Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

 Neil was lying on his side staring at the ‘wall’ of his tent as he did on most nights of camp. This was his attempt at sleeping which obviously wasn’t working. He heard a loud shuffle and quickly turned around, trying to scan the room in the darkness.

He squinted his eyes, straining to see when he suddenly found himself making eye contact with Max who seemed to have been attempting to fumble his way through the dark to make it back to his cot.

He hides his small laugh and flicks on the lamp, trying to help Max see better as he quickly made his way back to his bed. “Shit, did i wake you up? Sorry..” He muttered the apology under his breath, but Neil still heard it.

“No.. I couldn’t sleep.” Neil responded which eased Max’s slight worries.

Max hummed in response, scrolling through David’s phone while eating something. Neil desperately tried to get a peek at what it was, as normally they shared whatever food was brought inside the tent but to no avail.

Getting increasingly frustrated he decided to quit staring and just ask him, “What the fuck are you doing? It’s loud.”

Max raised his eyebrow, seemingly confused with the question. After a moment of silence he finally seemed to realize what Neil was referring to. “Popping pills.” He snickered as he tossed another one in his mouth.

“What?!” Neil panicked as he finally noticed the prescription bottle sticking out of the boy’s hoodie pocket.

“Want one?” Max asked holding one out to Neil who carefully inspected the pink pill in his friend’s hand. “W-What’s in it?” He asked, growing increasingly worried.

Max laughed as he tossed Neil the bottle. “Relax, I know you’re too weak for any hardcore drugs. It’s Gwen’s melatonin.” Neil sighed a breath of relief, ignoring the stray insult.

I shouldn’t take these they’re probably stolen. Neil thought, but then began to second guess himself. I’ve also been wrong about Max’s intentions more times than i care to admit..  

”She really let you have these?”

He scoffed. “Of course not, when do the counselors ever let us do anything?” He responded, rolling his eyes as Neil handed him the bottle back feeling immense guilt.

“Don’t you think Gwen needs these more than we do?” Neil asked, slightly unsure.

”What’s she gonna do? Buy more?” Max asked in a fake threatening tone with a laugh as he took another pill.

He’s been taking way too many of those.

“Max… how many of those have you had?” He closed one eye, peeking into the bottle. “I dunno… probably 5?” Neil’s anxiety spiked through the roof upon hearing how high the number was.

”What?! Doctors only recommend about 1 or 2 pills for kids our age, if any at all! You could die with that much in your system!”

Max squinted his eyes as he read the label of the bottle. “I’m counting on it.” He chuckled morbidly.

Neil frowned in response. “I’m being serious! Give me that. You’ve hogged it long enough and I can’t sleep either.” He reached over in a desperate attempt to get the pill bottle out of the boy’s hands.

He shoved it under his pillow, making a mental note to take one later. Max gave Neil a ‘are you serious face’ before he began to speak. “You know i’m just going to steal it back when you fall asleep right?” He nodded. “It’s just not good for you to be taking the pills back to back without any kind of break in between.” 

Max rolled his eyes and turned his back to the boy across from him, scrolling on the stolen phone muttering a small,“Since when do you care..” Not expecting Neil to hear it.

“I always have, Max.” He practically whispered in reply. Max sighed shakily in response. 

“Max?” 

“Hm?” He responds, sleep present in his voice.

”Why are you so… angry all the time?” Neil tried to find the best way to phrase it as he knew Max didn’t like to talk about his feelings. 

Max sat up and looked at him.

“I…don’t know.” Neil stayed silent, unsure if he should urge him to continue. After a moment of silence that one would assume was him thinking he spoke.

“I… guess if I already lower my expectations for the world, it gives me less of a chance to be disappointed.” 

Neil nodded as a silent way of showing understanding.

“…Why do you automatically assume you’d be disappointed?” Neil questioned after a moment of silence. Max let the question hang in the air for even longer this time.

“Because I’m always disappointed. I learned that lesson a long time ago.” He mumbled whilst looking down at his feet.

Upon hearing how loud the silence was he quickly added, “I don’t know- this is stupid i don’t even know why i-”

”It’s not stupid.” Neil cut in to interrupt the boy’s rambling. “It’s okay not to know exactly why you’re upset. It’s okay not to be okay.”

Max’s gaze returned to Neil, eyes searching his face in confusion. “But if you don’t know why you’re upset, then you don’t have a reason to be upset.” He’s reciting this phrase like he’s heard it before. No doubt something his shitty parents instilled in his brain.

