Archive of Our Own

What a difference a few years can make. One day, a year ago, you're a hyperactive and cocky little punk. And then another day, a year later, you're a mellowed out and well-read functioning figure in society. But this isn't the norm, of course. Some people are stuck in their ways and never change – choosing to remain as rotten in the new year as they were in yesteryear. Regardless, those who choose to improve from how they used to be are the ones who make it out ahead in the end. Their relationships improve, they advance in their careers and they move forward with their education. Speaking of which – that's exactly what's happening at Welig University.

In one week, graduation day will soon be upon the seniors. Everyone is a mix of different feelings but the main emotion is excitement. Students are making all sorts of plans with friends, family and favorite professors to celebrate the upcoming event. After so many years, hours seemingly endless midterms and walking miles going back and forth between different wings of the university to various classes – all of that hard work is finally paying off. But no one is as excited as the Gammas. Particularly the main members.

Tank, Kevin, Shades, Federico, Slouch and Boris could hardly believe that they'll be soon be leaving these red lined, memorabilia decorated halls for the adult world in seven days. It almost didn't feel real but it was. Of course they had to be strong. They couldn't break down like a bunch of wusses. Only wusses cry, after all.

“I'M GONNA MISS YOU FELLAS!!” Boris wailed pitifully as he hugged Federico and Kevin.

“IMMA MISS YOU'S, TOO, PAL!!” Federico cried just as woefully.

“YOU GUYS QUIT CRYIN'...ELSE WISE...I WON'T STOP...CRYIN'!!” Kevin yelled through tears.

Well, there's nothing wrong with showing a bit of weakness once in a while.

Slouch spoke in nostalgic grunts between sniffles as he gestured from the pool table in the trophy room to Tank, then he broke down sobbing as he threw himself into the large bulldog's arms and hugged him.

“I know, Slouch old buddy! I'm gonna miss our pool nights, too!” Tank sobbed.

Shades, meanwhile, just leaned against the mini bar drinking his screwdriver and groaned at the display from the other main Gammas.

“Come on, guys, quit your blubbering! It's not like we'll never see each other again. We can call, email and even write old-fashioned letters.” Shades replied as he sipped his vodka and orange juice mixture.

“Aw come on, Shades. Don't act like you're not choked up about this either.” Kevin said with a knowing sad smile as he wiped his eyes.

“Pfft, yeah right! I can't say sayonara to you schmucks fast enough.” Shades replied confidently. At this Boris walked over and lifted the bull terrier's signature sunglasses from his face to reveal puffy red eyes that had newly formed tears pricking at the corners.

“That so?” Boris asked with an amused smirk. Shades yanked his trademark specs down but it was already too late, as he started crying too.

“Sh-Shut up! I didn't want to show my weak side!” Shades stated through a choke of tears as he turned away and downed the rest of his screwdriver. Boris gave a chuckle and patted his fellow canine on the back.

“There, there Shades. Nothin's weak about missing your friends. And we all feel the same way. It's as natural as a west Texan soccer mom with big hair.” Boris assured.

“What he said! Just let it all out, Shades. We're gonna miss you, too. Just like we know you'll miss us.” Kevin added as he walked over. At this Shades looked to his friends and started bawling before he embraced both the smaller bulldog and greyhound in a hug.

“Of course I'll miss you guys! You're the only dudes I feel bad about beating in blackjack! I can't believe we're actually going to graduate in a week!” Shades exclaimed.

Slouch and Federico joined the group and all five started a new wave of sobs. Tank smiled in a mix of fondness and sadness at the scene. He's going to miss moments like these with the gang. But as he observed the scene Tank realized that one particular person was absent. Their fraternity leader and his best friend, Bradley. He was nowhere to be scene. Tank stepped out of the trophy room and went into the den, no Bradley. He went to the kitchen – also no Bradley. Checked the back patio adjacent to it. Still no Bradley. So Tank went upstairs to see if his fellow future graduating senior was possibly in his room. As Tank made his way up the stairs he saw that Bradley's bedroom door at the end of the hallway ajar – and he could already hear the voice of his best friend. The way he was talking it sounded like he was talking to someone. And as he pushed the door open further and slightly stepped over the threshold of the bedroom, he saw that Bradley was in fact on the phone.

“That's right, Craig! I got the catering green light from the principal. All of the students, faculty and visiting family will get to enjoy the greatness that is the cooking of Cod's Kiss Diner...Ha, ha, ha! Trust me, I've been to half of those 'fancy restaurants'. No one is missing out on anything but the opportunity of taking out a second mortgage to pay for a steak the size of a thumbtack...Oh yes! The principal insisted on paying you twice your original quote for the catering. He's big on community. As far he's concerned the good PR of supporting real mom and pop establishments will cover the cost of paying you double...Sure, sure. It was good talking to you Craig. Tell Loretta and the others I said hi. I'll see you all at graduation. Bye!” And with that Bradley pressed the red end call button on his Nokia.

“Did I hear that right, baby? The Donnelly's are catering the catering the graduation party?” Tank asked as he stepped into Bradley's room. The Saluki turned to face his fellow senior and smiled widely.

“You heard it right, Tank. And Carl and Kyle are looking forward to their rematch for the double arm wrestling.” Bradley said which brought a similar wide smile to Tank's face.

“Alright! Now it's a party! This is gonna be a graduation Welig University won't ever forget!” Tank exclaimed.

At hearing this, Bradley's smile faltered a bit as he looked from Tank to the calendar next to his full-length mirror by the door. He looked at the final seven days, the smack dab middle of November, that led up to graduation with the date circled with a star shape. Bradley could hardly believe that this was actually happening. He was really going to graduate from Welig University. After everything that happened with the X-Games graduation was the last thing on his mind. No way would the college let him even look at their campus gates, let alone walk into a classroom ever again to get his remaining credits to earn his diploma and complete his major. Surely his life was over.

“But my life wasn't over. Things have changed. I've changed.” Bradley thought to himself as he looked at his reflection in the mirror, then smiled. “And I've changed for the...”

Suddenly, though, Bradley's reflection turned from giving the same accomplished smile he had to a biting sneer.

“Don't tell me you were going to say 'I've changed for the better', old boy. We both know you haven't changed a bit.” The reflection of Bradley stated in a matter of fact, smug tone.

The Saluki blinked several times, then shook his head as he did a double take and looked in the mirror. But still saw his reflection giving that smug sneer.

“Wh...What?” Bradley asked aloud, completely stunned and confused.

“...radley? Bradley?” Asked the voice of Tank which made Bradley look away from the mirror to look at the concerned expression of his best friend. “You blanked out for a second there, man. Something wrong?”

Bradley blinked again, then quickly looked at his reflection for a moment. It had the same stunned and confused expression as he did. Not the biting sneer as before, like it was another person. After blinking again Bradley shook his head then gave a confident smile to the large bulldog.

“Nah, I'm fine big guy! Just planning out valedictorian speech and got stumped for words for a moment.” The Saluki replied. It wasn't a complete lie. He was chosen as the valedictorian and did have a speech to make, but he dare not tell Tank about the horrible vision he saw in the mirror. Luckily the other soon-to-be-graduating senior bought it and nodded in understanding.

“Ah, I get'cha. It's just as well, baby. The folks of Welig want to hear the last words of their King before he passes the crown to his successor.” Tank said with a wink which made Bradley chuckle.

“Ha, ha! Please, I'm taking that crown with me. Come on, let's go tell the others about the Donnelly's.” Bradley said and walked out of his room with Tank following behind him.

But even as he left his bedroom, Bradley couldn't get that strange event with his reflection out of his mind. He saw it happen. Heard the reflection speak to him. It was like it was really...

No, no. That didn't actually happen, the Saluki thought to himself with a laugh in his head. It's just the stress of preparing for graduation. Of course! That's the only logical explanation. And Bradley Uppercrust the 3rd was a man of logic. How could he ever think that he just saw a reflection talking? It was just a moment of stress-induced madness. Nothing more, nothing less.

Or so he thought, anyway.

Day 1 before graduation...

The next day, with the whole talking reflection matter behind him, Bradley was in the Welig library helping his criminal justice professor and mentor put away law reference books. The older anthro, a posh middle-aged lemon shark named Ezekiel Hoover, took notice of Bradley almost immediately during his freshman year. He admired the young Saluki's ambition and work ethic, commenting that he had almost as strong of a bite as a real shark. From there he took Bradley under his fin and showed him the prestige and power of the world of practicing law. Which ultimately led the young man to choose criminal justice as a major and the career of a trial lawyer.

“Dear God, Sylvia can't come back from her honeymoon soon enough. I miss her superior organizational skills. The volunteers they hired to manage the library don't know geometry from optometry. But I told the principal I absolutely put my dorsal fins down about these law references books – and that I will reshelve them the proper way personally! Ugh. Thank you for taking time out of your day to do this with me, Bradley.” Ezekiel said, giving a grateful yet exasperated smile to his favorite student as he took one reference book after the other from the book cart to place it on the shelf that he stood in front of.

“I'm happy to help, Professor Hoover. After all this will be the last time that I get to have a look at these reference books. So doing this is rather nostalgic for me.” Bradley said as he picked up another reference book from the cart to put it on the opposite shelf he was facing.

“Ah yes, that's true. Now that I think of it; this will be one our last moments as professor and student along with the after party for the graduation. Unless, of course, you decide to work at the law firm in Utah that I'm a partner of. I'd be more than happy to write a letter of recommendation for you, Bradley.” Ezekiel said with a smile.

“That's very gracious of you, sir. However I would prefer a job closer to home. Call me a home body but I can't imagine moving from here.” Bradley said with a fond shrug of his shoulders.

“Oh no, I completely understand! That's a type of sentiment that I can respect. Plus I know that you have a certain pretty poodle, or a pretty half-poodle at least, that you'd care not to be too far from. Hm, hm?” The lemon shark asked while giving a hinting nudge Bradley's arm and a toothy grin which made the Saluki fight back a blush.

“Well, Max is part of the reason I choose to stay close. I guess you could say he's the anchor of my heart.” Bradley said with a chuckle.

“Sure sounds that way to me! And I couldn't be happier for you, my future attorney general.” Ezekiel said with a smile.

Just then a voice from the front entrance of the library called out.

“Hello there! Got a delivery for ya, Professor Hoover! And I need a signature for it!” Called the voice of the campus mailman, Charlie.

“Ah, that must be the materials for the new school year. Bradley would you mind getting those and signing for me? I can put the rest of these reference books away.” Ezekiel said.

“Certainly, sir.” Bradley said and briskly made his way to the entrance of the library, where he saw the middle-aged hamster waiting with a trolley and one large box on it. “Afternoon, Charlie. Good to see you again.”

“Same to ya, sonny. And it seems like this will be the last time I get to say that. Hard to believe you and so many other rapscallions are leaving in a week's time. I'll almost miss how you'd ask me to do a singing love telegram.” Charlie said with a crooked smile.

“Oh? Well then if you'd like to end this senior year with a bang, you could help me arrange to send Max a little...” Bradley started to list off his request until Charlie cut him off by holding up a clipboard and an ink pen.

“I said almost, Bradley. Keyword; almost. So just sign for Ezekiel, if you please. Lots to do with deliveries today.” Charlie said with a deadpan look.

“Heh, sure. Can't blame a man for trying.” Bradley said with a grin as he took the pen and neatly signed his name on the dotted line then handed the clipboard and writing tool back to the hamster. “At the very least, let me say that it's been an honor to have you be the one to deliver the Gamma's postage through wind, rain, snow and sleet.”

“Eeyup. And to Hell with the blisters on my achin' feet.” The middle-aged hamster said with laugh which Bradley joined in. “But seriously. I'm really gonna miss you, kid.”

“And I'll miss you, too, Charlie. Any time I see a collectible stamp I'll always think of you.” Bradley said as he shook hands with the older anthro, smiling at him.

...And as he looked down at their hands he saw his reflection in the crystal of Charlie's watch. And once more, his reflection changed. This time with reflected visage rolling his eyes in disdain.

“Ugh, seriously? Like you give two quarters of a damn about whether this old codger lives or dies. Doesn't it sicken you? Pretending to be so sentimental?” Asked the reflection of Bradley in the watch crystal.

Bradley's eyes blinked rapidly as he felt his jaw tightened, trying not to freak out in the middle of the library or in front of Charlie. No...There's no way this was real. His reflection spoke to him. Again. No. No, no, no. Surely this wasn't...

“Um, Bradley? I'm glad you like my watch and all, but would you mind lettin' go? Like I said, lots to do with deliveries today.” Charlie's voice spoke up with an awkward chuckle. The soon-to-be-graduating senior looked up at the middle-aged hamster's face, his white and orange fur partially grey with age and a few bags under his eyes from graceful age and topped off with a kind smile. Finally Bradley gave a tight smile and a final handshake before letting go.

