit of Bradley died right there on the spot. “No, haven’t seen him all night, are you sure he came to the party at all?” Bradley lied, the nervous smile on his face was wobbly at best. Tank’s eyes narrowed at him suspiciously, but he seemed to not necessarily care all too much to actually investigate. “Uh huh, well if you hear anything tell me so I can pass it along. By babes.” Tank nodded along, getting out of the room, letting the door squeak as it closed.
“Were you guys a thing?” Max asked, his head popping up , resting his arms and head onto the bed, looking right at Bradley. Bradley grimaced, “No, Tank just likes to use pet names, platonically.” Bradley said, sitting at the side of the bed, next to Max, his feet dangling right above the floor. Max smirked playfully, “But you totally banged.” He said bluntly, his tone light and taunting. Bradley rolled his eyes and scoffed, Max wasn’t entirely wrong but he didn’t need to know that. “As fun as all of this is, you do need to leave.” Bradley reminds Max. At this Max put a hand on Bradley’s thigh, making him jump just a little at the contact. “So you admit I’m fun.” Max said, his smile reaching his eyes. Bradley’s face twisted that of annoyance but the blush that crept onto his face contradicted his feelings.
“Whatever, just- make sure no one sees you, I don’t need any rumors going around.” Bradley admitted, standing up, and walking past Max to get to the otherside of his bed. He managed his way to his dresser, lifting his long forgotten cup, seeing no ice left in his drink and a ring on the wood. His face softened in regret, “Damn.” He cursed softly, trying to wipe it away with the sleeve of his sweater.
“Guess I’ll go now, don’t miss me too much Bradley.” Max said singsongly, opening his curtain window. Bradley looked at him dumbfounded, “What are you doing?” Bradley asked, deflated, one hand on his hip and the other putting his watered down drink to his lips, sipping at it. Max was fiddling with the lock on the window, not looking away, facing away from Bradley. “I always wanted to do this, escaping from a girl’s- or guy’s in this situation- house through the window.” Max explained, finally managing to open the window. “My highschool girlfriend- real nice girl by the way, way pretty too, her dad hated my guts, couldn’t even manage onto their poarch without him wanting to rip my head off. Obviously I could never fulfill this movie clique so I’m doing it now.” Max confessed, hooking one of his legs on the windowsill. Bradley narrowed his eyes, “But that’s stupid.” Bradley deadpanned, his face scrunching up in disapproval.
Both of Max’s legs were outside on the slanted roof, his abdomen still pressed against the window frame. “Whatever man, don’t forget though, you were the one moaning under me.” He smiled, getting the last word before sliding down the roof, Bradley, worried for Max ran to the window to see him. Max’s feet grinding into the roofing stilled him at the storm drain, stopping him from sliding off the roof entirely. Bradley’s window was at the side of the house, outside of wandering eyes, but it was also a story high, about ten feet. Max didn’t seem bothered though, lowering himself, his hands gripping at the drain, his feet dangling slightly before he jumped, a thud could be heard. A beat of silence followed.
Bradley was about to say something, call out, to make sure Max was okay. That was until he saw Max walking to the front yard to the side of Bradley’s vision, his figure going onto the paved road and disappearing behind a few trees and houses.
Bradley saw the night sky. It was pitch black, it was well into the early morning, the few stars that managed their way from light pollution twinkled. The air was still cold, and wind found its way to his face. It did seem like the party was over, most of the people were outside, the few stranglers. They were saying their goodbyes to the Gammas they knew, or to thank Tank for the good time. A few even left with a drink or bottle in their hands, trying to squeeze the last drop of alcohol onto their tongue. It must have been late just from the state of things, how long was Max in his room for?
He patted his stomach which growled, and an unpleasant gurgle reached up into his chest. He sighed, he could go for pizza right now.
He could get used to all of this.