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Two weeks had gone by in the slowest way possible. The X Games was the worst day in his life, or so Bradley thought. It didn’t get any better. He had been living in his car since he was kicked out of the Gammas, while getting bullied by his old friends. It was his turn to experience what he taught them to do with the freshmen. Spitballs to the head, getting tripped in the hall or pushed around. Things that would ruin someone's day; that is what it did for Bradley.He hadn’t been able to shower every day since he didn’t really have a dorm; he felt so grimy. Being in a stuffy car with all his belongings was harder than he’d ever thought. Basically, everyone had left him. Some girls that didn’t know about him still chatted with him, but it was never for too long before they found out. Kicking him to the curb too.During class, occasionally he was getting trash thrown at him from the Gammas. He could only grit his teeth and deal with it. Max and his two idiots hadn’t seemed to notice a thing. They were in their own little skating world of fun and excitement.Regardless of the harassment, Bradley had gotten through the worksheet and swiftly packed up to leave. Not wanting to endure any extra torment. Maybe he could call her by now. She might be willing to help him.He opened his blue flip phone once he was in his car, hesitantly hovering over the call button. Bradley grit his teeth, hitting the green button.A soft, “Hello, Bradley.” It was cold and unwelcomed.“Hey, Mocha.”
“I told you not to call me.”
Bradley swallowed his pride, “I’m sorry about everything.”Mocha grew silent.“I know it wasn’t the best choice to have made, however, I see that clearly now. I apologize.” Bradley leaned back in his car seat.
“I heard you were kicked out of the Gammas.”
“That is very much true.” He plainly pointed out, “Might I be able to room with you for a while?”It was silent again. He opened his mouth to try to convince her; however, with a deep sigh, “Sure, you can stay with me.”“Mocha!” Bradley was grinning.
“Only if you apologize to Max and the others first.”
“What?!”Mocha’s voice got rough, “You almost got Max and Tank killed! Even Mr. Goof was in there. Do you not realize that?”“I…” Pulling the phone away for a second, tightly closing his eyes and breathing, “I said I do realize that now… I’ll… I’ll go find Max, but I can’t say it to Tank. Not yet, anyway.”She softly said, “Fine, Max first.”“Hmmmm.” He groaned.
“Bradley, Max first, then the others. I'm serious here, Bradley. You aren’t a Gamma anymore and you need to get your shit together. These are people too, which you seem keen on forgetting.”
“Okay. Okay. I’ll go do that.”“See you at my place afterwards.” She hung up.Bradley sat there thinking. How should he even apologize for that? And to Max of all people, “Fine, I’ll find the baby Goof and if he doesn't accept it, I’ll force him to!” He grumbled as he climbed out of his car. Now, where the hell would Max be in the first place?He began his walk around campus in search of a red baggy shirt and loose-fitted jeans. Blue eyes flickering around the place, failing to spot the Goof. He knew he should apologize to him either way, but now it relied on Bradley getting to sleep in a real bed after two weeks of being in a car.What felt like hours of searching, Bradley finally spotted that dumb figure in baggy ass clothes. He was hunched over on a bench seemingly writing something down in a notepad. Bradley frowned and with no one around he thought he should practice before heading over there.“I’m here to apologize to you about… the whole ordeal at the X Games.” He muttered with his hand covering his mouth in case he was being too loud. Would Max really accept it? It might not be that simple. It never was.“No… Maybe, I’m… sorry for how I acted at the X Games. If you could find it deep within your heart to forgive me?” He shot his charmingly forced smile when he finished.With a nod, he sauntered up to him, “Maximilian Goof.”Max’s head slightly turned, as if he didn’t want to give him his full attention.Bradley continued, “I’m here to apologize for how I acted at the X Games. I… shouldn’t have cheated like that, but it really meant a lot for me to win… And well… you see…”“Huh? Oh, Bradley? What are you doing here?” Max took out his wired earbuds and turned to face him.Bradley sucked in a deep breath, he was about to go off about how dare he ignore him like that, but he grit his teeth and suddenly hesitated. Max was looking at him with a confused and disinterested gaze. Making Bradley freeze up at the sudden attention. He hardly ever had to apologize, and he was surely not very good at it. The first time doing it to Mocha, she didn’t believe him at all and ignored him for three weeks. Because of how hard it is for him to apologize the more meaningful they were, at least to him.He lowered his gaze to the floor for a second before remembering what his father said; not to look down, it shows weakness. Meeting dark eyes, he opened his mouth, “Maximilian, I… I’m sorry for… what happened at the X Games.” Fuck he stuttered.“Oh yeah! Totally.” He rolled his eyes and stuffed his CD player with a few old stickers on it in his bookbag, standing as he threw it over his shoulder, fully facing the taller man now.“I'm being serious here.” Bradley spoke through his forced smile with his arms out.“Oh, I seriously doubt that.” Max eyed him with a frown and furrowed brows, “Can you just leave me alone and stop ruining my life?”“I… What?! You’re the one ruining my life! Have you noticed anything?!” Bradley shoved a finger in his face, accusing him.“I thought you were apologizing to me. Now, your pointing fingers?” Max cocked a brow as he slapped away Bradley’s hand, getting fed up with his attitude.“That’s…” Bradley ran a hand through his more than usual greasy hair.“Right…” Max began to walk away.“Max!”The shorter man paused, glancing over his shoulder, waiting.Bradley’s usually straight posture had slumped a little, “I really didn’t know how much damage it did. I didn’t know you three were even under there… I never intended… f-for that to happen. Honest.”Max’s shoulder seems to lose the tension they had been slowly building since this conversation started. Was this for real? Turning his body a little to face him, he opened his mouth. Bradley felt this was getting a little too mushy for him, he was quick to cut him off before he spoke.“But!”“There it is…” Max scoffed, feeling disappointed.“I was hoping to challenge you to a race. Just the two of us on skateboards.” It was a spur of the moment kinda thing.“Why?”“To make up for the X Games, obviously.” Bradley flashed his classic grin, sharp canines showing.“Why?”“Ugh, because I'm telling you to!”Max eyed him, “Yeah?”“…” Bradley sighed, “If you… If you don’t want to, that’s fine. Never mind.”“I’ll think about it.” Max scowled at him, “I mean, I wasn’t as badly hurt as Tank was. So, I should be capable to.”Bradley was at a loss for words; he truly didn’t know they were stuck in there. To him, they weren’t in there and he could cross the finish line without that worry. But even then, winning meant more to him even after seeing the three come out with ash and smoke on their clothes and faces. The consequences were high if he didn’t win. Half of which still came true with that loss. The other half is still bound to happen soon. He dreaded it.“A sorry alone won’t be enough to make up for all that shit you did.” Max raised his voice a little.“I…” Nothing felt shittier than your enemy being right.“Maybe I shouldn’t have cut our deal.”“I… agree.”Max seemed to be a bit stumped with his answer. Now it was his turn to be at a loss of words.“Thank you. For not coming for me after all that… I’ve... Well, heh, never mind.” Bradley turned on his heel, beginning to head back to his car.Sitting in his car, feeling worn out. That conversation went nowhere. He groaned rubbing his face. His elbow hit a hard edge of a box. Crying out, he pushed the box, having it tumble over and spill out his books, now all over the floor of the front seat. He cursed under his breath and put his forehead on the wheel, rubbing his elbow.“Fuck me…”Feeling exhausted, Bradley brought up a few of his things to Mocha’s place, knocking on the door with a box in hand. The door opened; she was crossing her arms hoping to hear some good news. Which he didn’t exactly know if he had any.“I apologized to him.”Mocha smiled with pity, “He didn’t accept it, did he?”“I don’t know. But who would?” Bradley was let in, and he placed his box on the empty bed, pulling out a change of clothes and his skincare products, “Why doesn't anyone believe me when I'm being sincere?” He complained.“Because of how you talk to everyone. Condescending and sarcastic.” She crossed her legs at her desk, writing out some poetry for her class.“Ugh, not all the time.”Looking over at him, she only raised a brow.“Fine, most of the time.” He grumbled, shrugging with his arms cast out, “Now, can I please have some peace?”Mocha hummed and gave him a soft nod. He went directly into the bathroom, beginning his skincare routine after showering for a long while, getting ready for bed. He’ll bring up the rest of his things in the morning after classes had begun to ensure no one knew that he had moved into the public dorms and with Mocha no less.It’d be embarrassing for both of them. They didn’t want to give the others the wrong idea.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Max returned to his dorm room after the weirdest encounter with Bradley. The man had apologized to him… To him! Max didn’t think he was capable of such things as remorse or regret. But something had made him think he might quite possibly, just a little bit, meant it. But then again, it’s Bradley, so high chances he didn’t mean a word. The guy would do a few things to get what he wants. Max isn’t like the Gammas with a simple apology, and he'd forgive Bradley just like that. No way!He was greeted with a, “Maximiliaaannnn! We just got some pizzaaa, perfect timing!” Bobby had already grabbed two slices, one in each hand, a few slices already missing from the box.