”Sometimes… You can’t find the words to describe exactly why you’re upset. Doesn’t mean your feelings aren’t valid.” Neil shrugged with a small smile. Max stared at him in disbelief, saying nothing. The words sounded like a foreign concept to him.

Max hesitated to speak and the other waited patiently. “But… other kids have it so much worse. Why should I be bitching when I have a roof over my head and clothes on my back..?”

Neil stayed silent for a moment, trying to find the right way to explain it. “Look at it like this, say I got a full 8 hours of sleep but I still feel tired. Someone else got 3 hours of sleep, and is also tired. Their fatigue doesn’t invalidate mine just because I got a full 8 hours. We’re both still allowed to feel tired.”

He furrowed his eyebrows and looked at Neil like he had just given him a complicated math equation.

“To put it simply, you’re allowed to feel emotions, Max. You’re still a child, I think you forget that sometimes.”

He looked away from Neil and brought his shoulder up to his face to wipe his misty eyes.

“I… think these pills are fucking with me more than I thought. I… should get some sleep.” Neil nodded, knowing the boy just wanted an escape from the conversation before he got too emotional.

”Night Neil.”

”Goodnight, Max.” He replied, turning off the desk side lamp. 

____________________

The next morning Neil woke up to messy curls in his face. Why did he..? He peeked over his head to check if he was awake. His eyes were closed and he saw the dried tear stains on his friend’s cheeks and immediately felt guilty. Was their talk last night too much? Did he prod too hard?

He shook his head, trying not to overthink too much as he got up to go make them some coffee. He heard Max stir as soon as his coffee was done.

“Ugh my fuckin head hurts.” Neil walked over to the tired boy with his mug in his hands.

“Would this help?” He asked with a gentle smile, handing it over to him.

“Careful, it’s hot.” He added. Max nodded and continued blowing on it for a couple of minutes.

Neil debated asking him about last night, but ultimately decided against it. Highly doubting that he would want to be reminded of that right now.

Max glanced across the room to his bed and Neil saw his cheeks visibly redden. “Don’t think too deep into this.” He said with a small glare.

Neil smiled with his back turned to him. “Into what? I thought you were just trying to take the melatonin back.” He lied, a knowing smile on his face that Max couldn’t see.

Neil grabbed his own coffee and sat back down on the bed with him. “Of course I was. I pocketed that a while ago.” Neil blushed at the implication that Max had been laying with him for hours by choice.

Neil turned to him as he blew on his coffee, desperate for some caffeine. “Though if you do need some company for the night, my bed is always open.” They both looked away from each other.

“Whatever, nerd.”

Chapter Text

It took a few tries but Neil eventually blew out all 11 candles on his birthday cake. 

“Make a wish!” One of his friends shouted.

The boy closed his eyes, trying to think of one but then he spoke aloud. “If i make a wish, how can it come true if my soulmate would be able to hear it?”

A couple of the adults in the room rolled their eyes but Neil’s father quickly jumped to his son’s defense.

“Well maybe your soulmate isn’t old enough to communicate yet. Check first, then make your wish.”

Neil nodded as he followed his father’s wishes.

Anyone else here? He thought, and silence lingered in his head for a while.

Guess not! I wish to meet my soulmate soon. 

Neil gave his dad’s camera a toothy smile once he finished his wish and he dug into his cake.

I hope I hear from you soon.. Neil thought, though he knew he wouldn’t get a response back.

But on a random night in October Neil finally heard something.

Max was getting himself some ice cream from the store. Correction, he was stealing some ice cream from the store.

His parents had no idea he’d even left and asking them for money would definitely get him caught. Not like they’d even give him the money anyway, so this was his best option.

He wasn’t new to this so he made sure to go to one further from his house just incase he got caught, though that’d be a first.

damn this shit is heavy. Max thought as he slid the medium tub of ice cream inside of his hoodie.

He was going to take the mini ones but he figured he’d treat himself for his birthday since he’d be spending it alone. Again.

He pocketed some small candles and was ready to make his way out of the store but he looked around when he heard something.

Who said that? Neil replied, looking around his room. 

Max freaked out as he thought he had been caught but he didn’t dare make a sound, instead quickly scanning the area.

Once he saw that the coast was clear he left, making his way to a nearby park.

unless you have other voices in your head, that was me. Max replied sarcastically.

Who is ‘me?’ Neil asked, rolling his eyes.

your soulmate i guess. The boy responded with a shrug before continuing. my name is Max.

