Work Text:
Max ground his pencil into the paper in front of him, his grip white on the wood, but his focus stayed locked on the scene across the room.
Luis and Red were sitting together at a table. Luis was leaning towards Red to look over at her paper while whispering something in her ear. Red smiled up at him and the end of Max’s pencil broke off from how hard he was pressing.
Hazel lightly punched him in the arm breaking his concentration. Max shot her a glare.
“What was that for?” Max whispered.
“Oh I don’t know just the fact that you’re about to grind a hole through the table if you keep this up.” Hazel shot back. Max scoffed but put his pencil down before turning back to the two sitting across the room.
“What are you even staring at?” Hazel asked.
“Nothing” Max replied trying to shut down the conversation. Hazel, of course, refused to let it go that easy.
“Really, because it looks like you’re trying to curse someone with your glare.”
Max huffed out a breath.
“Just look at her. All smiles and giggles.” Max muttered grumpily.
“Who, red head?” Hazel asked following Max’s gaze.
“I mean does she have to be sitting that close to him” Max grumbled as Red bumped shoulders with Luis.
“Really, that’s what this is about” Hazel asked. Max finally turned back to face her.
“You have that boy wrapped around your finger. He literally can’t take his eyes off you. Not to mention I don’t think he’s physically capable of saying no to you, and you’re jealous because he’s talking to some princess.” Hazel said exasperated.
“She’s not just some princess.” Max muttered under his breath but Hazel clearly heard him.
“Are you kidding me, that was over ages ago. I don’t think he could stand being away from you long enough to have a whole secret relationship.”
Max knew he was being petty. Luis and Red’s fling had barely been a thing and had been over months before Max and Luis had started dating. Luis had been completely honest about it when Max asked. He admitted that they had had a connection and in that moment they both needed someone who understood them. They had gotten very close but ultimately realized the relationship was platonic, nothing more, and had ended on good terms. Neither of them still held on to any romantic feelings for each other.
Max trusted Luis. He didn’t doubt his loyalty for one second. He knew him and Red weren’t dating.
But Max also knew that being on the Isle had taught him to be possessive of his things, and right now he didn’t appreciate the princess clinging to his man.
“She still doesn’t have to be so close to him,” Max finally huffed out.
“Whatever just keep your brooding to yourself, you’re distracting me.” Hazel said finally turning back to the paper in front of her.
Max sighed and tried to do the same but couldn’t keep his eyes from wandering across the room. He didn’t appreciate that Red was getting all of his boyfriend’s attention while he just had to sit back here and watch.
Later that day they were at lunch, the whole group sitting together at one table. Max had been talking with Chloe and Hazel about an upcoming assignment but has since tuned out of the conversation. He was too busy stealing glances at Luis. Luis sat on his right but since giving him a quick hello when he sat down, had been too entrapped in his conversation with Robbie to pay attention to Max.
It was normal. Luis and Robbie would get very caught up in their conversations about Tourney, to the point where you had to practically drag them apart. Max had tried to listen a few times but very quickly found he didn’t care about princes throwing a ball around. So it wasn’t like Max cared about not being included, in fact he was grateful that he didn’t have to muster up some fake enthusiasm about a game he didn’t watch. What Max did care about was the Luis was once again not paying attention to him.
Max knew he was being unreasonable but Luis had barely talked to him today. First he had chosen to sit with Red in class, and now even though he was sitting next to Max he was too focused on his conversation with Robbie to pay any attention to him. It wasn’t like Luis was purposefully ignoring him, he was just busy hanging out with their other friends, but Max still couldn’t help feeling jealous that his man was giving all his attention to someone else.
Max was startled out of his thoughts by a pinch to his arm. He turned to glare at Hazel who just raised an eyebrow in response.
“What’s wrong” Hazel mouthed but Max just shook his head. He really didn’t want to go over this with her again. Unfortunately for him Hazel knew him way too well and with just a quick glance over his shoulder was able to realize what was happening. She shot him an incredulous glance clearly annoyed with his dramatics, but before she could say anything the bell rung.