“Sorry, Charlie! You know what a sucker I am for analog watches. Just drop Professor Hoover's delivery off to his office. You know the place.” Bradley said.

“No problem. See ya at the graduation, Bradley.” Charlie said with a nod and rolled the trolley down to the other wing of the library where Ezekiel's office would be.

As he waved the man off Bradley's smile dropped in a worried frown. His reflection...that was the second time in as many days that it's changed. Could it be? No. No, no. It was merely the light from outside reflecting onto the crystal of Charlie's watch. And it was making him see things. Naturally! People see weird things on reflective surfaces when the light hits it a certain way all the time. But as for the voice...well, that was just the stress. Yeah. There's still a lot of planning and preparing to do for the graduation. Bradley hasn't even finished his speech yet. It's just that little voice of doubt trying throw him off in weird ways. Nothing more, nothing less.

At least, that's what Bradley told himself.

Day 2 before graduation...

While he's had coffee from its birthplace in the Middle East, there was something about the Bean Scene that just made the taste of every cup of java distinct and special. And now that he's set to graduate Bradley had to have one last extra-large cup. As Bradley walked down the steps leading into the cafe, he made sure to look around and memorize every last detail of the campus watering hole. The booths with the faded faux leather, the bar stools, the order counter that had stains from spilled coffee and foam that would never come off, the straw and sugar dispenser station, the small stage where the band and poets would perform, the cursive neon signage on the walls, the carvings of initials circled with hearts of campus lovers past and present etched in stone inside the booths and even right by the entrance of the cafe and the potted plants scattered about. So many years, so many memories.

Bradley even made sure to touch along whatever surfaces he could to get a feel of the stone and hardwood. For so long he took coming here for granted; whether it was getting a decaf for an afternoon jog or getting espressos for him and the Gammas whenever they had to cram all night long for a big test. And now he was about to say goodbye to it. Maybe he could ask if Tank and the others would like to take a picture inside of the place later for old time's sake. The Saluki walked up to the order counter and smiled when he saw who the barista was. It was Tiffany, a ragdoll cat sophomore. Once upon a time she was one of the freshmen girls that Eric Covington had sneaked into the Gamma's party and tried to roofie back when he was a pledge for the fraternity.

While the two other freshmen girls left in a hurry to avoid getting busted by their RA for being at a fraternity party after curfew, Tiffany actually stayed behind to thank Bradley for looking out for her. Impressed by the young lady's maturity Bradley actually spoke up for the ragdoll when her RA interviewed her about being out after curfew at a frat party, and Tiffany got off with a warning unlike the other two who got put on probation. Now she's a sophomore; still possessing that same sparkle in her eye that Bradley first saw a few years ago but her maturity has shaped her into a fine young woman who's equal parts wiser.

“Hi, Tiffany. Didn't expect to see you working the counter today. You're usually running a tight ship with stocking.” Bradley said as he stood in front of the counter.

“Hey Bradley! And yeah, I usually do but the boss said to take it easy leading up to graduation and put me on counter duty while a manager and three other employees handle the stocking. I think 'take it easy' is just code for 'the staff was threatening mutiny' if they had to work stocking with me one more time. Like you said, I run a tight ship.” Tiffany said with a giggle.

“That's what this place needs, as far as I'm concerned. Businesses don't make any headway with slackers. The sales have gone up ever since you joined the Bean Scene crew, Tiffany. And now look at you, assistant manager. I only expect the cafe to reach greater heights when you're promoted to a full-fledged manager. I just wish I'd be here to see it happen.” Bradley replied, giving a sad smile which Tiffany returned.

“Yeah, I know. Tank and the other guys from the fraternity have been coming in and out of here, too. All of them crying. Feels only proper that the Gamma Bull should be the last Gamma that I serve. Your usual?” Tiffany asked.

“Yes please. And make it extra-large. I'm splurging today.” Bradley said with a wide grin. The ragdoll laughed and turned away to make Bradley his order at the coffee station.

While did the soon-to-be-graduating senior turned to lean against the counter. And as soon as he pivoted his body to fully face the front of the cafe he was greeted by a face. A very familiar face. His face.

Bradley stumbled in horror and slid down to the floor in stupefied shock while he looked up at, well, himself. Only he wasn't wearing the dark grey double row button tweed winter coat and matching colored slacks with black boots. He was wearing the same casual outfit Bradley typically wore. And his arms were crossed over his chest while he had that same biting sneer like he did in the mirror of his bedroom.

“Tch, how pathetic. You actually jump in fright at seeing your own self? I can't believe how far you've fallen from your grace.” The Other Bradley stated.

Bradley said nothing at first. He just kept staring up at the other him, eyes wide with shock. He couldn't believe it. The first two instances he brushed off, since they were only reflections. And the voices he could denounce as manifestations of stress. But this? This was a carbon copy of his own being. And he dares not touch it to see if it was flesh and bone. At last, though, he found his voice and spoke to the other Saluki.

"W-Who....who are you?" Bradley asked in shock.

"What, did your IQ drop too? Take a good look, idiot. I'm you! Or rather I was the superior version of you." Other Bradley replied.

"I...I don't understand." Bradley said, looking confused.

"Of course you don't. But you will...All in good time." Other Bradley said, his sneer turning into a mean smile. "For now, though, you should get up. Your order is ready."

"...ley! ...radley! Bradley!" Called out Tiffany's voice from above Bradley's head. The young man turned to look up and see Tiffany behind the counter, staring down at him in concern. "Are you okay, dude?! Why are you crouched down on the floor like that?"

Bradley blinked a few times before shaking his head, then taking in a deep breath and exhaling. Alright, now THAT was freaky. And there was no way he could deny what just occurred. That was a full image of himself. Talking to him like it was another person. But Bradley didn't want to address it further. Not here. So after getting to his feet he forced a smile and took out his wallet.

"H-Hey! My apologizes for that silly display, Tiffany dear. Thought I saw someone wearing the same coat as me. You know how frightful I get being caught wearing the same outfit as someone else in one place." Bradley said as he took out a few bills to pay.

"Oh, okay. I guess I get that...Well here's your coffee. It was good seeing you, Bradley." The ragdoll barista said with a smile as she handed the soon-to-be-graduating senior his hot beverage.

"Thanks, Tiffany. It was great to see you also." Bradley said as he handed her the money and accepted his drink. As he turned and left Tiffany called out.

"Hey, Bradley!" Tiffany called out, which made the young man stop and turn to look at the ragdoll barista. "Are you sure you're okay?"

The Saluki blinked for a moment, not replying right away. Then he gave a smile.

"Yeah. I'm just fine. Just dealing with stress from graduation preparations. But thanks for asking. You take care now!" And with a wave and his signature smile Bradley turned back and walked up the stairs to leave the Bean Scene.

As soon as he had gotten back to the topside, Bradley's smile dropped as he let out a tired sigh. Running a hand over his face he walked down the sidewalk to go to the park. God, how disturbing that was. He couldn't believe what he saw. It was him, but also not him. What was going on...?

No, no, no! Goddamnit, it's just his mind playing tricks on him! There was no way that actually happened! Just a moment of daydreaming. The aromatic smells of caffeine and the soft jazz lulled him into a state of temporary sleep. Clearly! Nothing more, nothing less.

No matter what the voice of reason said to his skepticism otherwise...

Day 3 before graduation...

Deciding that he needed a change of scenery and to be out and about more, Bradley felt that the best thing to do was to hit the outdoor gym and get on the skate track with his Gamma brothers. Even after he had completed his physical therapy and was discharged from the hospital all those months back after the X-Games incident, Bradley never went back to the skate track. At least not by himself. It held too many bad memories from all of his cheating. And of course, the fire he caused that nearly killed his boyfriend and his best friend. He almost lost everything that day. But now Bradley could come back here with his head held high. And it felt even better to feel the wind rush through his hair while skating alongside Tank and Kevin while the other Gammas cheered on the sidelines.

“Woohoo! Look at 'em go!” Boris cheered as he watched their friends zoom down the track.

“Kevin's really in top form. Once he gets going, he doesn't stop.” Shades said as he watched Kevin practically flying down on his skates.

“And you'd never think that a big fella like Tank would be so light on his feet to be able to balance on a skateboard. It's like, uh, whassit called? More than meets the eye – like them robots.” Federico said.

Slouch made several cheerful grunts as he gestured to Bradley with a smile, and Shades nodded in agreement.

“You said it, Slouch. Bradley's never been better. It's cool to see him on the skate track again.” Shades said.

“Yeah. Maybe the principal won't mind us dropping in to skate here once in a while.” Boris added.

Meanwhile, Bradley was on his skateboard slightly ahead of Tank and Kevin while the bulldog was to his left and the greyhound was at his right.

“First one who makes this last lap has to pay for lunch!” Tank stated.

“Ha, like Hell! You eat enough for the whole fraternity!” Kevin said with a laugh.

“I'm with Kevin. Not even I would take up a bet like that, Tank. Even though I know I'd win.” Bradley added.

“Oh yeah? Well let's see you put your money where your mouth is, baby!” Tank challenged with a grin as he playfully shoved at Bradley.

“Be careful what you wish for, Tank!” The Saluki warned with his own grin as he proceeded to skate ahead.

The soon-to-be-graduating senior managed to get two kilometers ahead of Tank and Kevin and skated down the rest of the path, then zoomed around the sharp turn. Slouch, Federico and Shades hooped and hollered in elation for their leader at seeing him go. Kevin and Tank didn't even try to skate after him. They likewise cheered for their best friend and leader.

Bradley smiled as he felt both the rush of skating and the joy of his friends cheering him on. All of the stress of the past few days melted from his mind. He felt like a blade of grass blowing in the wind. He felt free. And nothing could ruin the moment for him.

...Nothing but Other Bradley, that is, who appeared on the sidelines just as Bradley neared the finish line of the track to the left of his peripheral vision. This made the young man do a double take as he looked at the sneering version of him smugly watch him skate ahead.

"What are you so happy about? Do you honestly think that you deserve those cheers?" Other Bradley asked as he skated by.

"Wh-What!? No! No!" Bradley yelled as he waved his arms in front of his face to protect himself, blinding himself and losing his balance. This caused him to veer off course of the skate track and crash into one of the hay bales, face first.

"Bradley!" The Gammas exclaimed in horrified worry as they all hurried over to their friend's aid.

"Ugh...patooey!" Bradley exclaimed in disgust as he spat out the mouthful of hay he got before he slowly rose to one knee.

"Baby! You alright?" Tank asked as he came up to Bradley first, slowly helping him to his feet.

"Y-yeah...I'm fine." Bradley replied.

"That was some nasty wipe-out, dude. Hope you're not hurt too bad." Shades said as he raised his signature sunglasses to look the Saluki over for injuries.

Slouch spoke in a series of concerned grunts, tilting his head in confusion.

"Yeah, Slouch is right. You don't usually bug out like that. What happened to make you lose control on the track, Bradley?" Boris asked.

Bradley looked at each of his friends for a moment, then looked at the spot where he saw Other Bradley. Of course, he wasn't there. He never is. Not after driving Bradley mad. But Bradley wasn't going to tell them about his doppelganger. He couldn't. He didn't even want to remember seeing them him. So he plastered on a fake smile and gave an equally fake laugh.

"H-ha, ha, ha! N-Nothing! It's nothing, guys! I just got the sun in my eyes. That's all! But it looks like lunch is on me. Let's get off the track and get a bite!" Bradley exclaimed as he got back on his skateboard and skated off.

“Bradley, are you sure?” Kevin asked in concern.

“Of course! That was nothing, Kevin! I've taken worse hits than that! Now come on, I want to beat the lunch rush before it gets too crazy.” Bradley said with a fake look of eagerness.

His friends all shared looks of concern before they all eventually shrugged and got on their own skateboards or rollerblades and followed after their best friends. The entire time during lunch though, as Bradley laughed and joked around with Tank and the others, he was merely playing along to distract himself. Trying so hard to forget that he saw the other version of himself. Forget about that cruel, biting sneer. Forget hearing those mocking, mean words Other Bradley spoke. But he couldn't. The sneer was stuck in his mind and the words kept replaying on a loop.

And this time, he didn't have a logical reason for why.

Day 4 before graduation...

Deciding that he needed a change of venue, Bradley decided to go Uppercrust Manor. Seeing his family and Alfonso brought a certain peace to his soul. And so far, he has yet to see the ugly version of himself. Now that he was in a calmer state of mind, he decided to test out the rough draft of his valedictorian speech with his family. So in the drawing room Bradley's loved ones gathered – all of them sitting on the sofa or a chair while he stood in the center of the room with the single lamented legal-sized sheet of paper in his hands.