“Hey, Max! Hm? What's wrong?” PJ pointed out.“What? Nothings wrong. Just hungry. Gimme some!” Max reached over the box and took a slice, watching whatever show they had going on the T.V.PJ drawled on about the homework that Bobby had pretended he never received. Max checked his bag to make sure all his work was in fact in his bag and not on the desk. The three piled in their own beds for the night.In class, the three arrived just barely. Taking their seats while puffing out a breath. They pulled out their notebooks and textbooks as the professor stared at them, once they were ready, he continued the lesson.Max glanced over at the Gammas, seeing that Bradley wasn’t with them. He hadn’t noticed that Bradley moved seats to the top row. He thought that the lousy apology was a bet with the Gammas to get his old room back, but there the brunette was alone.Without realizing it, he was staring at Bradley who returned it with a sharp glare. Max turned his back to the front of the room. Glancing back at the Gammas as if they had an answer to his question. Finding that the Gammas were scowling at Bradley, they seemed disappointed that they couldn’t throw their spitballs anymore since he moved seats. The angle much too hard to hit with that many people in between Bradley being in the back, and the Gammas near the front by the professor. Max narrowed his eyes at them with confusion. Earning a greeting from Tank, he waved at the boy. Max awkwardly waved back, not sure what the situation is anymore.It was kinda obvious that Bradley wasn’t with the Gammas anymore, but if that’s not the reason why he came to apologize to get that room back, then why would he? Taking a quick glance back at Bradley, he was focusing wholly on that textbook like it was telling him the answers of life.Max turned his attention back to the professor as PJ nudged him since the professor was frowning at him. Continuing their lecture on English history. Bobby had nodded off again. PJ and Max were writing down notes. At some point, Max was getting tired and stopped paying attention, he doodled a little skateboard on the corner of one sheet.Class let out, the three were heading out with grins on their faces, they had three hours before their next class, or well Max and PJ. Bobby was in a different class that was much later in the day. They went off to grab their things, rolling off to the skatepark. Max was the first on the ramp, rolling back and forth to warm up with. Bobby on his rollerblades and PJ also on a skateboard.The thought crossed his mind, what Bradley said. While using one hand to balance himself on the edge and the other keeping his board in place, he spotted the very person he was thinking about. Rolling down the halfpipe, he eyed Bradley as he just walked on by without even glancing at the skatepark.He was shuffling through his brown messenger bag, digging out his headphones and hitting play on a CD player. After he was wearing them, only then did he glance at the ramps with a longing. Max paused at the top of one halfpipe, feeling more confused than anything. Why wouldn’t he just skate if he wanted to?“Max?”“Maxxx?” Bobby nudged him, “What chu lookin at?” He squinted in the direction Max was spacing out in.Bradley had long since been out of sight, Max turned to Bobby, “I… was just thinking.”“Bro, you do that too much and your head will explode!” Bobby made a hand motion of the explosion.PJ hung up his phone, “Guys, I gotta head out now. Mocha called, she's free now.”“What? Thought we were gonna practice till next class?” Bobby shrugged.“I’ll do some extra tricks on my way over to her! See you guys later!” PJ threw his board down and left the two.Max took a seat, dangling one leg off the ledge, “I don’t get it.”“What?” Bobby was lazily going down the halfpipe and back.“What's going on with the Gammas.”“What is going on with the Gammas?” Bobby tilted his head.“Exactly! I don’t know.”“Hmmm…” Bobby responded when he came back around, “Ask Tank. He seems…” Gravity took him and finished his sentence when he rolled back up the halfpipe, “like he doesn’t hate you.”Max leaned on his palm in deep thought. Why was he feeling like he needed to figure this out? It wasn’t his problem. Bradley could do whatever, he doesn't care. It was getting a little more crowded in the skatepark. A few Gammas had been skating around the here for a while now, leaving them alone since their fight was over since he saved Tank. Max’s eyes flicked to Slouch.“Wait a sec, isn’t that Bradley’s board?” Max noticed that Slouch was skating with the familiar red and black board with the words in white, KING. It was pretty scraped up from all the use, but it was cared for deeply.Bobby frowned, “Annnnd, why should we care?”“Because… I don’t know.”Slouch had wiped-out and the board went flying off into the grass, making Max cringe.----Around four in the afternoon, Max had gotten out of his class. PJ and Bobby had already gone off somewhere for food. He spotted Mocha. She was on a call with somebody. He approached her, gonna ask her to join them for dinner if PJ hadn’t already invited her.“…don’t get caught.” He heard some of what she was whispering about.“Mocha?” He raised his hand, waving to her.“Max, hello.” She snapped the phone shut, “How was class?”The two began to walk down the hall, “It was boring as usual. How was yours?”“It was enjoyable.”“Ha, only you could like a class.”Mocha smiled.“You coming to dinner with us?”She nodded, “PJ already texted me.”“Cool.” Max stared off down the hall.“Max?”“Hm?”She grabbed his arm, “What's wrong? You seem deep in thought.”“Oh, yeah. I was wondering about Bradley, actually.”“B-Bradley? Why?” Mocha seemed surprised, her dark brown eyes looking at him with intrigue.Max shrugged, “Seems like the Gammas really have it out for him.”“Yes, but you know what happened with Tank.” She gripped the strap of her black messenger bag.“This feels different. Like all the Gammas are in on it. Its just like how when they bullied me and my friends.”“I see. And you feel obligated to do something, right?”Max began walking again, “A little. There is such a thing as going too far. It’s already been two weeks, Mocha.”“Hm.” She seemed to be thinking it over as well, “If you feel so inclined to do something, maybe you could ask the Gammas to back off. Or get Bradley to apologize to Tank and the others.” She eyed him.“I really doubt he’d do that. Ha!” Max tried to picture it, making him giggle at the flush on Bradley’s face from anger and embarrassment.Mocha and Max made their way to the diner they planned to meet up with the other two.----Max woke up to his father barging in on them again!“Wakey wakey! Today is the test! Up and at em!” Mr. Goof announced.The three groaned in annoyance.“Dadddd, it’s only seven A.M.” Max threw the covers over his face as his dad drew up the curtains.“That’s the fun thing! We can study before hand while getting a nice breakfast!” Mr. Goof handed Max a clean set of clothes, a black shirt with a slogan on it and some jean shorts, “Come on everyone!”The trio didn’t have a choice, and all headed to the showers. Mr. Goof had already gotten Max a breakfast tray and the other two got their own meals.“Dad, seriously, never do that again. I will move dorms and not tell you where I'm going…” Irritation drawn on his brow.“Well…” Mr. Goof sat down, “I just wanted you to be ready for that test.”“I am, but thanks for the effort. We can handle it, alright?” Max shyly ate his toast as the others took their seats.They chatted away about video games and other random things that came up. The four of them were now trekking over to their class. Max had spotted Mocha, he was going to call out to her, but saw that she had a finger pointed at Bradley before turning on her heel and leaving. Bradley entered the classroom after.What was up with that? Max glanced over at PJ to see if he noticed it or not. The man was engaged in conversation with Bobby about the dirt bike race that was on T.V.The test came and gone; Max was worried about how well he did. He was sure to study enough before the class, so he felt better, though that didn’t clear his worries about the results. His dad had already left. Thankfully that was the only class he had with his dad. The three of them were free of the old man for the rest of the day, hopefully.“Oh man!” PJ patted his body in search for something, “I don’t have my phone. I’mma go check the classroom, you guys can get Mocha.”“Sure!” Max and Bobby said in unison.The two laughed and playfully nudged each other on the way to Mocha’s dorm.“Then I pointed out that it wasn’t a girl, it was a lamp!” Bobby burst out laughing.“Holy shit?! No way! Hahahha!”Knocking at her door, she was slow to answer, “Boys.” She smiled, “You’re early.”“PJ left his phone in the classroom. We came to pick you up!” Bobby nodded with a grin.Max added, “He’s more than likely already going to the Bean Scene. Let’s get goin’.”Something suddenly hit the ground, sounding like it was from the bathroom. Max and Bobby paused. Mocha raised a brow and looked back in her room, “Must have left the window open.”“Well, let’s gooo!” Bobby pulled on Max, Mocha turning to lock the door prior to following them down the stairs from the second floor.Max was sure that Mocha’s old roomie left to move in with her boyfriend. It was a little concerning if there was someone in her room. He hoped she wasn’t cheating on PJ. He'd be so depressed if that was the case. Bobby didn’t care, only about how hungry he was.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Bradley came out of the bathroom, peering around the corner, a loose yellow Powerline tee and some white sweatpants that covered his feet. No one was there. He let out a sigh. His phone buzzed with a text. Looking at it, it was from Mocha.
“Can’t believe you knocked something over! What if they came into my room or something?!”
He sat at the desk, texting back, “I was in the middle of washing my face.”“If you get caught, I'm telling them everything.” She warned.