“Well I’ve got to head to chemistry,” Chloe said standing up.
“My class is that way too. Mind if I walk with you?” Luis said as he also stood.
Max rolled his eyes as Chloe enthusiastically agreed. Great another princess getting to spend time with his boyfriend.
“I’ll see you later?” Luis looked down at Max. Max forced himself to smile and nod. Luis quickly planted a kiss on his cheek before waving goodbye to the rest of the group and walking off with Chloe.
“We have to go too.” Hazel said as she grabbed Max’s arm pulling him up with her. Max opened his mouth to protest but she was already pulling him away from the group.
She pulled him down a hallway dodging past students walking to their classrooms. Max tried to struggle but ultimately knew it was futile. There was no way he was breaking her grip. Finally she pulled him into a secluded alcove behind a statue and dropped his arm.
“What’s going on with you today” Hazel said crossing her arms, “First Red and now Robbie, you know no one’s trying to steal him from you right?”
“I bet plenty of royals would love to take him.” Max mumbled instead of answering.
“Well doesn’t matter because he’s loyal to you. His face lights up just being around you. He follows you from class to class. He’s upset when you can’t meet up. That doesn’t seem like the behavior of a man who’s cheating.”
“I don’t think he’s cheating.” Max said offended. He trusted Luis too much to think he was cheating.
“Well what is it then?” Hazel asked fed up.
“I just don’t like that other people are getting more of his attention than I am.” Max snapped. Hazel just stared at him for a second before letting out a laugh.
“Really? Are you serious right now?” Hazel seemed flabbergasted by the whole situation. Max just crossed his arms and turned away. Hazel let out a long sigh.
“Look, that man would spend every waking moment with you if he could. In fact I think he spends a little too much time with you.” Hazel muttered. “But if you really feel that way why not just make him pay attention to you?”
“What?” Max asked looking back at her.
“Well he’s already down bad for you but if you dressed up a little, maybe put on something different, I’m sure he couldn’t tear his eyes off you. You could get all the attention you want.”
“Hazel I’m not putting on a fashion show just to get my boyfriend’s attention.”
“Well I’m sick of your brooding so its either this or I lock you in a closet until you get over yourself.” Max wanted to challenge her but he knew that when Hazel made a threat she wasn’t playing around.
“Fine I’ll try” Max gave in, “but for the record I think this is a stupid idea.”
“Well good thing I don’t care what you think about it. I’ll come to your room before dinner. Be there.” Hazel sent him one last warning glare before walking off. Max leaned against the wall with a sigh, he should really learn to keep his thoughts to himself.
With his last class of the day done Max headed back to his room to wait for Hazel. He thought about just hiding somewhere to get out of this whole thing but he didn’t feel like having Hazel hunt him down across the whole campus. So instead he just tried to work a bit on his new invitation to distract himself.
Way too soon he heard a knock on the door. He sighed, but got up to open it revealing Hazel and also to Max’s surprise Pink, who was carrying a large box.
“What is she doing here,” Max asked Hazel as they stepped in.
“Umm I can hear you, I’m right here” Pink cut in before Hazel responded.
“Fine what are you doing here,” Max turned to her with an annoyed glare.
“I’m, umm, well Hazel didn’t actually tell me what we’re doing just that I could help, and to bring all my makeup”
Max turned his glare to Hazel. He already didn’t like this idea, the last thing he wanted was for his boyfriend’s fling’s little sister to be involved.
“What, I thought she would be better at this makeover stuff than me.” Hazel said shrugging.
“Oooh we’re doing a makeover on Max.” Pink said excitedly bouncing up and down.
“Absolutely not,” Max shut her down.
“Max” Hazel sent him a warning glare. He held her gaze for a second but ultimately gave up.
“Fine whatever.” Max didn’t feel like getting in a fight right and definitely not one he would lose.
“Well why are we doing a makeover exactly?” Pink said breaking the tension.
“Max is jealous that his boyfriend is looking at other people and needs some attention.” Max punched Hazels arm. Just because she had decided to involve Pink didn’t mean she needed to know his every thought.