Hm.. what’s that short for? You don’t sound like a girl.. 

it’s short for nothing, and I don’t sound like a girl because i’m not one. thanks to your voice and pathetic sense of denial i’m gonna assume you’re a boy, too?

Yea… I didn’t know I liked boys.

Max laughed aloud. looks like you’ve got some serious soul searching to do, uh…

Neil. The boy finished for him, clearly unamused.

Neil decided to change the subject, and upon realizing that this was the first time that Max was actually able to hear him, he knew it had to be the boys birthday.

Well happy birthday Max! 

thanks. you’re the first person to tell me that today. Max thought, a small smile on his face.

Max could feel Neil’s concern rising. 

First? What about your friends and family?

i don’t have any friends, and my parents probably forgot. again. i bet they haven’t even noticed that i’ve left yet.

Left? Where did you go?

some random park up the road. Max replied, with a shrug as his attention was focused elsewhere.

He was currently trying to figure out how to light the candle.

He kept on flicking the lighter to no avail, and his hands were starting to hurt.

how the fuck do you work this piece of shit.

I might be able to help, what are you trying to do?

light a candle.

With what?

a lighter. what else would i be lighting a candle with?

Neil was going to respond with all the different tools you could use to light a candle, but he decided against it.

He rolled his eyes as he played a mindshare of him lighting a firework on the 4th of July.

Max ignored the small twinge of jealousy he felt when he noticed that Neil was surrounded by friends and family in the memory, instead opting to study the boy’s movements.

He tried one more time and the spark came out, lighting the candle.

yes! fucking finally! Max thought, a huge smile on his face.

Good job!

Max blushed out of embarrassment, unfamiliar with the sudden praise.

He used the original candle he just lit to light all the other ones and he tried to think of a wish when he got to the last candle.

can you uh, zone out for a second or something? i’m trying to make a birthday wish. 

I… can try, but you’ll have better luck whispering the thought. It’ll be lower for me so i’ll be less likely to hear it.

right, got it.

i wish i didn’t feel so alone. 

He whispered the thought as he blew out the candles. 

After a while of Max eating his ice cream, Neil’s head started to get cold as they both experienced a brain freeze.

This is so cool!

speak for yourself, this shit hurts like hell.

Neil laughed, also wincing in pain at the change in temperature.

They continued to talk for a while until Neil eventually noticed the time.

Max it’s 2AM… Don’t you think you should be heading home now?

head home for what? there’s nothing waiting for me there.

An unintentional mindshare began to play of Max walking into the house only for his parents to look straight past him.

shit. you weren’t supposed to see that.

More memories continued of his parents telling him they didn’t notice he’d even left, or of him walking into an empty house.

The worst of it being when they had noticed his absence and decided to lay hands on him as a consequence.

fuck! how do i make this shit stop?

His thoughts shouted as he tugged at his hair. The second he did so, the mindshare disappeared.

Neil shifted uncomfortably at the disturbing memories, unsure of how to respond.

I doubt sitting in the cold eating ice cream is any better.. At least you can be warm at home, and you’ll be safer inside at night rather than outside.

bold of you to assume that i feel safe in that house.

Max thought as he begrudgingly got up and walked towards his home. Neil smiled at hearing the change in the boys surroundings.

Max decided to change the subject, feeling Neil’s pity from a mile away.

where do you live?

Do you want my full address or..

no, don’t doxx yourself. Max thought with a laugh. let’s start with your state.

Okay, I live in Ohio.

Max’s eyes widened as he didn’t expect Neil to have lived in the same state.

He didn’t look into the whole soulmate thing, not really caring for it but from what he’d heard most soulmates were always super far apart which made them take way longer to meet.

well we live in the same state, that’s a good start.

Max unlocked the door and walked into the empty house.

of course they aren’t home. typical.

Neil started to play with his hands, still unsure of what to say.

Im glad you made it home safe.

Max rolled his eyes lightheartedly with a small smile on his face.

yes, I did. now you can stop worrying.

Neil blushed at being called out. Max flopped onto his bed and looked at his stolen phone. No new messages. Of course. Why should he expect any different.

Max forgot that Neil could feel his growing anger.

Woah, what’s going on are you okay?

Max angrily sighed, an attempt to calm himself down but it didn’t work.

”no.” He admits aloud, voice breaking. He laid his phone down, sobbing next to it.

Oh Max… I’m so sorry.

don’t. its not your fault my life is fucked up.

I really do hope we meet soon…

___________________________

Neil was outside grocery shopping with his father when he decided to pop the question.

”So.. Neil.” He started, squinting his eyes at the ingredients list of a box of pancake mix.

