Chapter Text
As Bradley was starting to get back into the swing of things with skating, Max noticed that his synchronization was a tad off. Especially when he was skating with other people. Even though he told him that his physical therapy went well it was clear that there was still something of a mental block that no exercise of the body could fix. And the Labradoodle couldn't help but notice the way Bradley was frustrated with himself for not being able to skate with his Gamma brothers with the same perfect harmony as he used to prior to the X-Games. Even though Tank and the others were patient with him and assured him that he'll get back into the groove soon enough, that wasn't good enough for a perfectionist like Bradley. He wanted to get back into the groove now.
Max felt really bad. He wanted to help, but he wasn't sure how. And it was clear on his face – even to his friends.
“Hey Max, what's up?” P.J. asked with a concerned look as they sat under a tree, reading over their English Literature books for the upcoming test.
“Yeah, dude. You look like twenty degrees of bummed.” Bobby said in agreement, lifting up his sunglasses to show his full expression of similar worry.
“Huh? Oh, well, nothing's wrong with me. It's just...Brad seems so down that he can't sync up like he used to with the Gammas. And I can tell it's frustrating him. I just wish I could help. Especially after he got Eric to lay off.” Max said, recalling how the past two weeks have been bliss since said horn dog of an English Foxhound has been actively avoiding Max if he so much as catches him in his peripheral vision.
“Maybe he could try at physical therapy again? He could be having a relapse or something.” P.J. suggested.
“Could be. But I don't think it's it has to do with his body. He skates just fine on his own. Even does tricks. But with others...it's like something is blocking his mind.” Max explained.
“Mind issues, you say? Well look no further, Maximilian. For Bobby Zimmeruski has the perfect cure to what ails our new senior compadre.” Bobby stated with a confident smile as he reached into his backpack.
“It can't involve your 'secret ingredient brownies', Bobby.” Max immediately said with a deadpan expression. At this the terrier mix seemed to physically pause before he zipped up his backpack and shrugged.
“Then I got nothin'.” Bobby said honestly.
“Pfft! Well it's the thought that counts, so thanks anyway. I just wish a solution would walk up to me with a sign.” Max said. Sudden his vision was clouded by a piece of paper and manicured fingers.
“Not quite a sign, but would you settle for a flier daddy-o?” Asked Vicky from where she stood behind Max with a grin.
“Vicky!” P.J. exclaimed in joy as he stood up to greet his girlfriend with a hug who kissed him on the cheek in return. Max smiled at the couple and pulled his head back from the paper.
“Hey, Vicky. What's this flier?” Max asked as he took the offered flier from the Abyssinian poet's hand.
“The solution you asked to be walked over to you, of course. I just happened upon this on the promotion board on my way to study with you fellas. And I thought I'd tell you about in general. But now it sounds like this what you need to turn the Uppercrust's mood around before he gets so blue that his cardigan changes color.” Vicky explained.
Max's eyes scanned over the flier's signage, and with every word and picture he processed his eyes widened and his lips turned up into a smile. The freshman shot up to his feet and shook Vicky's hand.
“Thanks a million, Vicky! This is just what I need! You're amazing.” Max said with a grateful look.
“Think nothing of it. Believe it or not, I have a personal stake in this. Uppercrust is gloomier than the poetry club at the Bean Scene. We don't appreciate the competition – however indirect it is. So you'd be doing us a huge favor if you turned his frown upside down.” Vicky said to which Max chuckled.
“You have my word. After this, Bradley won't be stealing your finger snaps at the cafe anymore.” Max said, looking at the flier with a determined smile.
The next day, a Sunday, Bradley was laying on the king-sized bed of his room at the Gamma House and bouncing a stress ball against his wall then catching it and throwing it again. He was trying anything and everything to distract himself from the fact that his synchronization with other people in skating was so off. Even though Tank, Slouch, Shades, Boris, Federico and Kevin have been understanding with him and assured him that getting used to skating with others takes time he just couldn't help but feel like he was such a drag for it. Like he wasn't in full form as he used to be with a sport he loved so much. And if he didn't get it together, the Saluki wasn't sure what he'd do.
“God. It's already been two weeks. It's gonna take a miracle to get over this.” Bradley groaned to himself. Just then Tank entered his room.
“Hey, Bradley! Ya got a visitor waitin' for ya downstairs.” Tank said.