“Thank you all for taking the time to listen to what I have so far for my valedictorian speech.” Bradley said to his family and the butler.

“Think nothing of it, my boy! We're happy to listen.” Bradman said with a smile.

“Of course. This is an important aspect as valedictorian, after all.” Eloise added.

“Indeed. And there's no better time to go over it than the rough draft phase.” Grandfather Lee said.

“Not to mention we get bragging rights for being the first to hear your grand speech.” Mercedes said with a big grin.

“You have our full support, Maestro Bradley. Start whenever you're ready.” Alfonso said. The young man gave a nod before clearing his throat as he began his to read from his rough draft.

“Hello, my fellow seniors. It brings me great joy to be on this podium and to share this glorious day with all of you. It's very surreal to have made it this far but fulfilling at the same time. When we think about how we first began from that initial day as we walked through the gates of Welig University as bright-eyed freshmen ourselves, we can't help feeling nostalgic. And now...huh!?” Bradley abruptly stopped short in his words when he looked up from the sheet of paper when he saw Other Bradley sitting cross-legged next to his father with a smug grin on his face.

“Hm? What's the matter, Bradley?” Bradman asked.

“Yes, I thought it sounded very nice.” Eloise said, sounding concerned.

Bradley blinked rapidly and shook his head before looking again, only to see that Other Bradley wasn't there anymore. Again the soon-to-be-graduating senior blinked before he cleared his throat and smiled awkwardly.

“Ah, ha, ha, ha! S-Sorry about that everyone! Just, uh, caught a bit of stage fright. Ahem! As I was saying...” Bradley paused before he continued from where he left off. “And now we're headed for the future. As we walk all forge our own paths and carve our marks in life we shall become true, full-fledged adults. Whether we find success in our endeavors or not is solely up...what!?”

The young man shouted in horror when he saw Other Bradley again. This time leaning casually against Alfonso who stood next to Grandfather Lee as if he was an old friend. But the Xoloitzcuintli didn't react at all. As if he didn't feel or see the wicked version of his charge whatsoever.

“¿Está usted bien, Maestro Bradley?” Alfonso asked with a concerned look.

“Alfonso, do you feel anything...odd on your left shoulder?” Bradley asked carefully. The butler titled his head in confusion before turning to his left right where Other Bradley stood leaning against him, then brushed his shoulder. To Bradley's shock his hand phased right through the other Saluki's face. Alfonso then turned back and shrugged.

“No. I don't see or feel anything.” Alfonso replied. Other Bradley then looked at the stunned young man with a malicious smile and spoke.

“Don't waste your time, chum. No one can see, hear or feel me except for you.” Other Bradley said, chuckling evilly. Bradley felt himself slightly hyperventilate as he watched the other version of himself move from Alfonso then casually walk behind his family.

“Bradley, are you okay? If you want, we can listen to the speech another time.” Mercedes suggested, looking worried for her older brother. Bradley looked squarely at Mercedes, then at the rest of the worried expressions of his parents, grandfather and Alfonso. Finally he shook his head again and forced a tight smile.

“N-Not at all! It's fine! I'm fine! Really! But I'll just skip ahead to the ending so we can wrap all this up.” Bradley said and scaled his eyes down to the bottom of the page of his rough draft. “B-But at the end of the day, no matter where we go, one thing is for sure. We can always turn to the distinguished colleagues we've made here at Welig along the way for help. And of course the loved ones we have who have helped us stay on the straight and narrow.”

As Bradley looked up from the page, ready to ask his family what they thought of his conclusion, his baby blue eyes widened with horror by what he saw. Other Bradley standing right behind Mercedes. When the wicked version of him saw that Bradley was staring, he looked right at his shocked face and grinned cruelly, giving a slow clap.

“What a wonderful little speech, old chum. So impressive. But tell me something.” Other Bradley paused as he crouched down behind Mercedes and slowly wrapped his long fingers around her neck. “What will you do...if no loved ones are left to keep you on the straight and narrow?”

At this, Other Bradley's fingers began to squeeze around Mercedes's neck.

“STOP IT!!” Bradley yelled as he tossed his speech on the floor and ran over towards Mercedes, reaching out to grab at his other self. But the crueler version vanished before his eyes like a fading shadow – raising his hands in mock surrender as he did so. Bradley stopped just in front of Mercedes and panted, eyes wide with fear.

“Bradley!? Rad Brad, what's wrong?!” Mercedes asked, standing up from the seat cushion she sat on to look at her brother's panicked sweating face. Grandfather Lee, Eloise and Bradman likewise got to their feet and rushed to the young man's side along with Alfonso.

“Good Heaven's son, you look so frazzled!” Eloise spoke in worry.

“Bradley, what is the matter? Do you need to see a doctor?” Bradman asked as he laid a comforting hand on Bradley's shoulder.

“I can ring for the private physician if you wish, young Maestro.” Alfonso suggested.

Bradley looked from his father to his mother to his grandfather to his little sister and finally to Alfonso before he closed his eyes, exhaled and shook his head.

“No, no. I'll be fine. I just want to go back to the college and rest up early. I uh...I think my speech needs a bit more work. Just stressed me out.” Bradley said.

“Bradley, are you sure? I understand that valedictorian speeches aren't easy, but that was a very strong reaction.” Eloise pointed out.

“I know. It's just...I...” Bradley paused, then he looked at everyone once more. Feeling a pang of emotion, he looked down and clenched his fists before he asks in a somewhat quaking voice. “D...Do you all love me?”

“What? Why son, of course we love you!” Bradman stated without hesitation.

“Yeah, Bradley! What kind of question is that? You're family. So long as there's a moon, a sun and the stars in between them – we'll love you always.” Mercedes said with a smile.

“Exactly. And nothing in this world will ever change that.” Eloise added adamantly.

“Not even me? Even...when I screw up so terribly? When I do something bad?” Bradley asked, looking up at his family to show baby blue eyes wrought with guilt, and a little hatred. Not directed at anyone in the room. But hatred that was clearly aimed at himself. The other Salukis and the Xoloitzcuintli all looked at Bradley sympathetically before sharing a look. Grandfather Lee was the first to speak as he laid a comforting, aged hand on Bradley's shoulder.

“Bradley, we've all screwed up in some shape or form. Some of us do so in barely noticeable ways and others go out with a bang, as it were. And we'll keep screwing up. It's just how life is. But even then, it doesn't mean we're undeserving of love. Especially if we're willing to put in the work to atone for the mistakes we've made to earn that love.” Grandfather Lee said wisely.

“And you have done that in spades, Maestro Bradley. Something that you should be proud of. Like we all are.” Alfonso added with a smile.

“Like Maximilian is.” Eloise said with a fond expression. Hearing that name worked to bring a small smile to Bradley's face as he nodded slightly in understanding.

“Yeah...I guess that's true.” Bradley said. At this Mercedes took Bradley's right hand, making him look down to her bright smile and even brighter emerald green eyes.

“Take heart, Rad Brad. Even when you're at your lowest, we'll be there to pick you up. That's what families do. Because we love you. No matter what.” The youngest Saluki said.

Bradley looked at everyone one last time, and they all had the same reassuring smile as they nodded in agreement with Mercedes's words. The young man then smiled a bit more as he nodded back to them.

“Thank you all. I...really needed to hear that.” Bradley.

“You're welcome, son. Are you sure about going back to Welig to rest early? You don't want to get checked over by the private physician at all?” Bradman asked.

“Yeah. I'm rather drained. But if anything changes, you all will be the first to know. And I'll call when I make it to the frat house. Promise.” Bradley assured with a smile.

“Alright. We'll hold you to that.” Eloise said as she hugged her son. “Be safe, darling.”

“I will, mother.” Bradley said as he hugged her back, likewise hugging Bradman, Grandfather Lee and Mercedes goodbye before he started to leave the drawing with Alfonso. Just then the youngest Saluki noticed something by her feet that caught her eye.

“Oh! Wait Bradley! You forgot the rough draft of your valedictorian speech.” Mercedes said as she noticed the sheet of paper on the floor, picking it up and following after her older brother then held it out to him.

Bradley turned and looked at the speech, then blinked at it for a moment before he smiled tightly as he accepted the sheet of paper.

“Right, of course. Thanks Mercy. I do still need to work on this. Take care. See you on graduation day.” Bradley said and waved to his sister one last time before turning to leave.

Mercedes waved back but couldn't help feeling sad as she watched her brother go. He looked so troubled. And it made her so worried. She could only hope that he was alright.

As Bradley left the manor house and got into the limousine, letting Alfonso drive him back to campus, he looked over the rough draft of his speech with a contemplative frown. But as he read over the words, they all seemed to shift and transform into text art of Other Bradley.

“Aww, what a sweet family tableau that was. It almost believable. And hey, I'm sorry for scaring you with little Mercy. I swear I wasn't going to hurt her. I just wanted to give her my own special kind of hug.” Other Bradley said as he held his hands together and gripped them tightly.

“I swear to God, if you ever hurt any one of my family, I don't care what I have to do or how it has to be done. I'll find a way to get rid of you.” Bradley swore as his hand gripped the single sheet of paper, glaring at the worded form of his other self.

“Oh? And just how will you make that happen? After all – it's not like you can ever be rid of me. I'm you. Long as you live, I will still be here! So you may. As well. Get. Used to it.” Other Bradley said with a wicked laugh.

At this Bradley ripped his rough draft into four pieces and threw the torn bits of paper onto the floor of the limousine. He let out a frustrated sigh and buried his face into the sweating palms of his hands. And the rumbling thunder from the brewing storm outside just seemed to further indicate his own inner turmoil.

Day 5 before graduation...

Bradley spent most of the day in his room after the incident at his family home. He didn't want to risk putting anyone else in danger or scaring anyone. His friends and fellow students were concerned, and so were the teachers – but he kept telling everyone that he was alright. Everyone was starting to have their doubts but there was hardly anything anyone could really do. So they left Bradley to his own devices.

But one person didn't leave him to his own devices. When word of Bradley's strange behavior reached his loppy ears, a certain someone stepped up. Max didn't approach Bradley directly, but he did leave him a little cake that Tank brought to his room with a hand-written note. In his sloppy but heartfelt handwriting it read, “I'm sure you got your own issues and stressors going on, and I won't make you tell me right now. But that doesn't mean I'll act like I don't see it, Brad. I'm here if and when you're ready. Don't act like you're all alone because you're not. You can still be tough and have someone take care of you. Love, Max”. And the note ended with a heart and a little drawing of Max's face.

This made Bradley smile a bit in comfort. In the days leading up to graduation he sadly wasn't able to spend a lot of time with his boyfriend and could only spare a few sporadic texts and phone calls. But Max, oh kindhearted Max, he didn't mind. He took every little text and call happily and didn't push Bradley to give more than what he was able to offer. And he let his boyfriend know that he was there for him whenever he needed him. Knowing that he had the Labradoodle in his corner made him feel better and having that little cake in his belly added to the feel-good feelings. Yet he couldn't help but feel wary. Waiting for the Other Bradley to strike. It's been raining like crazy since yesterday – thunder cracking and lightning striking overhead. It was like an over-the-top movie scene brought to life. And it got even worse through the night. But the true atrocities had yet to unfold over at the Gamma House.

All was quiet throughout the halls of fraternity. It was two forty-five A.M., and all of the young men who called the frat house their home had long since fallen asleep. There were varied sounds snoring, muffled words of sleep talk and grinding teeth as every Gamma laid in their beds and slept the night away. Even the main Gammas were contently counting sheep in their respective rooms and were obviously to the angry thunder and pattering rain on the roof of their frat house.

But Bradley? Well...he was having a tougher time sleeping. In his bedroom he was tossing and turning. Not because the storm was keeping him awake, though. It was because he was having a nightmare. As he suspected Other Bradley was lurking in the shadows, waiting for the opportunity for his chance to strike. And it seemed like he finally took his chance to do so. In a place where Bradley couldn't easily walk away from. In a place where Other Bradley had more control over that a logical person like the real Bradley would be at his mercy. Hence why, in the real world, the Saluki was currently tossing and turning. Because in the dreamland he was in a dark space, trying to pinpoint where his crueler self was as he only heard his signature laugh echo throughout the empty space.

“Where are you? Show yourself, damnit! You always have before!” Bradley called out as he whipped around, trying to find where the laughter was coming from.

“Oh, I know. But I just wanted the people you fooled into thinking you changed to see you squirm. Now that it's just us? There's no sense in me showing myself.” Other Bradley replied.

