Chapter Text
“It's so good to have some time to skate finally!” Max exclaimed, stretching his arms above his head. Bobby, PJ, and Max had been swamped with work for that last week so none of them had the time to relax, let alone skate. After their only class of the day (an early 10 am class), they decided they would just skate around and have fun all day.
“Yeah, man! All those papers we had to write were totally a nightmare!” PJ replied. After this day they all started walking back to their dorm to relax for the night.
“You guys thinking of beating that boss level tonight? I can buy some pizzaaaa!” Bobby dragged out in his usual way.
PJ fixed his bag over his shoulder. “Not tonight. I'm staying with Mocha at her place but I'll stop by for a few!” He explained. Before they could continue their conversation they saw a whole crowd full of people rushing away from the dooms.
“What the hell’s going on?” Max asked. The other two shrugged and decided to keep walking to their dorm room. It looked like it was locked off before they could get in. Max called out to one of the people running by to ask what was going on.
“Didn't you hear? The dorm building has asbestos!” One guy exclaimed. A girl came up behind him and hit his shoulder with the back of her hand.
“No, you idiot! Someone put weed in the vents to hide it from one of the RA's!” Both Max and PJ turned to look at Bobby who threw his hands up in defense. “I didn't do it! I've been out for a week! Besides, it could be asbestos!” Bobby defended.
Max rolled his eyes and turned them back to the two people in front of him. “Well whatever it is, they're giving out new rooms for those who stayed in that building,” the guy explained, pointing to a line that was a little ways away from the building.
“Well, this sucks. Guess we need another place to stay.” Max said as he turned back to the other two.
“Not me! I'm probably gonna go ahead and head over to Mocha's place and crash there until everything gets sorted out.” PJ explained.
“Well alright then buddy, see you in class,” Max said with a smile.
“Tell us how things go tonight.” Bobby teased, insinuating as if something was going to happen. PJ kicked down his skateboard. Bobby and Max waved PJ goodbye as he quickly left. With nothing better to do, Bobby and Max decided to skate over to the line and try for a room.
“You think we're gonna room together again?” Bobby asked, skating just beside Max. Max lightly pushed off the ground to give himself a chance to glide with Bobby.
“I'm not sure. You think there's enough room for that?” Max asked, turning his head to Bobby. Bobby only replied with a shrug as they got in line. Max hopped off his skateboard and kicked it up. The line wasn't too long. They had gotten back a little later than most everyone else so they were one of the last ones to get a room.
When they got to the front, it was four people sitting at a table sorting out rooms. “What's your room number honey?” the person asked.
“213,” Max replied. The person looked at Max through their eyebrows and then back at the papers in front of them.
“I-its the 13th room on the second floor.” Max stuttered out. The person sorted through the papers.
“I know how the rooms here work here honey.” Max cleared his throat and replied with a simple “Yeah yeah okay” in a way that seemed like he wanted to break that awkwardness he just caused.
The person extended their hand with a piece of paper and a key on it. “That paper has the new room you're staying in and that key is the way in. When the building gets fixed you'll turn in your key.”
Confusion took over Max. “Can I not go in my room to get anything?” He questioned. The person shook their head.
“Nope. We want you to be as safe as possible. Next!” Max took the objects, said thank you, and stepped to the side while Bobby got his new room.
“Where did you get placed?” Max asked. Bobby's eyes scanned the paper.
“Building six room 316,” Bobby said. Building 6? Most of the people in that room didn't have roommates. The only times they did were in times like this one. Max looked at his paper. He was also in building 6.
“I guess we won't be sharing a room then. I got room 524.” Max replied. Bobby's face turned to one of sympathy.
“How will you ever survive all those stairs?” Max shrugged at the comment.
“I have no idea.”
—-------------------------
Bobby and Max walked to the building together and departed on their respective floors. Max hated all those stairs. He prayed that his building would be fixed when the time came. He searched for the room which was tucked away in a small corner at the end of the floor. It was one of the last rooms in the building. The room must've been booked late. Max put his key in and unlocked the door.
The room was pretty clean. There was a bag thrown in front of the right bed along with some scattered papers on the nightstand. The right side must've been where his new roommate slept.
Max walked to the other bed, threw his bag in front of the bed, and then himself on his new bed. It was soft. His eyes searched around for any clue on who he could be sharing a room with but found nothing. The room was perfect with no individuality. It almost seemed like they had recently moved in themselves. The only thing he saw that could indicate something was skating gear. Weird.
Max kicked off his shoes. Why not kick back for a bit? Maybe later he could go get some food. He pulled out his phone and decided to just waste his time watching skating videos.
