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Chapter Text

It's been a month since the x games, and Bradley’s humiliating loss to the so called ‘stupid’ max goof and his ridiculous friends. Tank was still quite annoyed with Brad, and frankly no one could really blame him after all he did almost die in the fire Bradley started not that he meant to Brad just wanted to win. But it couldn't change what happened so it was just best to roll with it, it's in the past now and they talked it through, thankfully all was forgiving with a warning to not do anything like it again.

Bradley walked out of the gamma house, skate board in hand as he’s blinded with a bright flash of the sun and the yells of voices of none other than max goof skates past, with that stupid grin on his face. Bradley was very much embarrassed to admit it, but he had along the way fallen head over heals with Max he didn’t know when nor how but he did, And now it was all he could think about.

The way he spoke differently to Brad than others, just made him so unique which was strange he was an uppercuts the goofy boy should be bowing to his every move. But he wasn't and that made Brad like him even more. Brad couldn’t help but stare at him as he skates past doing a couple simple tricks, and yet he was in awe at his every move -not like he’d show it- Brad didn't know why he could have easily done those tricks just as good probably even better than, but for some reason everything he did was breath taking. The sound of tank walking up behind him dragged Brad out of his thoughts.

"Show off" Tank spoke with a amused tone as max skated pass, he tilted his head down "you really are down bad huh" he states pointing out Bradley’s dazed expression

"Shush don't talk about it in public" Brad replied in a staggered tone

Of course he told tank about his definitely not so huge crush on max goof, after all tank was still his best friend and he felt as if he owned him that much especially after his stunt at the x games.

"Fine, fine, just try not to get to distracted you still have to figure out how to apologise to him first" he said reminding Brad as he walks down the steps

He was right of course, Brad had to catch max alone at some point to apologise and hopefully start a new with him, as much as it pained him to have to apologise to someone ‘beneath’ him in order to get closer to max it was something he had to do. After all he was exactly Brads type -not that he’d ever admit that- max was tall yet shorter than still shorter than Brad , loved skateboarding with a passion, competitive and most of all unique. It was his style that made him so interesting. The way he would always wear the same baggy shirt with a pair of joggers or baggy jeans, which made Bradley wonder, what dose figure actually looked like under all that. The way his hair was slightly long and messy making Brad wish to run his fingers through it. His pricings all over his ears, lips, and nose made him look very attractive, and Brad couldn’t help but wonder, where else he was hiding pricings.

"You coming or what?" Tank said snapping Brad out of his thoughts he scurried down the steps joining Tank and hoping onto his skate board

"Relax, we're not in any rush" he said pushing himself onto the skateboard and down the road

They skated down the road doing a couple tricks along the way to impress the by standers as they turned the corner there he was. Slightly ahead was the same guy Brad had fallen so hard for, max in all his glory Bradley couldn't take his eyes off him he was majestic. Brad had to apologise to him soon not being able to talk to him was eating him alive.

But before that he had to swallow his pride, and get over his majority complex he knew he had problems. He can be selfish, rude, some would also say he’s a spoiled prick who can't handle being told no. Which wasn't fully incorrect, being told no did piss him off greatly. But when max did for some reason it just fuelled a fire in him a desire to to get closer to him he needed to.

He watched as max hoped off his skateboard and walked into the Sean café with his friends, Pj and Bobby. Bradley had no idea why he was friends with them but that wasn't really his place to get involved in. Brad hopped off his board and signalled to Tank to follow as they walked in afterwards. His eyes immediately wondered around the room finally laying onto max. He was at the bar table ordering something. Brad slowly made my way over pointing to a table for Tank to sit at.

"Well, well, well, look who it is" Brad said walking up behind him with more of an attitude in his voice than intended

Max rolled his eyes as he started talking, "what do you want, Brad." he said obviously annoyed that I was there which hurt more then I'd like it to

"Whoa, calm down, firstly its Brad-ley. Secondly I'm not here to start anything" he said raising his hands up in order to show that he seriously came in peace "I was just wondering if we could, talk?"

Max raised an eye brow and looked Brad up and down "talk? Really?" He said with a sceptical look in his eye and who couldn't blame him.

