Archive of Our Own

You know, it's funny how the more basic skills can go over our heads while we're able to grasp difficult ones with little to no instruction. Like a person who's an ace polymath doesn't know how to do a proper load of laundry. Or how a skilled architect is totally daft when it comes to pumping gas into a car. And while we may point and laugh at these people, a certain Saluki now finds himself in their company and at the risk of becoming the butt of many a joke.

Bradley Uppercrust the 3^rd – a prodigy in his own right. From a young age he's learned archery, horseback riding, how to play the cello, his intellect is leagues ahead for his age and of course he's a pretty damn good athlete. And yet, even with all of that going on for him, Bradley has found from his latest grade report that he is severely lacking in one particular department...

“Go on, Tank. You and the guys can laugh.” Bradley said in a disgruntled tone from the easy chair by the fireplace he was currently stewing in, slouched so far down his head was practicing laying on the seat.

“Wh-Whaddya mean, baby? We're not laughing. And we don't wanna laugh.” Tank said in a somewhat struggling tone.

“Mmm hmm!” Kevin replied with a quick nod.

“None of you have to pretend. I know you want to, so just get it out of your systems and laugh already.” Bradley said with a roll of his eyes.

“Br-Bradley, how could you possibly think that we'd laugh at you over s-something like this? We're your fr-friends, sweetheart!” Tank said, his voice struggling even more now. Bradley sat up straight to look at Tank with a deadpan expression before he replied.

“I think that, Tank, because all of you are this close to dying from lack of oxygen as you're all turning blue to keep from laughing. And I'm amazed you're barely keeping it together. So for the sake of your own lives if nothing else just laugh.” Bradley stated.

The main Gammas all shared a look, and then they all burst out laughing. You'd think they were a pack of spotted hyenas to be laughing like they were instead of being dogs plus one orangutan. The Gammas were laughing so hard that had to lean on one another or the furniture just to keep from falling on the floor.

“Ha, ha, ha! God this is too rich! I can't...I can't breathe!” Boris yelled in between laughs.

“Good. I'll let your parents know to get your burial plot ready.” Bradley said with a glare as he slouched back into the chair, crossing his arms in aggravation.

“Bra...Ha, ha! Ha, whew! Brad...Bradley...Don't be mad, man!” Kevin struggled to say, then cleared his throat as he fixed a serious expression on his face. “We're taking this seriously, Bradley. It's not funny.”

“....” Bradley said nothing, just stared at his fellow Gamma.

“....” Kevin said nothing. His face remaining serious.

“...I'm impressed, Kevin. You managed to keep that face together for ten whole seconds. I appreciate the attempt if nothing else. Carry on.” Bradley said as he looked away.

And sure enough, Kevin fell to his knees as he continued to laugh. It clearly took a lot in him to keep that in.

Slouch, in between his own rowdy laughter, made gestures between himself and the rest of the Gammas then to Bradley as he gave an amused shrug.

“Ha, ha! Slouch is right, boss. Can ya really blame us for laughing? I mean it's you, after all. And this is the class you're failing at? It's pretty damn funny.” Shades said, having managed to calm himself down as he took off his signature sunglasses to wipe the tears of laughter from the lenses.

“And it's an elective, no less!” Kevin added with a snicker.

“Yes, yes, I'm well aware! Call the university journalism club. I can see the headlines now. Bradley Uppercrust the 3^rd, Star Student Can't Cook Worth a Damn!” Bradley yelled in annoyance as he took a pillow from the other chair beside him and buried his face in it, groaning in despair.

You see, Bradley is currently failing in his elective class of home economics. Specifically cooking. The other parts of home economics he has a pretty good handle of. Cleaning, budgeting and even home maintenance. That's all well and good. But cooking? Bradley was like a deer in headlights. And if he can't get a passing grade in this elective then he won't be graduating with the rest of the seniors for this year. Of course, his Gamma brothers did feel bad...but that doesn't mean they can't bust their buddy's chops over it.

“Hey, hey Bradley. Don't think that way. The school paper won't say that.” Tank said, finally calming down, as he patted Bradley reassuringly on the shoulder.

“Yeah! I think it'll say, Bradley Uppercrust 3^rd – Star Student turned Fallen Star in The Kitchen. It's catchier that way! That make ya feel better?” Federico asked with a mischievous grin. Bradley pulled the pillow down from his face just enough to show his glaring eyes at the shortest Gamma.

“Happy as a clam.” The senior responded sarcastically.

“Seriously though, Bradley, it'll be okay. You can turn this around. You always do. Did the professor say anything about you doing something for extra credit to pass?” Boris asked.

“Yeah. He said that I can work with his star pupil on a special project.” Bradley replied, making air quotes at the words 'star pupil' and rolling his eyes.

“What's the project?” Kevin asked.

“We have to go to some high school in Spoonerville to teach a home economics lesson on a three-course meal tomorrow.” Bradley explained.

“Well that's just two and a half hours away without traffic. At least you don't have far ta go, baby.” Tank said with a shrug of his shoulders.

“I guess that's true. But still! I have to jump through hoops to be able to graduate over something so stupid. Cooking! How can I, of all people, not understand cooking!? To say nothing of the fact that I have to do this on a Friday, and study over the weekend. I can think of a dozen different things to do for a weekend.” Bradley stated in annoyance.

“I'll bet. And they'd all involve a certain cute Labradoodle.” Shades said with a teasing voice as he made kissy faces, making the other Gammas laugh.

“I have no idea what you're talking about, Shades.” Bradley said, looking away and crossing his arms in defiance.

“The heck you don't, boss! We know good and well that if you were gonna do anything this weekend, it'd be with the little Goof.” Boris said with a grin as he playfully nudged the Saluki.

“Yeah, you's two are just one spaghetti dinner away from marriage. Skies with stars in their eyes and all!” Federico stated with a smile.

“Knock it off, you guys.” Bradley warned, but his tone was playful and he couldn't fight off the dreamy grin on his face.

It's not like his friends were wrong. For the past month he and Max had gotten a lot closer. What began as a way to make amends for his prior bad actions had turned into something more. Something wonderful. They didn't quite have a label to it, but Bradley did want to be able to have the right to say that Max was his boyfriend – and for Max to call him his beau in kind. However, he also didn't want to rush the freshman so he didn't push it. Bradley was perfectly content with the occasional date, the frequent hugs and the friendly skate races. He didn't even mind hanging around Max's friends and observing Bobby's odd obsession with cheese whiz. As long as Max was in his life he didn't care.

“So are you guys official now or what?” Tank asked.

“Yeah! We wanna know if we can finally start calling Max the Consort.” Kevin said.

“The Consort?” Bradley repeated with a confused look.

“Of course! You're the King, after all. And if you two make it official that'd make Max your consort. So, he'd be the Consort on campus.” Shades explained as if it was completely logical.

“You guys are ridiculous.” Bradley said with an amused shake of his head.

“Hey, we seriously thought long and hard about this! Calling him the second king would be too confusing, and we didn't wanna say Prince 'cause there's a singer already. Same with Queen 'cause Freddie Mercury. So's we looked up a few thesauruses and saw the word 'consort'. Then bada-bing, bada-boom! The King and the Consort – simple as that!” Federico stated with a proud smile.

“Right. I'll be sure to run that by Max if we ever get to that point.” Bradley said as he stood up from the chair.

“If? Why do you say that, sweetheart?” Tank asked in surprise.

“Well, Tank, while I would love nothing more than to have monopoly over Max's heart I can't go presuming that he feels the same way and will grant me that privilege.” The Saluki replied.

“Ah saddle sores, boss! It's clear to anyone that Max is as crazy about you as you are about him.” Boris assured.

“Yeah. I don't know about you, Bradley, but I'm pretty sure that someone who spends as much time with you as Max does isn't doing it just to kill time.” Shades said with a knowing shrug of his shoulders.

“I guess...Still. I don't want to get my hopes up. I have to be realistic about this. And whatever answer Max gives me when I finally express to him how I feel – I'll accept it like a man.” Bradley stated as he walked upstairs to his room.

“Even if he says there's another guy or chick he's interested in?” Kevin asked.

“Ha, like Hell! That's when I put on a black cape and domino mask then whisk him off to Europe to romance him in the Paris Opera House as Lon Chaney had intended.” Bradley said from atop the walkway, looking down at the main Gammas with a grin.

“....” The rest of the Gammas just blinked at their friend and leader with horrified expressions while saying nothing. After a moment Bradley held his hands up in a show of jest.

“I'm kidding, gentlemen! It was a joke!” Bradley exclaimed as he laughed and soon the rest of the Gammas laughed with him. “Well I'm turning in. I got a long day ahead of me. Good night, guys!”

“Night, Bradley!” The Gammas all called back.

As soon as they heard Bradley's room door close Slouch turned to Tank and spoke a question in worried grunts.

“You read my mind, Slouch. Ring up your cousin who works at the airport and tell 'em to keep his eyes peeled for any flights going to Paris startin' tomorrow.” Tank said, immediately turning serious.