“You won’t :(“
She didn’t text back after that.He climbed into bed with a sigh. He wanted to skate so badly, but the Gammas kept his three boards after kicking him out. One was his lucky board; another was his favorite board, and the last was a gift from his mother. The fact that Tank knew all of that, hurt more. He really hoped that Tank didn’t let anyone use that one, he hardly used it himself. It meant too much to use.Arriving to class, Bradley paused. His blood ran cold. Face going from green to red. The Gammas had two of his boards! Desperately wanting to go and fight them for it, but he didn’t have a muscle man anymore. He didn’t think they’d give it up even with his words. Sighing in defeat, Bradley took his seat at the top row as the Gammas laughed at him with knowing glares. The fact that he couldn’t do shit about it, they found amusing.He sighed, opening his textbook and using his left hand to write out some notes. A sour expression on his face as he tried to ignore that his precious boards were in the grimy hands of the Gammas. With another sneer at them, his eyes moved from the Gammas down to Max who was staring intently at the ‘KING’ board Slouch was holding.  Did… Did Max know that was his board?Slouch roughly put the board on the desk, making Bradley flinch at the sight. The board had a few blades of grass stuck in the wheels and grass stains on the white of the letters. Bradley never wanted to punch someone so badly! That was his board! How dare he treat it like trash!“Tank?”Bradley looked over at Max. He was walking over to Tank, brows knitted.Tank rose from his seat as if he was threatened, “What's up, baby?”Max had paused for a second, “I-I was wondering if you’d be willing to part with that sweet board. See, mine is a little old and beaten up some.” He had pointed to the ‘KING’ board.The whole Gamma squad was watching him. Max scratched at the back of his neck, “If that’s alright.”Tank and Slouch shared a look and a smirk spread on their lips. It would be hilarious if Bradley’s rival was the one to use a precious board rather than them, “Sure thing, baby! Consider it yours!” He patted Max’s back roughly making him stumble forwards.Slouch leaned over and passed the board to Max, “Thanks guys, I appreciate it.” His grin was a little awkward. The Gammas chuckled to themselves, knowing that Bradley was seething about the new turn of events.Tank said, “Let me know if there's anything else you need!”“Will do!” Max fist-bumped Tank before taking his seat, being gentle with Bradley’s board.Bradley grumbled under his breath as he watched the transaction. The kid next to him looking over, “What are you looking at?” He barked.The kid was taken aback and looked down at his papers.Bradley didn’t know what was worse, Max now holding onto his favorite board or that the Gammas still had the other two. The professor walked in and began the lecture. It was boring, but nonetheless he made sure to take good notes to review later. Soft snoring made him look up; the trio was sound asleep. Serves them right. Fail that test! Bradley sure won’t!---- Max woke when PJ shook him, “Max, we gotta get to our next class! We slept in!”Max slowly lifted his eyes and found that he was holding that 'KING' board tightly, “Shit! What? We’re late?” He stuffed his textbook and notebook haphazardly in his roughed up bookbag without a care, grabbing the board and sprinting out with PJ and Bobby who was still half asleep.They barely made it in time. Max plopped down in his seat forgetting that it was Bradley’s board in his hands, not his own, and when he saw the black and red with King in white, he paused. He needs to find a way to get this back to him. But now it would be awkward. That must have been a real apology from Bradley then…Max ruffled his hair, groaning.They were able to catch their breath, PJ now staring at the board, “Why did you ask for that? Isn't yours just fine?”“Yeah, mines fine. It’s just this…” He lowered his dark eyes to the deck, its white letters of ‘KING’ were scraped up from use, “It means something, okay?”Bobby leaned in, “Means something? Like what?” Lowering his sunglasses some.“Means…” He scanned over the board and thankfully recognized a top brand name, “It’s expensive! Look at these trucks and bearings!” Bobby and PJ both focused on the trucks and bearings.“Whoa!” They all cooed over the board.“Those are like hella expensive!” PJ exclaimed.“I know right!” Max smirked.“I’ve always wanted to skate on something like that.” Bobby spun the wheel that took a while to slow.“Well, it’s mine now!” Max showed it off once more. He’ll just test it out for a while before returning it to Bradley. Surely, he wouldn’t mind too much, right?That’s exactly what he did after class. The three skated over to the park and just rolling along it was so smooth! Max now wondered how the hell he won if Bradley had a skateboard like this! Damn! It was even better on the halfpipe! It was like skating on clouds. Soring higher than he had before and feeling so much faster! Freer!“Yahooooo!” Max called out with a wide grin on his face.“Yeah man!!! Do it to it!!!” Bobby was right there with him having the time of his life.PJ was smiling too, practicing his tricks, “Let’s gooo!”Hours went by and they had missed dinner, but they had a great time, Max completely forgetting about what he was going to do. He and the other two headed back to the dorm room, desperately in need of a shower. Max had sweat staining the pits of his shirt, making darker spots and all along his back.Tossing the board on his bed and taking off his shirt, Max grabbed some clean clothes. The three headed to the showers. Unlike the other dorm rooms, this one was an older building; meaning there were no bathrooms or showers for the rooms, and they had to go down the hall for that.Nonetheless, they cleaned up for the night. Bobby passing out once his head hit the pillow. Both PJ and Max had taken a seat at their desks to get last minute assignments finished up for the following day. Bobby was sure to forget the homework again.PJ called it quits, leaving Max at his desk. He packed away his homework and with a little bit of energy left, he grabbed the board, laying it out on his desk. Max began to clean away the grass stains and making sure its in tip top shape. It was nearing two A.M. when he finally put the board down and fell asleep.----One of his classes, Max was alone which meant he couldn’t get any help from PJ on the assignments. And asking Bobby was out of the question, he wouldn’t know it. He struggled taking notes since the professor moved so fast and gave massive assignments as homework. It felt like this was the class he spent the most time on doing work for.Somedays he had to skip on skating just to finished up the project that, in the end, didn’t do much for his grade that was already a little lower than he wanted. Spending extra time after class just to clean up his notes for it to make sense. But even reviewing it later was hard to understand. Math sucks!Max had been leaving his classroom, pausing when he saw Bradley with a different look on his face. His dark brows pulled together tightly and his mouth in a deep frown. Max couldn’t see all his face, but it wasn’t anything near his usual look. He looked rather stressed.Bradley cupped the flip phone with his other hand as he spoke into it, leaning on the lockers. Tightly closing his eyes, he shut the phone. Staring at it as if it he wanted to throw it away or whatever that was chewing him up. Max wasn’t sure if he should talk to him or not. Maybe it was from the school about compensating for the damages he's done with the X Games.Max didn’t want to interfere right now. If he said one wrong word when Bradley was already upset, chances are he’ll erupt. With that, Max left the building with the board under his arm. Throwing it down and hopping on it. Pushing with his right foot off towards the dorms.He paused for a second, looking back he saw Bradley walking with his head down. Max noticed that he was walking in the direction of the other dorms. Which was the opposite way Max was going. Just as he was about to call out to the brunette, his phone buzzed.“Where ya @ max?” PJ texted.Max looked back up; Bradley was already out of sight. He pushed off, rolling down his original route.He tossed his bookbag down on the floor along with the board when he arrived and joined them to play their favorite racing game.Max was losing pretty badly, thinking about how Bradley was acting. That board really needs to get back into his hands. Letting Bradley skate again might just what he needs. Wait! No… He didn’t actually care. It’s just to give him back the boards and leave him alone! Nothing more. Max was still enraged about the X Games. Almost killing someone or more than one someone won’t make him feel bad for the pompous bastard. Probably.“Max?” Bobby looked over, “Is it about that board?” He wiggled his eyebrows.“What are you on? Hahaha, what are you talking about?” Max pushed him out of his personal space.“You are really distracted and I know…” Bobby shifted his eyes to the board, “So… he’s on your mind?”“Not particularly, no. It’s a nice board…” Max shrugged.PJ cut in, “Who’s on your mind? What about that board?” He was so lost in this conversation.“Nothing! But I can’t keep someone else’s board.” Max went over to pick it up.“Isn't it Slouches?” PJ inquired.“No… but I do know who’s it is. The Gammas stole it from him.” Max leaned it against his bed, climbing into it, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” He set it down, letting it lean against his bedframe.“Hm?” PJ looked towards Bobby for answers; none were spilled.Bobby smiled weakly and shrugged.----“Tomorrow,” in reality, had turned into a few days. Max was still carrying around the ‘KING’ board like it was his own. Caring for it more than his own board, knowing who’s… knowing it was quite expensive and he couldn’t afford to replace it if he broke it.When he walked in class with the ‘KING’ board, Bradley was taking a step to climb up to the back row. The two paused and stared. Bradley’s blue eyes flickered to the board and back to his eyes. Only a half frown formed on his lips, not a word out of them. Max watched as the taller man took his usual seat in the back. Max sat with his friends, not letting the board be on display as much.A ping of guilt now began to become noticeable.When looking back at Bradley for a second, he was eyeing the Gammas more than he was glaring at Max in English history because they still had that other SK8 board. The colors were so Bradley. Burgundy with blue letters of SK8 on the bottom. From his point of view, it looked just as nice as the ‘KING’ board.Now how was Max going to get that board from the Gammas without suspicion. He kept the ‘KING’ board this whole time, but it would just be greedy to ask for the other. Maybe he could say a friend’s board broke? Or possibly have PJ fake be upset about losing his board? Oh, then if PJ doesn't use it the Gammas would be on to him.