"Yes talk, preferably somewhere more... private if that’s okay." Brad said making sure he sounded well put together and calm

"Hmm" Max hummed looking Brad up and down again "fine meet me at the skate park after class" he finally said turning away and grabbing a tray of food and drinks

"You won't regret it." Brad added as he turned on his heal walking back over to Tank

Tank had a look curiosity in his eye as Brad got closer he could tell Tank wanted to know how it went. He didn't even have to ask Brad was going tell him everything anyways, after all he is his best friend and has been the one person to always support him no matter what. Especially when he was going through a rough patch with his family.

"He agreed to talk to me, after class today" Brad finally said as he sat down eyes wondering back over to max

"That's great! Now you can finally apologise and stop being an horny mess" he spoke while chuckling

Bradley gave him a stare telling him to shut it "oh please, like your any better after all you have the hot’s for that" he says looking over at Bobby who's downing a slice of cheese pizza messily as if it was his last meal

"He not a 'that' and you know it" Tank said attempting to defend himself. Tank had always had questionable taste in people, but Bobby? That was a new level of questionable

"Alright, let's go I need to prepare myself for later” he said standing up with Tank following behind as they head back to the gamma house to grab a couple last things before continuing the day.

The bell goes off declaring the end of the day and he eagerly rushed out of the classroom and down the hall way towards the exit. As he finally exited to talk to max and hopefully fix a few things between them. He witnessed max rushing towards the bathroom, he seemed panicked and was holding his arm as he pushed the door open slamming it behind him.

Bradley’s curiosity got the best of him as he walked closer to the door leaning against it trying to hear what was happening as I heard him mumble,

"Shit, shit, shit!" was all he heard, he sounded panicked and Brads heart sank it hurt him to hear max like that so without a second thought he opened the door and walked in.

"Hey, are you o-" as he stepped into the bathroom his eyes widened and he felt heart sank shutting the door immediately  locking it behind him as he did.

Brad stared at max for a moment as he was shaking, shocked that Brad was there, his arm was covered in cuts gushing out blood, fresh red blood. Brad hadn't known he was the type to hurt himself so badly but all he wanted was to protect him. Brad took a step forward.

"W-what are you doing here..." he said his voice low and insecure

"Doesn't matter, what really matters is are you okay?" He finally asks standing next to him with a look of pure sadness on his face

"Why do you care" he mumbled out as he tried to hide his arm

Brad gently pulled his arm back to take a closer look "because I'm worried about you, as hard as you may find that I'm not as heartless as you may think" He said taking some bandages out of his bag, Brad always had some in case he ever got into a skating accident.

"Wow. Thanks, it's not like I can't handle this on my own" he said sarcastically pulling his arm away as soon as brad was done rapping it up

"I'm sorry, what? Your basically bleeding to death and your giving me attitude for what? Helping" Brad said a little ruder then he would have liked

"Look, I don't need your help nor do I want it, it's embarrassing enough having YOU walk in on me" he says looking down

"I’m sorry about what happened at the x games, can we please put that behind us now and let me help you... please" I ask lifting his head up

"Why? Why do you care" he says genuinely confused

"Because... I care about you, max" he said his expression softening

Max’s eyes widens in surprise "y'-you do? Why??" He asks completely confused almost like he finds it hard to believe

Instead of explaining it to him Brad just grabbed him pulling him into a hug, a tight comforting hug. He wanted to kiss max so badly but that probably wasn’t appropriate not at a time like this after all.

"Believe me now?" Brad asked looking down into his eyes god he really wanted to kiss him

"fine....” he said still surprised with a slight tint of blush maybe he liked Brad back or maybe he was just embarrassed either way Brad was happy

It was cute to see him that way, now that Brad got a closer look at him, he has really realised just how attractive max really is. His piercings only make him look hotter and he can't help but stare, after a few minutes he finally opens up. They talk for a while about why he had been hurting himself, it hurt Brad to hear and watch him cry as he explained but Brad promised to help him through it and to always be there for him. They had finally left the bathroom and headed to the skate park, not to talk but to skate with each other and to figure out where things would go from there. After all Brad had just hugged him a moment ago and he needed to make sure he didn’t ruin his chances.

Which was none other than his goal to be his boyfriend, to be able to call max his that would make Brad incredibly happy beyond belief. But first he had to become closer to the goofy boy and to watch him skate after all that was when he looked the most memorising.