”Hm?” Neil looked away from his list and up at his father.

”Did you get in contact with your soulmate yet?”

Neils blood ran cold at the question. Max was listening on from his room in amusement, clearly entertained at the subject of conversation. 

Should I lie..?

Although the thought seemed to be more internal and not a question directed towards Max he answered anyway.

no. tell him the truth.

Neil swallowed thickly. “Yea, I did a little while ago.” Neil’s dad nods excitedly, urging the boy to continue. “My soulmate also lives in Ohio.” 

“That’s great, Neil! Y’know maybe you two will meet at that summer camp you’re going to!”

Neil nods, nervous at the thought of it.

”My soulmate is also… a boy.” Neil’s father quiets for a moment, and Max listens intensely. “Oh? Anyone you know?” Neil shakes his head. “Not that I know of.. His name is Max.” 

His father smiled as he ruffled his son’s hair. “That’s great buddy. I hope you two meet soon! I’d love to be introduced to him.” 

Neil raised an eyebrow quizzically. “You… want to meet him?” His father laughed at the question, seemingly finding it ridiculous. “Of course i do! I’d like to see the person i’m trusting my son with.”

Max blushed at the intimate nature of the last statement, but he ignored it as Neil continued.

“You… don’t care that he’s… a boy?” Neil asked, waiting for some kind of negative reaction. His father shrugged while shaking his head.

“Don’t see how that’s any of my concern. Your soulmates gender doesn’t matter, how they treat you does.” He throws the pancake mix in the cart as Neil checks it off the list.

Max zoned out as he felt a small twinge of jealousy at how close Neil and his father were. He was amazed at how they could have such a conversation without any form of judgement.

Max knew that if he told his parents the truth it definitely wouldn’t go over well. He felt bad about needing to hide Neil from them but he had to do it in order to keep himself safe. 

Max silenced the rest of the conversation, craving irritated with the constant comfort Neil was receiving.

_____________________

For the next couple of months, both boys constantly confided in one another through their thoughts.

Max did it more out of obligation than necessity, since Neil could hear every spat with his parents and would try to console him afterwards. Max never usually gave any positive responses after that, just wanting to switch the subject which Neil respected.

Max loved Neil (platonically for now) because he was always someone to talk to. With no siblings and no one that paid attention to him at home, Max found the company comforting.

They both eventually learned how to silence each other. Neil never did it unless he was taking a test, and Max only ever did it when he was feeling too overstimulated.

He always felt guilt in the back of his mind whenever he silenced Neil for the day but no one ever talks about how draining constantly hearing someone else's thoughts can be. Especially whenever he’d be in the middle of a conversation.

School was the easiest part, as Max never really spoke to anyone but Neil all day. Neil would help him get all the right answers during class, help him ace his test, and answer any shower thoughts Max had throughout the day.

Overall, Neil seemed to be the only positive change in his life.

_____________________

Max was infuriated when his conversation with Neil got cut off due to him being called downstairs for dinner.

”Max! Come eat!”

since when do they call me downstairs? i always eat alone in my room.

Neil ignored the sadness he felt at that last part.

Better to just give them what they want so they don’t get mad. I’ll still be here, don’t worry.

Max begrudgingly got up and made his way downstairs. Once he got to the kitchen he noticed his food was already set out on the table. 

that’s weird. they always make me serve myself…

Max pushed the thought aside as he noticed the group of strangers sitting around his parents. He rolled his eyes at their business casual attire. 

These looked like ‘friends’ of his parents from work. No doubt they were trying to pitch a new business idea and of course they had to bring Max into it.

”I don’t think we’ve introduced you to our wonderful son, Max.”

thats the first time they’ve ever said anything positive about me while i was right next to them.

Neil could tell these were meant to be what Max had called ‘private thoughts.’

Neil had learned from their first couple of arguments they had to not respond to them.

He zoned out majority of the conversation until one topic peaked his interest.

”And he just turned 11 too! Tell them about your soulmate.”

i turned 11 months ago..

Max thought as he was disappointed but not surprised at his parent’s behavior. But he quickly responded with his rehearsed answer to this question.

“Her names Nancy, she’s 12 and she lives in Ohio.” A bunch of cooing came from around the table as the strangers started to talk about when they first heard their soulmate.

Max tuned the conversation out, instead choosing to listen to Neil’s thoughts.

Nancy? Seriously was that the best you could do? Neil thought with a laugh.

no way in hell was i telling the whole table your real name. i’d be in some deep shit if so.