An hour or so into his stay he heard the lock turn shut. It must've been his new roommate. He must've forgotten to lock the door back because his roommate only groaned out in frustration and unlocked the door.
“My bad! I'll be sure to lock it next time!” Max called as the door pushed open. Who he saw in the door was his last pick ever.
It was fucking Bradley Uppercrust III.
He looked like shit though. His collar was messier than usual and his clothes just looked more wrinkled. His whole face was completely red and his hair was all over the place. He was hunched over carrying a grocery bag that rattled.
“You look like shit.” Max teased, sitting up completely. Bradley's eyes squinted as he looked at Max.
“What the hell are you doing here? Why are you in my room?” Bradley complained.
“I'm your roommate, Brad,” Max said, leaning back on his hands. There was a pause in movement and words as Bradley paused, almost as if to process what was just said to him. When it did process Bradley rolled his eyes.
“No, you're not,” Bradley mumbled out angrily. He seemed to be struggling to stand.
“But I am. Didn't you hear? Everyone in my dorm building got kicked out. It was asbestos or weed or some shit like that I don't know so they sent us to whatever rooms were available.” Max waved away. He could clearly tell Bradly wasn't pleased. Bradley put his face in his hand, running his fingers through his hair.
“Oh my God, I'm gonna hate this so fucking much.” He seemed like he was gonna fall over. Max rolled his eyes.
“I can hear you, you know. I'm right here.” Max gestured to himself. Bradley glared at Max.
“Whatever. Just pick up your shit.” Bradley complained. It seemed like a half-ass complaint to Max in all honesty. He wobbled over to his bed and threw himself on it. It didn't take long for Bradley to fall asleep. Max just tsked him away and wanted to go back to what he was doing.
Something in him though felt bad just leaving Bradley there. Looking over at his bed he saw that the bag had fallen. The contents inside looked like medicine bottles. Max got up and checked the bottles. Was Bradley sick? It would explain the pills.
Max heard the bed creak and shift as Bradly turned over in it, now lying on his back. Max took the opportunity to feel his forehead. Max rolled up his sleeve and placed his wrist on Bradley's forehead, feeling around his cheeks and neck as well. God, he was burning up. He had a fever. Max looked back at the bottles.
If he was sick why not take the medication? Max wanted to forget it. He wanted to move on. He wanted to leave him there in his sickness. He was going to but he heard Bradley call for him.
“Max…” were the only words he heard. He looked back to Bradley who was now lying on his side. He was shaking and clearly not feeling well. Max was going to have to help him, wasn't he? With a sigh, Max set down the medicine and looked around the room.
Bradley had made a small makeshift kitchen in his dorm. He had a microwave, a mini fridge, plates, bowls, cups and silverware. Max walked closer to the setup. He had a cutting board and nothing to cut with. Max opened the fridge to see the most pathetic fridge he had ever seen.
It was almost empty except for a single can of beer, butter, a lemon, 4 eggs, bread, and a half-used onion that looked like it needed to be used soon. Max looked around a little more and saw a single crock pot and a ladle. He could work with this setup but needed more things to cook with.
Max shuffled to his bag and pulled out his wallet. Pulling up his phone he checked the time. The stores should be open a little while longer. It was only 7:30. Max grabbed his skateboard and walked out of the room, locking the door behind him. Going down the stairs was much easier than going up since he could just ride the rails down.
There was a small store close to campus that he quickly skated to. There he picked up some seasonings (and herbs), boneless (and skinless) chicken, noodles, celery, carrots, chicken broth, tomatoes, broccoli, cilantro, tea, and honey.
He was spending so much on a guy who didn't even care about him. He hated how he wanted to make him feel better. It felt almost sad seeing him in such a bad state. He quickly skated back soon realizing there was an elevator this whole time.
He felt stupid now for going up all those stairs. He took the elevator to the 5th floor and walked back to the room. He unlocked the door and walked inside.
Bradley was still asleep. Using the microwave Max heated some water in hopes it would get hot enough for tea. It wouldn't be as good as his usual tea but it would work in a pinch.
He heated the tea and poured some lemon, sugar (he stole from the dorm kitchen), and some honey in. While that worked its magic he made some soup for Bradley.
Max had to resort to using his pocket knife to cut up the contents of the soup which was sure to fuck up the blade. He used the rest of what he bought along with the butter, lemon, and random vegetables that were about to go bad that Bradley had in his fridge to make some soup.
As the soup finished cooking, he realized he needed to wake Bradley and convince him to take the medicine. Max grabbed the tea and medicine. He set the tea on the bedside table, careful to keep it from anyone the papers Bradley had scattered about. Max sat on the edge of the bed to try to wake the other.