“How would this work…?” Max mumbled to himself, scratching at his head, eyes locked on his notebook as if it would answer him.“Uhhh, well, maybe if you opened your textbook it might help, Max.” PJ whispered.“What? Oh… right.” Max flipped through and joined them on the same page.The class let out; Max witnessed Bradley tripping over Slouch’s foot. Bradley was quick to balance himself. The man only sucked in a breath and headed out of the room. The Gammas chortling to themselves.Max rubbed his brows. Packing his bag and grabbing the board. He, Bobby and PJ traveled to the Bean Scene. Finding a free booth, they got their drinks and a few snacks. Firstly, taking a break. They fully intended to study some here and whatever they didn’t get, off to the library whenever they were free some other time.For now, it was peaceful. Soft music was playing. The warm scent of coffee and the light chatter in the background. Someone was on their laptop near them, letting the typing mix into the ambience. Max sipped on his coffee, listening to Bobby talk about some party he went to two nights ago. Bobby’s been borderline failing his classes, yet still had time to party.“Really, Bobby? Can’t you study some more?” PJ took a bite of biscotti.“I am! Remember to have funnnn, otherwise life will drown you.” Bobby tilted his head back, finishing his latte.“That’s a good one!” PJ pointed out.“Seems to me you’ve been having too much fun…” Max rolled his eyes with a smile on his lips.Taking out their books after finishing their snacks, they got down to business. The table was silent, dead set on getting as much work done as possible. Other than asking each other questions about their homework, it was quiet. Scratching of pencils on paper and textbooks being flipped to different pages resounded.Mocha had been working the whole while, occasionally winking and talking to PJ here and there. Max stretched his arms and when he looked up, Bradley was tucked away in a corner alone. The man had a small cup next to him as he was deep in thought. His laptop open, probably the assignment and his left hand rolling down the page.Max stared. His eyes glancing down at the board leaning against the booth by his leg, then back at Bradley. He tensed his jaw, gathering courage to go over there and give back the board finally. Max stood, picking up the board.“Where ya goin’?” Bobby asked, leaning over and seeing his answer, “Never mind!” He giggled to himself.PJ was locked in a battle of his wits. Writing out a paragraph and gripping his head with a frown on his face.“Be back soon.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Bradley turned the page of his textbook, peering up at his laptop to reread the question. His hand wrote elegantly as he worked out the answer. Rereading a few lines and erased some words he put to replace them. He did this a few times before realizing there was someone standing by his table.Looking up, it was Max.“M-Max? What do you want?” He sounded surprised then grew anxious.“Here.”“Huh?” Bradley saw his outstretched hand holding his ‘KING’ board. He paused and glowered at him, “What?”“Uh, I'm giving your board back.” Max kept his arm out.Bradley scoffed, “Right, after you’ve had your fun with it and now its grown old, so you’re giving it back after using it all up…” He rolled his eyes.“W-what? Well, I did intend to give it back sooner…” Max took a seat.“Why the hell are you sitting down?” Bradley was perplexed at the situation, brows knitted together.Max put the board on the table that had free space, “I know it’s a little shitty of me to not return it sooner, but I don’t know.” His dark amber eyes meeting the wheel and spinning it, “I don’t know how the Gammas would react if I got it back for you. They know it’s yours and I know it’s yours, so if they see you skating with it again, they’ll know it was me. I know that’s not an excuse…”“No. It isn’t an excuse.” He barked.“I know, I know. Still, I wanted to give this back to you. I’ll get your other one too. I promise I won’t use that one.” Max gave a warm smile, showing his tooth gap.“…”“What?” Max tilted his head in question.“H-how do you know about my other board?” Bradley’s eyes widened in shock.Max shrugged, “Seen you ride it from time to time. You aren’t always with the Gammas and I’m not always with my friends when I skate. I just happened to see you using the SK8 board. The burgundy and blue one, right?”“…” What was he to say to that?“So, why do you have different boards?”Bradley took a second to answer, “Why do you have different pencils?”“Ah, okay. Not going to answer, huh?” The shorter man was still smiling that goofy smile.Bradley frowned, “What are you going to do if the Gammas bother you again just for giving me my board back?”“…” Max shrugged, “I’ll deal with that when it happens, I guess. I couldn't think of any other way.”“You dolt.” Bradley looked at his board with a frown, then that frown faded into one of surprise, “You… you’ve been tending to it?” Looking up to meet Max’s rustic amber eyes.“Well, duh! Of course I would! You clearly spent a lot on this, and it seems important to you.” Max chuckled dumbly.“…” Bradley couldn't move his eyes away. That dumb smile was directed at him, “Good! Because I would have charged you for any damages.”“I bet you would! That’s why I cleaned it and everything. It’s a dream to skate with!” Max covered his mouth, “Oh, sorry. I know that’s not what you want to hear, someone riding your board and all…”Bradley nodded, “It’s meant to be. I hate all those cracks in the path.”“Yeah.”“So…” Bradley closed his laptop and pushed his things to the side, “What did you think?”“Think of what?”“Of riding my board! You idiot.” He fondly rolled his eyes.“OH! I really enjoyed it! Going on the halfpipe and how fast it was! I don’t think I've ever gotten that much air!” Max excitedly talked about his first experience on the board.He actually went on about it for at least ten whole minutes. Bradley listened the entire time, he got the idea, “Okay! Shut up, will you? I know that my ride is the best of all. I am an Uppercrust after all…” Once he said it, his face fell a little.“Right! Nothing less than perfect for you.” Max joked.“Well… Not any more apparently.” Bradley glanced at his blue flip phone.“Hm?”“Anyway… Thanks for uh… My board back, but until you get my ‘SK8’ board back, I’ll allow you to continue to use this one.” He pushed the ‘KING’ board more towards Max.Max appeared astonished, “A-are you sure? You seemed really pissed when the Gammas were using it.”Bradley nodded in agreement, “I am still very much pissed.” There's that classic smile, “However, with how you’ve been treating my board, I… wouldn’t mind lending it to you for a while longer. No new scratches though.” He let a softer smile cross his lips as he partially teased about the scratches.“…” Max stared at him.“What?” Bradley withdrew himself a little, going back to a mild frown.“Nothing. I’ll try my best not to mark it up more.” Max’s eyes flicked over the notebook, seeing that it was the same class he had with Bradley! He completely forgot that he shared that class with him, “C-can you…”“What? Speak up.” Bradley opened his laptop again, planning on resuming his work.“Can you maybe, teach me that part? The professor was going so fast, and I couldn’t properly get the notes down.” Max scratched the back of his neck.Bradley peered down at his writings, “Perhaps some other time, Max.”“So, that’s a yes?”“It’s a maybe. For now, scurry back to your friends. That redhead has been looking over here a lot.” Bradley raised his thick brow and shot a cold glance at Bobby.“Oh, ah, alright. Catch you around, Bradley.” Max shuffled off back to his table.Bradley shook his head, going back to his homework. Forcing himself to keep his eyes on his paper, he couldn’t help but peek at Max’s table. For a split second their eyes met, and he jerked his head back down to his work. Feeling a soft flush creep up onto his cheeks.What was that?---- Max had gone off to the skatepark with Bobby and PJ. Mocha was on the sidelines writing out poetry for her project. It was getting cooler as the days went on. Autumn was just starting, leaves beginning their change, turning from bright greens to warm yellows.He practiced his handstand on the nose of his board, his signature move that always gets the girls and usually good scores. He wobbled more than usual; this wasn’t his board, and it was a little longer than his. Max cursed, tumbling down the halfpipe, getting the board quickly under his feet so he didn’t wipe-out.“That was rough! What happened?” Bobby was upside-down when he asked, one hand on the edge.“This board is different from mine. I'm used to the way mine works, I guess.” Max did a few simple tricks, trying to get his groove back.“Oh, can I give it a go?” PJ chimed in.“Ah, I don’t think that’s a good idea. See, I spoke with the owner and he’s not too keen on others using it.” Max tightened his jaw.“What? But you don’t have to tell him that I used it…” PJ had said he wanted to try out that brand Bradley favors.“I don’t know, man. I wouldn’t want to wreck it more than what I already did.”“PJ!” Bobby grinned, “That ain’t just any board, my man!”“What do you mean?” PJ was listening.Max made a motion to Bobby when PJ wasn’t looking to tell him not to say anything about Bradley.Bobby paused for effect, “It’s a Gamma specialty! Only worthy skaters can ride such a board and they deemed Max one of them!!!”“Hahhhah! Sure.”Max shrugged with one shoulder, “It’s kinda true.”“Huh…” PJ frowned.“Bro, even Bobby isn’t allowed.” Max confirmed, “So, don’t worry about it.”PJ gave up, sliding down the ramp, getting some height to do a trick. Bobby pulled Max over to the side, “How’s it goin’?”“Uh, I'm fine.”“No, no, no. I mean with Bradley, dude!” Bobby wrapped an arm around him, “You guys seem…”Max cut him off, “Nothings happening. I'm just gonna get his boards back and leave it at that, okay?”“Hmmm.” Bobby watched as Max kickflipped and then a 360.“Really, Bob.” Max ensured.“If you say so, man.”The three skated for a while longer, prior to their stomachs telling them to eat something. They headed off for some dinner nearby.