“Tell them I died and to leave their condolences at the door.” Bradley responded gloomily as he kept throwing his ball at the wall. The large bulldog rolled his eyes at his best friend's dramatic response. Then he gave a knowing grin and shrugged.
“Alright. Guess I'll just tell little baby Goof that he wasted his time comin' here.” Tank said as he made a show of slowly turning his back to Bradley and starting to close his door, then stopped when he heard the bed springs squeak to life as Bradley likely leaped from his bed.
“G-Goof?! Max is here? Right now!?” Bradley asked frantically. Tank steeled the smug grin he wanted to have and turned around with a fake casual expression to his Gamma leader, who was now standing on his feet and holding his stress ball with a frantic yet hopeful expression.
“Oh yeah, it's Maxie sweetheart alright. He said that he wanted to invite ya to go someplace if you had the time. But since you 'died' and all, I'll just tell him to get a little black number for your funeral.” Tank replied with a shrug as he turned away again – now grinning the grin he barely held back.
“No! Tell him to stay, keep him busy! I'll be down in ten minutes...No, five!” Bradley stated as he rushed to his walk-in closet, grabbed a few clothes and a pair of shoes then ducked into his personal bathroom to change.
“Heh, heh. Him being so head over heels almost makes me wanna cancel our cable package, if it wasn't for the fact that it's fight season.” Tank said to himself as he walked back downstairs – and to no surprise the rest of the main members were fawning over Max in the den.
“Max, I ain't kidding when I say that my folks have clients at their boutique who'd line up and pay top dollar just to get extensions of hair like yours. And you have a full head of it. Ever consider growing it out?” Kevin asked as he brushed his fingers through Max's bangs – amazed at how soft his hair was despite how thick it looked.
“Sometimes. But it grows out fast since I'm part poodle. So I keep it short for maintenance.” Max replied with a smile.
“That so? It's just as well then. A certain somebody would probably be twice as hopeless if he saw you rockin' long locks.” Shades said as he polished his sunglasses.
“Oh yeah! And we don't need him being an even bigger lovey dovey sap.” Federico added with an amused roll of his eyes as he laughed.
“Huh? Who are you guys talking about?” Max asked with a genuinely confused look. At this the rest of the Gammas looked at him in surprise.
Slouch spoke in grunts of surprise as he gestured to Max.
“Yeah, what Slouch said! You seriously don't know who we're talkin' about?” Shades asked.
“No.” Max replied with an honest shake of his head. At this Boris came over from the arcade machine he was leaning against and sat next to the freshman on the sectional couch.
“Well I'll tell you what, Maxie, someone around these parts has a crush the size of a Texas twister on you. And it's...HURK!!” Boris's confession was abruptly cut off when he was put in a headlock and lifted off the sectional couch. Max looked up to see that the culprit was none other than Tank, who casually waved and smiled at him.
“Hiya, sweetheart! Sorry for the wait. Bradley slept in a bit late. Ain't used to Sundays and all. But he'll be down soon enough.” Tank said.
“Uh, sure. That's fine...But why did you put Boris in a headlock?” Max asked with a concerned look at the struggling smaller bulldog.
“This? Oh, don't worry! We're just playing around. It's like our own little game of who can hold their breath the longest, but with headlocks.” Tank said, giving a reassuring smile and a thumbs up.
“Right. Well I think Boris is losing, because he's turning blue.” Max pointed out, as Boris's whole head was indeed now a worrisome shade of denim.
“Huh, I guess so. Sorry, Boris! Guess that breaks your streak!” Tank exclaimed with a hardy laugh as he loosened his arm around Boris's neck but then quickly leaned down to whisper in his ear. “And if you try to spill the beans about Bradley's crush before he does again, I'll break somethin' else. Get it?”
“Got it!” Boris quickly replied in a strangled voice.
“Good.” Tank said as he let the smaller bulldog go who gasped for air and scurried off back to the arcade machine. Just then Bradley had come down the stairs – looking nothing like the depressed mess in his sweatpants and Gamma t-shirt and unkempt hair. Now he was dressed to the nines in a form fitting long-sleeved maroon red shirt with light brown slacks and designer grey sneakers. And, of course, his hair was perfectly styled.
“Max! I do apologize for keeping you waiting. I was trying to find something presentable and had to settle on this old ensemble.” Bradley said as he practically strutted with all of the swagger of a peacock up to the freshman.