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After Bradley had had helped calm Max down, they had headed to the skate park, it was humiliating to have had Brad see him in such a venerable state. Part of him thought Brad would use it against him but he didn't and that surprised Max. He had been struggling with his mental health for as long as he could remember and always struggled to express himself. He could never tell his dad he could only imagine how'd he react...

"Your very quiet there, anything on your mind?" Bradley asks making Max lift his head to see Braf looking at him with pure concern which was surprising

"Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden" Max asked genuinely wondering why he had a change of heart so suddenly

"Because I care about you, is it really that hard to believe?" He said while looking away but Max can see a hint of blush, which he can't help but find cute. Wait why did he just find Brad cute?

"Yeah, you didn't really strike you as the feeling type" Max said whilst looking down "you haven't been the nicest person to me since I arrived"

"Right... I actually wanted to say sorry about that" he apologised Max didn't think he would ever do that "the truth is ever since I sore you skating, I was drawn to you I wanted to get closer to you, but then you declined my offer to join the gammas. And well that hurt something inside of me that was the first time anyone had turned an offer from me down" he continued explaining

"Well you did say that my friends couldn't join, Bobby and Pj are my best friends and are like family to me I Don't do anything without them" Max adds

"Yeah, I understand and that’s valid I was an asshole, I get it but you can't blame me for being drawn to you, and only you" he says with a smile

Something about that smile makes Max’s heart flutter, what's happening to him? Ever since Brad had hugged him in the bathroom everything, he does just seem so relaxing.... was he actually falling for him? Has he always felt like this? Max knew he was bisexual but he didn't think a guy like Bradley would have ever been his type. Max remembers the hug and how good it felt it made him feel safe and warm he wanted another one the thought made him want to blush, he looked away from Brad, he's holding Max’s hand when was he going to let go? And did max want him to?

"Hey look at that, we're at the skate park why don't we go skate" Max says desperately trying to change the subject

Brad chuckled and nodded in agreement "okay let’s go skate" something about Brads chuckle makes Max’s heart skip a beat, he wanted to hear it again. Brad lets go of Max’s hand and he felt slightly disappointed.

What's happening to him has he truly fallen for the man he hated most? And had he ever actually hated him this is all so confusing he needs to get his thoughts straight. But right now Max really wanted to skate, he grabbed his board and ran over to Bard he will just have sort his thoughts out another time for now he will just skate.

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They have been at the skate park for an hour now, but Brad can't stop but admire how amazing Max looks while skating he really is majestic. But a part of Brad can't help but want to get to know him more. After all, he did just hug him randomly in the bathroom. Oh my god, he hugged him! What was he thinking!? You can't just hug someone like that. Oh my god... since when was Brad so open with affection?

"You okay, you're blushing," he heard Max say, pointing out his now red cheeks

"Y-yeah, yeah, I'm good," he says, looking away from Max, still embarrassed

He looks at Brad, confused for a moment before shrugging his shoulders. "If you say so," he says, continuing to skate

"Hey max, can we talk..." he asks softly

Max turns to look at him. "Yeah, sure, what about?" He says, stopping in front of Brad and picking his board up

"I'm sorry for abruptly hugging you in the bathroom, I shouldn't have done that without permission," he says, looking down

"O-oh um yeah, it's um, it's okay," he says, looking away. Brad can't tell if he's uncomfortable or hurt

"Can we just forget it happened and move on... please.." he asks, finally looking back at him. Brad had to look down slightly since he's slightly shorter than Brad

"Y-yeah, yeah, sure, I'll forget... it ever happened. Does that mean we can forget about you seeing my... cuts.." he asks, still looking away

"I don't think I'll be able to forget that. But just because I'm asking you to forget the hug doesn't mean I'm asking you to forget what we talked about. I do care about you. I would just rather get to know each other better first, " Brad says, clearing up any misunderstandings

For a moment, he thought he sore Max relax, almost like he was glad Brad didn't want to go back to hating each other.