“Think we should give Max a heads up?” Kevin asked.

“Nah. For now we just make sure Bradley doesn't start playing the organ at night.” Boris said.

The next morning...

The sun rose with a luminous shine that Friday morning, and any other time Bradley would have welcomed it with some black coffee and thirty-two sugars in his Too Perfect For Mornings ceramic coffee mug and an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie from the cafe. Sadly he only had time for a bagel with barely a schmear of cream cheese and a bottle of water as he had to hurry to the East side of the campus where the home ec classroom was located. There the professor, an eccentric ram of a character named Isaac Fletcher, would introduce Bradley to his star student and give them the rundown of the lesson plan they're going to be teaching before the bus came to pick them up to transport them to their destination. The whole time Bradley skated towards the East side his mind kept haunting him with dreadful questions. What will he do if he can't pass this class? How would the star student take to him? Would they be patient and help him out, or be immensely strict and unforgiving?

“I guess I'll find out soon enough...” The Saluki thought to himself as he slowed his skateboard down when he got within several feet of the building.

There he saw the stocky figure of Mr. Fletcher in all his tweeds finery walking towards the door while carrying a several boxes. The older man must have heard the wheels hitting the concrete as he looked up towards Bradley and smiled as he waved at him.

“Ah, Braaaa-dley! You're here right on time. My little Michelin star pupil is in the classroom right now, helping set up for the class I'll be having here while you both wait for the bus to pick you up for Spoonerville.” Isaac spoke in greeting and explanation, his ram accent stretching out the A's in Bradley's name.

“Good morning, Mr. Fletcher. I'm glad I could make it. I almost didn't, as I kind of overslept.” Bradley admitted with a slight chuckle as he kicked his skateboard out from under him and caught it in his left arm.

“Well that's alright! I'm glaaaa-d it was just you sawing logs aaaa-nd not a case of cold feet.” Isaac said.

“Huh, you are? Why?” The senior asked, surprised to hear this.

“Well because it'd break my heart, of course! Even if I can't turn you into the next Iron Chef, Braaaa-dley, I at least want you to walk away with a sense of self-sufficiency from this class. That's my ultimate goal as a teacher.” Isaac stated with a look of pride.

Bradley looked at the older man with a surprised expression, not expecting to hear that. Since he was only taking his class as an elective, he didn't really think that Mr. Fletcher would think that highly of Bradley. Especially after the scandal with the X-Games that still haunts him even now. But to hear him have such faith in Bradley and want him to succeed in this class gave him faith. It made him really want to try to make this work; come Hell or high water. The Saluki gave a determined smile to his professor.

“Thank you, Mr. Fletcher. I'll certainly do my best for your sake if nothing else. You're probably the only one who believes in me passing this class at this point.” Bradley said as he pushed the door open to let the older man walk in while he carried the boxes.

“Actually, two people believe in you! Me aaaa-nd my little Michelin star pupil.” Isaac replied.

“Seriously? That's a relief. I was worried that they wouldn't have the patience to work with me.” Bradley said as he followed the ram into the classroom.

“Oh no! In fact he's happy to help. He should be just about finished setting up the classroom for the lesson that I'm having here while you two are away in Spoonerville.” Isaac said as sat the boxes down on a nearby table.

Looking inside Bradley saw that there was another person, a canine young man from the looks of it, placing various bowls and kitchen utensils on the professor's table at the front of the class with his back turned. He had shoulder length black hair that was in a messy bun, floppy long ears and rocked a grunge, scene aesthetic with his clothes. Bradley couldn't help but narrow his eyes in familiarity at the other dog. Why did he look like someone he knew? He quickly got his answer when the person turned around, likely to greet them, and the senior's eyes widened in surprise.

“Freshman!?” Bradley asked in shock as he looked at none other than Max Goof. The Labradoodle in question blinked slowly, as if taking the time to fully register who was talking to him before his own jaw dropped.

“Brad!?” Max asked back in equal shock. But Isaac seemed oblivious to the surprise the two young men shared.

“Maximilian, so good to see you! Braaaa-dley here will be your sous-chef for the day. Aaaa-nd rest assured, young Uppercrust, you're in safe oven mitten covered haaaa-nds with Max.” The stocky older man said, smiling up at his students before he gasped in realization. “Oh shears! Pardon my language, boys, but I forgot the saffron in my car. I'll be right back!”

And with that, the professor hurried out of the room. Leaving the two canines alone.

“Huh. I guess it really is a small world after all. When Mr. Fletcher told me that I'd be helping a fellow classmate out he never told me it was you.” Max said.

“And he never told me that the star student of this class was you. But I've never seen you in here with us in the morning.” Bradley replied with a confused expression.

“I take home economics at night. It fits in better with my schedule.” Max explained.

“Ew. There's a night class for this?” Bradley asked with a look of displeasure that made Max chuckle.

“Of course. Sometimes you come home late – and you gotta crunch numbers for the house's budget for the week and prep for dinner the following day.” Max replied.

“The number crunching I can understand. I chose criminal justice for my major, and I know I'll be dealing with a lot of numbers and burning the midnight oil to get through most of them. But cooking at night? Prepping at that? Not in the job description.” Bradley stated with a sound shake of his head.

“Fair enough. But for me, it's definitely going to be in my job description for my major.” Max said.

“What major did you choose?” Bradley asked in a curious tone.

“Culinary arts. I know it sounds weird, especially coming from me. I still want to become a professional extreme sports athlete. But I wanted to have a fail-safe secondary career when I'm too old to do an Ollie. And with culinary arts? I don't know. Something about being a chef, cooking for other people. The thought just made me smile. Probably because I learned a lot about cooking from dad. And I'd help P.J.'s mom with cooking sometimes growing up.” Max explained with a fond smile.

“I see. Well no, Max, that's not a weird major to have at all. In fact, it suits you.” Bradley said with a smile.

“Heh, thanks. Criminal justice suits you, too. Was that a personal choice or a family tradition?” Max asked.

“A personal choice, believe it or not. Mother and father were on the apprehensive side given how people in such a line of work tend to be the targets of society's great unwashed. But I assured them that I'd be practicing law and, at best, would be a judge presiding over a murder case. Not serving as the arresting officer capturing said murderer.” The Saluki explained.

“Ah, that makes sense. Kind of a shame though.” Max said.

“What do you mean?” Bradley asked in surprise.

“Oh nothing. I just think you'd make a great cop. You're fit enough for subduing suspects and chasing them. And, well, you know how people love a man in uniform.” Max said with a wink as he walked past Bradley to continue setting up for the class.

Thank heavens Max moved out of Bradley's line of vision. Otherwise, the younger male would have seen the senior's face flush a slightly pinker variant of his burgundy cardigan. Bradley would have to check to see if the police academy would allow for try-outs next week. To get extra credit for his major, of course. Quickly composing himself Bradley went to help Max finish setting up.

“So then, will it just be us running this special class in Spoonerville?” Bradley asked as he walked over to the cabinet and grabbed several straining ladles.

“Nope! Just you and me on this mission. But it's just a bunch of high school students we'll be working with, not really young kids. So it should be pretty easy to handle. Honestly I'm glad it's just us. We almost had an unwanted third wheel come along.” Max said with a groan as he began to place down a wooden spoon on each table.

“Yeah? Who?” Bradley asked as he took out the rubber spatulas and began to place them on the tables.

“Eric Covington.” Max replied. At the mention of the name Bradley almost cracked the marble surface of the table from the force in which he slammed the spatula on it before whipping around to Max.

“Ex-cuse me?! Eric Covington? The same horn dog that would hump a damn tree if it had curves? That Eric Covington was going to go with us?!” Bradley asked in outrage as he felt his blood boil. He wasn't angry at Max, but angry at the very notion of a sexual degenerate like Eric being so much as a yard near Max.

“H-Hey, hey! Calm down Brad! I said 'we almost had an unwanted third wheel come along'. Almost! He's not coming, I promise!” Max stated, walking up to Bradley to lay comforting hands on his shoulders to calm him as he saw the Saluki immediately get riled up and his fur frizz out. It kind of reminded him of how the characters in those Japanese animated movies made by that popular director would react and how their hair would frizz out whenever they were scared, happy or angry. Thankfully Bradley did calm down and his fur flattened out as he took a deep breath then breathed out. Bradley then looked to Max and laid his own hands-on top of the gloved ones.

“I'm sorry, Max. I didn't mean to freak out like that. It's just...after that little showdown with Eric at the Bean Scene the last thing I want is to see his face. Or for his face to be around yours.” Bradley said, looking somewhat ashamed by his reaction. Of course he genuinely despised the English Foxhound. But he didn't want Max to see that ugly side of him ever again if he could help it.

“Well you don't have to worry about that happening anytime soon. The jackass changed majors a week after Tank and the guys sent him flying out the cafe.” Max replied as he turned back to gather the last of the utensils to set out.