----In class, Max had pondered over the goal. Getting the SK8 board back. However, he might just ask them about it. Nothing really seemed to make sense when he planned it over in his head. There was little that he could do without making it seem odd. And trying to lie about it would make things harder to work with.Max had written down the assignment. This class wasn’t the hardest one he was managing. PJ and Bobby were struggling. Though, Max was helping out where he could. It was a miracle that Bobby even got into this school. PJ, he expected as much, smart kid.It was the same after class, he witnessed Bradley being bullied again. The Gammas hadn’t only tripped him, but also dumped out his things from his bag. All of them high-fiving each other as they left as a group.Max grunted as he got up, “Can I help?”Bobby and PJ paused. Seeing Max pick up a few notebooks.“I can do it myself, freshmen.”PJ looked like he was going to interfere and make matters worse.Bobby smirked, “Aight!!! PJ, Max wants us to get our lunch table first! Let’s go, go, go!” He tugged on PJ, who was quite puzzled.Bradley expected such strange behavior from the two and watched with a blank face.Max handed a few books to the taller man, “Should… I tell them off?”Bradley snatched the books out of his hand, “What do you think?” He snarled.“…” Max picked up his bookbag and held onto the ‘KING’ board, “Well, is now a good time to teach me those parts before math class?” He was looking to change the subject. Anything Gamma related right now would only trigger Bradley.“Max, Max, Max…”“You said maybe!” He pointed out.“I did. What if that was just to get you off my case?” The classic Bradley grin, one that made it obvious that he didn’t want to do something.Max frowned, “Then I guess I’ll just sit next to you in class and copy your notes.”“You sit near me, and I’ll make sure you fail that test.” Bradley’s voice was low.“Then teach me.”Rubbing his brows, Bradley sighed in defeat. The brunette walked out of the room, down the hall. Pushing through the door open and not holding it for Max.Max pushed through the closing doors, “So…?”“Yes, I heard you.” He grumbled.Max wore a wide grin. He had won. They found an open table on the second floor of the library. Bradley was a little scared of getting caught teaching Max in public, so he found a secluded spot.Bradley took out his notes and waited on Max, “You going to study or just sit there?”“Yes! Yeah, I am.” Max unpacked his bag, his notes were kinda hard to read with how fast he was trying to get it all down. His face flushed now looking at his handwriting.“What… is all of that?” Bradley cringed.“It’s, uh, my notes. I think…” Max grinned innocently.“Hm.” Bradley pursed his lips, “For now, tell me how to do this formula.”“…”They went over the math assignments, Bradley getting a little heated here and there over the lack of brains Max had over math. Having him do ten problems more for each one he got wrong. Max rewrote what Bradley had in his notebook. His cursive handwriting for some words was a bit hard to read, having to ask Bradley what it said.Bradley was losing his patience, “How can you not know this? This was in at least two lessons now?”“Like I said, he goes too fast for me to really soak in anything he's saying.”“But when it comes to English history, he’s too slow and you fall asleep…” Bradley raised his brows.“Yeah… wait how do you… ohhh yeah! You’re in that class too!” Max smirk as he pointed a finger at him.“What?! No! Just math! I agreed to just math!”“Is that a maybe?” He teased.“It’s an obvious n-o, Max.”“We’ll say a raincheck, then.”The man leaned on his hand, rubbing his brows. At least he wasn’t yelling or insulting Max.When they were packing up their things, Max remembered, “Why were you at the Bean Scene anyway?”Bradley stopped filing his papers away, “The Gammas think that I wouldn’t go there, because you three usually are. If they think I'm not going to be there, then I will be.” Raising his brows as he put his notebooks in order.“Makes sense. H-how often are you there?”“Why do you need to know?”“Just wondering. You don’t need to answer.”“Then, I won’t.” Bradley took his things and left.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The test was only three days away. Max had felt pretty prepared for it. He persuaded Bradley to go over the lesson again with him in private at their little hidden corner of the library. It was dawning on Max about how strange it was to have Bradley be the one to tutor him. He never once thought that this man would be willing to teach him anything. Certainly not after the whole ordeal with the X Games and Max still winning. One way of thinking about is that Bradley kinda owes him for that. Though Max didn’t think like that. He thought Bradley wasn’t as bad as the first impression of him. Or maybe Bradley was changing.After all, his life had hit the fan. Getting kicked out of the Gammas… That’s life destroying to a type like him. And life changing.Wait, then where was Bradley living all this time? His car?! Max was thinking all this over while skating. When that thought crossed his mind, his knees slid against the ramp.“Max!” PJ called out, “You okay, man?”“Yeah! I'm all good.” Max brushed off his pants, lucky to be wearing those kneepads, retrieving the board.“Look out! Gammas in comingggg!” Bobby announced their arrival.Max turned to look. Tank and Slouch, the main leaders now were rolling in with the gang behind them. Ugh, now or never… Max pushed over to them, “Hey, Tank?”“What up, baby?” Tank was pleased to see him, he fist-bumped with Max.“Let’s have a race.” Max had remembered how Bradley challenged him to race, but how was he gonna race without a damn board?“Three on three, or just us?” Tank loved a good challenge.He glanced over to Bobby and PJ with a shrug.The two shrugged back, seemingly fine with the idea.“Three on three!” Max smirked.With that, they set up a track. Max was sure to get a request in to make things more interesting, “How about a bet?”“A bet?” Tank raised a brow like Bradley does, must have picked it up from him.“Yeah, how about I get to pick another board if we win and if we lose, I’ll give this one back.” Max wholeheartedly believed they could win. If they didn’t, he was so fucked.“What chu need with another board, sweetheart?” Tank eyed him.Max felt like Tank knew exactly what board he was asking about, “Finding out that this board is hard to do my signature move on. Hoping a different one will suit my needs better.”“Oh yeah? Hope you don’t cry about losing that board then!” Tank had a hearty laugh.“Come on, guys!” Max had huddled up with PJ and Bobby, “This’ll be fun! If anything happens, I’m the one losing something.”PJ frowned, “Another board? Really Max? Tell me what's going on.” He demanded, “Why are you obsessing over this?”Bobby already had an inkling and didn’t need to answer. With his blue sunglasses, he looked towards Max.Max pursed his lips, puffing out a sigh, “Fine… You see. This is Bradley’s board.”“What?!” PJ shouted, his face lighting up, “No wonder you wanted that. Rubbing it in his face, huh! The guy deserves it! Some karma finally! Hahaha!” He chuckled.“What? No, no Peej. You don’t understand. I’m planning on giving it back to him.”“…” PJ’s grin faded as if getting ice water dumped on him, “Why the hell would you do that? Did you already forget what happened?”Bobby had nothing to add. He wasn’t quite as mad at Bradley in comparison, but not as forgiving as Max was. Yet something told him that it was better this way. He didn’t like fighting at all. And all the arguing between Max and Bradley gave him bad vibes. Now he didn’t like how it was Max and PJ. Bobby staying silent as he watched on.“No, Peej, I didn’t forget. I just think that… well, you’ve seen how they’ve been treating him.”“Max, stop being the hero. That guy is bad news. You think he’ll be thankful that you did this for him? He’s not the type to feel regret. He’ll just take it and leave. He won’t apologize, Max.”“…” Max grit his teeth, “The fuck, PJ? He already did. To me.”“See? To you! He didn’t even say a thing to Tank or even your dad. He injured both me and Bobby. I haven't gotten an apology yet.” PJ scoffed, “I’m not helping a guy like that, Max. You’re on your own with this one.”Max sighed, watching his friend roll away.Tank noticed and carefully approached them, “What's going on? You okay?”Max sucked in a breath, “Yeah, just gonna have to make that a two on two, then…” He looked to Bobby for confirmation.He nodded with a soft smile. Max’s shoulders ease ever so slightly with the support of his friend.“Aight then.”The four waited at the starting line.One of the other Gammas called out, “Start!”The four rolled down the ramp, Slouch was in the lead. Bobby and Max were tied with Tank. Max was picking up speed, ollieing on a small ramp and grinding on the rail, followed by Tank and Bobby. Slouch nailed a backside boardslide.Bobby took a sharp turn, following close behind Slouch. Max and Tank were tied just after the other two. Max tried to do a crooked grind on the rail near him as the path narrowed. He managed to get enough speed to get ahead of Tank.The road curved as they had to loop around the park. Slouch and Bobby still in the lead. Several tricks later, Max had stumbled and fell on his palms. Tank didn’t slow since it wasn’t a horrible wipe-out. Max was quick to get to his feet and chase after them. Tank did a trick that slowed his pace, letting Max catch up without realizing it.Nearing the finish line, Bobby did a 180 over a ramp, landing cleanly. Slouch had attempted to do another trick, but fumbled, slowing his speed. Tank and Max had sped by the shorter man with ease, having him struggle to pick up momentum again. All the Gammas were cheering on their brethren.Max watched as Bobby passed the end goal! He came in second as Tank and Slouch followed close behind. They all were panting, out of breath. Max needed to buy Bobby a good dinner to repay him for this.Tank slapped Max’s back, “Nice win you guys!”Slouch sighed, “Again in last place…”Tank chimed in, “Slouch, baby, you’ve gotten a lot better. You held first place for a while! And didn’t you see how you nailed that grind?! I sure couldn’t have!”“Well… I suppose I did, didn’t I?” His face lit up.“That you did, brother!” The other Gammas were quick to cheer up the shorter man.Tank smiled, turning to the other two, “Max, which would you want?”“…” Max flushed, “That really cool SK8 board. If that’s alright with you guys…” He really hoped it wasn’t obvious that he was getting them for Bradley.Tank’s eyes went wide, “You got similar taste…”“I do like a thinner board.” Max grinned, then realized what he said sounded weird, his face deepened in color.“Aight… Clash! Gimme that board.”Clash was a thinner guy, shorter than Bradley, passed the board off to Tank, “Here boss.” His voice was a little feminine.