"Okay, let's get to know each other then," he says, looking at Brad

"We can take turns asking questions. Do you want to go first?" Brad asks as they continue asking each other questions one after another

He enjoyed learning new things about Max, each one more interesting than the last he watched as he talked smiling and laughing. He wished for this moment to never end. But eventually, the sun sets, and they had to part ways.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he says while skating away on his board

Brad just waved and watched as he slowly disappeared into the distance, part of him wanted to chance after him but Brad didn't want to look desperate so he turned and started walking back to the gamma house. When he arrived, he could hear the voice of the gammas yelling and laughing as always he stepped into the house, and Tank was the first one to notice him,

"Hey, Bradley, where have you been all afternoon?" he says with a smirk on his face

"Tank, you know where I've been," he replied, rolling his eyes

"I know, i know, I'm just playing with you, so how'd your talk with the goof boy go?" He asks, raising an eye brow

"It went better than I thought it would, I lernt some new things about him, and I would say we're on the way to becoming friends," he said,  smiling

"That's good to hear, now come on were just about to start another round of cards you should join us, we all know how you like a good challenge" he says walking into a room with all the gammas around a table playing or standing off to the side cheering people on

"Sure, I'll join in for a game or two," he says, walking over and sitting down

He's glad that even after the X games, the gammas still treat me the same and forgave him. He wouldn't know what he would do without them. Brad didn't say it much, but the gammas we're like family to him, and he cared about them even though he didn't show it much. He is trying to be nicer even if it is hard for him. At least, he is trying.

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After he and brad-ley, went separate way max skated back to the dorm, where Bobby and Pj were probably waiting for him. Honestly, he didn't think he could handle them questioning him about where he was, and what he was doing. They should see his skate board and assume that is where he has been the whole time. They shouldn't need to ask him, don't get him wrong he loved them Honestly, he did. They are the best friends he could have ever asked for, he just wished they wouldn't pester him about where he has been or who he has been with.

He walked into the dorm building and up the stairs every step he toke made him stress ever so more. What are they going to say? What are they going to ask? Are they going to question him? My mind was racing and before he knew it, he was at the door of there shared dorm. He unlocked the door with his key taking one last deep breath before he walked in, immediately hearing Bobby singing. Oh god Bobby was singing, that could only mean one thing. He walked closer to the living room of the dorm and there they were. Singing along to a karaoke machine on the TV.

"Hey, I'm back" he said after watching Bobby's awful singing for a moment longer than he would have liked

"Heyyyy Max-man~, where you've been my dude?" Bobby says pausing the song

"Skate park" he replied quick and simple

"I can see that, but alone?" Pj adds

"Am I not allowed to skate alone?" He said looking at Pj

"Whoa, whoa Max man, your allowed to skate on your own dude it's just not like you is all" Bobby says looking at Pj trying to back him up

"Well I just felt like it is all okay" he said turning away from them towards the bathroom picking up clothes on the way

He has always changed in the bathroom but this time was different, because of the fresh cuts on his arms warped in the bandages Bradley so neatly warped around them. It made him smile as he looked at them not because it made him happy to hurt himself, but because of the love and care Bradley put into making sure they were wrapped up. What was he thinking, he can't like Bradley what would Bobby and Pj think? What would his dad think? They are rivals, enemies, competitors. Literally anything but friends he can't let himself fall in love he can't. But he can't stop it if he already has...

He changed out of my baggy red shirt and his joggers, changing into his pyjama-bottoms and the long sleeved black under shirt he always wore under his baggy red one. He debated taking it off when he finally decided to just place his tank top over it and walk out of the bathroom where Bobby and Pj were still singing to karaoke.

"Jesus, you guys are loud if we get noise complaints, I'm blaming you guys" he said half joking as he walked pass them to the small kitchen grabbing a glass of water

"Yeah, yeah alright man" Bobby says turning the TV off

"Heading to bed?" Pj asks

"Yeah, I'm just grabbing a drink first" max said taking a sip from the glass of water

Bobby and pj look at each other and nod, max didn’t know what it was about but right now he was way too tired to care it’s been a long day and he had a lot going on today and all he wanted to do is lay down and sleep, and preferably never wake up but he knew that was not going to happen.

"Okay man, sleep tight" Pj says heading to his own bed Bobby follows and jumps into his bed as well

"Yeah dude, night don't let the bed bugs bite" Bobby says laying down

He rolled his eyes and turned off the light before heading to his own bed and climbing into it falling into deep slumber despite Bobby's painful snoring he actually managed to fall asleep perfectly fine.