Max tuned back in when his mom looked at him. “I can’t wait to meet the lovely lady!” She said with a smile that was real to everyone else, but fake to him.

as if i’d ever let her meet you.

Would you… ever wanna meet my parents?

if they’re not pieces of shit, yea. 

Of course not.

hey, i’ve got a weird question.

Whats up?

you said your parents were… divorced right?

Neil hesitated at the subject. Yes… Why?

i thought the government had strict rules on that. how was your dad legally allowed to separate from your mom if she was his soulmate?

Well that’s the thing, she wasn’t his soulmate. 

how the hell did that happen?

A little bit after i was born, he started to hear another voice that wasn’t my mother’s in his thoughts. Some girl named Candy.

reassignment? isn’t that like.. impossible?

Not impossible, but rare. Sometimes things just happen yknow? Could’ve been a mix up in the system.

that.. won’t happen to us.. right?

God I sure hope not. I don’t think i’d be able to bare listening to anyone else’s thoughts all day. 

thought you said it was cool? Max teased.

It was at first but that was months ago. I’m over it now.

They continued to talk to each other for the rest of the night with occasional pauses for Max to respond to the people around him.

_______________________

hey neil are you awake? am i muted?

No you’re not, and I’m awake. What’s up?

that summer camp you’re going to, what’s it called?

Uh i can’t remember, let me check the pamphlet.

please don’t be camp campbell. Max silently prayed.

Yep it’s camp campbell. Neil responded as he read the flyer.

damn it.

Whats wrong? I thought you wanted us to meet?

i do but i’m.. nervous. Again, something he never would’ve said aloud but his thoughts always betrayed him when it came to trying to hide his emotions.

Im not going to rush you into anything if that’s what you’re worried about. We’re not legally required to be together until our twenty’s anyway.

no it’s not that… well it is but not entirely. i’m kind of afraid that i’ll be a bad partner? i don’t exactly have good role models in my life to look up to for this kind of stuff.

Oh. Don’t worry about that. We’re kids right now, neither of us knows what it takes to be a good partner. I think that’s the point of us getting assigned to each other, it’s so we can learn together.

i guess you're right. Neil could tell he was holding back something else, as he could hear him begin a thought only to shortly cut it off.

Is there anything else on your mind? I’m here for a reason Max, don’t be afraid to talk to me about this kind of stuff.

what if i’m not your type? Max blurted out unintentionally.

I didn’t even know that I was gay before you, what makes you think I have a type? 

but what if- 

Max, don’t worry about stuff like that. I promise that i’ll love you for you, no matter what you look like. Besides, looks don’t matter if you don’t know the person. I’ve spent the last 7 months getting to know you and I think you’re an awesome person, regardless of what you look like.

Max smiled. A genuine smile and for the first time in a long time.

 ok. i believe you. don’t make me regret that.

_______________________

Max was already pretty irritated when Neil told him that he’d be a couple of days late to camp but he was more excited than he cared to admit.

Or he was excited until David started talking to him.

”Can you believe it, Max? We’re getting not 1, not 3, but 2 new campers today!” David jumped around with far too much energy as he spoke.

“Yep. It’s really truly horrifying.” Max responded as he looked off in the distance.

(you all know the rest) 

Two kids stepped off the bus, and Max was so distracted by David’s rambling that he forgot what he was even waiting here for.

The boy that stepped off the bus was staring particularly hard at Max.

what the fuck is that kid staring at? Max thought to no one in particular at the same time that Neil thought, Wow he’s cute..

hey! what happened to no wandering eyes  until we met each other?

The boy standing in front of him shook his head. 

Right, sorry i got distracted for a moment. Anyways i’m at the entrance getting greeted by some redheaded twink. Where the hell are you?

wait a minute.

”And you must be Neil!” David said, directing his attention towards the boy.

Max totally blocked out the rest of that sentence as the name bounced around his ears, alarm bells blaring in his head that this was his soulmate.

Max’s face presented one of shock as he thought, what the fuck i’m looking at my soulmate.

Upon hearing that, Neil pushed his way past David and looked at Max, dumbfounded. 

“…Max?”

”You two know each other?” David asks, looking between the two.

”Shut up David.” Max said as he smiled at Neil.

Chapter Text

Max’s stomach was the first thing that woke him up in the morning, the aching accompanied by its loud growls chased away any lingering thoughts of going back to sleep.

The second thing that woke him up was the smell of food cooking downstairs. He could ignore his stomach, but he drew the line at the smell of good food.

He heard the muffled beat of ‘Stayin Alive’ through the walls and regrettably found himself enjoying the song as he made his way downstairs. He stopped before David could notice though.