“Bradley wake up. I have your medicine and you need to take it.” Max said, nudging Bradley to wake him up. Bradley shook his head and curled up in himself.
“No….” He wined out.
“I will shave your eyebrows off if you don't,” Max stated deadpan. Bradley opened his eyes, squinting as the light started to hit them. Slowly, Bradley sat up. His clothes were a disaster, his hair both stuck up and stuck to his forehead as he seemed to be sweating. When Bradley sat up all the way he was hunched over and not sitting with his usual perfect posture. Max opened up one of the pill bottles and pulled out a pill.
“Here,” Max said, extending the pill and closing the bottle. Bradley didn't respond and decided to pout in response.
“Take it.” Max held the pill out. Bradley shook his head. This was gonna be a bit.
“Take it.” Max tried to push the pill closer to Bradley to make it look enticing.
“No,” was the only thing Bradley said. It came off so stone cold. He was clearly gonna fight Max.
“Bradley, you need to take it. It will help you,” Max tried to plead. Bradley narrowed his eyes.
“I'm not taking it,” He said. Max rolled his eyes.
“I'm gonna force you to take it,” Max tried to negotiate. It seemed as though his threat wasn't going to work on the other since Bradley only rolled his eyes.
“I'd like to see you try,” Bradley pouted. He really was gonna fight Max on this, wasn’t he? Max looked at the pill and sighed. He didn't wanna do this. Max put the pill between his two fingers and with his thumb slid the pill onto his tongue.
“Make sure to swallow,” Max said, leaning close to Bradley. Max put his hand under Bradley's jaw, feeling as his hands slid to his chin. He had a strong jawline and soft skin. Max pulled Bradley close to him and placed his lips on the others, pushing the pill into his mouth with his tongue.
Bradley's lips tasted like mint. It was a cool taste in Max's mouth. Max crawled closer to Bradley and tilted his head up to make sure the pill would be swallowed. A part of Max didn't want to pull away. He liked the taste of Bradley and how tender his lips were. Max heard the pill go down but didn't pull away for another few seconds.
Max felt as Bradley tugged at the bottom of his shirt. He took that as a sign to pull away, wiping his mouth. Bradley seemed both a bit pissed off and I'm shocked by what just happened.
“What the fuck was that?” He eventually yelled out. Max shrugged and stood up.
“I told you I would force you.” Max grabbed the tea he had made and shoved it into Bradley's chest.
“Drink this. It will help if your throat is sore or if you have a cough. It can also clear your sinuses” Max said. Bradley looked wary of it but blew on it then took a sip.
“It's good,” Bradley commented. Max felt a smug smile creep onto his lips as he won. Bradley must have seen it since he double-tracked.
“It's only good right now since I just woke up!” He yelled. Both of them knew it was bullshit but Max just rolled his eyes and turned around.
“Yeah, whatever. Let's hope that ‘tiredness’ makes the soup taste good.” Max remarked as he turned around.
“Soup?” Bradley asked. Max listened to the bed creak and turned around to see Bradley had crawled to the edge of the bed. Max grabbed one of the bowls and the ladle and started to pour the soup into a bowl Bradley had in his room.
“You made soup? With what?” Bradley asked. Max shrugged as he grabbed a spoon.
“I went to the store with some spare cash.” Bradley slipped off his bed and sat on the other side of the pot Max was on. Max extended the bowl. Bradley started to inspect it.
“You're being oddly nice. Is it poisoned?” Max felt as his face fell.
“Why would I poison you? You know how much it would cost to do so? You looked like shit so I decided to help you. Now do you want the soup or not?” Max forced. Bradley didn't want to eat it but his stomach betrayed him as it let out a low growl. A shit-eating grin spread across Max's face as Bradley rushed to take the soup.
“Oh shut up!” Bradley yelled out as he started to stuff his face.
Max put his hands up, “I didn't say anything” he remarked as he stood up and leaned against a wall crossing his arms. Max watched as Bradley's face lit up and he kept eating. It was almost cute.
“Is it good?” Max laughed out. Bradley shot him a glare. He swallowed the bite he had in his mouth.
“It's fine! I just haven't had any food is all but you know we're did you find this recipe…..” Bradley trailed out. Max let out his laugh in the form of a huff from his nose.
“It's an old family recipe. My dad used to make it for me when I was sick.” Max recalled. The chill of mornings and sickness taking over Max were rough times. His dad would always be there, helping in any way he could. He would also stop at nothing to make Max smile and would even try to take off work for his son.