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Bradley was woken by the morning sun peeking through his blinds he forced himself to climb out of his bed and open the blinds to reveal the clear morning sky with not a single cloud in sight it was a beautiful day he hoped that the day’s events would match the weather.

"I hope the day will be just as good as the weather" he said softly to himself before he changed into his classic pale blue button up and his beige trousers along with his crimson V-neck on top.

He walked down the stairs and into the kitchen of the gamma house to grab some breakfast that one of the gammas had made. He really did enjoy it here everyone is like one big family and they treat each other as such not to mention there is always food ready to consume. He said his thanks when he had finish eating and he grabbed his skateboard it's a Friday today so his first lesson wasn’t until the afternoon, so he had plenty of time he decided to head  to the skate park as always.

"Heading off to skate?" He heard Tank ask him as he grabbed the door handle

"I am, you know the drill I'll be at the skate park if you need me call" he said walking out and down the steps hoping onto his skateboard and to the park

It’s a perfect day for skating, and his day only gets better when he spots none other than max goof already at the park. And alone it seems luck is on his side today. He skate’s up next to him and he kicked his board up into his hand.

"Morning freshman, beautiful day ain't it?" He said as max realises his presence

"It is, Brad" he says smirking max knows how he disliked the nick name but now he only want to hear it more

“Not my name, freshman” he replied

"stop calling me freshman you know my name" max adds

"Touché, but I have to annoy you sometimes" he said smiling back at him as max rolled his eyes and looked away ready to continue skating

And off he was skating around flawlessly looking majestic, Brad couldn't take his eyes off Max something about how quickly he gets in the skating zone really makes him look stunning while skating the way his messy hair flows in the wind his pricings shine in the sun the way his baggy shirt lifts when he jumps revealing the black under shirt which clings to his figure perfectly. God Brad was down bad for him something about the scene in front of him made him want to drag Max away and have him all to himself.

Brad shook that thought out of his head and joined max in skating. They skated in harmony alongside each other as if they were never rivals and Brad loved it. Being around Max was relaxing and he hoped the peaceful moment would never end.

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Once Bradley joined in skating alongside him, he could feel his heart skip a beat Brad was breath taking and his skating skills were good he couldn't help but be encouraged by him to do better himself. He did a couple tricks earning a smile and a few claps from brad which made him feel a flush of pride and happiness he wanted more praise from him causing him to do more tricks.

"Amazing max, keep that up and maybe you'll win the next X games" he says teasingly

"Oh, I will, don't worry" he said matching Brads tone earning a smirk from him

"Oh, I'm sure you will~" he says, now they were flirting the realisation makes Max’s cheeks red and Brads smirk widens “oh? Are you blushing there max?" he says smirking

"I have no idea what you’re talking about" Max said looking away he heard head chuckle

"Don't be shy, your cute when you blush" he says smiling sincerely

"Y-you think I’m... cute?" Max said slightly surprised

He stopped next to me staring into his eyes "Yeah I do" Brad says sincerely "you’re the prettiest person I've ever laid my eyes on" he adds making Max's blush redden

"I- thank you" he smiled at Brad showing how much he appreciated his words it was the first compliment he had received in a long while.

Brad smiled in return "of course, max" he said taking Max’s hand in his own "even if you don't think it yourself you really are stunning" he adds rubbing his thumb over the back of Max’s hand

Max could feel his heart flutter and his face felt warm he could not help but smile Brad tightened his grip on his hand slightly in a way to insure he wouldn't let go just yet. max noticed and smiled

"You really are perfect, everything about you is perfect" Brad says looking at their hands which were entangled together

"Your perfect yourself you know, Mr uppercuts the third next in line to the family business and all" he said with a slight smirk

"I may be next in line for the family business but there's still so much I want to do before I lose the chance to" he said looking Max in the eyes

"And that is?" he asked curiosity getting the better of him

Bradley took a deep breath before looking Max directly in the eyes again "I want you as my boyfriend... I want to be able to hold you, kiss you praise you; I want to be able to call you mine" he said slowly blushing as he spoke freely holding nothing back, making Max’s eyes widen in surprise

Max feels his face flush into the reddest red you can think of, and his heart was pounding in his chest, he wants him? He wants max to be his boyfriend!? He likes him that much? Max hadn't thought about it too hard yet but deep down he knew this wasn't exactly new information... and deep down he also liked Bradley but wasn't it too soon? Where they even friends?