“Tch, 'old ensemble' my ass. I was with him when he got that outfit and the shoes last week. Didn't even take any of the stuff out the boxes.” Shades whispered to Kevin, Federico and Slouch who nodded knowingly.
“It's alright, Brad. You look more than good. Especially for where we're going.” Max said as he stood up from the couch.
“Ah yes. Tank did mention that you wanted to invite me somewhere. What place is it?” Bradley asked. To this Max gave an eager grin and shook his head.
“It's a surprise. All you need is your rollerskates, and to follow me.” Max said. This made the senior truly look over Max's form, and he noticed that he was wearing his rollerskates.
“What surprise involves rollerskates?” Bradley asked again, now more confused than anything.
“Well it won't be any surprise if you keep asking questions. Come on, Brad-ley! Don't you trust me?” Max asked as he took Bradley's hands into his and looked up at him with a teasing smile and those big chocolate brown eyes.
Naturally, Max meant nothing more than a harmless poke of fun in doing this. But for Bradley it took all that was in him to not melt to the floor at having Max's undying attention and for him to call him by his full name. Even in a teasing tone as he did. Still he managed to steel his resolve and nod.
“Of course I trust you. Let me grab my skates. You can wait outside.” Bradley said with a smile.
“Good! I'll see you guys around then! Take care.” Max said as he skated out of the den.
“Bye, Max!” The Gammas all called out as they waved the freshman off with sincere smiles. Then as soon as Max was out of earshot they all whipped around to Bradley with knowing, mischievous grins.
“Not. A damn. Word.” Bradley stated in a warning tone to his fraternity brothers as he walked over to the corner of the room where his skates were.
“Whaddya talkin' about, Bradley? We wasn't gonna say nothin'.” Federico said with a mischievous smile.
“Yeah. Besides Max leaves you speechless enough for all of us.” Kevin said with a grin of his own.
“I'm not listening to this!” Bradley stated in a sing-song tone as he strapped on his skates.
“Come on now, guys, lay off. The king's got a lot on his mind.” Tank said, chastising the group.
“Thank you, Tank. This is why you're my best friend.” Bradley stated with a smile.
“No problem, Bradley. I mean it can't be easy thinking about your crush 24/7 and all.” Tank said with knowing smirk – and the Gammas just all burst out in a fit of laughter at this.
Bradley pursed his lips together in a straight line of ire as he glared at Tank before turning back to his skates to tightly fasten them.
“A moment of silence for my former best friend. I'll be back later.” Bradley stated as he skated out.
“Remember, Bradley! Second date means he picks the restaurant!” Boris called out teasingly to which the Saluki just flipped him off without even turning around, making all of the Gammas laugh even more.
Outside Max sat on the stoop of the Gamma House, humming a little tune to himself when he heard Bradley step out and turn around to face him.
“Sorry for the wait. The guys...were rambling on about nonsense. I hope I didn't keep you waiting.” Bradley said.
“Nope! It's fine. Now follow me. You'll love this place.” Max said as he skated ahead, and the senior followed right behind him.
As much as Bradley wanted to ask questions about where Max was taking him, he tried to keep himself contained and just wait to see where they were headed. What could it be? Clearly not the Bean Scene, as they just passed it. Obviously the surprise wasn't at his dorm since it's in the opposite direction. Could it be a new restaurant? Or that book store that just opened? What could it be? Just when the Saluki couldn't keep it in and was about to ask Max skidded to a stop on his skates and gestured with jazz hands to the left of them with a smile.
“Ta-da!” The Labradoodle exclaimed happily in a way that Bradley couldn't help but find cute. And as he looked to the left he saw what Max was talking about.
Standing tall and with a huge 'Grand Opening' sign above it was a brand new in-door rollerskate rink.
“Wow.” Bradley spoke in surprise.
“Pretty cool, huh? Vicky got a flier that advertised the grand opening happening today and showed it to me. I noticed that you've been frustrated with your synchronization when you skate with others – so I thought we'd skate here together. You know, give you a change of venue and all.” Max said.
“You...you thought of me when you heard about this place?” Bradley asked in surprise, feeling very touch.
“Yeah. Is it okay? Or if this is too much, we can leave and...” Max started to say but Bradley shook his head.
“No, no. This...is a great idea, Max. And probably what I need. Let's go in.” Bradley said with a smile. The freshman returned the smile and the pair walked into the skate rink.