“You always talk about your dad,” Bradley commented. Max was pulled away from his thoughts to look at the other. It seemed like a lightbulb went off in Bradley's head.
“Aww does little Maxey miss his daddy?~” Bradley said, mocking him. Max felt his eye twitch. Bradley wanted to get a rise out of Max.
“What about mommy?~” Bradley continued to mock him. He seemed to be hoping for him to get more angry. It almost looked like his smug smile was dripping with anticipation.
Max looked at Bradley straight on, staring dead into his eyes he said, “She's dead” in the most deadpan way he has ever spoken.
Bradley seemed taken aback by that statement. He didn't know how to respond.
“I- oh my god, I-I’m so sorry.” Bradley stuttered out. His eyes shifted to find something to look at. Every time he glanced at Max he would jerk his head away. Max shrugged, sliding down the wall. He pulled his knees up to his chest and rested his head against them.
“It's fine. I never knew her anyways. She died giving birth to me” He shrugged away. To say he sometimes thought about his mom was an understatement. He often wondered what his life would be like if she lived.
“Do you know anything about her?” Bradley asked. Max picked his head up and looked at Bradley. He suddenly seemed to get the confidence to look at his face.
“What?” he asked. Bradley looked around but still wouldn’t look at Max.
“I mean just anything. Like even photos or who she was.” Max thought about it. Most people never asked about his mom when he said she died. Especially after they mocked him about her.
“My dad says she was a rebel. She was always dressed in any alternative style you could think of. She had platform shoes, ripped tights, leather, or anything you think someone whose alternative would own. My dad even kept some of her old clothes like her jackets and pants and stuff.” Max rambled. Bradley had another bite of soup.
“And your dad was able to get with her?” Bradley asked. Max moved his knees down and crossed them.
“Yeah, I know. She asked him out.” Max commented. Bradley choked on his bite of soup.
“REALLY?! HOW?!” He said through a mouth full of soup. Max laughed at how shocked he was.
“You may not think this but my dad's got game. He's pulled so many people it's not even funny. One of my ex-girlfriends actually had a thing for him at one point” Bradley raised an eyebrow in confusion but seemed invested. Max took it as a sign to keep going.
“They met in college. It was one of the reasons my dad was so scared for me to leave. They met his second year there and she got pregnant right before his last year. He was so excited and they couldn't wait to be parents. They spent all their time just thinking about the future. They were gonna move in together and start a life together immediately after college. When I was born though there were complications…. She died and my dad had to drop out to take care of me.” Max's eyes shifted around and his voice trailed off during the last part. It was hard to talk about.
“Is that why your dad came back to college this past semester?” Bradley asked. Max nodded.
Bradley let out a small laugh. “And here I thought he was just an idiot.” Bradley joked.
Max felt his face heat up. “There's more to my dad than you think. He's actually an amazing guy.” Max often got defensive about his dad.
Yeah, he was a little rough around the edges and a complete klutz but his heart was always in the right place. He put everyone else above himself and cared for everyone. He did everything to make Max happy and give him a good life. Even if Max didn't have a mother he never felt like his life was missing anything. His dad was always there for him and told enough stories that he felt like he knew his mom. His dad was his biggest role model and supporter. He was there for Max but people were so quick to judge him.
“I see that now,” Bradley stated, finishing his soup. Max didn't care to look at him. “I guess I was just jealous of how good your dad is,” Bradley explained. Max scoffed at the comment.
“You, jealous? You probably grew up in some fancy-ass house with servants at your beck and call.” Max retaliated.
“Oh yeah, I did. The fanciest house with parents who didn't even want me. I'm almost 20 years younger than all my other siblings and still haven't accomplished anything. My parents cared so much in fact that they sent all those servants to raise me. At least your dad supports you. Any hobby I had was shot down. It took forever to show them that the XGames were even worth my time as long as I kept winning and you see how that went!” Bradley ranted. It almost sounded like he was yelling. Max looked at him.
His eyes were full of anger, resentment, and sadness. He was, jealous. Bradley was never a person to show jealousy. He hardly showed any emotion other than anger or smugness. It almost felt endearing. Max couldn't help when a smile crept into his lips. Something about him smiling made Bradley blush and shove the bowl to Max.
“Another bowl,” Bradley demanded. Max took the bowl and poured him another.
Something about this moment felt human. Bradley was the man you didn't want to bother. He was untouchable, high tier, god-like even, but here, he was just a man with flaws who was suffering from a fever.
The next few minutes were filled with a comfortable silence. It was as if the room were under a spell and speaking would break that spell's promise of silence. The only sound that the spell let through was the sound of Bradley eating or Max texting away. It was an insane turn of events that he had to update Bobby and PJ on.