“Thanks, baby.” Looking down at Max, “Here. I… I hope to see you bringing that one back to the park. It’s good fun.”There were some implications there that Max didn’t quite catch, but he proudly held the board, “Will do, Tank. Thanks again.”Tank winked at him before leaving with his gang.Max paused, confused now.Bobby grinned, “Finally can give those back to the Brad-ster.”“Heh, yeah. I hope he’s willing to skate.”“What you mean, bro?”Max threw down the ‘KING’ board, holding the other, “I’m not sure if he’ll skate. He seemed hesitant when I offered his board back. Maybe he won’t, but least he’ll have his boards back.”“Hmmm.” Bobby lit up a cigarette, letting smoke pass through his teeth as they skated back to the school, “I doubt he wouldn’t. You just gotta ask him, man.”“Why would he do that?”“Cause, he listens to you more than anyone else. Fuck, maybe even more than Tank.” Bobby took a short puff of smoke prior to throwing it on the ground, rolling over it to put it out.Max sighed. He strangely missed skating with Bradley. He was so good at it and made everything a challenge. Made everything more fun. Made the skatepark look more enticing. Max shook his head, that’s not the point!He’ll get the boards back and be outta Bradley’s hair. Or the other way around. Maybe doing this will put his soul at ease. His dad always believed in second chances, and just maybe that was rubbing off on Max too. He wanted to believe that Bradley isn’t a menace. That he won’t take up being the school skate bully again or barking orders at the Gammas or something of the sort. Something has changed, but he wasn’t sure what.---- Bradley was just on his way to check the test results; they had just posted them that morning. With worry on his face, he spotted the Gammas skating down the wide path. He was quick to duck into the art building before they noticed him. He watched as they passed on by without a care in the world. What was different was that he didn’t spot the bright blue wheels of his SK8 board. But maybe he just missed it.“Bradley?”Turning to see it was Mocha, “Ah, Mocha chino, how are you?”“Ugh.” She scoffed at the nickname, “What’s going on.” “Just hiding…” Wow that sounded pathetic.Mocha peered out the glass doors, “From?” There was no one there anymore.“The Gammas.” Leaning against the wall with crossed arms.“When’s your next class over?”“Around one P.M. Why?”She offered, “Bean Scene?”Bradley could always study there. It was peaceful and the Gammas don’t know his past relationship with Mocha. They had been best friends in middle school. Once high school happened, he didn’t have the strength in the first year to apologize to her. So, everyone thought they were bitter exes. After that year of clicking tongues at each other in the halls and insults here and there, he finally apologized. Three weeks of her ignoring him since she thought he was teasing her.He nodded, “If you give me a free latte!”With a hum and finger tapping on her cheek, she agreed, “Only this once.”“First, I have to check my results. They posted them in the classroom.” Bradley held the door for her.“I'm sure you got another A.”“Then, why do I feel so worried?”She comfortingly placed a hand on his arm, “Worry when we know, not before. You’ll ware yourself out that way.”“Great.”---- Max had placed the SK8 board between his desk and bed, it was just snug enough to not have it fall over and less chance of PJ noticing it. Taking a seat at his worn-out desk with many scratches and fading colors, he pulled out his notes to review. Bradley had been a serious help! Max laughed just thinking about the way Bradley’s face got red from repeating the same thing like four times for him to really remember it.Shaking his head, he buckled down. With his notes on the side and his worksheet in front of him, he wrote out each math equation. Bobby was attempting to do some homework as well. He had his blue sunglasses resting on his head, squinting at the page like it offended him. Though, he was making some progress.Glad to see him somewhat taking this more seriously than before. Maybe having Max study with him like this helped motivate him more. Either way, Max was sure to complete this tonight. The three of them wanted to go skating tomorrow in the afternoon … Or well, at least it would have been. Still unsure of what PJ will say or do about their plans. Max knew that Bobby hates arguing, which is why Max always tried to keep a steady voice, trying to ease out of yelling or fighting. Pretty sure PJ knew that as well.The door was unlocked because there was at least one of them present, PJ had just returned to the room with a huff. Bag plopping on the desk roughly as his board was leaning against the leg. He greeted Bobby, “Hey, man. History?”“Uh, yeah. Do you get this question? I don’t know it and can’t find it in the book.” Bobby slid over his journal.Max frowned, “Hi, PJ.”“Hm.” PJ answered.Bobby met Max’s eyes with a shrug.“Look, I know that you don’t like Bradley, but if it was you that lost your boards and you desperately wanted to skate, wouldn’t you wish someone helped you?”“Max…” PJ spun to face him, “Bradley is a massive jerk and manipulative. Plus, he's rich as shit. He could just buy another one.”“PJ, we don’t know the whole story…” Max rubbed his brow, “Fine…” He swiped up his things, taking a change of clothes.“Where are you going?”“My dad’s place.”“What?” Both Bobby and PJ said in unison.“It hurts Bobby when we fight. And I don’t want to argue either, PJ. It’s the right thing to do. Bullying of any kind isn’t acceptable. This is college, man. We should be too old to be acting like kindergarteners.” Max took the ‘KING’ board and left without another word.He’ll just have to wake up earlier for a while to get over here for classes, or have his dad drive him. Fuck.He skated down the sidewalk over to the library. He needed to finish up this homework away from PJ.----Max had called up his dad asking if he could get a ride home. Of course, his father came over right away, picking him up after his last class. Mr. Goof didn’t live on campus like Max did, the older man didn’t mind the drive both ways whenever he had a class or just to check on Max.When Max arrived back in his old room, there were bed sheets already on it and his old stuff bear was resting comfortably on the pillow. A few clothes still hung in the closet and any poster he left behind were on their places on the walls.However, seeing the more than empty room felt a little sad.“Well, Maxie! I’ll get dinner ready! How long you think you’ll be staying?”“I don’t know, dad. Maybe a day or two.”“That’s great! You grownups need a break too! Ahyuk!” Goofy left the door open and trotted downstairs to get cooking.Max took a second to lay out what he brought home. It was whatever he could fit in his bookbag at the time. Fuck! He left behind Bradley’s other board! Oh no, if PJ found it… He didn’t want to think about that.He only had like two sets of clothes with him. Looking to his closet, he had left some things, he found a tank top and some baggy shorts to change into. Getting a few pieces to put in the wash in the meantime. In the hall, he stuffed his clothes in the machine. Adding the detergent and cleaner, it began to rumble.----After being dropped off, leaving the car, Goofy shouted, “Take care Maxie! I’ll see you later! Make sure to hydrate and eat some good food!” He waved excessively at Max.Max gave a little wave and skated off. Flushing from the attention he was drawing in. A few eyes were on him as he darted through the crowd. Making it to class on time, he knew where they would usually sit so, this time he found a spot farther away, making sure not to be close to Bradley either. The taller man watched as Max found a seat and biting on the tip of his pencil, gazing over his work and filling in anything left unanswered.Max didn’t even look at Bradley, knowing it might piss him off or whatever. When Bobby and PJ walked in, the three shared one long stare. PJ was the one to break it off and huffed when he took a seat near the front. Bobby was still standing, unsure of where to sit. For the time being, he chose to sit by the door, picking neither of them.“…” Max furrowed his brows and sighed into his palm.Even the Gammas were questioning the tension. The trio were never split up like this, thus Tank shot a sharp glare to Bradley. Who didn’t have a snarl on his lip, but a questioning tilt of his head in Max’s direction. If it wasn’t because of Bradley, then what happened?The Professor walked in announcing his presence, “Alright class, listen up. I want all of your homework passed to the front and turned in before we begin.”----Max packed up his bag and thought about asking Bobby to skate with him, but surely, he wouldn’t pick sides again. It was either all three of them or not. He was very neutral and hated picking between two of his best friends. Max left to skate alone for a while, not at the skatepark this time. High chances that PJ would be there.Instead, he just skated around the place, finding a good set of stairs to grind down the railing, bumping into Bradley at the bottom. They tumbled, Bradley cursing as the books in his hands were thrown to the ground.“What do you think you’re doing?! Don’t you have eyes, Goof?” Bradley picked them up and brushed off the dirt.“Sorry! I guess I was lost in thought…” Max picked up a stray book, “Here.”Bradley snatched it from him, “About?”“Hm?”“Lost in thought about?” Bradley straightened his back.Max raked a hand through his hair, “It’s nothing really.”“It’s about me, isn’t it?” Bradley put a hand on his hip.Max paused, slowly rolling on his board, “Wha? No… Not… Maybe?” He shrugged.“So?” He walked beside Max as he rolled at a lazy pace.“PJ really doesn't like you.”“Heh, I agree. I don’t like him very much either.”“Did you only apologize to me?”That had Bradley stopped walking. Max turned the board around to face him, on the board, he was the same height. Staring at each other, unsure of what to say.Bradley grasped the books in his arms tighter, “Yes. I have yet to find an opportune moment to seek out PJ and Bobby. I… Never mind.” He picked up his pace.Max was able to catch up with ease, not that Bradley made it very hard, “Why not? Wouldn’t it help with making up for the X Games and… your, ah, yeah?”“It’s too late for that, Max!”Others stared at them because of Bradley’s shouting. He brushed his hair behind his ear, lowering his voice, “They know as well as I do, that its better to stay away. Less distractions. I need to focus on my school work anyway. Even if I do apologize, what good will that do for anyone now?”“Well, for one you can get their forgiveness. You messed up, Bradley. But…”“So what?” He kept walking at a brisk pace, “We aren’t even friends and it wouldn’t mean much anyway.”