Max notice how Bradley was starting to seem nervously waiting for a reply, and that gets max thinking did he feel the same? Did he? max can’t help but feel like he always wants to be around him, and he can't help but feel his heart skipping a beat when Brad is near the thought of him being able to hold him and kiss him is... comforting and nice. Omg he doses like him back he really, really did love him. But it's too soon...

"I think it's... too soon we should at least become better friends first, right?" He finally replies having to force the words out before he accepted the confession too soon

the worry disappeared from Brads face as he spoke replaced with a smile a soft smile "I understand I just wanted you to know now how I felt" he said rubbing Max’s hands “I will wait as long as you need me to” he added catching max by surprise again

"Thank you" he smiled looking down, Max was glad Bradley wasn't mad and as much as he wanted to accept the confession it was indeed too soon, they should wait even just a little longer

"Of course, max, I'd never force you to do something you’re not comfortable doing I'm not that much of a dick" he said reassuring him

"Thank you, Bradley," max said smiling

"Call me Brad" he says pulling him into another hug

Max hugged him back "thank you, Brad" he said nuzzling his head into the nook of Brads neck

"You’re welcome, max" he says rubbing his hand up and down max’s back he can feel his heartbeat and he was sure Brad could feel his, one day they will confess again, and max was sure he would say yes then for now this was more than enough.

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Bradley couldn't believe it, he confessed to max he really did. He had thought about it so much that now that its real he is finding it hard to believe. And yet here he was standing in the middle of the skate park hugging max in his arms. He fits in his arms so perfectly Brad never wants to let him go even if they weren't dating yet the fact that Max didn't say no was a good sign he still had a chance.

"Lessons are going to start soon we should get going" max said after a while his head still laying on Brads shoulder

"Do we have to; I don't want to let you go" he replied not wanting to let him go

Max lifts his head up to look Brad in the eyes "you? The straight A student wants to skip? Really?" He says slightly joking

"For you, I would" he said smiling down at max watching as he blushes

"We can't skip" he says pushing himself off Brad "I'll let you get a head start to go to lesson so it doesn't seem suspicious" he adds grabbing his board

Brad grabs his own board and position it under his foot preparing to head off "okay, I'll see you in class then" he said giving max a wink and skate off making him blush one last time

His blush was cute Brad can't help but want to keep teasing him, he focusses on skating to campus as he spots Tank and the other gammas, he skates faster to catch up to them

"Bradley, there you are" Tank says giving him a look he knew oh too well

He's asking if Brad had run into max which makes him nod to confirm "I will tell you about it later let's head to class" he adds dismissing the topic to a time when the gammas won’t be around

Tank nods after a while they arrive at the building getting off their boards and heading to class a few minutes later he sees Max walk in with his friends Bobby and Pj, Max and him lock eyes and he smiles quickly before walking to his seat Bobby and Pj look at Brad funny, clearly they still don't like him but that's okay he will just work on winning them over later on for now he wants to focus on finding out more about Max.

The professor walks into the room and begins the lecture and all the students quite down and focus, through out of the lesson Brad kept glancing over at Max only catching his eyes 3 or 4 times clearly, he's focusing on the lesson more than Brad but that's fine. The lesson ends and he tells Tank to go ahead as he sees Bobby and Pj leave without max.

It's now just him and Max left in the room and he walks over to Brad they lock eyes just looking at each other for a bit Brad can’t help but admire his beauty his eyes are dark and beautiful his face having a dark outer with a light centre due to his vitiligo is stunning his piercings all over is hot and he can't stop staring Max brakes the silence.

"Um here since were going to be getting to know each other more now I thought you might want my number" he says handing Brad a bit of paper with his number on it

"Oh right yeah, thanks" he takes the paper and grab a sticky note writing his own number on it and handing it to Max in return "here's mine" he says smiling

Max smiles in return "thank you" he says

"No need to thank me" Brad replied still smiling

He nods and walks off heading out he looks back at Brad as he also stands up ready to head out himself Max smiles and mouths 'I will message you later' and walks out and Brad can't help but smile now he will be waiting for a message for the rest of the day.