“Changed majors? Oh wait, I think Bobby did mention to me how Covington spoke of being in the same major as you when you first met him. He was actually in culinary arts?” Bradley asked, looking completely astounded.

“He sure was. And knowing what I know now – he probably only took it up for sexual innuendos and to pick up notches on his belt. As it turns out he was on thin ice with Mr. Fletcher, too.” Max explained as he set out the whisks on each table.

“Seriously? Ha, he must have really been pushing his luck then. Mr. Fletcher is usually pretty mellow.” Bradley said as he continued to set out the rest of the rubber spatulas.

“Well he has a long fuse, sure. But it can still burn out the same as a short fuse does. And after I told Mr. Fletcher about what happened at the Bean Scene that day and how uncomfortable I felt around Eric that was the chef's twine that broke the butcher's back. Mr. Fletcher actually ended the evening lesson short and barely waited for all of us to leave the classroom before he started letting Eric have it.” Max replied further as he turned to face Bradley after he placed down the last whisk.

“Whoa! Now I wish I did take the evening class. Sounds like it was quite the spectacle.” Bradley said with a grin.

“It would have been the most bought pay-per-view show on TV, that's for sure. Me and the rest of the evening class students stood outside watching. None of us could believe what we heard. The cursing, the screaming. I don't think I've heard someone use the F-word that many times outside of a rap song before in my life.” The Labradoodle said with a shake of his head.

“Disgraceful! Was Mr. Fletcher offended?” Bradley asked with a concerned frown. Covington sure had some nerve to be that shameful.

“Only when Eric said the cans he chews on are probably less dirty than the words that came out of his mouth.” Max replied with an amused shrug of his shoulders.

This made Bradley do a double take a blink in surprise. Mr. Fletcher, the man who put the 'mild' in 'mild-mannered', was the one who was cursing at Eric? Not the other way around? But then again, since this was the same man who Bradley once saw driving to the university while playing death metal music on full blast as he drove into his assigned faculty parking space, happily bobbing his head to the beat, before casually turning off his car and walking off to his class the Saluki supposed he shouldn't be too surprised by this revelation.

After setting up the classroom for the campus' home ec lesson Isaac had given Max and Bradley their lesson plan for what they'd be teaching at the high school in Spoonerville for their home ec class. The bus had arrived with the engine letting off its signature hiss as it came to a stop before opening its doors to let the previous passengers off, and let the new ones come in. P.J., Vicky and Bobby all bid Max goodbye with the tuxedo cat telling his best friend to let his parents and little sister know how he's doing and to say that he and Vicky will visit for Christmas. Max promised to pass along the message. For his part Bobby begged Max to go to their favorite convenience store and get him his favorite snacks there, which he was also happy to oblige in doing. The Gammas were also present in seeing their leader off, doing their secret handshake and giving goodbyes. But before Bradley boarded Tank whispered to him.

“Tell him, Bradley! You'll both alone and in his hometown. Makin' new memories in the place he grew up in and all that Shakespearean junk. Ya can't ask for a better opportunity to say the L-word.” Tank whispered encouragingly.

“Believe me, Tank, I'm well aware of the gift horse I'm presented with. And I won't look it in the mouth. Come what may – I won't come back from this project without telling Max how I feel. You can believe that.” Bradley whispered back.

“Brad! You ready to go?” Max called out from the bus in question.

“Be right there!” Bradley called back then turned back to Tank. “Wish me luck, big guy!”

“Ya don't need it, baby. You're the King. And when you come back little Maxie will be your Consort sharing the throne with ya right on your lap.” Tank said with a grin added with a chuckle from the other Gammas.

“Shhh!” Bradley hushed with an embarrassed blush, but unfortunately Max caught some of their conversation.

“Huh? What did you say, Tank?” Max asked.

“Just tellin' Bradley ta bring some cupcakes if you guys make any extras! Happy cooking, Maxie sweetheart!” The large bulldog called out in a cheery voice, skillfully lying as he waved to Max along with the other Gammas.

“Ha, sure thing! I think we can pull that off! Let's go, Bradley. I want to beat traffic to Spoonerville. It's a small town but the road there is Hell if you let the afternoon rush creep up on you.” Max said.

“Yeah, I'm coming!” Bradley called with a nervous smile, then quickly whipped around to glare at his Gamma brothers to mouth 'I'm going to kill you all' as he made a slicing motion across his throat with his finger. But Tank, Boris, Slouch, Kevin, Federico and Shades all put their hands together like they were praying and looked up the sky with phony innocent expressions, acting like the little cherubs they most certainly weren't. The senior rolled his eyes and hastily got on board the bus just as the doors closed and the large vehicle drove off with its passengers, and everyone waved the bus off for the last time as it headed for Spoonerville.

Little did Bradley know, however, getting there would be half the battle...

The ride to Spoonerville was somewhat uneventful, but otherwise fun. Max and Bradley sat together in the middle section of seats on the bus and Max took the time to show Bradley a nice cookbook for beginners since, as the senior bashfully admitted, his knowledge of cooking was severely limited. But Max was patient and understanding – showing Bradley basic breakfast, lunch, appetizer, dinner and dessert recipes that he could make. Here and there Max would geek out about the different variants you can take with certain recipes, then he would turn sheepish as he calmed down and apologized for sounding so nerdy. But Bradley assured him that it was perfectly alright. He could listen to the Labradoodle ramble all day long. Of course Bradley didn't tell him that part. Still he took heed of the pointers Max gave him as he went over the cookbook with him. Before they knew it the bus came to a stop and the driver turned around to look at the passengers.

“We're here, folks. Good ol' Spoonerville. Everyone off.” The old calico cat said to the seven passengers.

Everyone got up and began to gather their luggage, with Bradley and Max doing the same. As he got his backpack Max looked out the windows as he and Bradley made their way off the bus, and once they disembarked the sunshine overwhelmed him a bit. But once he got used to it Max was greeted by a sight that he hadn't seen in what felt like years – when it has only been eight in a half months. Before him was Spoonerville in all its vibrant, colorful glory. It was almost like he had never really left what with the stores, restaurants and houses all looking the same as before. Yet at the same time there were many new faces in contrast. Adults that he had known as a child had gotten older, kids he grew up with were now young adults like him and there were even some new people whom the Labradoodle had never met before. It was both familiar yet so different. It really brought a smile to Max's face.

As for Bradley, he was taking in the sights in a way not unlike how a certain girl with ruby slippers from Kansas took in the Land of Oz when she first landed with her little dog. He wasn't in Welig University anymore, that's for sure. But he wasn't mad about it. Not at all. The place was so...picturesque. Literally. The bus stop alone looked like a scene from the picture books his parents would read to him and his sister when they were children. And the people, they all looked so happy and genuine. None of the smiles were facsimiles trying to angle for personal gain that Bradley has grown used to seeing. They were smiling just to smile. And the buildings were inviting and warm, much like the Donnelly's diner was or the Saluki's own childhood home. Not the cold Wall Street financial buildings where Bradley, his parents and grandfather have rubbed elbows with fellow elites many times in the past. If this was the type of scenery Spoonerville had to offer, maybe this extra credit project wouldn't be so bad.

From there Max led Bradley to Spoonerville High pretty quickly. Not only because he knew where it was, but because the school was literally twenty blocks away from the bus stop. Bradley was glad he brought his skateboard along at Max's suggestion as it made the trek there faster. As they skated down the sidewalk many people recognized Max and greeted him. Many former neighbors and classmates waved to him and stopped to have a quick chat, which he was happy to indulge them and even introduced them to Bradley. Ever the charmer Bradley would give the usual bow and even a kiss of the hand where it was needed. People were left in awe of him, of course. But what really made the Saluki preen was how Max would smile at how nicely Bradley treated his old neighbors and childhood companions. What better way to impress upon a love interest than to show respect for their roots?

Finally the young men made it to Spoonerville High and noticed a small welcome reception waiting for them at the school entrance. Or more specifically waiting for Max – as they were holding up a sign that said “Welcome back, Max Goof”. It looked like two teachers, one male and one female and both dogs like them, and an older bobtail cat gentleman who was likely the principal. The young men slowed down their skateboards and came to a stop before dismounting as they continued their approach in a slower walk.

“You should have told me to bring my autograph book, freshman. I didn't realize you were a town celebrity.” Bradley teased which made Max chuckle.

“Ha, ha! Nah, it's nothing like that. I was just a kid who liked to go anywhere and everywhere I could. And I talked everyone's ear off. But I didn't think my old teachers would be happy to see me. I was kind of a rebel without a cause back then.” Max said as he walked over, greeting the bobtail older gentleman first. “Hello, Principal Manx. Long time, no see.”

“Maximilian! It's so good to see you again! And it's not Principal Manx. Remember? You promised that if you started teaching here, you'd call me Gilbert.” The bobtail said with a wide smile.