“What do you mean, fooled? I didn't fool anyone! I have changed! I'm not the same person I used to be! I'm not anything like you!” Bradley yelled into the void.

“Oh, sure you're not. You're little Mr. Perfect now. Bradley Jeremiah Uppercrust the 3^rd, the new and improved golden boy of Welig University. A devoted son, grandson and brother. Most of all...” At this, the voice of Other Bradley paused. And two, large baby blue eyes similar to Bradley's opened in the middle of the void that were glaring down hatefully at Bradley's smaller figure. However a distinguishing difference was that the eyes had red pupils. “You're a loving boyfriend. And to that weak, goofy little freshman of all people!”

This statement was enough to shift Bradley's feelings from scared to furious as he stood tall before the large, glaring eyeballs.

“You shut up about Max! He's not weak! And his goofiness is what helped me change into the person I am now!” Bradley stated passionately.

“That's the problem, you goddamn idiot!!” Other Bradley's voice bellowed, the eyeballs widened and flames seemingly exhausting out of nowhere and surrounding them both in a ring of fire. The young man just stood still as he watched the fire form a large circle then looked to the eyes which slowly came down and started to shrink and, in a flash of light, turn into the hallucination of his wicked doppelganger he had unfortunately grown used to seeing. Other Bradley then stormed over towards him and continued to yell. “Don't you get it!? Being with that freshman, your 'precious little macaron', has changed you into this! He's made you soft! Made you WEAK!!”

“No he hasn't! Max was there for me when no one else was after the X-Games! After the cheating was exposed, I was left all alone. Not even my own family could look me in the eye! But Max didn't feel that way. And he proved that even someone like me deserved a second chance. He's the strongest person I've ever met. Nobody like him is weak or little. I'd be there for him in an instant if the roles were reversed!” Bradley yelled right back into the face of his doppelganger; fists clenched in a show of determination as he bared his fangs to assert dominance.

Silence followed as the two Salukis glared at each other, neither one willing to back down in their little stand-off. Something's gotta give but neither one was budging. Finally though Other Bradley's glare slowly shifted into an unreadable expression, then it changed into a plotting grin as he let out a low chuckle.

“Heh, heh, heh...I see. You'd be there for him in an instant if the roles were reversed?” Other Bradley asked.

“What?” Bradley asked back, anger changing to confusion.

“I'm asking, would you be there for little Maxie if he was in a hospital bed just like he was for you?” The hallucination asked.

“Of course.” Bradley stated without hesitation.

“Very well.” Other Bradley said, then with a snap of his fingers the ring of fire surrounding them shrunk, surrounded Bradley alone and turned into a full-length mirror that entrapped the young man.

“H-Huh!? What the Hell!? Hey!” Bradley exclaimed, slamming his hands against the glass from inside the mirror he was now encased in.

“Since you feel so strongly about that, you won't mind it if I take your place for a while and spend some quality time with our little macaron.” Other Bradley said and produced a copy of Max, just as happy and bright-eyed as the real thing. The hallucination twirled the copy around a bit before pulling him into a hug which the imitation Labradoodle happily returned, his back to the entrapped Bradley.

“No! Max, that's not me! Get away!” Bradley yelled in warning, banging his fists against the glass in desperation. Other Bradley looked up at the screaming young man and gave a cruel smile.

“Don't worry, old chum. Once I'm done having my fun with the freshman, I'll give you full control. Just in time for you to be right there by his side in the hospital. Or the morgue, depending on how far I go...” Other Bradley trailed off as he formed a knife in his right hand and raised it just above imitation Max's back before bringing it down to stab him directly in the center of his spine.

Bradley didn't know what sound was made first, the shattering of the glass from the mirror as he finally managed to break out or his own desperate wails as he screamed for the imitation of Max and reached out for him. But either way it was too late. His cruel doppelganger had already stabbed the copy of his boyfriend in the back, making him gasp in pain before going limb in his embrace followed by a pool of blood forming at their feet on the black floor.

“MAX, NO!!” Bradley yelled out, snapping out his nightmare as he sat up from his bed. This immediately alerted the main Gammas who were closest to his bedroom as they all came barging into his room.

“Bradley! You alright, baby!? What's the matter!?” Tank asked urgently as he came running in first. Shades was second to appear, running right into the biggest Gamma and then got squished by Slouch when he came bringing up the rear.

Slouch spoke in tired yet worried grunts to Bradley. Then Boris, Federico and Kevin showed up.

“Yeah, what Slouch said, Bradley! We heard screamin' and came running! What's goin' on here, huh!?” Federico asked in urgent worry.

“Are you okay, dude? You've been acting stranger than a toad at a witch's convention for almost a week. And don't you tell us it's about the graduation. We know there's more to it than that.” Boris stated.

“...Max.” Bradley finally said in a soft whisper after a long pause, looking off into the distance.

“What?” Kevin asked, not quite hearing what he said.

“Max! I need to see Max!” Bradley yelled, turning to give the greyhound a wild look.

“What? But Bradley, it's ten minutes past 3AM! He's probably asleep.” Shades pointed yeah.

“Yeah, and I'm sure the sweetheart is alright. It may be a nasty storm, but a little rain never hurt anyone.” Tank assured with a smile.

“No, Tank, you don't understand! I have to see Max with my own eyes! I need to make sure that he didn't hurt him!” Bradley stated, grabbing at Tank's t-shirt and shaking him as he gazed into his best friend's face with an even wilder, desperate look.

“Who, boss? Are you talking about that Covington loser?” Federico asked.

“No, no! I mean...he...I...MOVE!! I just have to see Max!!” Bradley yelled and leaped out of his bed, tossing his comforter off of him and onto Tank, Boris, Shades and Slouch as he ran out of his bedroom. He didn't even bother putting on the dark grey button-up pajama shirt hanging on his bottom left bedpost and just ran out wearing only his dark grey satin pajama bottoms.

“Bradley, come back!” Kevin yelled to his friend.

“Sei fuori di testa?! You can't go out in that weather with no shirt or shoes on, Bradley! Come back here!” Federico yelled as well.

But the Saluki didn't listen. All he could think about was what Other Bradley said about Max. And the only thing he heard was the pained gasp as Other Bradley literally stabbed him in the back. Even though that Max wasn't his Max, the idea that he could possibly take over his body and hurt him...it was too much to bear. Bradley had to see him while he was still awake. Had to make sure that sure that his little macaron was alright!

Despite the heavy rain conspiring against him Bradley made it to the freshmen dorms. He shoved his way into the lobby, very likely already waking up many students from slamming the unlocked doors open alone. Bradley's blue eyes were wide, desperate and fearful as he looked through his wet bangs for the stairs in the dark before he finally found them and ran up the way. And all while calling out the name of his beloved boyfriend.

“MAX!! MAX!!” Bradley shouted as loud as his voice could, which was steadily growing hoarse.

Bradley's footsteps thundering down the hallway roused the freshmen boys and girls alike up, plus him slipping and falling into the walls caused even more noise as he made a mad dash to Max's dorm. The students who got woken up poked their heads out of their dorm rooms just in time to see Bradley reach the dorm room he so desperately sought after and watched as he banged his fist against it like a mad man. The soon-to-be-graduating senior screamed Max's name like a pleading manta, begging for him to answer the door. Several students who saw the scene unfold became scared and immediately ducked back into their dorms, remembering the unhinged Bradley from the X-Games debacle that had occurred nearly a year ago and didn't want to be caught in the crosshairs. Others, meanwhile, who were either curious about the situation or genuinely concerned for Bradley remained outside and watched on.

From inside his dorm room Max had long since began to stir when he first heard someone yell his name. He didn't immediately register the voice as belonging to Bradley. At first, he thought that the thunder from the storm was making him hear things or that he was even dreaming. But then he heard heavy footsteps pounding down the hallway, someone slamming up against the walls as they were falling from losing their balance and then the next then he knew someone was banging on his, P.J. and Bobby's dorm room door like they were trying to break in. P.J. was all set to call the campus police, but that's when Max heard it again. The yell for his name. And this time he registered the voice. It was in fact Bradley calling out for him.

And he sounded scared out of his mind. Max leaped up from his bottom bunk and rushed to the door, unlocked it and opened the door wide. Standing on the other side was the slightly older man...but he looked nothing like the posh bon vivant that Max is used to seeing. He was shirtless – and his fur, hair and satin pajama pants were all soaking wet from the rain and his chest was heaving up and down as he panted from the apparent running he just went through to get here. And his face. Bradley's face looked like he didn't sleep at all. Or if he did, the Saluki got in an hour and a half at the most. The guy looked a complete and total mess.

“Brad, what's wrong? Are you al...right?!” Max gentle question was suddenly turned into an exclamation of surprise as his boyfriend suddenly wrapped his wet arms around him into a strong, protective hug and pulled him close. As he did so the slightly older man ran his hand up and down Max's back. Like he was searching for something. Bradley then pulled back a bit and looked into Max's face.

“You're...you're safe.” Bradley said slowly in between pants. Blinking in slight confusion Max gave a small smile and nodded.

“Yeah. I'm safe, dreamboat. What made you think I wasn't? ...Was it the storm?” The Labradoodle carefully asked.

“N-No, not the storm. I...I was worried about...I was...” Bradley trailed off but couldn't say anything. How could he? What was he supposed to say? That for almost a week he's been seeing a hallucination of his former self that's been haunting him in his daily life and just now in his nightmares killed a dream version of Max and threatened to do the real McCoy grave harm?

“It's okay, Brad. Just take your time.” Max said in an understanding tone.

Bradley looked at Max, blinking and not replying not away at first. After a solid minute of not speaking Max started to ask again until Bradley said a word. Or rather, made a sound. A sniffle. And then his face began to scrunch up as he, the typically proud and confident Bradley Uppercrust the 3^rd, began to cry right there before Max and around the other students watching. Behind him Bobby and P.J. saw the Saluki crying as well, and looked from each other and then to Max. They felt bad both for their best friend and for the slightly older man. And by the sympathetic frowns one the faces of the various other freshmen who stayed outside to watch they likewise felt bad, but no one knew what to do or say to make the situation better. Finally, after a whole minute of crying, Bradley spoke up as he wiped away some of his tears.

“I...I was just scared for you, Max. I don't want to lose you. I needed to see you.” Bradley said between cries as he held Max close once more and cried into his shoulder. This time Max reciprocated the hug, letting his boyfriend sob.

“It's alright, Brad. You won't lose me. I'm here. And I always will be.” Max assured as he hugged Bradly tightly. After a moment he spoke up again. “Say, would you like me to spend the night at the Gamma House? It could be a last hurrah before you graduate.”

Bradley was silent for a bit, but this seemed to do the trick as his sobs began to gradually cease. He then pulled back again to reveal bloodshot eyes and wiped away his leftover tears.

“Y-Yeah. That would...be fine.” Bradley said in between sniffles.

“Great. But come inside. Let's dry you off first before we go out there. And the rain looks like it stopped, so at least you won't be running outside getting all wet again.” Max said as he pulled Bradley into his dorm room and closed the door.

With the couple now gone, the remaining freshmen in the hallway looked at each then let out breaths they didn't realize they were holding and simply retreated into their own respective dorm rooms. The silent consensus was that the scene they just bared witness to was intense, to say the very least. They wouldn't wish that kind of breakdown on anyone and, whatever Bradley was going through, they hoped that he would get through the worst of it.

A little later, Max and Bradley left from the freshmen dorms and made the walk to the Gamma House. Max packed a small backpack of the essentials and a change of clothes to spend the night. As they walked there the two held hands all the while, fingers lovingly interlaced. They said nothing. Not that words were necessary in that moment, of course. Bradley knew that Max was safe and would be there for him. And Max knew that Bradley was alright and that he was going to be properly looked after by him. That was all that mattered as far as they were concerned. No other additional comments required. Once they got to the front doors of the Gamma House, Max knocked on the doors and almost immediately Tank swung them open urgently.

“Bradley! Thank God you...!” Tank yelled in relief but stopped when he looked down and saw not only his best friend but also Max. “Oh! ...Oh, heya sweetheart. I uh, didn't expect seein' you so late at night.”

“Hey, Tank. Sorry to pop in unannounced like this. But Brad came to the freshmen dorms, and well...things got kinda wild. Anyway, he wanted me to stay for the night. I hope that's alright with you guys.” Max said.

“Huh? I-I mean, yeah! Sure thing, Maxie! Even after we graduate, yer still the Consort after all. No skin off my nose. Come on in.” Tank said and stepped aside to let the couple in.