Once inside Bradley was bombarded by the fresh smell of wood polish on the wooden rink, the old leather of the rent to use rollerskates and the pop music blaring over the speakers above. But somehow, chaotic as it was, it was a welcomed change of pace from the skate ramp on campus. Bradley watched as Max went over to a ticket booth and paid for them, then skated back over to him with that same bright smile.
“Since we brought our own skates, we're good to go and can hit the rink. Are you ready?” Max asked, holding his hand out. Bradley looked at the hand, then at Max. He gave a determined smile and took the offered hand.
“Yes, I am.” Bradley said and together the two skated out onto the rink.
Bradley and Max held hands for most of their time on the rink, only breaking up so that they could skate in loops around each other. With every move around the polished hardwood Bradley was feeling more confident and certain of himself. He wasn't bumping into Max or the other skaters on the rink. He was going with the flow. It was like a forgotten skill coming back to him. And it felt good. But he still felt like he was blocked in a way. Like he still needed an extra push.
And as if on cue, an announcement came out over the speakers.
“Attention, skaters! This next song is for couples only. So grab your partner and get ready to jam to a Digital Love like no other with Daft Punk.” The announcer said, and instantly the lights dimmed and several single skaters moved off the rink and that oh so familiar techno tune began to play.
Last night, I had a dream about you
In this dream, I'm dancing right beside you
And it looked like everyone was having fun
The kind of feeling I've waited so long
“Seriously, life? When I said I needed an extra push, I didn't mean THIS kind of push!” Bradley thought angrily to himself. He started to skate away when he felt a hand gently grab his, stopping him. He turned around and saw Max looking up at him – a light blush on his cheeks but his eyes full of determination.
“Where are you going? We're a couple. We can still skate. Can't we, Brad?” Max asked. Again, his words were innocent and genuine. But it felt like a powerful spell was being cast over him.
Don't stop, come a little closer
As we jam, the rhythm gets stronger
There's nothing wrong with just a little, little fun
We were dancing all night long
The song seemed to be encouraging Bradley to continue skating with Max. To seize the opportunity it was presenting to him. And by God, he was going to seize it. Without a word Bradley nodded and turned to face Max cute, buck-tooth face.
The time is right
To put my arms around you
You're feeling right
You wrap your arms around too
But suddenly I feel the shining sun
Before I knew it this dream was all gone
It felt like Bradley and Max were moving in accordance to the lyrics of the song – the senior wrapping his arms around Max's waist and the freshman putting his arms around Bradley's neck. They stared at each other for a moment, then slowly began to skate in an embrace across the rink as more lyrics played over their heads.
Oh, I don't know what to do
About this dream and you
I wish this dream comes true
Oh, I don't know what to do
About this dream and you
We'll make this dream come true
The two canines continued their slow skate for a moment more, but as the song took on an instrumental beat they smiled as they broke apart and skated side by side. But this time it wasn't in a race to prove who was the better athlete like in the X-Games. This time – it was for fun. Just to live in the moment. All of the other couples on the rink stopped skating to watch and admire the pair, whispering at how perfectly in harmony they were with each other. And whenever they joined hands it was like two broken halves of a star coming back together. Max and Bradley then began to circle each other slowly as they came to meet in the middle – baby blue eyes meeting chocolate brown.
Why don't you play the game?
Why don't you play the game?
When the acid guitar solo played over the speakers the pair joined hands for the last time and skated across the rink together at breakneck speed. Bradley even lifted Max off his feet and spun him around, making the Labradoodle laugh his signature laugh in delight at the adrenaline rush. As the song came to an end they met nose to nose in a close embrace in the center of the rink while panting from their intense skate. Everyone in the in-door skate rink clapped and even whistled in applause at the two canines. It was only when the lights came back on that Bradley and Max snapped back into the real world. They slowly, almost painfully, parted from their embrace and smiled at one another.
“Well, that was fun.” Bradley said.
“Yeah. It sure was. Your synchronization seems better, too.” Max said.
“So I noticed. And I have you to thank for that, freshman.” Bradley said with a cocky grin.
“Ha! No problem, Brad. Anyway – let's go grab a bite somewhere. Got any place in mind?” Max asked as they skated off the rink.
“Oh no, you can pick. Boris says it's only proper etiquette.” The Saluki replied.
“Proper etiquette for what?” Max asked.
“Heh. Don't worry about it, freshman. Just pick the place. Anything sounds good.” Bradley said as they left the in-door skate rink.