“Ha! That's true. But I'm not technically teaching here, sir. Just helping out the real teacher with the lesson for the today.” Max clarified with a wink.

“Chickens and eggs, dear boy! You're a teacher for the day as far as I'm concerned. As such, allow me to introduce you to your short-term coworkers. Or I suppose, reintroduce you is the appropriate term. You remember Mrs. Lydia Beaumont from history.” Gilbert said, gesturing to the Pomeranian woman.

“Of course. I can never forget the woman who took time out of her day to help me look for a reference book I lost before it was overdue at the school library.” Max said with a smile as he held out his hand to shake with the female teacher who smiled kindly as she returned the gesture.

“It's my job to aid my students, Max. Even when I'm not technically teaching. Besides I owed you one for going into the sewers to get my great grandfather's lucky silver dollar after I had dropped it.” Lydia said.

“And of course Mr. William Atkins from math insisted on being here to greet you above anyone else.” Gilbert said as he gestured to the Dobermann man.

“Naturally, mien friend. I regrettably missed seeing young Maximilian off at his high school graduation. I can at least be present for his return to our school halls to teach a class. Even if it's just for a day.” William replied with a warm smile as he shook Max's hand as well.

“Don't beat yourself up about that, Mr. Atkins. You had to attend your son's wedding. And that was more important. It's good to see you again.” The Labradoodle greeted. Just then Principal Manx took notice of Bradley and turned to him.

“Oh, do pardon me! I forgot that Isaac said he'd be sending along a second student as well. Welcome to Spoonerville! It's a pleasure to meet you, lad!” Gilbert greeted to the Saluki as he held out his hand.

“Thank you very much, sir. I'm Bradley Uppercrust the 3^rd. It's an honor to be here in Max's hometown.” Bradley replied as he firmly shook the bobtail's hand.

“Hello there. We hope that you'll enjoy your time here, Bradley. Even though we're not a big city Spoonerville's got a lot to offer. Both with places to see and people to meet.” Lydia said with a smile.

“Indeed! You may even find that you'll want to come here again for a leisurely trip before your assignment here is over.” William added.

“Oh trust me, I'm already quite charmed by Spoonerville. And I'm sure Max will show me a lot more to be amazed by.” Bradley said with a smile to the freshman.

“Sure, but first thing's first. We have a classroom to prep for.” Max said, immediately going into chef mode.

“Of course! We've held you boys up long enough. Miss Aubrey is on the second floor. Suite 38 like always. She'll be so happy to see you and hear that you've taken up culinary arts as a major, Maximilian. Just give a holler if you lads need anything. Like taste tasters.” Gilbert said with a smack of his lips.

“Principal Manx, didn't your brother and sister-in-law put you on a diet? Again?” Lydia asked with a raised eyebrow.

“What those busy bodies don't know won't hurt them!” Gilbert stated as he walked off to which Lydia rolled her eyes while William muttered some exasperated words in German as both teachers followed after their boss.

“So what do you think?” Max asked with an amused grin to the senior.

“They're certainly an interesting cast. I can only imagine what the rest of the staff is like.” Bradley said.

“Trust me, you ain't seen anything yet. Just wait until you meet Miss Aubrey.” Max said as he led the way onto the school grounds and into the building.

Max was amazed he still knew the layout of the high school so well, as it's been almost three years since he's been inside this building. But he skillfully made all the right turns, ascended the correct floors and went down the exact halls to get to where he needed to go. It felt really nostalgic, too, seeing the old lockers that he and his friends used to stand by and put their own books and knick knacks into. Now a new generation of kids were occupying them. Heh, Max thought with a smile on his face. He sounded like his dad thinking that. But he couldn't help but wonder. Were the new kids in his, P.J. and Bobby's old lockers as good of friends as they all are? Were they making plans to go to the same college together in the future as they did? The thought made Max smile all the more. And it kind of made him wonder if maybe, perhaps, what plans his own rugrats would make in these same hallways...

“...ax? Max...? Max!” Called out a voice that suddenly rang loudly in Max's loppy ears.

“H-Huh!?” Max asked in a startled tone, blinking and looking to his right to see Bradley staring at him with a confused face and slightly worried expression.

“Are you okay? You suddenly stopped halfway to the classroom and just stared at those old lockers.” Bradley said.

“Oh, sorry. I was just reminiscing is all and...I don't know. Guess I just started thinking about what could be.” Max said with a shrug of his shoulders.

“Really? Like what?” Bradley asked, now curious.

“It's nothing. Just lame stuff.” Max said, looking away with an embarrassed smile.

“Come on, I can keep a secret. Tell me.” Bradley said with a smile of his own. After fiddling with his shirt Max finally looked up and responded.

“Well...I was just thinking about what it'd be like...if I had a kid of my own coming here. To this school, I mean. Learning from the same teachers I did, maybe even using my same old locker.” Max said, smiling at the thought.

“You want to have children?” Bradley asked in surprise.

“Yeah. I always have, really. I want a nice little family to call my own. A kid to call me daddy who I can be a good role model for and hangout with. Married someone who I can love and grow old with, while we raise them into a good adult.” Max said, the smile on his face growing fonder at the thought.

At this, Bradley's own mind began to wander. He hadn't considered having children himself. Didn't even consider having a relationship until he met Max, really. But now, hearing the way Max describes it, the idea sounded...nice. It was a type of domestic simplicity he never thought he could apply to himself – but with Max in the picture he could see it working. And almost immediately the cozy image vividly began to paint itself. Bradley, a successful trial lawyer by now, would come to their modest yet elegant house on their private estate after convincing a trust fund airhead to drop a frivolous lawsuit against a cafe barista for having the same designer shoes as her. The land would have lots of wide-open space and a ramp in the backyard where Max and Bradley both could do kick-flips into their golden years.

And the first thing to greet him as he walked into the door would be two children. He figured Max would want more than just one child, and as they would have to adopt, he didn't really place a specific species to them. Just two young, bright smiles looking up and calling him 'papa'. The next thing he would notice would be the wonderful smells coming from the kitchen, which would prompt the children to start pulling Bradley towards the kitchen as they excitedly told him about their day and what 'daddy' was cooking. And then, standing before a hot stove with gorgeous shoulder-length raven hair kept in a bun behind two pierced loppy ears, would be a certain skater Goof. And he would turn around just as he was tasting whatever delicacy he had finished cooking, smile to the Saluki and say...

“Dude, why are you spacing out like that?” Max's voice asked, but the voice asking the question sounded a bit younger than the Max in his vision.

Immediately Bradley snapped back to reality, blinking a few times, and then looked to see the actual Max before him. He wasn't cooking, and there weren't two young children leading him into the kitchen after Bradley came home from work. They were still in the hallway of Spoonerville High – just outside of the home economics class.

“Ah.” Was all Bradley said when he realized the reality of the situation.

“Are you okay? You kind of spaced out while we were talking. Heh, I guess it was pretty lame after all.” Max said with an embarrassed chuckle.

“No!” Bradley spoke out immediately, which took Max and some passing students by surprise. He quickly composed himself, clearing his throat and responded more calmly. “I mean, it's not lame at all Max. In fact – I think you'd make a great parent. And an even greater husband to whomever is fortunate enough to put a ring on your finger.”

To this, Max blinked in surprise as a blush slowly but surely crept up on his snout. He then gave a happy but shy smile as he looked down at his sneakers and playfully punched Bradley in the arm.

“Ah, quit it! The small-town air is just making you feel all mushy. Come on – let's get going. We kept Miss Aubrey waiting long enough.” Max said as he walked into the classroom.

Oh Max, Bradley thought longingly, if only you knew that his 'mushy' feelings had nothing to do with the small-town air. But admitting that will have to wait. Right now Bradley's ability to graduate was on the line. With a deep sigh and putting on a confident bravado the senior followed Max inside the classroom. Best foot forward! The pair entered the room just in time to see Miss Aubrey, a blonde Golden Retriever zipping from one end of the classroom to the other. She didn't appear frazzled, though. More like she was just very excited and moving about with a hyper gait to her movements. Clearly, she was one of the livelier teachers of the faculty. Just as she had turned to set down a large mixing bowl on one of the many desks, it seemed like Miss Aubrey noticed the two young men and turned to look at them. She obviously recognized Max as her green eyed widened in surprise and she gasped in awe.

“Well great gingersnaps, if it isn't Max Goof!” Aubrey exclaimed as she sat down the other items she was carrying and rushed over to give Max a hug. “You're a sight for sore eyes! And I do mean sore. Pardon me, deary. I think I got some cream of tartar in my eyes.”

“Heh, heh. You haven't changed one bit, Miss Aubrey. It's good to see you, too.” Max said with a chuckle as he hugged the older woman back.

“Goodness, I can't believe it's only been eight in a half months since you left. You already look like you've changed so much. Yet still so much the same.” Aubrey said as proud tears were pricking at her eyes.