The pair walked inside and immediately the rest of the main Gammas as well as a few other members stood up from the sectional couch and chairs from where they sat, apparently having stayed up waiting to hear from Bradley after he had run out a while ago and had varied shocked reactions when they saw his water-logged and disheveled appearance. Gasps and words of concerns echoed through the lobby/den as they watched Max lead Bradley up the stairs. Kevin, Shades, Boris, Slouch and Federico all watched on with especially worried looks for their leader and best friend. But their eyes also had a certain look of relief as they nodded to Max in a show of appreciation for his compassion towards the Saluki. Max nodded back to them and continued to walk up the stairs and make the way to Bradley's bedroom at the end of the hallway. Once inside he told his boyfriend to take a hot show so that he got all of that cold rain and grime off from running out in the elements, then made sure he got fully dressed in a new whole pajama set. Bradley sat at the foot of the bed as Max dried off his hair thoroughly then brushed it. Once he finally finished the Labradoodle smiled fondly to his boyfriend.

“There, all done. That's my handsome dreamboat.” Max said happily.

“...” Bradley said nothing. He just kept his head down. Max's smile dropped and he knelt down before Bradley and gazed up into his eyes.

“Bradley, what happened? You say you were scared for me, that you didn't want to lose me. Did you...have a nightmare?” Max asked slowly.

“...Yeah.” Bradley finally replied after a long pause.

“I see. Was the nightmare about me...leaving? Did I walk away?” Max asked, ready to tell his boyfriend that he would never walk away from him even if someone threatened him. At this Bradley slowly shook his head.

“No, Max. You didn't walk away...He took you from me. He...he hurt you.” Bradley said, his shoulders starting to shake as he fought back a new round of tears.

“He who, Brad? Are you talking about Eric Covington?” Max asked, both confused and worried. He knew that Bradley didn't like the English Foxhound, and it's not like he had any love lost for him either. But the idea that someone who's got so much going on would have a nightmare over such a pathetic wimp like Eric was so out of place.

“No, no! Not Eric! It was me!” Bradley yelled as he looked at Max with eyes full of new tears.

The bedroom was filled with silence as both canines stared at each other, completely shocked but for different reasons. Max at what he heard and Bradley for what he just said. Finally Max spoke up.

“It was you hurting me in your nightmare?” Max asked softly in surprise.

“Yes! I mean, no! I mean I...ugh! Listen, it was me, but not the me right now! It was the me from before! The me you saw when you first came here! The me from...” Bradley rambled as he tried to find the right words to explain what he meant but couldn't. He then stood up and began pacing around the bedroom as one hand was moving around and pointing in random directions while another hand kept running through the hair that Max had just finished brushing in his classic nervous tick while he rambled. Max watched him for a moment before he stood up and got right in front Bradley then grabbed his face with both hands, effectively stopping his pacing and rambling.

“What you mean is, you had a nightmare about the old asshole that you used to be hurting me.” Max clarified.

“Mmm hmm.” Bradley spoke in a muffle, nodding into Max's gloved hands.

“And you got worried that you would do that yourself in real life.” Max further assessed.

“Mmm hmm...” Bradley muttered slowly in agreement, nodding again.

“So you got worried, woke up and came running all the way to freshmen dorms in that storm just to check up on me and make sure that he didn't hurt me. To make sure that I was safe. Right?” Max asked as he removed his gloved hands from Bradley's cheeks to let him speak properly this time. The Saluki blinked in awe that his days of complex emotions were read so easily in an instant by someone like Max, but it just goes to show how amazing of a person he is. And once again the slightly older man nodded.

“Yes...Max, I would never, ever hurt you. Not for anything. Whether it meant getting quadruple the worth of the Uppercrust fortune or ten damn X-Games trophies. You've changed my life in so many wonderful ways. I can't thank you enough for that.” Bradley said with a fond smile, then his expression gave way to a look of fear. “But in my nightmare...he made a copy of you...and he stabbed him. I tried to save you. But I was too late! The blood...It was all so real. I had to see you for myself. I had to know that you were okay. I couldn't lose you, Max. Not after everything.”

“Oh, Brad.” Max said softly as he hugged his boyfriend, wrapping his arms around Bradley's neck and nuzzling his snout into the broad chest to ease the erratic beating of his heart. “You're not going to lose me. Not to anyone here, or to how you used to be in the past. That's all behind us. I promise.”

Bradley returned the hugged and let the new tears come out. He didn't even bother pretending that he wasn't going to cry. He just wanted to hug his little macaron. To forget that all of this pain existed. But even as he and Max finally settled into bed, their respective plush toys Mr. Creamsicle and Count Zachariah nestled between them, Bradley knew that deep down Other Bradley couldn't be ignored for very long. He was right about what he said yesterday. Long as Bradley lives, he will still be here. And the worst of it is that he's not sure how to fight against him.

Little did the soon-to-be-graduating senior know, however, that he was about to be given some unexpected salvation from an equally unexpected savior.

Day 6 before graduation...

The morning came with chirping birds and a ray of sunshine, as if the horrific storm the night before never happened. When it's not a training season a majority of the Gammas often sleep in, which pretty much left Max all alone that Friday morning as he was the first to wake up and was greeted to the fraternity's virtually unused kitchen. Even though they have a fully loaded kitchen with a walk-in cabinet that was a dream come true for a culinary arts major like Max. To say nothing of the refrigerator filled with fresh produce, dairy products and meats. Max recalled how one particular Gamma member, a Great Dane sophomore who was rather scrappy but had a heart of gold and liked to talk about his detective uncle a lot, mentioned how some members did cook but on a very basic level. And even then, they rarely ever did it and just went out to eat at the cafe or one of the restaurants on campus. By all accounts that Great Dane sophomore was pretty much the designated cook of the Gammas when he joined their ranks.

With that in mind, being the loving Labradoodle that he was, Max decided to go all out and make a huge breakfast for the frat house. He even called over P.J. and Bobby to make up for leaving them hanging last night, and they were all too happy to join in on the breakfast revelry. Eventually every member within the Gamma Mu Mu Fraternity rose up from their slumber as soon as the aroma of homemade cooking that they pretty much haven't smelled since they've left from their respective homes wafting from the kitchen. It was basically a free for all after that; with Gammas fighting over the pancakes, bowls of oatmeal, fruit, coffee, bacon, sausage, eggs, French toast, jam and orange juice. Bobby and P.J. had to take up arms with their forks and knives to protect their own plates of food. Luckily Max saw this coming and was sure to make extra food for the hungry frat brothers.

Bradley was the last one to come down, taking his time to walk down each step. His body looked rested, but his eyes appeared worn out. Like his mind bared the brunt of all the stress he was feeling. However, when he looked up and saw all of his Gamma brothers plus Max's friends at the huge table eating and laughing and of course his beloved macaron serving plate after plate, the Saluki felt some of that stress vanish for a short while. He smiled a bit and walked over towards Max. Tank, who had five strips of bacon and two pieces of French toast in his mouth, was the first to notice Bradley and swallowed down the portion of his third plate and waved to his best friend.

“Mornin', Bradley! We were wondering when you'd get up.” Tank greeted.

“How are you feeling, man?” Kevin asked. Bradley gave a small smile and shrugged.

“Eh. About as well as I can. Not as worse as I could be. Although I'd feel miles better if I got even a quarter of the food you all are getting.” Bradley said as he looked over at the spread on the table.

“Well you're in luck, because I've been saving a full-sized plate specially made for you dreamboat.” Max said with a smile and pulled out a plate he had set to the side and held it out to Bradley with a smile. On the plate was a stack of crepes stuffed with sliced fruit and whipped cream, two poached eggs and a long singular sausage link on the side. “I figured you'd want something not so heavy but sweet and savory.”

“Aww Max. You didn't have to go through the trouble.” Bradley said.

“Well if that's how you feel, Bradley, I'll gladly see to it that it ain't wasted...” Boris trailed off as he slowly reached up to grab the plate. However, his not-so-subtle attempt at thievery was promptly thwarted when Bradley grabbed the steak knife off the plate and held it up between Boris's hands and the edge of the plate.

“I said he didn't have to go through the trouble, Boris. I didn't say the effort wasn't reciprocated. Paws off my boyfriend's sausage.” Bradley stated, not even looking at the smaller bulldog as his face turned into a wicked smile.

“Right.” Boris said in a small voice and immediately slunk back to his chair, making the rest of the table erupt into laugh at his expense. Even Max couldn't help but let out a chuckle as he handed Bradley his plate who happily accepted it and gave his boyfriend a kiss on the cheek before taking his place at the head of the table with Max joining him at his left and the couple at together.

“Hey, don't think I forgot about our blackjack rematch Zimmeruski! Just because I'm graduating doesn't mean you're in the clear!” Shades stated, pointing his fork at Bobby across the table with a glare.

“Aw, don't be so sore in your loss Shades. Losin' out on a three-hundred-dollar pot isn't the worst...but isn't exactly something to be proud of either.” Bobby said, lowering his own purple sunglasses to give a smug grin and a wink to the bull terrier.

“Pfft!” P.J. spluttered a laugh through his orange juice and fist-bumped Bobby for his sick burn.

“That's it! The trophy room tonight at seven! Triple the pot! No way am I graduating after losing my shirt like that!” Shades states, slamming his fist on the table. From where he sat by Bradley, Max's loppy ears perked up at hearing the other spectacle wearing canine's words.

“Shirt...Crap, I can't believe I almost forgot! I have to head into town to meet with Sylvia at noon!” Max exclaimed in realization as he stood up.

“Sylvia? Oh right! You wanted to go to the mall with her to buy...!” P.J. started to reply until Bobby shoved a pancake into his mouth to cut him off.

“Go to the mall to buy what?” Bradley asked, curiosity now piqued as he raised an eyebrow. Max just smiled widely and gave a wink.

“Let's just say it involves your favorite color. I gotta grab my backpack from your room and then I'm out. Hope you guys liked your breakfast. See ya!” Max exclaimed and left with a wave.

“Bye Max!” The Gammas called cheerily as they waved to the Labradoodle.

“I guess that's our cue to skadoo also, Bobby. I'm heading to the campus library myself. Vicky wanted to go over our joint project with the performance arts group when we get into our sophomore year.” P.J. said as he stood up and left the dining room.

“Right on, brother. As for me, I'll be chilling out at the skate park. And actually...I was wondering if you'd be willing to accompany me, Bradster.” Bobby said, looking towards the Saluki.

This made Bradley look at the stoner in surprise and blink a few times, not expecting this request at all.

“Me?” Bradley asked.

“Yessum! I know that you're a busy man and all, and you have a speech to work on as the valedictorian, but I wanted to have a moment of your time if you could spare it.” Bobby said with a smile.

Bradley looked at the terrier mix, blinked again and thought about it. While graduation day was literally twenty-four hours away – it's not like he had anything better to do. Plus, talking to Bobby and hearing whatever nonsensical blathering of his could probably help further distract his troubled mind. So with a tired smile he gave a nod.

“Of course, Bobby. I'd be happy “chill out” with you at the skate park. Just let me get dressed.” Bradley said.

“Be a real shame if that plate of food went to waste, though...” Boris trailed off as he not so subtly crept his fingers across the table to get to Bradley's half-eaten plate, only for a sharp fork to stabbed right in front of his fingers and intercepting his thieving limbs.

“After I eat.” Bradley firmly stated, casting a knowing glaring to his frat brother and friend who chuckled nervously and tipped his beret to Bradley.

About twenty minutes later, after the Gammas all had their fill, Bradley dressed up for the day and exited the frat house with his skateboard. On the front porch Bobby was waiting with his rollerblades already on and humming the tune of some pop song. He gave a thumbs up to the soon-to-be-graduating senior and the pair skated off to the skate park. Since it was the day before graduation the park was practically empty as most students were preparing to get everything else ready for the seniors that were set to leave Welig. So Bradley and Bobby just about had the whole park to themselves. They skated on the ramp a bit and did some tricks in the bowl. After doing that for a while they sat on the bench and just observed the few other skaters that occupied the park.

“So, how does it feel Bradster? Leaving Welig in less than a day's time?” Bobby asked.

“Honestly? It's surreal. I mean...I've been here for almost five years. This place has been my home, basically. I've laughed here, cried here. Had good times, I definitely had some bad times. Made some enemies for sure...and made friends who I'll never forget. But tomorrow I'm going to leave it all behind.” Bradley said as he looked over the skate park.

“Hmm.” Bobby hummed thoughtfully as he watched two friends laugh as they skated after each other. “You say 'leave it all behind', like you have to forget all of this. Is that what you plan to do?”

“What...? No, I mean...Well it's not like I can come here again after graduating, Bobby. Can't exactly go back to the Gamma House and do keg stands with the new fraternity pledges.” Bradley said with a grin which made the stoner laugh.