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He did it. He has finally gotten Bradley's number, and he has his, Max did not know why it had taken him this long to get it but never mind that. He has it now and that is all that matters. He can feel his face hurt from smiling too much making him realised that he is most likely smiling like a weirdo and needs to snap out of it. He spots Bobby and Pj, and he catches up to them.

"Hey guys" he said as he shoved the sticky note with brads number on it into his pocket

"Heyyyy Max-a-million" Bobby says "what took you so long man?" He asks with a curious look in his eye

"Nothing much just wanted to finish making sure I had all my notes sorted" he says hoping that will satisfy his curiosity

"Alright dude if you say so~" Bobby says spinning around on his heal placing his arms behind his neck

"You sure I noticed Bradley was still in there, he didn't pick on you again, right?" Pj adds in

"No, he didn't" he says if only they knew he and brad were on good terms, but he was still too scared of how would they react he needs them to realise he is not so bad first

"You certain? You know how Bradley is he's arrogant two faced and manipulative I find it hard to believe you two were in there and he didn't say anything to you" Pj continues

Dammit he doesn’t think they'll ever think differently of Bradley... before he could say anything Bobby added in

"Yeah man, Bradley is the type of dude who'd acts nice at first but as soon as your no longer useful he'll just throw you to the side and forget you exist" he says while walking in a circle around Max

Was that really going to happening? Would Bradley really discard and abandoned him as soon as he’s no longer useful to him? Was he just a game to him a toy for him to use for his own enjoyment... shit he was over thinking again he needs to calm down

"Dude you, okay?" Bobby asks clearly his over thinking had made him more anxious than he would have liked and it was showing on his face

"I'm fine" he said trying to push down his worry "seriously I'm fine" he adds when Bobby and Pj give him this 'are you sure' look

"If you say so" Pj says

"You know we are only looking out for you man" Bobby adds as they turn to keep walking

Max just looked at the ground and keep following them Bobby was talking about getting pizza later to Pj and he just can't be bothered to join the conversation he was too busy trying not to over think things. Yes, he likes Bradley, and he likes max back, right? And they aren’t rushing into anything Bradley wouldn’t use his feelings for him... would he?

After a while he arrived back at the dorm room Bobby and Pj went to get pizzas, so he was alone with his thoughts. But he couldn’t stop thinking about if Bradley did genuinely care what if he's just using him to get popular again since max did win the X games, he is... isn't he? How could he be so stupid. Without realising it he had started crying and when he realised, he tried wiping the tears away

"Come on come on, stop crying boys don't cry..." he said to himself "this is so embarrassing why am I such a cry-baby..." he adds while walking to the bathroom going to wash his face

He looked in the mirror "heh mother would have been so disappointed if she had seen my piercings" he said, his mother had always thought men with piercings and tattoos looked like thugs and gangsters but then again, she never really wanted him in the first place.

He hears the repeat of his mother's words to him in the back of his head "useless child" "Why did you have to be a boy" "you ruined me" "I wish I never had you" and he started crying again fuck he hated it here why was he still here? His mother was right... he is useless why was he born...

Without thinking he grabbed the razor and started relapsing one cut two cut again, repeatedly all whilst thinking he deserve it. This is what he deserved he deserves pain... before he knew it his entire arm was covered in fresh cuts and then he realised... shit he has to hide these quickly, he grabs the first aid kit and wrap his arm up and pulls the sleeves of his under shirt down making him wince at the feeling of fabric rub against the fresh wound but he pushed it aside.

He throws the razor in the bin before walking out of the bathroom like nothing had happened. He tried to stop but he just couldn't... why was he like this he grabbed out his phone remembering he said he would message Brad and adds his number to his phone contacts and sends him a message.

'Hey, it’s me max :)' he types out and sends it then he turns his phone off placing it down when he hears the door open Bobby and Pj are back and they have pizza.

Chapter Text

Bradley was sat in the living room of the gamma house casually reading a book while tank and the other gammas are taking turns playing pool. When his phone buzzed making him close his book taking his reading glasses off, to cheek the notification when he sees a message reading "Hey it’s me max :)" making him immediately stand up and walking to his room closing the door behind him.

The gammas where confused but didn't question it, and honestly, Bradley didn't care enough either. Right now, he just wanted to message max back.

He replied with "Well, well, about time you messaged me. I was starting to think your forgot" and pressed send and stared at his screen impatiently waiting for a reply

After a few minutes a reply was sent reading "how could anyone forget you?"