“Aww, don't cry Miss Aubrey. I'm still the same old Goof pup. Just a bit taller. Anyway, this is Bradley Uppercrust the 3^rd. He's a senior at the college I go to and he's going to be helping out with the assignment.” Max said, stepping aside so that Bradley could properly see the teacher.

“A pleasure to meet you, Miss Aubrey.” Bradley said as he held out his hand which Aubrey accepted and firmly shook.

“The pleasure is all mine, Bradley. I hope that you'll find this class to be a fun time! And you boys are more than welcome to take any excess goodies we make today with you when the school day is over.” Aubrey said.

“Well Tank and the guys will be happy then.” Bradley said with an amused roll of his eyes.

“Now then, it's about time for the students to start filing in. Max – would you mind marking attendance as they come in?” Aubrey asked as she gave Max a clipboard.

“Sure thing, Miss Aubrey.” Max said as he took the clipboard then looked to Bradley. “You ready?”

“Like a sponge with square pants.” Bradley replied, then immediately cringed upon realizing what he said and looked to see that Max was already smirking at him from ear to ear.

“Why Bradley, I didn't know you were such a man of culture.” The Labradoodle teased.

“Not by choice! My younger sister watches that stupid cartoon show, and my parents made me watch a marathon of it with her. Just take the attendance, freshman!” Bradley stated and walked off with a pout to stand by the teacher's desk which made Max chuckle.

Without further delay, several dozen teens piled into the room in a flurry of chattering and colorful backpacks. As they walked past him Max called each name, and each student replied. But then as he closer to the end of the list one name in particular caught his attention.

“P...Wait...Pistol Pete!?” Max asked in surprise as he looked up from the list.

The call of the name made the owner whip around in surprise, and a head of ginger hair in all too familiar pigtails was looking dead at Max. Only now instead of a four-year-old orange tabby it was a fourteen-year-old orange tabby. The two stared at each other in shock before Pistol grinned widely and shouted.

“MAXIE!” Exclaimed the teenager before she practically catapulted from where she stood to envelope Max in a bear hug. “I can't believe it's you! When Miss Aubrey said that a cool culinary arts major from college would teach the class, she didn't say it was gonna be you!”

Max was startled by the sudden embrace, but quickly hugged the young lady back and looked at Miss Aubrey in slight confusion. The woman grinned a bit mischievously and gave a shrug.

“I thought it'd be a nice surprise for young Pistol, since you're such great friends with the Pete family and all.” Aubrey said in response to Max's confusion.

“Heh, I see. Well it's great to see you too, Pistol. You've sure grown up a lot. P.J. says hi by the way. We got a lot to catch up on after class.” Max said with a smile.

“You bet! You're not leaving town before we've had a proper talk, mister!” Pistol said with a grin, now sporting a full set of teeth and not having her once signature missing tooth like she used to as a child. Giving one last hug to Max the teenager hurried off to her seat and sat next to a fellow student/friend.

After wrapping up the attendance, Miss Aubrey introduced Max and Bradley to the students. Surprisingly enough a lot of the boys in the class knew of Bradley already from his exploits as an X-Games champion. And likewise knew of Max from having won said tournament not long ago. So it helped to get a fair number of the students interested in listening to their new instructors. And with Pistol there she got the girls to listen – because if Pistol Pete liked these assistant teachers then they must be alright.

So began the assignment! The first course was breakfast; which was simple enough. Waffles, eggs and bacon. Although Bradley did get a little gun-ho with the hand mixer...

“Ah! The third speed setting should do the trick.” Bradley said as he started to turn up the speed.

“Watch it, Brad. The speed on these mixers is pretty intense.” Max warned as he was helping two students with their hand mixer, turning it to the lowest speed as they were mixing their waffle batter.

“Oh, pshaw Max. It's a hand mixer! How intense...” The Saluki didn't even finish his sentence as the batter practically exploded when he turned the speed to three, the beaters spinning at lightning motion as the batter went flying into Bradley's face.

Max was quick to turn off the hand mixer and grabbed a towel to wipe off spots to reveal the senior's eyes and mouth. Bradley blinked in shock as he slowly turned to look into Max's grinning face. In the background the students and Miss Aubrey were struggling to hold back their laughter.

“Can it be, were you going to say?” Max asked as he held out the towel to Bradley to finish wiping his face.

“...I've been wrong before.” Came the defeated reply as Bradley took the towel and wiped the rest of his face off.

Alright, not so simple. But lessons were learned! Slow and steady wins the race. Next course was lunch. Tacos with a side salad. Only slightly more complex, but not by much. No problem!

“Pay close attention, guys and gals! We're going to be dealing with authentic Mexican peppers here. So if you're not used to anything hotter than your average bottle of hot sauce, I don't recommend eating these raw.” Max said as he chopped a Serrano pepper into fine pieces.

“Uh, Mr. Goof?” A falcon teen asked as he came over to Max with a concerned expression.

“What's up, buddy?” Max asked, pausing his chopping.

“I think Mr. Uppercrust tasted one of the peppers raw.” The falcon said.

“Huh? What makes you say that?” Max asked.

The sound of strangled coughs and huffing made the Labradoodle look to more the left and sure enough, Bradley's tawny brown fur was now a bright red from heat as he was gasping for air and banging his fist on the table in agony. Other students surrounded him and fanned him with their notepads in an attempt to cool him down. Looking at the table Max saw a half-eaten Habanero pepper. A sign of the obvious pain the Saluki was currently experiencing.

“Oh. Just a guess.” The falcon replied with a deadpan expression.

“...Pistol, could you please get some ice cream?” Max asked with a tired yet amused expression.

“Vanilla bean or strawberry?” Pistol asked as she took off her apron and went to the ice box.

Okay. So it doesn't always pay to taste test the ingredients, depending on your tolerance level. Once again, lessons were learned. Last course – dinner. Roast chicken with mashed potatoes sauteed vegetables. Definitely the hardest part. Time to focus!

“Since the chicken will take the longest time to cook, that leaves us with time to work on the side dishes. Now then, when it comes to mashed potatoes adding milk or cream helps makes it fluffy and creamier.” Max said.

“Oh shoot!” Bradley exclaimed from his end of the table.

“What's the matter, Bradley?” Aubrey asked in concern as she came over.

“The mashed potatoes were going fine, but then I added something else completely wrong from milk or cream. Now they're ruined.” Bradley replied in a despondent tone.

“Hey, hold on a second Brad. Let's not give up hope yet. Did you even taste them?” Max asked.

“Tch. I don't have to. I know they're terrible. I mixed in whipped cream by mistake. No need to spare my feelings, Max.” Bradley said with a defeated scowl.

“Whipped cream? Well, that's not so bad. It's actually a substitute for milk and cream. Just not so common.” Max said.

“Really?” The senior asked in surprise.

“Yeah! Here, let me taste it.” Max said and took a sample spoon and took a taste of Bradley's mashed potatoes.

The students, Miss Aubrey and especially Bradley watched the freshman's reaction with anticipating expressions. Bradley felt his heart rate go up by ten beats every other minute – waiting to hear what Max would say. Finally his face broke out into a bright smile.

“Brad, that's really good! A bit sweeter than what I would normally expect in mashed potatoes, but I would seriously chow down on this for my side.” Max said.

“Let me try.” Aubrey said as she came over and took another sample spoon to take a bit, then after lapping up her bite she gave a smile. “Mmm! I agree, Bradley! This is truly delightful! And it would provide a nice contrast to the savoriness of the chicken and sauteed vegetables.”

Before long all of the students tried Bradley's mashed potatoes, and everyone voiced the same tones of agreement. They all liked the whipped cream substitute over the cream and milk. Bradley blinked at everyone as they all exclaimed their praise. And it took so much in himself not to cry. But not out of sadness, of course. They would be tears of joy. Still he didn't want to break down in front of a bunch of teenagers. Instead he settled for a large, grateful smile as he gave a gracious bow to the students and Miss Aubrey.

“Thank you, everyone. And thank you, Miss Aubrey. I'm glad that I didn't mess up one thing for this lesson.” Bradley said with.

Just then, the bell rang.

“Well, snap my sugar cane. There goes the bell, everyone. That's the end of home economics.” Miss Aubrey said.

“Aww!” The students all exclaimed in disappointment. They were clearly enjoying their time spent with Max and Bradley.

“Come now, don't pout. There's still the extracurricular activity after school. The dessert making! And today we'll be making chocolate chip and sugar cookies. Now I know you boys were only asked to help with the three-course assignment, but if you feel up for it, you're welcome to stay for that as well.” Miss Aubrey said.

“Please, Mr. Goof and Mr. Uppercrust! Pretty please!!” The students all exclaimed as they turned to the young adult canines with big, pleading eyes.

“Heh, heh. Well, Max, it seems like it's out of our hands.” Bradley said with a chuckle.

“Seems like it. I guess we'll be helping out with dessert, Miss Aubrey.” Max said.

“Yay!!” All of the teenagers cheered, giving each other a round of high-fives and fist-bumps.