“It would, though.”“This isn’t about me! Okay? You were the one that crashed into me with me on your mind!” Bradley pointed a finger.“…” Max rubbed his nose, looking confused, “Yeah, me and PJ are fighting because of you now…”“Because you got my board back? Maybe, just maybe you should listen to him! Leave me alone.”“…” Max watch as he puttered away, “It’s not about that! It means more to them than you think! Apologize to PJ and Bobby!” He called out after him. Not getting a response.Max sighed. Had he talked with Tank about it? Or was it just Max? And if it was just him, why him? They didn’t have a closeness like Bradley and Tank does.Well, now trying to get Bradley to get forgiveness from his friends, Max pondered over what to do with PJ. He knew he wasn’t wrong about trying to help Bradley… Max just knew it. PJ wouldn’t hold a grudge for too long, but even so. Just like Bobby, he too didn’t like fighting with his best friend.Max trekked over to his next class. It being a solo class with no one else he knew. He had time to think a few things over in the meantime. Occasionally getting distracted and doodling on his notebook, just waiting for class to be over so he could get some rest.His dad texted him, telling him to meet in the parking lot to pick him up.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Throwing on his black shirt with silver around the collar and sleeves, he shrugged on a grey zip up hoodie before heading out with his dad to their shared English history class. This time he had breakfast with his dad, since it was still early.“Wanna talk about why you came home, son?” Goofy asked, hardly paying attention to the road.Max was partially driving for him as per usual, “Just some things between me and PJ, alright. I’ll figure it out.”“Oh, I sure hate fighting with friends. I hope it gets solved quickly, ahyuk. Let me know if I can do anything for yah!”“Yeah okay. Me too…” Max sighed, leaning against the window when his father was paying attention to the road again.He arrived to class with his father in tow. Max took a seat with his dad. PJ and Bobby still not sitting together. Max couldn’t think about anything other than those two. The class had run a little longer than he hoped. With a plan in mind, he threw a note to PJ. Hoping that he’d listen.Class ended and Max said to his dad, “Catch you around, I gotta get some work done. See yah, bye.” He rushed out before letting Goofy say anything.“PJ!”Bobby was lingering behind them, PJ had rushed to the door, ignoring him.“PJ, stop!”The wider man paused at the doors, “What, Max?” He sounded irritated.“I fully believe that what I'm doing is right, but I hate this. I'm sorry. I could have been nicer about it. But you just were shitting on Bradley like that and I don’t know, it just pissed me off.” Max frowned.Bradley wasn’t too far behind Bobby and heard the latter half of his words.“PJ, I’d hate if he said that about you, but he never said anything of the sort. Bradley has always had it out for me, so why are you upset about me helping him?” Max wanted answers.PJ sucked in air through his nose, pulling Max outside after seeing Bradley and Bobby in his peripheral, “Max, I'm worried that you’ll get sucked into his shenanigans. He's not a good person.”“PJ.”The doors opened and Bradley came out with Bobby, he turned to PJ, “I'm sorry for what I did at the X Games…” Bradley flicked his eyes to the floor and back up, “It was childish of me. Though, I… have been grateful for what Max has done for me. It’s shitty being cast out like you don’t know. So…” He turned to Max, “Thank you for trying, Max. And PJ, I am sorry.” He turned on his heel and left with a blush reaching his ears.“…” PJ was stunned.Max’s eyes widened and a warm smile on his lips. Bobby had seemed to have received an apology as well since he too seemed more chipper.“No way…” PJ was confused, “Did that just happen?”“Yes, Peej. It did. I told you he's not bad…” Max felt some weight lift from his shoulders.“That just happened…”Bobby added, “Yeah, he’s chill once he’s not backed up by the Gammas.”“How about we all go skate?” Max grinned his usual toothy smile.“Yeah!” The two called out.On the way, PJ said, “I should apologize for talking about Bradley that way… Still, I'm a little pissed. He and the Gammas bullied us for a while.”“They split up remember? They aren’t the same. The Gammas are way different and Bradley’s learning.” Max shrugged, “I’m sure if you do decide to, he’ll hear you out. He wouldn’t shut you down.”“Oh, okay.”For the rest of their day, they hung out when they could, feeling whole again now that they cleared that up.---- Bradley had his face a blaze. He just apologized to two people! Bobby had forgiven him rather quickly. PJ was absolutely dumbfounded by his words. He felt so embarrassed. Rushing over to his next class, Bradley got a text from Mocha.
“I'm proud of you.”
He tightened his jaw, feeling like crying. PJ must have told her what he did. He held the phone to his chest, one hand covering his mouth. It really was a nice feeling. He didn’t really want to hurt anyone; he had just wanted to win. Seeing the damage after his delusional greed, he saw the pain he caused and how it hurt him that he caused all of it.Hearing Bobby say that he forgave him, and how PJ didn’t reject him, it was nice. Freeing even. Max was right.Max… Bradley wanted to try giving him another apology. One that’s worthy of Max’s full forgiveness. He headed to the bathroom to wash up his face prior to his next class.---- Max actually forgot about the SK8 board that he stuffed between his desk and his bed. There was a big test coming up for his science class that him and Bobby and PJ were locked in battle with their studies. Staying long hours in the library which had the materials they needed to work with, even then it was complicating to fill out the questions of the worksheet.When they did catch a break, they could only eat and go to bed. It’s been three days. On Thursday is the test. Max was doing alright in the class. PJ had almost an A, and as for Bobby, he had a D. The two had been helping him study and complete missing assignments as best they could to help bump his grade up to at least a C with some luck.It happened that PJ was the one teaching them more than their own textbooks. Mocha had arrived with backup. With her she brought one of her friends from the science department as well as some snacks. Which they were all thankful for.Late into the night, they worked and worked till Bobby was out cold. PJ’s eyes were drooping and muttering the lines under his breath still. Max’s pencil had fallen out of his hand and his face almost hitting the desk.Mocha and her friend called it a night. The two girls left their room, letting them get some sleep before the big test tomorrow. She made sure to tuck PJ into bed first and gave him a chaste kiss. He muttered, “I love you too, my ocean.”----The test had finished later in the afternoon. The three boys felt like their souls left them. Exhausted and ready for a long night’s sleep or maybe a weeks’ worth. After picking up a meal to go, the three leisurely skated back to their dorm, eating some on the way.Their door flung open and the trio collapsed in front of the T.V. Whatever wasn’t eaten on the way over, was almost all gone in five minutes of them being back.“I so got a passing grade!” Max stated, “What about you guys?”With a tired and stress voice, PJ said, “I think I did pretty good. If I get another C my dad’s gonna kill me.”“I have no idea what I got! But it can’t be worse than an F, right?” Bobby smirked taking a bite of pizza.“…”The three began laughing.Later, PJ and Max had began to clean up the room once their energy had been restored. Laundry piled up in the hamper, trash thrown away and bagged. The floor was fairly clean and the desks clear of food. PJ had invited Mocha over; thus, he wanted the place to be in reasonable condition.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Bradley had just opened the door to Mocha’s room, coming face to face with Max.“Brad…” The door was slammed in Max’s face, “ley?!” Was now muffled.He quickly opened the door again, dragging the shorter man inside, “Shut up!” He covered his mouth with his hand, “I can’t let people know I'm here.”Max glanced around the room. Seeing that the other bed that was supposed to be vacant, now had silken sheets of white and light blues adoring it. Three pillows, two blue and one white. One small poster of a skater Max didn’t recognize and the bookshelf filled to the brim with titles he was unfamiliar with. He was sure the closet was stacked with his clothes as well, all neatly organized. Maybe even alphabetical.Bradley felt something wet and warm on his hand, “Ugh! Disgusting?!” He wiped his hand down Max’s shirt, leaving a thin trail of saliva, “What possessed you to do that?!”“You kept your hand on my mouth when I wasn’t even doing anything.”“You yelled in the hall!”“Yeah, I don’t know about you, but I was expecting Mocha and getting… well, you, was not expected.”“…” Bradley took a step back, “Fine, I’ll forgive you.”“Ah, thanks…?” Max rolled his eyes.“What did you need with Mocha then?” He moved back to his desk, by the window. Mocha’s desk was placed at the end of her bed too. Her bed on the left and Bradley’s on the right.“She left her notebook over at our dorm. Makes sense why she hasn’t invited us over for a while…” Max plopped the journal on her desk, taking a seat on Bradley’s bed, letting the ‘KING’ board rest against the frame.With a creak in the chair, Bradley spun around, “What do you think you are doing? Get off my bed!”“What? I can’t sit?”“There is literally a chair, right there!” Gesturing to Mocha’s black desk chair.Thankfully Max was polite enough to have taken his shoes off before setting up camp on his bed. Max didn’t listen and leaned against the wall, looking around, “That’s good…”Bradley had no idea what Max looked so relieved for, “Chair.” He pointed again.“But these beds are so comfy!” Max smirked.“Chair. Now!”Max sighed and got up sitting in Mocha’s chair and sliding over to him.“What?”“Do you ever catch a break?” Max glanced over his desk, seeing worksheets from all of his classes spread out.“Of course I do. It’s call, time management.” Flashing his iconic grin at this point.“Anyway, I’m glad what you did.”He grit his teeth, picking up a pencil, “About?” Brow’s knitting.“Your apology to Bobby and PJ.”“…” He flicked his eyes to the shorter man for a second, “Okay.”Silence met him. Only a stupidly grinning Max was gazing at him.“What?”“They forgive you.”Bradley nodded, “Good. I suppose.” Pencil moving, but no coherent words were formed on the page.Max nodded, “Were you just about to go out? Wanna skate?”