“Oooh so we’re trying to catch Luis’s eye.” Pink said ignoring Max’s obvious annoyance, “That shouldn’t be too hard. He’s not very good at hiding his emotions. Now sit down.” Pink excitedly pulled him into a chair and started rummaging in the box.
“Hold on just a second” Max grabbed her hand, “I don’t want too much ok. I still think this is stupid but if you’re forcing me to do it just don’t go too hard.”
“Well of course silly. Luis fell in love with you. We’re just highlighting the best parts.”
Max still didn’t like the idea of turning into Pink’s art project but there was no point in trying to stop them now. Max grew increasingly more worried as Pink pulled out and set aside multiple pallets of pastel colors and vials of glitter. Finally after a lot of rummaging she pulled out a pallet with some more muted purples and blues along with some eyeliner and brushes.
“Sorry I don’t have much that will fit you. We don’t exactly have similar style.” Pink said as she finally turned to him. Max looked over her current ensemble of a ruffled white skirt, bright pink jacket, and pastel pink tights before nodding.
“You are going to have to take your hat off so I can do this though.”
Max grumbled but took it off placing it on the desk next to him.
“Now just sit still while I get to work. I’ll explain what I’m doing in case you want to do it yourself later. Now close your eyes.”
Max just did as he was told. By now he had resigned to his fate and with Hazel standing over him there was no way he was escaping.
He felt light brushes over his eyelids as Pink started explaining the process. Max mostly tuned her out, he doubted he would ever be doing this again.
When Pink pulled back he snuck a quick glance at Hazel. She had previously been leaning against the wall casually playing with her hook, but now she was watching Pink intensely and seemed focused in on what she was saying like she was taking mental notes.
“When did you take such interest in makeup?” asked Max.
“I’ve always looked good haven’t I?” Hazel replied sarcastically.
“Really so it has nothing to do with a certain charming princess” Max felt a slight victory about having been correct about Hazel’s sudden fascination with the princess, but instantly regretted saying anything when the glare she threw him was down right murderous. Pink must have also noticed Hazel’s stare and wisely didn’t comment on what Max said, instead just telling him to close his eyes. Max was thankful for the excuse to break eye contact.
After a little more time of Pink messing around with the brushes she finally leaned back and clapped her hands excitedly.
“Ok it’s done!” Pink practically squealed.
Max looked to Hazel to see what she thought and she gave an approving nod.
“It’ll definitely work.” Hazel stated confidently.
“Oh he won’t be able to take his eyes off you.” Pink said as she packed up her makeup.
“Great” Max said standing up, “let’s go then.” He wanted to get this little experiment over with as quickly as possible.
“You’re going out in that.” Pink said as she scanned over his body. Max looked down and his gray sweatpants and loose black tshirt.
“Yeah this is what I normally wear.” Max said not seeing the problem.
“You’re going to ruin all my hard work with that lame outfit.” Pink said with a pout. Max looked over at Hazel to back him up but she just shrugged.
“Sorry I agree with cupcake over there. If we’re doing this we should go full out.” Max sighed but flopped back down on to the chair gesturing to where his closet was.
“Now fashion is something I can handle.” Hazel said as she walked over and pulled the door open. Pink flounced over to join her rummaging through his clothes.
Max couldn’t believe what he had gotten himself into. Sure he was a little jealous but he didn’t need the help of Hazel and Pink to get his own man. He really should have kept this to himself.
After several minutes Hazel finally turned around and threw some clothes at him.
“Go get changed and quick, we’re supposed to meet the others for dinner soon.”
Max let out a dramatic sigh but picked up the clothes and headed to the bathroom. After the door was shut behind him he examined what the girls had picked out.
The outfit was simpler than he expected, it was a dark green sleeveless turtleneck along with a black pair of ripped jeans. There was also a silver chain necklace and one small hoop earring. Honestly Max was pleasantly surprised by the choice of outfit, it wouldn’t stand out too much and still kept in line with his normal style. The only thing he wasn’t too fond of was going out with his arms exposed, but he doubted the girls would let him cover up.