A majority of the students left the classroom, while a few stayed behind to help Miss Aubrey clean up. Max and Bradley bid the teacher and remaining students goodbye for the time being and said they'd be on the school grounds if she needed them. The moment the classroom door was closed, the Saluki let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and almost hit the floor before he braced his hands on his knees as he sighed tiredly. Max gave a kind smile as he patted the senior on the back.

“How are you feeling, champ?” Max asked.

“Like I could do wall sits while holding a three-pound medicine ball and run five laps for a week straight before I do any of that ever again.” Bradley replied.

“But other than that, great, right?” Max asked again with a cheeky smile. Bradley looked up at Max with a light glare before laughing and standing up again.

“Well, it wasn't all that bad. Towards the end I did wow the crowd with my Mashed Potatoes Supreme.” Bradley said as he gave a proud smile and flipped back his hair.

“Mashed Potatoes Supreme? That's a pretty fancy title for an accident.” Max pointed out with a smirk.

“To quote your principal, chickens and eggs dear boy.” The senior said with a wave of his hand which made Max chuckle.

“Well, dear boy, let's hit the gym to unwind for a while until it's time for the extracurricular activity to start. I heard they installed an indoor rock-climbing wall. Loser who can't make it to the top has to separate the yolk from the egg whites!” The Labradoodle called out and stuck his tongue out as he ran off.

“Hey, no fair! You know where the gym is!” Bradley playfully yelled after Max while he chased after him.

Afterwards, Bradley was definitely able to unwind in his true element in the Spoonerville High gym. While it wasn't exactly state of the art like the Welig University Gym it did have a certain charm to it. The rock-climbing wall definitely was fun. Both he and Max wound up reaching the top in a tie, so Max agreed to help Bradley separate the yolks from the whites together. While they waited for the school day to let out Bradley felt himself getting anxious. He and Max were alone now – sitting under the maple tree behind the school with no students or teachers around. The opportunity was right there. He wasn't going to get a better chance.

'Tell him, Bradley!'. Tank's words of encouragement from earlier rang in his ears. It was the perfect moment.

“Say, Max?” Bradley asked carefully.

“Hm?” Asked the younger man as he was sipping on his juice box, looking up at the senior.

“I, um...I want to tell you something. Something very important.” Bradley said.

“Sure, Brad. You can tell me anything.” Max said as he sat the juice box down and turned to fully face Bradley with a bright, accepting expression.

Bradley was grateful that they were sitting on the grass, because that expression made him weak in the knees and would have surely made him fall down. But he had to be strong so that he could properly tell Max how he felt. Taking a deep breath Bradley looked Max in the eyes and started to speak.

“Max, I'm sure you've noticed that things between us have changed ever since the X-Games. And I'd say they've changed the better.” Bradley started.

“Yeah, I'd say so.” Max agreed with a nod.

“Right. Well, for me I would say that there's a significant change in the...dynamics between you and I.” Bradley said, gesturing between Max and himself.

“How do you mean?” Max asked as he cocked his head to the side in curiosity.

“I mean...” Bradley paused, the words sticking in his throat for a second. No, damn it. He had to say it. He had to! Swallowing down the nervousness the Saluki continued. “I mean, Max, that I lo...”

Of course, fate had decided to mess with Bradley a bit and chose that exact moment to have Pistol come around the corner of the building and call out to the pair.

“Ah, Max, Bradley! Miss Aubrey is ready to start the extracurricular activity for the dessert. But this bag of sugar is really heavy. Can you guys help us?” Pistol asked.

“Oh! Uh, just a moment Pistol. Brad was telling me something.” Max said called out.

“No, no! It's fine. Can't keep the cookies waiting.” Bradley said with a hard smile, which masked the utter frustration he felt inside as he screamed to the heavens. Why do the people in Max's life have impeccable timing for interrupting his tender moments with the Labradoodle?!

“Are you sure?” Max asked.

“Absolutely. We promised the kids, after all. And there's no time like the present. What I have to say can wait.” Bradley assured.

“Well, okay then. Cookies don't take that long to make. We'll get these done in a jiffy. Let's get this sugar. We're coming Pistol!” Max called out to the orange tabby and stood up along with Bradley.

The canines headed towards where Pistol stood and were a bit confused as she seemed to hurriedly push something back around the corner of the building before disappearing. But the two brushed it off, figuring it was some of the students who had a load of the ingredients needed for the cookies. Max and Bradley rounded the corner and just as the former was about to ask where the sugar was Max was ambushed by a flurry of confetti and his ears were assaulted by blasts of party horns followed by cheerful exclamations.

“SUR~PRISE!!” Yelled the voices.

Max's steps came to an immediate halt from the shock of the suddenness of what had happened. He blinked in shock as he registered his surroundings, specifically the people who yelled at him, and when he realized who they were his mouth dropped. Standing before him along with Pistol were none other than Pete, Peg, Sylvia and dear old dad Goofy. They even had Waffles and Chainsaw with them!

“D-Dad?” Was all Max managed to ask, he was so stunned.

“Hey, Maxie! Betcha didn't expect to see lil' old me.” Goofy said with a wide smile.

“To be fair, dear heart, I don't think he really expected to see any of us.” Sylvia pointed out with a giggle.

“When Pistol called and told us that you were the one teaching her home economics class, well we naturally had to rush over and surprise you!” Peg exclaimed cheerfully.

“Don't even ask us how we got these two rapscallions to get along and get in their carriers. I guess they knew that they'd see you and practically packed themselves in.” Pete said, gesturing to the grey stripped tabby cat and Dachshund he was holding.

“Meow!” Waffles exclaimed as she leaped from Pete's arms and jumped into Max's. Immediately the young man held his beloved family pet in a tender hug, and the cat quickly began to purr and rub against Max's face.

“Hi, Waffles! I missed you, too, girl! I can't believe I'd see you all here. This is a major surprise. I figured I'd see Peg and Pete when they would pick up Pistol, but I didn't think I'd see you and Sylvia, Dad.” Max said as he looked to Goofy.

“Ah-hyuck! Well I originally came to surprise Pete and Peg because I wanted to introduce them to Sylvia after we made a, tee hee, sudden pit-stop.” Goofy said as a blush crept on his face as he giggled and shyly rubbed his nose.

Max mouthed the words 'sudden pit-stop' in confusion. To this his father and Sylvia held up their hands and revealed two silver wedding bands with solitary diamonds. Once again, the Labradoodle's mouth dropped in shock before it broke out into a smile.

“No way! You guys actually got married!? I can't believe it! Dad, that's amazing!” Max yelled in joy as he rushed over and hugged his father, Waffles squirming out to wrap around the older Goof's shoulders.

“Aw, thanks Max! I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. But really – me and Sylvia thought of it at the last minute on the way here. We couldn't be happier, though. It was the best decision I made since I went back to college.” Goofy said with a bright smile as he reached up to scratch Waffles' chin.

“I'll second that.” Sylvia added with her own smile as she hugged her husband.

“Well, I can honestly say it's great to have you in the family Sylvia.” Max said as he took the librarian's hands into his and kissed them.

“Thank you, Max. I'm glad to be part of it.” Sylvia replied. Just then, Max remembered who he was with and turned around.

“Oh, yeah! Peg, Pete, I want you to meet someone! Dad and Sylvia already know him.” Max said and went to stand beside Bradley, who had remained silent since that first yell of 'surprise'. “This is Bradley Uppercrust the 3^rd. My senior and friend from college.”

“...Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Pete. It's nice to meet you both. And... it's good to see you again, Mr. Goof.” Bradley said awkwardly.

By the Disciples of Christ. Is this some kind of divine karmic joke? Was it not enough that he was failing home ec as an elective? Was God not satisfied with seeing Bradley make an utter fool of himself during the first two courses of the assignment earlier? Didn't he get a kick out of having Pistol interrupt his first attempt to confess his deep love to Max? Apparently not. Apparently, none of that was enough. Apparently the third of his name had to suffer a fate more gruesome than what a certain Greek on his odyssey endured at the hands of a certain Greek God who brought the thunder upon him. And what better way to make Bradley squirm than to bring him face to face with Goofy Goof – the man whose son he almost killed in an act of petty one-sided rivalry? And who's same son he's now in love with and wishes to confess to?

“Oh yeah, Uppercrust. That's just fan-freaking-tastic! Like Mr. Goof is going to allow that. Let his son date someone who's one unconscious body away from being a damn murderer. Just because I took him out to dinner and a pop-up carnival doesn't change that I almost killed him a fire. No real father is going to overlook that! God, he's coming over to me! What do I do? What do I say? Just be cool, Bradley. Whatever happens, I'll throw myself at his mercy. If he wants to punch me, I'll allow it. It's the least I can allow after everything I did.” Bradley thought to himself, his thoughts a whirlwind as Goofy walked over towards him and Max, his arm raising up in what was like slow motion in Bradley's panicking eyes.

But to his complete shock, instead of getting new black eye, Goofy took his hand and vigorously shook his arm.