Max: you guys will never believe who I'm rooming with
Bobby: 🧈 than my room8. 🧍♂️keeps 💬 bout shad gov. But 🧍♂️ make good 👈
Translation: better than my roommate. He keeps talking about the shadow government. But he does make good points
Max: Bradley fucking Uppercrust the lll
Bobby: Your r👁t I ✖️ have 🤷♂️ that
Translation: your right I wouldn't have guessed that
PJ: How is he Max? Is he as annoying as we remember?
Max: hes got a fever. Rn I'm having to nurse him back to health.
Hes being annoying about taking medicine and shit though.
How's it with you PJ?
PJ: It's great! Me and Mocha are sitting on her bed watching movies.
Wait why is Bradley in a dorm in the first place?
Bobby: gammas got 🏠✅️?
Translation: the Gammas have a house right?
Max: idk, I'll keep you guys updated if anything goes down
“Thank you for the soup,” Bradley said. Max was startled by the broken silence. He pulled his eyes away from his phone and looked at Bradley.
“What was that?” Max teased out, “Is the prince thanking me?” he asked. Bradley rolled his eyes. “shut up.” Max took notice of how the tea was also completely gone.
“How do you wash dishes in this room?” Max asked. Bradley pointed to a door on his side of the room.
“There's a half bath in there. I just use the sink.” He said. Max set the lid on the crock pot. It had about two more servings that Bradley could eat. Max also decided to just wash the dishes used right then and there rather than saving them for later.
He grabbed the dishes Bradley used and walked to the bathroom. After rolling up his sleeves, Max turned on the water, grabbed a sponge that was set on the side of the sink, and covered it with dish soap.
“Why are you being so nice to me?” Bradley asked. Max turned to the side to see Bradley holding onto the door frame. He was still swaying somewhat, but he looked like he was at least able to stand.
“Shouldn't you sit down? You look like a gust of wind could blow you over.” Max joked, going back to the dishes.
“That doesn't answer my question,” Bradley remarked. Max set the clean bowl to the side and grabbed the spoon. Why was he being nice to him? He had treated him like shit before. “I don't know,” Max replied. He set the clean spoon on top of the bowl.
“You don't know?” Bradley asked, leaning against the frame. Max ran the cup under the water.
“I guess I was just taught to help people no matter what. I was taught to see the best in people.” Max shrugged off. He started to slowly clean the cup, thinking. “When I saw you struggling to stand sick with a fever I just couldn't leave you there. I just knew if I left you there I wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. I don't know why you're sick or why you're not in the Gamma house but I can tell you're not well. I don't even know what I'm saying anymore. You probably don't even care about me and will just go back to hating me after you get better.” Max ran the cup under the water. He set the cup to the side and found a hand towel to dry his hands.
“The Gammas kicked me out.”
Max turned his head, “What?” Bradley's eyes shifted.
“They didn't want me anymore so they all kicked me out of the house. There was a room here so I got one with no roommate.” Bradley explained. He seemed so sincere. It clicked into Max's head why he was sick.
He had glanced at the papers earlier. They were papers that had a C average. For someone who only got A’s, that wasn't normal. The papers were crumpled and distraught. He had stressed himself out so much he worked himself to a fever.
In the end, Bradley was just a guy who was flawed and broken. He wasn't untouchable, he just was someone who made himself seem like that. His dad always said ‘hurt people, hurt people’. It was a lame and overused cliché but here it was true. Bradley was just someone who was hurt.
Max walked out of the bathroom and walked Bradley to his bed with a lot of fighting from Bradley saying he didn't need help to get to his bed.
“Get some sleep and try to sweat out your fever, okay?” Max said. Bradley pulled the covers over him. Max tried to walk to his bed but before taking a step his sleeve got tugged on.
“Just stay here for a while,” Bradley mumbled with embarrassment dripping in his tone. Max sat down on the floor beside the bed.
“just until you go to sleep.” Max agreed.
Maybe it was the fact that it was late at night. Maybe it was the talks they had. Whatever it was Max felt content with Bradley. He had shared so much with him and Bradley did the same in return. Whenever his building gets fixed he would have to go back to his room but who knows?
Maybe he would meet with Bradley on days when he felt up to it. Maybe Bradley would be open to going to the bean scene. For all he knew Bradley could wake up and be a dick to him again. Whatever happened later didn't matter now.
This moment felt like another world that the two of them lived in. Max closed his eyes and listened to the soft snores of Bradley before drifting himself off, letting this new world take over him. Even if it was for one night.