After a minute of contemplating the life choices that had lead him to this moment he changed into the outfit. Once he was finished he turned to the mirror to put the earring in and was surprised seeing the makeup. It was noticeable without being a distraction. Just some dark purple eyeshadow along with eyeliner with a small wing. He was surprised by how much he actually liked the look. He had never cared much for his appearance but it did feel kind of nice to put some effort in, or rather have Pink put some effort in. He made a mental note to thank Pink in the future once this whole thing was over.
He finished putting the earring in and looked over himself in the mirror. The look wasn’t bad although Max probably wouldn’t have ever picked it himself. He felt slightly exposed by the change from his usual style of loose comfortable clothing, but there was nothing he could do about it, the girls seemed set in their decision.
The real question was what Luis would think about it. Max didn’t often change his style but when he did Luis always noticed and would compliment him. He always seemed genuine but this was much different than just wearing a new pair of shoes. Max didn’t know how he would feel about the sudden switch up. Max took a deep breath. There was only one way to find out.
Max took one last look in the mirror before opening the door.
Hazel and Pink were both waiting outside. At the sight of him Pink instantly started smiling and jumping up and down.
“Oh my gosh, you look even better than I thought.” Pink was squealing now.
“Looks good.” Hazel said with an approving nod.
“Come on let’s go.” Pink said as she rushed to the door, “I can’t wait to see Luis’s reaction. He’s going to be so in love.”
“Just one thing.” Max walked over to the desk and put his hat back on. Hazel shot him a look.
“Really,” Hazel said exasperated.
“Hey I let you choose everything else, I get to have this.” Max wasn’t debating this.
“Fine whatever. Let’s just go I’m starving.” Hazel followed Pink as she walked into the hallway. Max made to follow but paused at the door. A wave of nerves hit him. This was an insane idea but it was much too late to back down now. He took one last breath to steady himself before following the girls.
When they got to the dining hall everyone else was already sitting down. They got their food before heading to the table. As they approached Felix was the first to notice Max’s outfit.
“Whoa new style dude. I like it.”
At Felix’s comment the rest of the table looked over at him. Max felt exposed with all their attention on him. He was about to just turn around and head back to his room when he caught Luis gaze.
Luis was completely still, mouth hanging open as his eyes traveled all over Max taking in the whole outfit. When Luis noticed Max staring his eyes meet his. Luis swallowed before quickly averting his gaze as a deep blush came over his cheeks.
Max felt a bit more confident at that. If he could fluster Luis that easy maybe this wasn’t a completely terrible plan.
Max was broken out of his thoughts when Chloe spoke.
“Wow Max, you’re wearing makeup. Did Pink do that?” Chloe asked.
“Yes I did” Pink happily cut in before Max could reply.
“Well it really suits you.” Max couldn’t help his smile at the compliment as the rest of the table murmured their agreement. Luis finally looked back at him and nodded along.
“Thanks guys” Max said as he walked to sit down. Just hearing the compliments from his friends made him feel better about the look. Although there was still one person who hadn’t spoken to him yet.
Max sat down next to Luis and pretended to focus on the food in front of him while deliberately letting their thighs brush together. The conversation carried on to other topics around them but neither him nor Luis bothered to participate. Luis kept looking over at him and Max couldn’t deny the heat spreading through him at the attention.
Finally he looked back at Luis and raised an eyebrow.
“Is there something you would like to say Madrigal?” He asked in a quiet voice. Luis was quiet for a moment eyes still roaming all over Max’s face.
“You look amazing.” he finally breathed out.
“So you like the new look?” Max tried to play coy to hide how much he really cared about the answer.
“Max you look so hot right now. You look so damn attractive. I’ve never wanted to kiss you more.” Luis said his eye flicking down the Max’s lips. Max couldn’t stop the blush that rose on his cheeks at the answer.
“Well we’re in the middle of the dining hall.” Max said turning back to his food.