David lowered his music when he noticed his son entering the kitchen and he greeted him with a warm smile. “Good morning Max! Pancakes are on the table if you want some.” He pointed his spatula at the fresh stack behind him.

Max didn’t bother to look at the table, instead pushing a chair over to the counter towards the coffee machine.

David interrupted Max when he was halfway there. “Already on the table!” Max stopped what he was doing and spared a halfhearted glance at the table. He finished pushing the chair to the sink and only sat down when the mug was in his line of vision. David continued to cook while his son ate. 

“Camp’s starting back up in a few days! Aren’t you just so excited Max!” The boy in question rolled his eyes as he responded.“You ask me that question every year, and you always get the same answer.”

David looked at him expectantly with a smile, seemingly waiting for the answer. Max didn’t realize this until he looked up from his plate. He scoffed. “No.” 

The redhead flipped the pancake, whistling the tune of the lowered song as it faded out. “Just trying to see if your answers changed.” He didn’t seem dejected at all, in fact he was happy to get this many words from Max this early on.

He put the spatula on a napkin next to the stove and looked at his son. “How’s breakfast?” Max hated that question as it always felt like a trap to compliment the person asking it. He didn’t want to feed David’s ego, so he lied when he answered, “Shitty.”

David looked down at the stack, seeing that most of it was gone and that Max hadn’t put his fork down since he started eating.

Max looked at him expectantly, waiting to get scolded on his language, or for David to make a smug remark about his empty plate but instead he smiled as he added one more pancake onto Max’s shrinking stack.

He took a seat across from his son and started to eat as well, still trying to make small talk. “Are you excited to see your friends?” He asked only after he swallowed his food. “I don’t have any friends, David.” Max rolled his eyes as he finished his last pancake.

David nodded as he tried his best not to laugh.

“Right, so how are your…” He paused, searching for the right word. “Accomplices!” He finished with a hopeful smile.

Max huffed as he jumped out of his seat and walked back over to the chair next to the counter. Once on top of the chair he turned on the water to the sink as he washed his plate.

“Oh you don’t have to worry about that Max.” David cut in, referring to the dish in the boys hand. “Don’t tell me what to do.” Max responded as he continued scrubbing.

“They’re…fine.” He added as a response to his father’s previous question, though he immediately regretted not ignoring it.

“How’s Neil?” He quickly added, drawing out the boy’s name. Not this again..

David had been constantly dropping hints of his suspicion of his son having a crush on his best friend, which he profusely denied.

It started subtle at first, he’d ask how Nikki and Neil were because he knew that Max spoke to them on a daily basis.

Slowly he’d start to ask how only Neil was, which irritated Max to no end. Didn’t help that anytime Max called him out on it he pretended to have no idea what the boy was talking about.

“Why do you keep asking about him?” Max snapped back, clearly annoyed.

“You two seem… close.” David emphasized the last word which caused Max to shut the water off as he turned to face him. “The fuck is that supposed to mean? Of course we’re close, we’re fr-” he immediately cut himself off, fixing his phrasing. “We’re apart of the same trio.”

David tilted his head slightly as he spoke. “Hmm. You seem to show some kind of favoritism towards him though.” Max broke out into a laugh, finding his father’s words ridiculous. “Favoritism? The fuck are you talking about?”

David squinted his eyes as he continued to press on. “Why doesn’t Nikki have a heart next to her contact name?”

Max chose to blame the furious blush on his face on irritation as he started to let his temper take over. “You went through my shit? What happened to ‘respecting my privacy’?” He mocked his father’s voice, putting up air quotes at the phrase.

David put his hands up defensively, trying to de-escalate the situation. “I didn’t! I was putting your phone on the charger and a notification from him appeared.”

Max rolled his eyes, seeming a little more calm but still hesitant to believe him. “Yea right.”

David sighed, his smile disappearing for a fraction of a second before instantly reappearing. He lowered his voice as he spoke, taking on a more gentle tone. “I’m just saying, if you ever need any advice I’m always here.”

This only caused Max to fall into yet another laughing fit.

David cracked a nervous smile, glad to see his son more calm. “While it’s good to see you enjoying yourself, I have a good feeling that you’re laughing at me this time.”

Max struggled to catch his breath as he clutched his stomach.

“Of course I’m laughing at you! What makes you think I’d take any type of love advice from you?” Max pointed at his father, still trying to stifle his giggles.