He couldn't describe why but that message made him blush, he was not normally so soft but max? Now max could bring out a side of him, he didn't even realise he had.

"That's very sweet of you, freshman~" he sent back hoping he would pick up that was him trying to tease max

"When are you ever going to stop calling me that?" He sends in return

"Never~ ;)" he replied, he couldn’t see it but mentally he was kicking his feet like a 13-year-old girl who just found out her crush liked her back.

"Are you flirting with me? Brad-ley" he sends

"Have been for a few months, thanks for realising. He sends back half teasing half joking

After a while of back and forth teasing and flirting, their conversation started to fade into regular conversations, they talked and talked for what felt like minutes but was probably hours.

"So you free this weekend?" Max asks, making Brad lift his head from his phone to look at his calendar before responding.

"I indeed am, why?" He typed back

"Was wondering if you wanted to hang out" he sends

"Are you asking me out on a date? Max," He sends back teasingly

"And if I am?" Brad could tell that he's teasing him back but that won’t stop him from taking the opportunity to go on a date with his crush

"I'd like that actually, what time and where?" He responds

"How about we meet at the park at 10 and go from there" he sends

Perfect, luckily, he had this weekend free, and the park wasn't that far and meeting at 10 meant he could still sleep in a bit and still have enough time to get ready.

"Amazing, I'll see you then?" He sends

"See you then Brad," max sends before finally going offline.

Bradley was left smiling like a little kid on Christmas morning, he was actually so excited for their date, well it wasn’t an actually date date more like an opportunity to get closer so they could potentially start dating and Brad has to make sure this goes perfectly, what do you even get a man for your first date? Should he get him flowers? Does max even like flowers?

Shit, now he was anxious, Brad shouldn't be its okay he plans to order some black roses since roses are a romantic flower and max likes the colour black, why else would be wear black all the time? But seriously he just has this feeling that as long as its from him max will love it and he will do anything if it means increasing the chances of them dating

And just like that Bradley was not only exited for this weekend writing down his plans on his calendar, but also placing an order for a bouquet of black roses for this weekend, he really was down bad for max. Oh well he will buy him the whole world if max wanted him to anyways.

Chapter Text

Max placed his phone down and he smiled but. It suddenly hit him; he just set up a date with Bradley. They were supposed to be taking it slow they weren't even in a relationship. He has a date with Bradley but was he ready for this? It wasn't a real date just a way to get closer is all, right? Should he be excited or nervous?

He has been in a relationship before, but not with a boy. Not that he wouldn't ever date a boy he just wasn't a relationship yet. But he has already agreed to the date hell it was his idea after all; can you really call it a date though? They aren't dating so it's more of a hang out. He was suddenly snapped out of his thoughts when he heard his name being called.

"Max! Dude you, okay? You zoned out" Bobby asked as max looked at him

"Yeah, yeah I'm good, just got lost in thought" he replied

"You sure max? You've been on your phone for a while now then you just suddenly zone out? Is everything okay" Pj asks

Pj had always been more aware of stuff than Bobby but luckily, he does not dig into stuff to figure out what is wrong very much,

"Yeah, I'm good" he says obviously lying, because he was panicking on the inside but it's nothing for them to worry about

After that they leave it be and continue their conversation before and he can go back to his thoughts, when it hits him. Shit, he is going to need to hide his scars and since they are fresh, he will need to make sure whatever they do it doesn't involve using his arms very much. Just so he can avoid Brad noticing...

he knows Brad wouldn't hate him for it and he'd be willing to sit down and talk about it, but max can't help but fear a part of him will be disgusting or disappointed. And anyways he doesn't want to worry brad he didn't want to make anyone worry about him anymore...

Back to the date planning, he needs to pick out an outfit should he wear what he normally wears or dress up a bit? Would Brad like it if he dressed up? Wait why was he trying to impress Brad? It wasn't a real date anyways he will just wear what he normally wears.

The rest of the week goes by quicker than he had thought it would before he knew it, it was already Friday. He was setting up some final plans and ideas before the date hangout thing or whatever it was which was due at 10 the next day he sends Brad a quick 'goodnight' text before settling down for the night he was still nervous but, more excited than he had thought he would be.