“Bradley! Good to see ya, son! I'm glad that you're out of the hospital. Max told me you only had minor injuries, and you're back to skating again. And Pistol told me that you were really great in her home ec class. You're really on the up and up. I'm proud of you, son. Ah-hyuck!” Goofy said, letting out his signature laugh at the end.

By the end of his words, Bradley was totally flabbergasted. He didn't know what to think. He didn't know what to say. This encounter did not go how he thought it would. It wasn't the heated, expletive-filled reunion where Goofy would forbid Bradley from ever being within the same state as Max let alone date him. The older man wasn't looking down him, saying that the Saluki's attempts at redemption were pathetic and that he'd never be good enough for his son. No. He was accepting him with open arms. He was kind. Truly, like father like son. What is it with Spoonerville people trying to make you cry tears of joy? Again Bradley had to steel his emotions before he smiled and nodded to Goofy.

“Thank you, Mr. Goof. That means the world to me coming from you.” Bradley said.

“Well that's enough chatter, boys! These cookies aren't going to make themselves!” Pistol said, grabbing Max and Bradley's wrists as she pulled them away.

“That's my little CEO in the making. Always taking charge.” Pete said, wiping away a proud tear from his eye while Peg patted her husband on the shoulder in comfort while Chainsaw licked his face.

And back to the home economics classroom the college students went. This time, though, Bradley found himself going there in much higher spirits. Maybe it was because he was genuinely having fun cooking with the students. Maybe it was because Goofy greeted him so warmly. Maybe it was both. Either way – the senior felt a confidence that both warmed his heart and fueled his drive. Bradley meticulously separated the yolks from the egg whites, browned the butter, chopped the chocolate bars to mix into the batter and this time he made sure to set the hand mixer onto the lowest speed setting. And the whole while Max stood by his side helping, smiling that big old dopey smile he loved so much. Miss Aubrey even had some new cookie cutters she let them use. And coincidentally one of the shapes was a skateboard! Max and Bradley made full use of it and baked extra cookies to take back for their friends. While not cupcakes as Tank joked about Bradley knew that the Gammas would hardly say no to anything sweet.

Once they were done, all of the cookies came out to golden and chewy perfection! Dozens upon dozens of chocolate chip and sugar cookie goodies in various shapes from classic rounds to different shapes from the different cutters the students used. Of course, Principal Manx came and 'volunteered' his services as a taste tester despite Mrs. Beaumont and Mr. Atkins trying to remind their boss of his diet. The students were so delighted and all smiles. And Miss Aubrey herself was just in tears of joy.

“By the love butter of biscuits, this has been the best home ec class we've ever had. I've never seen the students have such fun. And I owe it all to you boys. You have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you both so much!” Aubrey exclaimed with a happy cry as she hugged Max first, then hugged Bradley.

“No need to thank us, Miss Aubrey. We had fun being here.” Bradley said with a wide smile.

“Yeah. It was really great coming back to Spoonerville, too.” Max said.

“Well you know not to be a stranger, Max. You're more than welcome to come back any time. And you can definitely bring Bradley along. Just mind yourself around the equipment from now on, young man.” The Golden Retriever woman said with a teasing wag of her finger to Bradley who gave an embarrassed laugh.

“Don't worry, ma'am. I learned my lesson there. Your teachings were very helpful.” Bradley said.

“That's good to hear, Bradley. And you'll be happy to know that you've earned enough extra credit to get a passing grade for your elective. So you'll be graduating with the rest of the seniors this year at Welig.” Aubrey said with a bright smile.

“Really!? Thank you so much, Miss Aubrey!” Bradley exclaimed with a smile as he shook the woman's hand. Just then Max turned his head up to look at the clock on the wall and gasped.

“Oh man, we better get going Brad! Our bus going to arrive soon.” Max said. Looking up at the clock Bradley made a sound of shock at seeing the time.

“Crud, you're right. Hey everyone, we have to get going! It's been fun!” Bradley called out to the class as he grabbed his backpack and skateboard.

“You guys be good and don't eat all those cookies at once! Or let Principal Manx eat too many!” Max called out with a smile as he grabbed the two tins of cookies that he and Bradley made for their friends along with his bag and his skateboard.

“Bye, Mr. Goof! Bye, Mr. Uppercrust!” The students called out.

“You boys get back safely! Thank you again!” Miss Aubrey called out as well.

Max and Bradley waved over their shoulders to the home economics class as they hurried out. As they made their way out of the building they passed by Lydia's class and bid farewell to her. And as they exited the building and got on their skateboards they sped past William as he biked down the sidewalk and called out to him with a nice goodbye. In no time at all they made it to the bus stop. But they had one last surprise. Waiting there for them were none other than Sylvia and Goofy, the latter of whom had his hands behind his back.

“Dad, Sylvia! What are you doing here?” Max asked as he dismounted from his skateboard.

“We wanted to give you both a little something before you left back for Welig.” Sylvia said.

“What is it? Holiday sweaters?” Bradley asked with a grin.

“Nope! Even better than that!” Goofy replied with a cheery smile and, with a flourish of his hands held out two small boxes. One was wrapped in red foil with a black ribbon that had Bradley's name on the tag and the other was wrapped with blue foil with a yellow ribbon that had Max's name on the tag. “Ta-da! Open 'em up! I saw them and just thought of you boys!”

Max and Bradley looked at each other before accepting the presents and carefully unwrapping the boxes. Inside the boxes were custom grip tapes. Max's grip tape had holographic detailing while Bradley's had lava detailing. Both younger canines gasped in surprise and smiled as they took out their respective grip tapes to examine them more closely.

“Wow, Dad, this is so sick! I love it! I can't wait to put this on my board!” Max said.

“You have exceptional taste, Mr. Goof. I am definitely impressed. Thank you.” Bradley said.

“Ah-hyuck! You're welcome, boys! I'm glad you like them.” Goofy said with a smile.

“And just in time. Here's your ride.” Sylvia said, pointing at the bus that was coming down the way road and slowly came to a stop before it opened its doors.

“Man, it feels like I'm saying hello just to say goodbye. I wish we had more time.” Max said to his father with a sad smile.

“Don't worry about it, Max. We'll have plenty of time to catch up when it's your Christmas break. But I'm glad we could spend a little time together. You take care, son.” Goofy said as he hugged Max real tight before letting him go onto the bus.

“Coming, Brad?” Max called out while boarding the bus along with the other passengers that were starting to come along.

“Uh, sure! Just let me check my shoes right quick.” Bradley called back before turning to Goofy. “Mr. Goof? Could I have a word with you?”

“Sure, Bradley! What is it?” Goofy asked back as he turned to look at the senior. Bradley suddenly felt a nervous lump form in his throat but swallowed it down as he spoke up.

“Sir...I wanted to...apologize. For everything that happened. Lying to you. Lying to Max. Turning you against him the way I did. Cheating at the X-Games...Hurting Max. It wasn't fair. It wasn't right. I can understand if you don't believe me. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't believe myself. But I am being sincere. I just wanted to tell you this, because you deserve to hear these words most of all. Truly, Mr. Goof, I am deeply sorry.” Bradley said.

Goofy stood there, silent. He stared at Bradley and said nothing. He didn't even blink. Sylvia likewise said nothing. Just looking back and forth between the younger man and her husband. Bradley felt himself get smaller and smaller under the gaze of the Labrador Retriever. Finally, though, the older man did something. But once again it wasn't an action Bradley was expecting. He expected an annoyed scoff or a punch. Not a bear hug and surprising strength from a man twice his age lifting Bradley off the ground with ease while being swung around.

“See there, Bradley? Was that so hard? Apology accepted! I knew you had a good heart in you somewhere! Better late than never.” Goofy said as he spun round and round for a while before he stopped and sat Bradley down. “I'll admit, I was mighty cheesed off with ya for the longest time after what you did to Maxie. He's my only son, after all. But when he told me how you were in the hospital, and you how cheered him up after that bad date he had, well I figured you couldn't be all that bad.”

“Wha-What? He told you about that?” Bradley asked in surprise.

“Sure! Max tells me just about everything. He even said how you wanted to apologize to me one day. And I figured it was just a matter of time. You're a good kid, Bradley. Just a little intense sometimes. You gotta lighten up.” Goofy said as he ruffled the Saluki's hair.

“Eh, heh, heh. I guess I do.” Bradley said awkwardly as he tried not to get upset over his ruined hair.

“Now dear heart, don't go embarrassing the boy.” The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel woman said as she quickly fixed up Bradley's hair, much to his relief.

“And I gotta say, from what Max told me about what happened at the cafe you handled that Covington fella better than I did. If I was there, it'd be very different.” Goofy said with a firm nod.

“Ha, I'm sure. You'd box his ears in, no doubt.” Bradley said with a smile.