“So what,” Luis asked putting a hand on Max’s thigh, “I can’t kiss my boyfriend in front of other people.” Max looked Luis up and down before replying.
“And would you be satisfied with just a quick kiss?” Max felt a rush at the slight shiver that went through Luis at the words, he knew Luis wanted more.
“Well then let’s go to your room.” Max notice how he didn’t try to deny the words. In all honesty Max wouldn’t mind sneaking off to go make out, but he finally had what he wanted, Luis’s full attention, and he couldn’t help but seize the opportunity a little longer. And he kind of liked making Luis squirm.
“I’m not done eating yet.” Max said innocently. Luis just groaned.
“Can you eat later.” He pleaded. Max pretended to consider before shaking his head.
“I’m hungry now.” He stated simply trying to return to his food. He was instantly distracted when Luis leaned over wrapping an arm around his waist.
“Please mi amor” he whispered in his ear. Max shivered at the words. Damn Luis for know all his weak points. But he wasn’t going to give in now.
“You’re going to have to wait until I’m done.” Max said firmly as he pushed Luis back. Luis pouted and Max ignored him as he continued eating, slowing down just a bit to tease Luis further.
Max tried to focus on the story Felix was telling about his potions class but Luis was very distracting beside him. He had shifted back closer and was practically glued to Max, his hand returning to his thigh. Max tried not to show it but the attention was honestly addicting.
“Luis what do you think?” Robbie suddenly cut in. Luis looked over startled.
“Huh?” Robbie raised an eyebrow before clarifying.
“About the game next week. How do you think it’ll go.”
“Oh yeah, I’m sure we’ll do great.” Luis scrambled to say. Robbie looked skeptic at the answer. Max couldn’t help the smile on his face. If Luis couldn’t even pay attention to a conversation about Tourney clearly it was working. Max made brief eye contact with Hazel who just winked at him. Max didn’t love to admit it but she had been right.
Robbie continued to talk about the upcoming game and Luis nodded along but Max could tell he wasn’t really listening. He seemed much more focused on sneaking glances over at Max.
Max decided to try and push it further and when he knew Luis was looking at him he licked his lips collecting the sauce that had caught there. The action seemed completely innocent but Max could hear Luis’s breath catch and his hand tightened on his thigh. He looked over at Luis with a smirk. He felt powerful being able to pull such a big reaction from such a small thing.
Luis looked at him pleadingly but Max just shrugged and turned to Red, asking her how her day went. He heard Luis let out a frustrated breath next to him but ignored it. Maybe he liked to watch Luis squirm or maybe he wanted a little bit of payback.
Luis only got more agitated as the meal went on. He completely stopped pretending to pay attention to the conversation around him, instead just pushing food around on his plate while keeping one hand resting on Max’s leg. Max let him fidget and squirm until he couldn’t take it any longer.
“Well I need to get some work done so I’m heading out.” Max declared as he stood up. He purposefully didn’t look at Luis as he started walking away. As he left he made quick eye contact with Hazel, who gave him a knowing smirk, and Pink who gave him a quick thumbs up.
He started down the hall to his dorm alone but as he had anticipated he quickly heard footsteps running to catch up with him. When Luis finally caught up, he fell into step beside Max. Max didn’t acknowledge his presence instead keeping his eyes ahead. A charged silence fell between them as they walk to Max’s room.
When they arrived Max unlocked the door and stepped in before finally looking back at Luis.
“You coming in or are you just going to block the doorway.” Luis didn’t say anything but stepped into the room after Max. As soon as Max shut the door behind them he was instantly pushed against the wall and Luis’s lips were on his.
Max melted into the kiss for a second. It felt so good, Luis’s lips on his, his hands wrapped around him tight. Max considered just giving up on the whole plan but he couldn’t help the rush of power he got from taking Luis’s full attention.
He put a hand on Luis’s chest gently pushing him back. Despite being much stronger Luis moved back easily, though he gave Max a pout.
“So now you want to kiss me.” Max deadpanned.