However the smile was quickly wiped off of his face when David responded. “I never specified what kind of advice. What made you assume it had anything to do with love?” He raised his eyebrow in a teasing manner.

Max looked away, too annoyed to try and come up with any type of excuse. “Whatever.” He mumbled to the floor.

The conversation was rudely interrupted by Max’s phone ringing and he rushed to it, eager to escape the awkward situation. “Who is it?” David asked, still teasing.

Max looked at the phone and the banner showed that it was a group FaceTime call from ‘The Hell-raisers >:)’ but the first name present was Neil’s since he was the one that added Max to the call.

Max slammed his phone down with a visible blush on his face as he gave his father a death glare. “None of your business, Camp Man.” He replied, playfully sticking his tongue out.

David chuckled lightheartedly as he jutted his head towards the stairs. “I’m not gonna stop you.” He said, voice soft as Max stared at him. The phone was still ringing in his hand but he chose to ignore it. “What?”

“Answer the call!” He responded, laughing while he washed his plate.

Max listened, as he knew from past experience that he should never make an adult repeat themselves twice. He rushed up the steps and as he was halfway there David spoke.

“Hey Max?” The boy in question didn't respond since he was out of sight, but he still stopped anyway. David could hear the pause in movement and took that as his sign to continue, “Thanks for chatting with me.” 

Max’s stomach twisted at the warmth in his father's voice. He hadn’t even realized how long he had spent down there until he glanced at the clock on the wall, seeing that a whole two hours had passed and his phone was fully charged.

The boy continued up the stairs, letting the creaks of the old wood be his response.

Max stayed on the phone with his friends until he dozed off. He eventually woke up to David barging into his room to tell him that dinner was ready.

He jumped awake, obviously startled. “Knock next time, asshole.” 

“I did, but you must’ve been sleeping.” David responded with a smile. Max gave him an angry glare. “Yea, no shit.”

David furrowed his eyebrows, debating on whether or not to comment on the boy’s language but he got distracted when he heard Neil laughing.

Max immediately flipped the phone face down so that David didn’t have the chance to humiliate him. 

“Nothing to see here.” He spat, doing his best to draw his father’s attention elsewhere.

“Is that Neil?” David asked, ignoring his son’s previous comment.

Max hated the way he dragged out his name.

Max hated the way he looked at him as he said it, as if to tease him for being on the phone with his so-called ‘crush.’

”And Nikki!” He quickly added, trying to ignore the furious burn on his face. “Nikki’s on the phone too.” Max waited in silence for her to say something to back him up, but her voice never came.

“Actually..” Neil started, and Max immediately picked up his phone to search for her FaceTime box but it was nowhere to be found.

“Candy took her phone about an hour ago so she could finish her pile of missing assignments.”

”Damn it.” Max just knew that David would find any way to twist this out of context. “And you stayed on the phone to keep Max company? Aww.”

He rolled his eyes, tugging at his hair in frustration while Neil did nothing to back him up.

“No! Get out you asshole!” David gave his son a smug grin as he backed out of the doorway. “Foods on the table whenever you’re ready, kiddo.” He closed the door with a soft smile, humming as he made his way back downstairs.

Max rolled his eyes, muttering. “He’s dumb if he thinks i’m going down there after that fiasco.” He zoned out and only became aware of Neil’s presence on the phone again when he cleared his throat.

The boy shook himself out of his thoughts, grabbing the phone once again. “Uh.. Max? What the fuck was that?”

”Just David being a pain-in-the-ass, as per usual. Think he’s been hanging around Gwen too much.” Neil nodded his head and a smile suddenly appeared on his face as he asked, “How’d you sleep?” Small giggles escaped his lips as he spoke. Max gave the camera a dirty look. “What the fuck is so funny?”

Shortly after Max said that Neil put his phone up to his laptop and played a video of Max softly snoring while him and Nikki laughed at him. Nikki fell on the floor due to her laughing fit, while Neil was trying to stifle his laughs so he didn’t interfere with the audio of the recording. 

Max could feel his anger growing the longer he watched it. He was seething by the time the video was over, but a bright light suddenly snapped him out of his thoughts. ‘Neil <3! took a FaceTime photo.’ 

“Delete that you bitch.” Neil brought his hand up to his mouth, trying and failing to hide his second laughing fit. “Which one?” He teased, struggling not to laugh as he spoke. “Both.” Max said through gritted teeth.

He put a finger to his chin, pretending to be contemplating it. “I’ll think about it over dinner. See ya when I’m done!” He quickly left the room with a small laugh and Max groaned as he put his phone to charge and made his way downstairs.