“Gawrsh, you're real naive sometimes Bradley. If I was there, I'd beat that punk until he was black and blue!” Goofy stated with a smile, but his eyes were dark and serious which made Bradley stop smiling himself. He looked at Sylvia as if to ask if he was serious. But the librarian just gave a blank expression and shook her head. A silent warning of, 'don't ask if you know what's good for you'.

“R-Right. Ahem, well. Anyway. I'm glad that all is forgiven.” Bradley said.

“Of course! But one last thing before you go, son.” Goofy said.

“What is it?” Bradley asked. At this, the older canine leaned in and whispered to him.

“Take it from me; there's no better time to act on love like now. Tell Max how you feel. The worst he can say is no. But I don't think he will.” Goofy said before pulling away to give a wise smile to the now stunned senior.

“You...I...but I didn't...How did you...?!” Bradley's words started and stopped from shock, stupefied at the fact that Mr. Goof of all people knew that he was in love with his son.

“A father knows, Bradley.” Goofy replied with a wink.

“Brad! Did you tie yourself with those laces? We gotta go!” Max called from the bus. This snapped Bradley back to reality and he immediately called back.

“No, I got it! Here I come!” Bradley called back then quickly shook the older Goof's hand. “Thank you, Mr. Goof. Take care.”

And with that Bradley quickly boarded the bus, which closed its doors as it got on the road back to Welig University. Sylvia and Goofy waved it off as it watched the vehicle slowly become smaller and smaller down the road.

“Do you think he'll tell Max?” Sylvia asked.

“Yep.” Goofy replied.

“Do you think Max will say yes?” She asked again.

“Uh huh.” Goofy said again.

“How can you be so sure?” Sylvia asked.

“Let's just say, I know love when I see it.” Goofy said with a wink.

On the way back, Max and Bradley spent the trip talking about Spoonerville. Or rather Max was talking to Bradley about Spoonerville. He told him about all of the old escapades him, P.J. and Bobby got into and some of the restaurants there that he enjoyed. He also suggested that Bradley try making his Mashed Potatoes Supreme for the next school potluck. Bradley told him not to push his luck and that his cooking prowess is going as far passing his elective course. But he'd at least consider making it for a small dinner for friends, which Max said he'd hold him to.

But in between their talk and laughter, Bradley would occasionally think about Goofy's words of wisdom. About telling Max how he felt. It's true. The worst he could say is no. But what if that's all he says? What if all of these feelings were for nothing? What if he's only going to get heartache? What if...?

“Bradley? Are you okay?” Max's voice suddenly asked through his dark thoughts.

“Huh?” The senior asked in surprise, blinking his eyes as he came back to reality.

“We're back at the college. The bus stopped, but you didn't move. Are you okay?” Max asked.

“...Yeah! I'm just peachy. It's just that...I remembered what I wanted to tell you earlier back at the high school.” Bradley replied.

“Oh right. You did want to tell me something then. Well let's go to the skate park. It's probably deserted there now, and we can talk.” Max said as he grabbed his backpack and skateboard.

Alright, Bradley thought to himself. Now comes the moment of truth. Good or bad. He had to accept whatever the outcome will be...

Luckily the skate park was deserted. Everyone seemed to have gotten in their Ollie's and kick-flips for the day. So Max and Bradley just sat down on one of the ramps to talk. They just sat down for what felt like for an eternity, when in truth it was just one in a half minute.

“So...Max. Like I said before, there's a significant change in dynamics between you and I.” Bradley said.

“Yeah, there is. We're a lot closer than we used to be.” Max said.

“That's certainly true. And for me...I see you in a different way Max. I don't see you the way I used to when we first met.” Bradley admitted.

“Is that so? How do you see me then?” Max asked, leaning in curiously with a somewhat teasing grin. To this Bradley smiled lightly and leaned in as well.

“I see you, Max, as someone who I consider to be an equal. I see you as someone who I admire both for your skills and your character. And most of all, I see you as someone whom I have come to care a great deal for unlike any other person.” Bradley replied with great conviction.

With every word he spoke, Max's teasing grin dropped and turned into a shocked expression. His eyes started to widen, and a blush began to dust across his face. By the end of his sentence the younger man didn't pull back completely, but he did stand up straight and gulp down a bundle of nerves that he felt.

“Br-Brad. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that you were telling me that you love me.” Max said with a nervous chuckle as he brushed back his bangs, looking away.

“I do.” Bradley stated.

That made Max snap his eyes back up and look at the slightly older canine, who was now looking away himself. And his face had a much darker blush on his cheeks. Neither man said anything. Neither man moved. They just sat there on the ramp in the skate park – doing nothing. Finally Max spoke up.

“You...what?” Max asked carefully. Bradley closed his eyes, took in a deep breath then turned and looked at Max.

“I do love you, Max. I have for a long while now. Ever since you came and visited me at the hospital after the X-Games. I'm saying that I do love you, okay!? I've been wanting to tell you this for a long time, so now the balls in your court.” Bradley said.

There was silence. Max blinked once. Then a second time. He didn't say anything for such a long, long time. And Bradley was growing so anxious. At this point he was bracing himself for what was sure to be the most gut-wrenching rejecting he would ever hear. Then finally, Max spoke.

“...kiss you.” Came the words.

“Huh?” Bradley asked.

“If...if you mean it...does that mean I get to kiss you?” Max asked shyly as his blush began to match the same dark shade as Bradley's.

Now it was Bradley's turn to blink once, then twice. But this time he didn't stay silent for a long, long time. This time he burst out laughing.

“That's...seriously...what you were thinking about, freshman!?” Bradley asked between fits of laughter. Max glared at the senior but his blush made him look less threatening.

“Shut up! It's an honest question! I just wanted to make sure that you were serious and that it wasn't some one-off...” But Max's shout was cut off when Bradley suddenly embraced his lips in a tender kiss, wrapping his arms around his waist. Surprised by the intimate gesture and soon consumed by passion, the younger man wrapped his arms around Bradley's neck and melted into the kiss.

The kiss lasted for a good twenty seconds before the pair broke apart for air, Bradley licking his lips with a lustful expression in his eyes as he took in Max's own glazed-over expression.

“I promise you, Maximilian Goof, this is no one-off feeling for me. And every feeling you have from now on will be courtesy of yours truly.” Bradley whispered huskily as he leaned in for another kiss. Until...

“I told ya he'd make the first kiss! Pay up, losers!” Exclaimed a new voice that sounded an awful lot like a certain sunglasses wearing Gamma Bradley knew.

...What?

“Shut up, dude! They'll hear us!” Spoke a voice of a certain snack-munching pothead that Max is all too familiar with.

...Wait.

“Pretty sure they both heard both of you, fellas.” Said a big voice that both Bradley and Max are very well acquainted with.

…HEY!!

“To the Gammas whom I suspect are in those bushes, you have a ten second head start. To the friends of my new boyfriend whom I also suspect are in those bushes, your lives are spared. Gammas, RUN!” Bradley growled as he turned around to glare at the bushes.

Sure enough Tank, Slouch, Boris, Shades, Kevin and Federico all leaped out of a bunch of bushes and ran like the devil was nipping at their heels while P.J., Bobby and Vicky popped out to watch them flee.

“All's fair in love and money, baby! Congratulations all the same!” Tank called out.

“For what it's worth, boss, it was a bet in favor of you!” Shades added in.

“My ass!” Bradley yelled out to his Gamma brothers before turning to Max and rubbing his nose against his affectionately. “Would you mind if we called a rain check on this, Max?”

“Not at all.” Max said with a giggle.

And with that Bradley got on his skateboard to chase down his Gamma brothers, screaming all the way. Bobby, P.J. and Vicky meanwhile came over to join Max's side.

“Well, seems like you came back having had quite the adventure, Maximilian.” Bobby said with a knowing grin.

“Yeah. Something like that.” Max said as he gave a dreamy sigh.

“Eros couldn't have conjured a better love story if his arrows struck you both.” Vicky said.

“We're happy for you, Max.” P.J. said as he patted Max on the shoulder.

“Thanks, guys. So just out of curiosity; did you win the bet or lose?” Max asked with smirk.

“Me and Bobby lost, but Vicky won. Somehow, she and Shades guessed right that Bradley would make the first move for a kiss.” P.J. said, gesturing to his girlfriend who gave a smug flip of her hair.

“Heh, heh. Honestly it goes with the territory. Brad does like to strike while the iron is hot.” Max said.

“Just wait until I get my hands on you assholes!” Came the angry shout of one Bradley Uppercrust the 3^rd in the background.

The Goof Troop looked up and saw that Bradley had now picked up his own skateboard and was chasing his Gamma brothers and swinging it at them like a blunt object to try and hit them.

“Funny you should say strike, because it looks like Bradster is trying to make a home run out of the Gammas.” Bobby said.

“Oh my God, Brad! Put that down! My Dad just you new grip tape to put on it, remember!? Don't mess up your board with blood, dude!” Max called out to his boyfriend as he ran over to him.

Boyfriend? Heh. He could get used to saying that.