“What do you mean” Luis seemed confused and slightly shocked by the sudden change in mood. Max took advantage of Luis confusion to flip their positions instead pushing Luis against the wall.
“You’ve been giving everyone else your attention all day and suddenly you want mine.”
“Max what do you mean?” Luis reached up to his face but Max caught his hand pining it to the wall. Luis’s breath hitched at that.
“First it was sitting with Red and letting her cling onto you. Then talking to Robbie all of lunch. I don’t think you’ve said more than 10 words to me today.”
“So what you’re jealous because I was talking with our friends?” Luis asked.
“And if I am?” Max challenged.
“We were just talking, normal friend stuff. I wasn’t ignoring you. We hang out all the time I was just catching up with the others.” Luis brushed off.
“Oh well in that case I’ll let you get back to them, I have plenty of homework to do.” Max said with a shrug. Max let go of his hand and made to turn away. But Luis was quicker grabbing ahold of his arm.
“Wait.” Max smirked to himself, he knew how Luis would react.
“What,” Max asked innocently turning to look at Luis “That’s what you want isn’t it?” Luis groaned.
“You know is not”
“Really, I’m not sure if I do?”
“Max come on you can’t do this to me. You know I don’t want to leave and I know you don’t do homework.” Luis said trying to pull him back but Max refused to move.
“Maybe this is the day I start. Besides we hang out all the time right, maybe it distracts me from homework.” Max didn’t back down.
“Max don’t be like this. I listened to you. I waiting for you to finish eating. Please just kiss me now.” Luis was practically whining at this point.
“Tough isn’t it, when you want someone’s attention and they’re not giving it to you?” Max clicked his tongue. Truthfully Max wasn’t really mad about it anymore but he wasn’t going to let Luis off the hook that easy.
“Come on Max, that’s really what this is about. I’m sorry ok. I got caught up talking to the others. Please forgive me.” Luis was giving him puppy dog eyes now but Max still refused to move.
“Please, I just want you Max. I’ll give you my full attention. You’re the center of my world not anyone else.” When Max still didn’t reply he continued, “I’ll do anything. I’ll never speak to anyone else ever. Just please let me kiss you.”
Max considered his words as he looked over Luis. He was begging now, and Max could tell that he was agitated from the way he was shifting but he still didn’t pull Max any closer. Max had to admit he loved the feeling of a person known for their strength asking for something from him.
Max slowly stepped closer putting his hand on the wall beside Luis’s head. He could hear Luis’s breath catch as he leaned in.
“Can you promise me it won’t happen again Madrigal?” Luis swallowed before nodding.
“I promise”
Max looked over his face for a second longer before finally giving in and kissing him. As soon as their lips made contact Luis took that as permission to wrap his arms around Max. He pulled him flush against him tightly. Max tangled one hand in Luis’s hair and wrapped the other around his shoulders.
The kiss was heated and passionate, both of them pent up from Max’s teasing. Max eventually had to pull back for air and Luis started kissing along his jawline and down his neck, stopping when he reached the fabric of the turtleneck. Luis pulled back just a bit, his eyes roamed all over Max like he hadn’t already seen what he was wearing. His gaze paused at Max’s arms and the makeup around his eyes.
“You did all this just for my attention.” Luis asked breathlessly.
“It was Hazel’s idea. I honestly thought it was stupid.” Max said with a small laugh.
“You should do it more often.” Luis’s voice was completely serious his eyes never leaving Max’s. Max couldn’t help the blush that spread across his cheeks. He tried to squirm away but Luis just held him tighter.
“I’m not kidding,” Luis said firmly, “you look so hot right now. Please wear it again, makeup and everything.”
Despite how much Max had rejected the original idea he couldn’t deny the results. He hadn’t hated the look himself, in fact he got some thrill out of the thought of trying some different makeup looks. And if it ment he could also make his boyfriend obsess over him, that was just an added bonus.
“I guess I’ll consider it.” He said going for nonchalant.
Luis just nodded before pulling him into another searing kiss. Oh yeah, Max was definitely doing this again.