Both boys weren’t allowed to bring their phones to the table, but they saw no point in hanging up if they were just going to call each other back when they were done. So they just stayed on call and left their phones upstairs while they ate. 

Max silently prayed that David had already finished eating and was on his way to bed by now but like every time he came downstairs for dinner, he was wrong. He sighed annoyingly as he sat down. After a moment of silence, David spoke. “Soo…” 

“Shut up. Nothing happened with Neil.” David smiled. “That’s alright, you’ll get em next time champ!” Max groaned as he picked up his fork. “You’re entirely too excited about this.” 

“Of course i’m excited! My little boy, in love! It’s just the sweetest thing.” David sniffled.

Max rolled his eyes. “I’m not little, I’m not ‘in love’ and i’m not technically yours.” David's heart hurt at that last part but he chose to ignore it. “Well technicalities don’t matter because I love you like my own.” He spoke with a warm tone as he pinched his son’s cheek.

Max swatted his hand away as David’s phone went off. He picked it up and after he  quickly scanned the screen he gave his son a pointed look. “Maaxx.” He stretched out the boys name the way he does when he’s done something wrong.

Max ignored the pit in his stomach as he responded with an irritated, “What.” David sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. He smiled after he took a deep breath. “How was school yesterday?” He asked in a kind tone but Max knew that he was looking for a specific answer.

He sat his face in his hand and sounded bored as he spoke. “It was fine, some kid got his shit rocked.” He snickered at that last part, knowing that he was the one responsible for the fight. 

Davids smile tightened at the language but he didn’t comment on it as he continued. “And do you have any idea why that might’ve happened?” He tried to steer his son into the real topic of discussion.

Max looked his father straight in the eyes and said “Nope” with an evil grin.

David gave up on trying to be nice and just decided to address the situation head on. “Max, why in the gosh darn heck would you beat a kid up?”

Max scoffed. “None of your damn business.” David sighed, doing his best to keep his composure.

“It is my business because now I have to go up to the school on Monday to defend your name so you don’t get suspended.” 

Max shrugged with a laugh. “You’re better off just letting me get suspended.” David was starting to grow increasingly frustrated with his son’s nonchalant attitude towards the matter.

“Language, Max.” He snapped, then sighed. “You don’t have to tell me everything but can you try to give me at least half of the story? Give me something to work with… please?” David pouted his lip and did his best shot at puppy eyes.

Max stayed silent, the only sound being his fork scratching his almost empty plate. “Whose class did it happen in, let’s start there.” David already knew the answer, but he figured this could ease his way into getting Max to talk. 

“Mrs. Turner’s class.” David smiled, happy to get a response from the stubborn boy. “That’s English, right?” Max nodded his head slowly, still not ready to reveal too much to the man. After a moment of silence he continued.

“She.. asked the class what our parents do for a living.” David nodded, urging him to continue.

“I told them that you work at the aquarium during the fall and as a camp counselor during the summer.” David tried not to show his excitement at the fact that Max publicly referred to him as his parent. He failed miserably but Max chose to ignore it as he continued.

”Then Timmy’s fatass decided to open his mouth and inform the class that-” Max quieted down as he started to feel his temper to take over, but David could already sense where this was going.

”That i’m not your real parent?” David finished for him, sadness etched in his tone.

“That my real parents… gave up on me…” Max finished in a quiet tone as he fought back tears. David’s heart broke at the sight, but he knew that if he tried to console him the boy wouldn’t respond positively. “How did he even know that anyway?” 

“His mother works in the office.” David nodded as he assumed that the kid took a peek at Max’s paperwork. “He also implied that you weren’t my real parent so I beat his ass.” Max shrugged, the fight being the least of his worries. He just didn’t want to get grounded.

Though he can work his way around David’s ‘punishments,’ he had no energy to negotiate today.

”..So am I in trouble?” Max asked, cutting to the chase. David shook his head and lowered his voice. “While I don’t agree with such an act of violence, I’m proud that you stuck up for yourself.” Max didn’t respond as he carried his plate to the sink.

David continued, “and I have no problem explaining that in the meeting on Monday.” 

Max sighed as he washed his dish. “Don’t waste your breath. Half the adults in that room think i’m a lost cause anyway. You’d probably only be making things worse.” 

David laid a hand on his son’s shoulder and he stiffened at the touch as he turned around. He quickly retracted his hand then began to speak. “You’re not a lost cause, Max. And I’d rather make things worse defending my child.”

Max smiled at the effort, and David held out his hand to help the boy dry the now clean dish.