“Ha, ha! Touche, but I didn't mean it like that. I meant you say that like you have to forget all of the memories you have here. Like you can't visit our professors or even come and assist them. I'm sure Coach Haddock would love to have you on board to help whip the varsity team into ship. Especially if it means keeping everyone on time. And you know Mr. Hoover would love having you around.” Bobby explained.

Bradley blinked, eyes wide and not knowing what to say for a moment. But after a moment of silence, he slowly nodded in agreement.

“Y-Yes. That's...That's true. I didn't really consider that. I suppose you're right. Wait, is that what you wanted to talk to me about?” Bradley asked.

“No. At least, that wasn't the only thing I wanted to talk to you about.” Bobby said, his voice turning serious as he shifted his body from being his casual leaning position and turned to face the slightly older man. “Bradley, I wanted to talk to you about last night. About this whole week. You haven't been yourself, dude. And I think I finally know why.”

Again, Bradley went silence and his eyes grew wide from shock as he blinked. He really wasn't expecting to hear that. Certainly not from Bobby Zimmeruski of all people. And for him to say that he knows why he feels the way he does, that he may know the reason why he has been haunting him for almost a week, was almost too good to be true. But after all that he's been through Bradley wanted to hope just a little bit.

“You do?” The Saluki asked in a low whisper.

“Yeah. And the reason I'm thinking may very well be a polar opposite from what you're thinking. Bradster, do you wanna take a guess as to what my major is?” Bobby asked, resting his head on an arm.

“Would you be offended if I said chemistry?” Bradley asked back with a slight grin, again making the terrier mix laugh.

“Ha, ha, ha! Nah, you're not the first one who guessed that. And I'll admit it did cross my mind once or twice. But alas, that was a mere childhood dream. Actually, I major in psychology. I follow in mama and papa's footsteps, believe it or not. They like to get at the root of a problem by being real with people. They're the kinds of folks who enjoy talking with people. You know, letting them get their woes off their chests. Doing whatever they can to try and cheer them up. So they made careers out of it. And that's what I want to do one day.” Bobby explained, looking up to the sky with a fond smile as he thought back to his parents' proud reactions when he told them that he decided on psychology for his major.

“Wow. That's very admirable, Bobby. I had no idea.” Bradley responded in awe.

“Thanks! It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it. Now, getting back to you and getting back to what I said, I think I know why you've been acting the way you have been Bradster. First – take out your compact.” Bobby instructed.

“Huh? Why?” Bradley asked in confusion.

“Trust me. It'll make sense in a moment.” Bobby assured. Bradley still was confused but shrugged and took out his compact then opened it. “Now you see your reflection, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Bradley repeated back.

“So tell me, Bradley, in all of these months since you've been discharged and have been improving yourself – you've apologized to your family, P.J. and me, then to Max, then the Gammas and even to Mr. Goof. But tell me something. Have you ever apologized to yourself?” Bobby asked.

That made Bradley do a double take and look from his compact mirror to the terrier mix.

“What?! Apologize to myself? Why would I ever do something so silly as that?” Bradley asked with a chuckle. At this, Bobby cocked an eyebrow and gave a slight smile as he took off his purple sunglasses.

“Why is it silly? Because you're talking to yourself, or because you don't think you need to apologize to yourself?” The freshman asked back. At this Bradley let out a chuckling huff before the full weight of the questions settled on him, making him frown. Then he looked back at his reflection in the compact mirror.

“Well, I...I mean...it never seemed like I had to. I guess...I always felt like the fact I wasn't the same person I used to be was...I don't know. Self-explanatory.” Bradley replied slowly.

“Mmm hmm, that's fair. Actions speak louder than words a lot of the times. But other times – saying words can go a long way, too. They carry a certain level of vindication that no regular action does, you know? And it means a lot to other people, and even to us, to hear those words.” Bobby explained. The Saluki looked at the terrier mix for a moment, then back at his reflection and nodded slowly.

“Yes. I think you're right. I just never thought that could apply to myself.” Bradley said.

“Don't feel bad, pal. Most people don't think that it can either. And they sadly never realize it until it's too late. But you're different, Bradster. You realized it before it was too late.” Bobby said. At this Bradley looked back at Bobby one last time.

“You really think it's not too late? That I can still apologize to myself? Apologize to...him?” Bradley asked carefully. At this Bobby gave an honest nod and put his sunglasses back on.

“I do. And I think it would mean a lot to him if you said so.” Bobby replied kindly, then gave a grin. “But if it doesn't work out, I'll give you the triple pot I'll win from Shades in our blackjack rematch tonight.”

“Ha, ha, ha! After seeing his reaction at breakfast – the idea of you beating him in blackjack again is payment enough. But I appreciate the sentiment enough. Thank you for this talk, Bobby. I really needed this.” Bradley said and held out his hand for the younger man to shake which Bobby happily did.

“No problemo, dude! The Zimmeruski is always happy to lend an ear. Feel free to reach out to me any time. But for now – I must bid you adieu. The 711 beckons me for its seventy-cent Slurpee special.” Bobby said as he stood up.

“Of course, I understand. Take care, Bobby.” Bradley said and waved the terrier mix off.

“You too! See ya at graduation!” Bobby called out as he gave a two-finger salute as he skated away.

Now by himself, the soon-to-be-graduating senior surprisingly felt lighter. Talking to Bobby was a lot more helpful than he expected. And now he knew exactly what he had to do. Getting on his skateboard Bradley left from the skate park himself and decided to take the long way back to the Gamma House. He wanted to take the time to think before he confronted...no. Before he talked to him. This wasn't going to be an argument. This was going to be different. Bradley wasn't entirely sure what it'll be, but he knows he won't let it end the way he wants it.

Finally, Bradley made it back to the frat house and entered inside. He walked in and greeted his Gamma Brothers and noticed that Tank, Slouch, Boris, Kevin, Shades and Federico were all packing up their rooms and going over old pictures and memories. It made Bradley smile at seeing them do this. He knew he would have to do this very soon with his room as well. But first things first. There was someone that he needed to have a few words with. Going into his bedroom Bradley closed the door and stood right in front of the full-length mirror, crossing his arms and looking at it expectantly. When his reflection didn't change right away, he spoke.

“Come on. I know you're there. No sense in pretending to be quiet.” Bradley said.

Still, his reflection remained unchanging for a short while. But eventually the expectant look cracked into a devious grin as Other Bradley laughed in the mirror.

“Ha, ha, ha! Oh boy, it's so hard to keep a straight face around you. Especially when you're serious. But this is a first. For almost a week you've been trying your damnedest to act like I don't exist. What's changed, old chum?” Other Bradley asked.

“A lot. And it's funny that you say exactly that. How I've been trying to act like you don't exist...I shouldn't have done that. It wasn't right.” Bradley said slowly.

Other Bradley's smug grin immediately dropped, and his wicked eyes blinked in surprise. Obviously, he wasn't expecting to hear that.

“Come again?” Other Bradley asked. Bradley sighed before he continued to speak.

“It took me speaking to the last person who I ever thought would make me realize this, but I finally understand. Up to now I've only apologized to the people who I thought mattered. My family, Max's friends, Max himself, Tank and the guys and Mr. Goof. But me...you. I didn't apologize to you. I thought it was enough that I had changed. Like it was clear that I had changed for the better. Why should I apologize to my own self? Now I realize that it wasn't fair to not say it to you. I realize that you deserved an apology just as much as everyone else.” Bradley explained further.

For a moment, Other Bradley was silent. He just stood there – not even blinking. Then he shook his head and turned away.

“No...No, you don't mean that! I spent all this time torturing you! You have to be lying!” Other Bradley yelled. But Bradley was steadfast and shook his head.

“No I'm not! I do mean it! Bradley Jeremiah Uppercrust the 3^rd, I am sorry! I'm sorry that I ignored you when I moved on! I'm sorry that I made you feel like I was forgetting my mistakes and pretending as if I was always perfect! And most of all, I'm sorry that I pretended that you didn't exist! For better or worse you're part of me. The good and the bad. And even with those bad parts...people still love us. So if they're fine with that, I guess you're not so bad after all.” Bradley spoke with the utmost sincerity. Then slowly pressed his hand against the mirror. “So, truce?”

Other Bradley looked at the real hand pressed against the mirror for a moment, then at the actual Saluki. For a solid minute neither reflection nor its reflector said anything. Until Other Bradley did something he never did before. He smiled. Not a smug grin, but an actual happy smile. Then he pressed his hand to Bradley's on the opposite side of the mirror.

“Sure. A truce is fine. And...I'm sorry, too.” Other Bradley said. And then the reflection changed back to matching Bradley's completely.

And just like that, Bradley felt whole. Like a part of him that he had shut out was back with him. Even though it may not be all good – it was still necessary to have. And honestly? He'd rather keep that part of him that cut it out.

“Hm...cut.” Bradley muttered to himself as he looked at his long hair in the mirror and fiddled with the ends of his locks. Getting a sudden idea he left his bedroom and called out to a certain greyhound. “Hey Kevin! Have you packed up your clipper set already?”

Day 7, Graduation Day...

At long last, the big day was upon the seniors of Welig University. Everyone was dressed in their graduation robes, pressed and preened and looking as excited as they were nervous. There were many smiles, happy tears, handshakes between students with their favorite professors and lots of camera flashes as parents took pictures of their little graduates-to-be. And the Donnelly family was there to feed the masses with a medley of their seafood delicacies and desserts to make the occasion that much more special. After all, a special event is only made more memorable with the help of a good meal. Nothing could possibly ruin the moment. Not even Eric Covington was casting a dark cloud over the festivities and was being surprisingly well-behaved. Some called it a miracle. Others called it last minute self-preservation brought on by a “friendly chat” Eric had yesterday with Tank and Slouch.

Speaking of which, the Uppercrust family plus Alfonso was catching up with the Donnelly family at their food stand while waiting for their son and the main Gammas to show up.

“Aw Lee, old friend, we're so happy to be here to support Bradley. I can't believe I got to live to see this day.” Craig said as he dabbed at his eyes to wipe away the tears that were forming.

“Don't go talking that rubbish, you old leather wallet. You know good and well you'll outlive the whole lot of us. You're too stubborn to keel over.” Grandfather Lee said with a grin. At this Craig gave a hardy laugh and patted his friend on the shoulder.

“Ha, ha, ha! Well if that's the case then you'll for sure be my pallbearer first, ya darned fur stole! You make donkeys look reasonable.” Craig said. At this Loretta rolled her eyes in amusement.

“Good grief. It'll be a race to see which of you will go into the ground first, frankly. Nevertheless, Eloise, we are happy to be here for Bradley. You and Bradman must be so proud.” The matriarch water monitor lizard said with a smile.

“We truly are, Loretta. He's worked so hard – and now this day has finally come.” Eloise said with a smile of her own.

“Even when he's had his setbacks, he never gave up. And that's the greatest thing he had going for him. The grit to push on.” Bradman said with a look of pride.

“I've never seen Bradley so happy. It's a smile that a sonnet can't put into words.” Mercedes added happily.

“I'll bet. Bradley bro has come a long way.” Carl said with a toothy smile.

“Totally! He's really changed for the better. By the way, where is the man of the hour? And his bros too? We haven't seen them yet.” Kyle said as he looked around among the sea of seniors dressed in their graduation robes.

“Yeah! And I wanted to take a picture of them in front of our stand for the family scrapbook.” Antoinette said, holding up her camera.

“I believe they were finishing the last of their packing from their rooms back at the frat house and then coming here to the football field.” Bradman said. Just then Alfonso happened looked up and gestured for the Donnelly's and Uppercrust's to look to the right when he noticed a group coming their way and realized it was Bradley and the main Gammas.

“Oye mira, here they come now.” The butler said. Then he squinted his eyes when he noticed something different about Bradley and made a small gasp of surprise. “Wow... and it looks like Maestro Bradley has gotten a new look from when we last saw him.”

The Uppercrust's and the Donnelly's all looked up to see what Alfonso meant and were stunned by what they saw. Bradley had gotten a haircut. Gone were his long tresses and in their place was a stylish side cut style. It showed off his ears a bit more bit it also revealed his strong jawline, making him look more mature and distinguished. When Bradley and the rest of the main Gammas finally reached his family and the Donnelly's he smiled a bit awkwardly at them and shrugged while rubbing the back of his neck.

“So. What do you think?” Bradley asked tentatively.

“Why it looks amazing, Bradley! I never imagined you would try for short hair. Now I feel like a hippie with my ponytail, heh.” Bradman said with a chuckle as he held up his own low ponytail.

“Well you're the handsomest hippie there is, my beloved.” Eloise assured as she wrapped her arms around the patriarch Saluki's free arm with a smile before turning to her son. “And your new hairstyle really does look spectacular, son. You really do make short hair work.”

“I'll say. As much as I liked you with the bangs, it makes you look like a super villain who's going through a sort of redemption phase and will become an anti-villain ally. You know, like that rich guy from that cartoon about the defenders of the night.” Mercedes said.

“Considering how you don't shut up about that show I'll take that as a high compliment, little sister.” Bradley replied with a grin.

“Your look quite dashing, Bradley. Abigail would be very proud.” Grandfather Lee said with a smile.

“Aye! You're as striking as a bolt of lightning, boyo.” Craig added.

“I agree! It's definitely your style, Bradley.” Loretta said.

“It's classically gnarly, bro!” Kyle exclaimed in support.

“A picture definition of bodacious!” Carl added with a thumbs up.

“You look fantastic, Bradley.” Antoinette said with a wide smile.

“Thank you all. I was worried it would look weird for a while.” Bradley said with a relieved smile.

“I don't know why. I was the one who gave you the cut. I only work in amazing.” Kevin said with a confident flip of his own pompadour making the other Gammas roll their eyes.

“Hey, has Max arrived yet? I haven't seen him around since we've gotten ready.” Bradley said, trying to hide his eagerness to see his boyfriend.

“¡Ah, sí! Maestro Max actually sent a message to the manor before we arrived here, and wanted me to inform you about his arrival, young Maestro.” Alfonso spoke up.

“He did? What did he say?” Bradley asked with hopeful eyes.

“He said that 'your surprise needs a bit more work, but he'll be on time before the ceremony starts. And a precursor to your surprise will be arriving to entertain you before he and Sylvia show up'. That was the message.” Alfonso explained.

“A precursor? I wonder what Max darling could've meant by that?” Eloise asked in curiosity.

Suddenly a cheerful, boisterous voice called out through the sea of students, families and school faculty members.

“Hiya, Bradley!” Called out a voice that Bradley and the Gammas knew all too well. And the young man couldn't help but shake his head in amusement.

“I think I just found out. That's Max's dad, Mr. Goof.” Bradley as he looked in the direction the voice was coming from, spotted the Labrador Retriever and waved to him. “Over here, sir!”

“Oh, how wonderful! We'll actually get to meet Max's father in person.” Eloise said cheerily.

“Yes! This is an even more joyous...” But Bradman's words stopped short when he got a good look at Goofy as he came closer, and his jaw dropped in awe. “Oh. My. Days! Br-Bradley...is that really Maximilian's father?”

“What? Yes, of course. That's Mr. Goofy Goof.” Bradley said, surprised at his father's reaction. Eloise, Alfonso, Mercedes and Grandfather Lee looked closer as well and they all did a double take.

“My word! I can hardly believe this! Is my make-up alright? Is there anything in my teeth!?” Eloise frantically asked as she took out her compact mirror and checked her face.

“Thank God I bought new shoes today! But I should comb my hair one last time!” Mercedes said urgently as she took a small comb out of her purse and quickly styled it.

“Alfonso, is my mustache combed properly?” Grandfather Lee asked as he straightened his tie.

“¡Sí, sí! It looks perfect, Maestro Lee! My wrinkles are even, though, right?” Alfonso asked, worriedly touching at the wrinkles on his bald head.

“Hey, whatts'a matter with you folks, huh? It's just Max's old man.” Federico said, looking confused by the reaction of the Uppercrust family members and the butler.

“Yes. I've told you all about Max's dad. Why are you acting so shocked? You act like he's a celebrity.” Bradley said. At this his parents, grandfather, sister and Alfonso all looked at each other, blinked once and then looked back at Bradley with shared stunned expressions.

“Bradley. You don't know the full extent of Mr. Goof's career repertoire, do you?” Bradman asked.

“Well, no. I always assumed he was a Jack of all trades. Just did any and every job.” Bradley admitted.

“Ah, I see. Well that's not totally untrue. But you're about to find out just how much further that extends.” Eloise said with a knowing smile just as Goofy approached the group.

“Hey there, Bradley! I can't believe you're graduatin'! Feels like you were hitting the books just yesterday!” Goofy exclaimed as he gave the young man a big hug and, with surprising strength, lifted him off the ground. Startled as he was Bradley accepted the hug and patted the older canine on the back.

“Th-Thank you, Mr. Goof! I'm as shocked as you are! Sometimes I didn't think I'd make it this far.” Bradley said.

“You're tellin' me! Now we're both college seniors. And you and the other Gammas are lookin' mighty spiffy as graduates, too, Tank.” Goofy said as he shook the hands of each of the main Gammas.

“Say, Mr. Goof? I don't think I ever asked this, but were you always a laborer when you were working?” Bradley asked.

“Hm? Oh, well no not always. I did a little of everything. Teaching, runnin' a restaurant, acting, did a stint as a photographer...” Goofy trailed off, but at the word 'acting' Bradley's eyes bulged.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on a second! Acting? You were an actor!?” Bradley asked in shock. At this Goofy animatedly nodded his head.

“Oh yeah! For quite a while, too, from when I was a senior in high school until four years after Max's mom passed away. Had to keep food on the table. And the money was good being on the silver screen with Donald and Mickey, ah-hyuck.” Goofy replied with a smile.

There was a long silence as the explanation settled in for Bradley and the rest of the Gammas as they all looked at the Labrador Retriever with wide eyes, blinking in shock. Meanwhile the Uppercrust family and Alfonso just grinned smugly, as they already knew the answer. Then Shades, who slowly took off his sunglasses to show his stunned brown eyes, spoke up.

“D-D-Donald...and M-M-Mickey. As in...D-D-Donald Duck...and M-M-Mickey Mouse?” Shades asked slowly in shock.

“That's right! They're my best buds in the whole wide world! But show business was getting too crazy for me and Donald, and we wanted to focus on our families. So we retired. It was Mickey's calling more than anything, so he stuck to it. But we still keep in touch. And me and Maxie always visit them and Daisy, Minnie, Huey, Dewey and Louie and cantankerous good ol' Scrooge McDuck whenever we get the chance.” Goofy explained.

“...So...all those times when Max talked about his godfathers, his cousins and his extended family...he meant them? His godfathers are the Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck?” Bradley asked with a flabbergasted expression.

“Eeyup! But me and Maxie don't talk about it a whole lot because people tend to get weird about it. Can you believe it? Like being connected to a super famous movie star and the nephew of the richest man in the world makes a person any different from another average Joe or plain Jane.” Goofy said with a wave of his hand. Then he took Bradley into another big hug. “That's what I like about you, Bradley! You're not shallow like that and know what really matters. I couldn't ask for a better boyfriend for my son.”

“H-Heh, heh. Yep. You know me, Mr. Goof. A regular Mr. Congeniality. Still I can't deny that I am a bit surprised. I didn't know that Max had such a...big extended family.” Bradley said.

“Aw shucks, I guess you're right! We shoulda told you sooner. But I'll tell you what. We always have a barbecue every spring. And you and your family are more than welcome to come and meet the whole group.” The Labrador Retriever said with a smile.

“We'd love to!!” Eloise suddenly exclaimed loudly, making everyone in the group look to her in surprise. The matriarch Saluki immediately calmed herself down and gave a curtsy to Goofy in greeting. “That is to say, so long as it isn't an imposition we would love to attend.”

“Well gawrsh, no imposition here ma'am! I take it you're Bradley's mom. Glad to meet'cha.” Goofy said as he held out his hand. Eloise's eyes widened with glee, as if she couldn't believe the honor being bestowed onto her, before she slowly accepted the hand and smiled widely as she shook it.

“The pleasure is truly all mine, Mr. Goof. Eloise Uppercrust, and I am a huge fan of your work. I vividly remember your Lonesome Ghosts film with Mr. Mouse and Mr. Duck. It's still my favorite to this very day.” Eloise praised.

“Well thank you kindly, Mrs. Uppercrust. I'm surprised people still remember that old picture.” Goofy said with a smile.

“Old but not forgotten, my good fellow! Bradley Uppercrust the 2^nd, but just Bradman will do. From one father to another let me say you have raised a truly exceptional young man in Max. And as another fan of your thespian days the educational how to series you covered had a certain charm that I greatly admire.” Bradman said as he held out his hand for Goofy to shake.

“Gee, thanks a lot Mr. Uppercrust.” Goofy said as he used his other hand to shake Bradman's hand.

“Please pardon me, Bradley Uppercrust the 1^st. Of course you can call me Grandfather Lee. As a former vocal coach, I have great respect for the range you have with the various sound effects that you can naturally do, Mr. Goof. It's a talent that I have sadly seen wane in younger students when I used to teach. I know you said that you used to teach, and if you ever considered teaching acting you will most definitely have my support.” Grandfather Lee said.

“That means a lot to hear, Grandfather Lee. Thanks a million.” Goofy replied with a nod.

“Um, Mr. Goof? I hope this isn't too much to ask...but would you please give me your autograph?” Mercedes nervously asked as she held up a notepad and ink pen.

“I too would like an autograph, ¡Señor Goof! But as Señorita Mercedes said, only if it isn't too much to ask.” Alfonso said as he held up his own notepad and pen.

“Why sure! It's not too much to ask at all.” Goofy said as he separated himself from Eloise and Bradman's hands and proceeded to sign his name on Mercedes's notepad first, then on Alfonso's notepad then he gave his signature, jovial smile. “There ya are, folks! Always happy to sign for fans.”

Mercedes and Alfonso returned the smile with their own big grins as they held the autographs close to their chests like they just acquired the greatest treasure ever. Deciding to 'rescue' his boyfriend's father now Bradley stepped in and halfheartedly shooed his family away from Goofy.

“Alright, alright, back it up paparazzi! That's all Mr. Goof can spare for today. No pictures.” Bradley said sarcastically.

“Whatever! You're the one who didn't know you have a movie legend for a father-in-law!” Mercedes stated as she blew a raspberry at her older brother.

“Father-in-law? But that means...Oh, I see now.” Goofy said with a knowing smirk to Bradley making the graduate-to-be blush bright red in embarrassment before he turned to glare at his teenage sister.

“Mercedes Uppercrust!” Bradley yelled as he proceeded to charge at the youngest Saluki and chase her but Mercy just ran around to avoid him, making the Donnelly's, the main Gamma's, Goofy, Alfonso and the rest of the Uppercrust family laugh at the display.

Just then a familiar car horn honking in the distance caught Goofy's attention, making his right loppy ear rise up. He looked at the road near the football field and smiled widely when he saw that it was Sylvia's car.

“Hey, it's Sylvia and Max! They came just in time!” Goofy exclaimed. Hearing the mention of the younger Goof's name made Bradley stop chasing Mercedes and look up to see the approaching sports car.

“Max is here?” Bradley asked in an eager tone.

“So it would seem. But I can't get a clear look of the boy from here.” Bradman said, squinting his eyes to try and see Max properly.

“Max said something about a surprise for me. Do you know what it is, Mr. Goof?” Bradley asked curiously. At this Goofy smiled giddily and pointed ahead.

“Instead of asking me, son, why don't you ask your surprise himself?” Goofy asked.

The young man blinked in confusion, then turned to look where the older man was pointing. And when he did his jaw dropped in awe. It was Max Goof, but he wasn't dressed in his usual style. When he said what he had to buy involved his favorite color he wasn't kidding. From head to toe Maximilian Goof was a stunning vision in red. Scarlet red dress slacks, a matching-colored blazer, a seashell white dress shirt for contrast, a sangria red tie around his neck and dark brown Oxfords to wrap up the whole outfit. Bradley swore he even saw a hint of red shaded lip gloss on Max's lips. Sylvia soon came onto the scene, bringing up the rear in her radiant soft lilac dress as she went over to Goofy and gave her husband a kiss and a hug.

“Hello, dear heart! And greetings to you all! We're sorry for cutting it so close. Traffic got a little dicey towards the end.” Sylvia explained.

“No worries there, love. We all know how that goes.” Loretta assured.

“And besides, at least one of us here finds your arrival to be worth the wait.” Bradman said with a knowing grin as he looked to Bradley, who was struck speechless with love.

“Yeah. Talk about saved by the bell. Wedding bells, in this case.” Mercedes said with a giggle as she watched Bradley walk over to Max, but not before flicking his little sister in the back of her head. “Ow!”

Bradley stood before Max, blinking several times as he gazed upon his red clad form and his styled hair.

“Well, how do you like it?” Max asked.

“I wish I could say what I really think of it, but due to the mixed company we're in I can't.” Bradley replied honestly making the freshman laugh.

“Ha, ha, ha, ha, ah-hyuck! I guess I'll just have to take that as a sign of approval. And I know that I didn't have to get you anything exactly, but here.” Max said and held out something to his boyfriend.

Bradley then gazed down at what was offered to him and felt his heart swell with happiness. In Max's hands was a felt stem with a pin latch on the back of the stem and three large fabric red gladioli flowers along the other side. It was a simply beautiful. If memory served correct – the flower symbolizes, strength of character, integrity and moral fortitude. And red gladiolis specifically embodied love, passion and deep emotion. In the past Bradley never would have thought that any of these traits could possibly apply to him. But now, after everything that he's been through, somehow, they fit him perfectly.

“Max, it's beautiful. Thank you.” Bradley said as he reached up and gently accepted the gift.

“You're welcome! I'm glad all of those years doing arts and crafts with P.J.'s little sister paid off.” The Labradoodle said with a smile. Just then Professor Hoover walked over to the group.

“Hello, all! I'm sorry to interrupt, but the principal is about to get the ceremony started. And he wants you on the stage front and center to give your valedictorian speech first, Bradley.” Ezekiel said.

“Yes, of course. I'll be right there.” Bradley said, feeling a sudden rush of nervousness before he inhaled and exhaled before he looked to Max. “Moment of truth.”

“I know. But you got this, dreamboat.” Max said and gave Bradley a quick peck on the cheek before he left with Goofy and Sylvia to join the Uppercrust's and Alfonso to sit in the stands.

The Saluki smiled dreamily as he lightly touched his cheek where Max kissed him before he fastened the faux gladioli flower pin to the scarf off his graduation robe. Then he quickly left to join the other seniors backstage gathering on the stage set up in the center of the field. As he joined alongside Tank and the others his fellow graduates-to-be immediately started busting his chops.

“Think you can remember what syllables are after that little smooch to give your speech, lover boy?” Tank asked with a grin making their friends all chuckle.

“Shut up.” Bradley said with a grin as they all took their seats. The principal, an older Bedlington Terrier named William Beckett, walked up to the podium and everyone in the crowd clapped at the man who nodded at the applause before speaking.

“Hello, students, parents and professors of Welig. It's so good to see all of you here during this wonderful occasion. We've sure got a lot of accomplished, bright faces to show for it. I'll miss quite a lot of lot you, too. I know that each of you graduates will be doing amazing things. And you're always welcome to reach out to me or any of the professors here, if you should ever want a little help on the road ahead. But you're not here to listen to me babble on. The person whose words you should really hear are those of our valedictorian, Bradley Uppercrust the 3^rd.” William said and stepped away from the podium as he gave a clap, which soon turned into another round of applause.

For the last time Bradley inhaled and exhaled before he stood up and walked over to the podium where the principal once stood, then adjusted the microphone to his lips before clearing his throat and speaking.

“Thank you, Principal Beckett. As was said – we've got a lot of accomplished and bright faces to show for this wonderful occasion. And to show for how far we've all come. Originally, I had a grand old speech prepared that I was going to say...” Bradley trailed off, then paused as his eyes searched the crowd for a moment. And when they spotted Bobby sitting between P.J. and Max in the top row among his family, Goofy and Sylvia he gave a smile. “But then, a recent conversation I had yesterday with a surprisingly wise friend inspired me to do something different.”

Hearing this made the students and faculty members look at Bradley in surprise before they all whispered in curiosity. Something this devil-may-care was completely unlike the Saluki and threw everyone for a loop. Tank, Boris, Slouch, Shades, Federico and Kevin even talked among themselves asking if either of them were the 'surprisingly wise friend' Bradley was talking about only to deny that it was neither of them. And in the stands Bradley's family and the Goof Troop were just as surprised.

“What? Bradley isn't doing his speech anymore? Did he tell you this, mother?” Mercedes asked to Eloise.

“No. He never mentioned a thing. Grandfather?” The matriarch Saluki asked to the first of his name.

“Don't look at me. I'm just as surprised as you lot.” Grandfather Lee said with a shrug.

“Well this sure is a surprise. Did Bradley say anything about his speech to you, Max?” Goofy asked his son.

“No, not to me. But I have a clue or two about who the 'surprisingly wise friend' is.” Max replied, looking to Bobby with a knowing smile. The terrier mix looked back at his friend and just grinned as he pressed a finger to his lips.

“Future shrink confidentiality, Maximilian.” Bobby replied. The group then turned back to look at the stage just in time to see Bradley continue.

“As you all are well aware, I wasn't always the best person here at Welig University. And I'm sure that a few certain people will argue that I'm still not the best.” Bradley said, giving a pointed look to Eric Covington who was smack dab in the middle of the crowd of students. The campus horn dog gave a just barely subtle middle finger salute, but Bradley merely rolled his eyes and continued. “But even despite the reservations of those people, one thing is clear. I've changed. All of us have changed. And while that change is a good thing – I've only just recently realized an egregious oversight on my part. Which was that I didn't properly acknowledge the change I went through.”

This prompted another round of curious whispers, with some asking audible questions to one another like 'what's the point of doing that' and such. Bradley gave an understanding nod as he kept talking.

“I know, I know. Why bother, right? Actions speak louder than words. You're actively changing. So there's no need to say aloud 'hey, I've changed'. However...that's not true. Not really. Which brings me to the conversation I had with that surprisingly wise friend.” The Saluki explained, his face breaking into a sincere smile. “Sometimes, actions speak louder than words and there's no need to really say anything. But other times, saying words can go a long way. As my wise friend told me, 'they carry a certain level of vindication that no regular action does'. And to hear those words, to vocally acknowledge your change, it means a lot. Reminds you of how far you've come. Keeps you grounded. We weren't always well put together. We all started out from the bottom in some shape or form. And saying so when we change...it keeps us together. For better or worse, the bad we started out with coming here to Welig is part of the good we've changed into as we stand here to graduate. And I for one accept both aspects of myself. I've changed, but I'll never forget what I changed from. Because it's part of who I am. I don't want to lose that. And none of you should ever lose that either.”

With that final word, Bradley looked to the crowd as he felt his heartbeat finally catch up to him. He didn't realize how nervous he was until he finished talking. Everyone was silent, just staring at him. For a brief second he felt a pang of embarrassment. But that didn't last long as the Goof Troop and the Uppercrust family were quick to clap in applause for his speech. And right behind them Ezekiel Hoover clapped, then Charlie the campus mailman clapped, then Tiffany the barista, then Isaac Fletcher clapped. Before long the entire audience of parents, teachers and professors erupted in applause at the inspiring words. Bradley then let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding and smiled as he waved to the cheering crowd. Principal Beckett then came over, proud tears in his eyes as he patted Bradley on the shoulder.

“Thank you, Bradley, for such moving words. We all really needed to hear that. I think Mr. Uppercrust pretty much covered all of sentiments that needed to be said, so let's just start rolling out the diplomas! And it's with the greatest honor that I give you yours first, Bradley. Congratulations!” William exclaimed as he handed Bradley a framed, embossed diploma with his name on it.

“Thank you, Principal Beckett. It's been great to be here.” Bradley said, giving the older canine a firm handshake.

“BRAD!!” Called out a cheerful voice that the Saluki voice knew all too well and he looked up to see Max hurriedly exiting from the top row of the bleachers to get down to the field along with the rest of the Goof Troop and the Uppercrust's.

“Uh, if there's nothing else sir, would you mind if I...?” Bradley trailed off in question as his eyes gestured to Max.

“Ha, ha, not at all! The entire staff knows that Heaven can wait when it comes to you and Maximilian. And I have many more diplomas to pass out anyway. Go right ahead, Bradley.” William said with a nod.

Bradley gave a hurried 'thank you' and ran off the other end of the stage to meet his boyfriend halfway. It was like a scene in slow motion – both young men smiling lovingly at one another as they ran towards one another. The only people in their vision were each other. Everything and everyone else were a colored blur. They were just a whisper away from being in each other's arms...

...But, of course, Max forgot what a klutz for a dad he has while Bradley neglected to remember how his father is literally registered as danger-prone on their insurance. Right behind the young Labradoodle, the two patriarchs were swiftly bringing up the rear to meet their sons. Unfortunately, Goofy's long limbs, Bradman's total lack of coordination and the fact that the two men were running closely side by side was a recipe for disaster. The next thing anyone knew Goofy and Bradman's legs tangled together when they raised them in unison with the next step they took, and both men wound up tumbling and rolling like beach balls right between Max and Bradley which forced the couple to skid to a stop before they could embrace.

“WHOA!!” Bradman exclaimed in surprise.

“YAAAA-HO-HO-HO-HO-WEEEE!!” Goofy yelled out.

“Oh no...” Max and Bradley groaned out in unison.

“Dear God, I knew that his streak of no accidents this week was too good to last. Alfonso, call the private physician.” Grandfather Lee groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Sí, Maestro Lee.” Alfonso said as he took out his cellphone and started to dial a number.

“Hold that thought, everyone! Look!” Mercedes stated, pointing at the rolling canines and getting everyone to observe them more closely.

As the gang all looked towards the two rolling patriarchs, they watched as Goofy somehow made a grab for a nearby bench that they were rolling by. More surprising still he managed to get enough leverage to break the rolling cycle and walk onto the bench like he was doing a walking handstand on a balance beam until he got to the center of the bench and stood still while holding his legs up. And all the while Bradman was balancing, albeit very awkwardly, on Goofy's feet like they were some circus act. The other parents, students and professors who didn't realize the two men were just a regular pair of klutz that they were just given a little show and merely clapped in awe at the display. Meanwhile Eloise, Grandfather Lee, Mercedes and Alfonso stood there in absolute shock.

“Mother Mary on a mill wheel, they canceled each other out...” Eloise spoke softly in surprise.

“Amazing.” Mercedes said with a shake of her head.

“Maybe I'll live past eighty after all.” Grandfather Lee said, stroking his mustache in thought.

“What would you call this look display of man, Vicky?” P.J. asked his girlfriend.

“Hm...I'm thinking, Balanced Pandemonium.” Vicky said as she took a picture of Bradman and Goofy's wacky pose.

“Nice.” P.J. said with an agreeing smile.

“Need some help, Goofy?” Sylvia asked with a knowing chuckle.

“Just a little bit, if ya don't mind Sylvia.” Goofy said with an embarrassed chuckle of his own.

“Um, my dearest? I know that we scheduled employee trust exercises for next week at the main office branch...but could we practice the trust fall right now? Pretty please?” Bradman asked with a nervous smile as he tried to keep from rocking the wrong way off Goofy's feet. Eloise shook her head in amusement but walked over to stand behind her husband as she held out her arms.

“Alright, my beloved. Trust fall.” The matriarch Saluki said. Without any hesitation Bradman fell backwards and Eloise caught him with ease, if only stumbling back a bit. “Ooff! Gotcha! Next time, Bradman, when you're doing a three-legged race do it with me only.”

“Yes, Eloise.” Bradman said with a smile as he kissed his wife on the cheek. Meanwhile Sylvia went over to Goofy and grabbed his legs then proceeded to bend and stretch his stiff limbs back into shape, his bones letting out audible and satisfying cracks as she did so.

“Ooh! Ack! Ahhh...!” Goofy exclaimed in relief as Sylvia worked her magic on his aching body.

“Better?” The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel asked.

“A whole lot better, Sylvia! Thanks a bunch!” Goofy exclaimed in relief as he hugged his own wife who hugged him back.

All the while Max and Bradley watched their families with amused expressions.

“No offense, Brad, but your family is kind of goofier than mine.” Max said.

“None taken. I'm starting to think that your family is a lot more normal than I realized.” Bradley replied, then looked to his boyfriend. “But you know what? I think that's what makes it work between us.”

“Yeah. I think so, too.” Max said in agreement as he turned look up at his boyfriend with a smile. The pair then slowly leaned in and closed their eyes as they readied their lips to meet in a kiss.

But once more, fate had other plans as a camera came in between them. Both Max and Bradley's eyes flew open as they looked to see who the offending party. It shouldn't come as a surprise that they saw Tank, standing behind them grinning and holding a camera between their faces.

“Not yet, lovebirds! We got a post-graduation photo montage to do!” Tank stated.

“How about a post-funeral photo montage instead?” Bradley asked with a displeased frown making Max elbow him in the side.

“Love you, too, baby. Now come on! After this Carl and Kyle are servin' out the specialty craft beers they made just for today!” Tank stated and led to where everyone was taking pictures. And Max dragged along a somewhat unhappy Bradley.

Of course, his displeasure didn't last forever as he took picture after picture with his friends, family and his favorite professors. But the one true highlight picture among the whole lot was of him and Max – hugging each other close as they smiled widely at the camera. And the cute little faux gladioli flower pin was a prominent sight on the scarf of Bradley's graduation robes.