“…” Bradley’s blue eyes landed on the ‘KING’ board, “With what board? Your old one?”“Oh, right! No! I actually got your ‘SK8’ one back!” Max shone with a smile.Bradley’s eyes went wide in shock, “How’d you manage that?”“Bet on a race with Tank and Slouch. Bobby won it for us, yah know.”“I see.” He turned to his desk, trying to hide the red that bloomed on his cheeks.“So, skate or nah?”“I don’t know, Max. It’s the afternoon. What are the chances the Gammas are out there, or at least one of them. I don’t want to be seen skating with you.”Max smiled weakly, “Then, to the Bean Scene? We could skate there. Pick up the other board in my room and go.”He was reluctant to go. If he was to skate, he’d want a little practice time alone before doing something so public. It’s been, what, a month and a half since he’s last skated. He’ll embarrass himself. Bradley rubbed his brows, but he really wanted to. It was a craving at this point.“Some simple skating wouldn’t hurt…”Max gave a toothy grin, “Great! Let’s go!” He hopped up and slid his shoes back on heading to the door. Grabbing the ‘KING’ board.“I’ll meet you at the front door. I don’t want to be seen leaving with a loud mouth like yourself.” Bradley rose from his seat.“Oh yeah? I’ll be waiting.” Max carefully shut the door behind him.Bradley rubbed his face. If he gets seen by the Gammas with his boards, they might just beat him to a pulp and break his skateboards. With his credit card canceled, he had no money to replace something like that. He had some in his bank, using his debit card, but he couldn’t buy everything he wanted anymore. Feeling like his father is watching his every move. It was suffocating.Skating was freeing. Its only consequences were getting hurt, but that was on his own terms. No outside interference. Nothing relating to his father. Nothing relating to getting anything taken away or forced out of the house. Or getting called a disappointment.“Fine.” His voice was firm, “I’ll skate.” He darted into the bathroom, combing his hair. Straightening his collar, tucking his shirt into his dark brown pants. He wore a navy sweater today, and it was an older one, still it looked just fine. Not that he could afford a new one now anyway.He shut down his laptop and headed for the front door of the dorms. There, a dork was balancing himself on a skateboard, tictacking to help pass the time.“Maximilian.”“Bradley.” Max couldn’t help a light laugh from escaping from his mouth, “Here.” He popped off the board and handed it to him, “Skate a bit.”He swiped the board from his hands, “I was going to anyway.”“Ha! Sure.”Bradley stepped on it with his right foot, pushing slowly with his left. His heart pounding. He was scared to mess up. His mind began to swirl with past memories. Then, he was quickly brought out of it.“I’ve always thought that was cool how you had so much control even with your left foot. It’s hard for me.”Bradley picked up the pace a little, wobbling just a smidge. Max was sure to notice, but he didn’t say anything. They grazed along the path, well Bradley was, Max was jogging lightly next to him.Arriving at the older dorms, Max motioned for Bradley to follow.“Whoa, no thanks. Knowing you, your room is an absolute mess. I might get a severe illness from the exposure.”“Haha! What? No way! Mocha’s been visiting a lot. PJ’s been keeping us in check because he wouldn’t want us to embarrass him in front of her. Come on.” Max climbed the stairs.Bradley sighed, following up three flights of stairs. They neared the door, if it was any indication that Max was pulling out his keys, that happened to have a little key-charm of a yellow skateboard, of course. Bradley was getting anxious. What if Bobby and PJ were in there? It’d be so awkward.The door opened and no one was there. He let out a deep breath of relief. Peering into the room, it wasn’t as messy as he thought, though it wasn’t close to the condition Mocha’s room was in. It even smelled a bit funky. But there weren’t any of horrors that he thought might be lurking in here.Max pulled out the board that was between his desk and his bed, “I promise I didn’t ride it.”Bradley felt his heart swell. Seeing the board again, and in his hands no less. A genuine smile of delight spread on his face, eyes full of gratitude for the shorter man, “Thank you.” It was a soft tone, the softest he's probably ever used. Holding the board, he ran his thumb over the edge and then to the blue wheels. It wasn’t too bad even after the use the Gammas put it through.Max was silent.Bradley was still smiling when he looked up, meeting rustic amber eyes, “Hm?”“You… Ah… welcome. Anytime.” Max’s face was bright red.“What is it?” His voice was still calm and low. None of that usual bite that it held.“N-nothing! Ah, let’s roll. Yeah?”Bradley saw he was clearly flustered, but why? There was no reason to.Max lightly pushed Bradley out of the room and locked the door again. Prior to him hastily going down the stairs ahead of him. Bradley saw he was covering his face, red deep on his cheeks.He was only more confused at this. Rolling his eyes, he followed behind him. Max hadn’t said a word, skating a little bit ahead of him at all times. Even when he tried to roll up next to him, Max was quick to speed up.“Are you challenging me?”“Huh?” Max finally looked at him.“You keep going ahead of me and when I try to pace myself with you, you go off.”“Oh, that’s not a challenge. Unless you want it to be?” Giving a one shouldered shrug.Bradley felt comfortable on his lucky board. He gave a confident nod, “You’re on, freshmen.” He did the same tone he had back then. Using the word like a slur.Max let out a laugh, before quickly chasing after Bradley. The two focused on picking up speed down the sidewalk. They would ollie off the path when people were blocking the way. Zooming by, it was neck and neck. Touching the railing to the Bean Scene, they both argued.“I won!”“No way, Brad! I won that.”“Don’t fool yourself. I won, no question.”“Bradley, my hand was on the railing first.” Max scoffed.They were puffing out hot breaths, angerly glaring at the other. Max suddenly burst out laughing. Bradley was caught off guard, then he joined in with his quiet chuckles, covering his mouth elegantly with a real laugh.Max did his iconic laugh, “Ahyuk!” His cheeks flushed deeper if they could, covering his mouth entirely with both hands.“Heh.” Bradley fondly smiled at him, kicking his SK8 board up into his hand, “Ready?” He jerked his head towards the stairs leading down to the café.“Y-yeah.” Max shuffled down the stairs behind Bradley.Bradley locked eyes with Mocha. His classic grin breaking through his genuine one, “Mocha! Listen.” He leaned over the counter, whispering, “He knows I live with you.”“Hm. I see.” She eyed Max as he was still a blushing mess, “What did you do to him?” She pointed at him.Bradley looked over, the shorter man was rubbing his neck and avoiding looking at Bradley, “I’m not sure actually. This time anyway.”“Okay. And how exactly did you get caught?”“I was leaving when he was coming to drop off your journal. You left it at his dorm or whatever.” Bradley shrugged.“As the sails set, the sea and wind will guide.”“Yeah yeah, can I get a chai latte, almond milk with two pumps of toffee nut.”“And Max, what do you want?” Mocha called out.Max flinched, “Oh, I’ll have a coffee with a little milk.”“Sure thing.” She rang them up and glanced between the two, “Who’s paying?”Bradley instinctually took out his card, “Here.”“Ten dollars and fifty cents.”“Fuck.” He muttered.“I could’ve paid, man.” Max held out five bucks to him.“No no, I got it.”Max pushed the bill to his chest, waiting for Bradley to take it before going off to find a table for them. Bradley paused, taking it and folding it in his pocket.“I see you got your boards back.” Mocha pushed over the cups in a tray.“Just… one to go.”They both got silent. Mocha giving a knowing look, “I can speak with Tank.”“No. I’ll talk with him next time I see him. He-he wouldn’t let that board come into any harm. I hope.” Bradley took the tray and sat down with Max.“Here.”“Thanks.” Max sipped on it.Bradley sat quietly with the lip of the cup pressed to his mouth. Max was being weird, avoiding looking at him and being all flustered.“What?”“What?” Max glanced up then back to his coffee.“You won’t look at me.”“I am.” Max held eye contact for a while before breaking it again.Bradley rolled his eyes enjoying his tea.“It’s just my laugh…”“What about it?”“I hate it. It sounds just like my dad’s.” Max stirred his coffee with a little pout on his face.Bradley raised a brow, “That’s what this is about? Max, your laugh isn’t like your dad’s at all.”“Huh?” Max looked somewhat happy about that.“It’s a higher pitch, shorter, and carries more, how should I say this, delight.” Bradley hadn’t even really thought about it, that’s just exactly what it sounded like to him, “My first thought was certainly not your father in the slightest.”He met eyes with Max’s rustic amber ones, earning a reassuring smile like he had just received a massive complement. Bradley turned his eyes down to his tea, “That’s just my opinion, forget it if its bothersome.”“It’s not bothersome at all! It’s actually really relieving to hear that. I’ve always hated that laugh… I just don’t want to be like my dad. Way too goofy.”“Heh.” Bradley smirked, “You are a Goof after all, Max.”“Thanks.” Max sarcastically said, sipping some coffee.“I gotta say, it wasn’t awful skating with you.”“That’s good, I think?”Bradley nodded. What was there to say? He had the same fear of becoming his father. Chills rolled down his spine. Hands holding the cup tighter.“You, ah, know I wanted to invite you to the skatepark sometime.”Putting his cup down, Bradley answered, “Ah yes, ignoring the fact that the Gammas would be there. Good idea.”“I mean, later at night or something. I don’t know. Or just when the Gammas aren’t there.”Bradley cocked a brow, “You’re going to make sure they aren’t?”“Yeah.”“I’ll think about it.”“Can’t I get a yes, or no?”He met those enticing rustic amber eyes, “Yes. I’ll go. Just because you went through all that effort to get my boards back. I gotta say, I do owe you for that.”Max grinned, “Great! Maybe we could have that race you insisted on doing.”“What race?”Max raised a brow, “When you tried to apologize to me? You wanted to race and I quote, ‘make up for the X Games, obviously.’”“Ha!” Bradley couldn’t help a laugh at the impression Max did, “I do remember that now. I suppose I could race you.” His sharp canines showing as his smile widened.“Shall I use my old board or yours?”“Whichever. I’ll beat you either way.”“You’re so on!” Max had a soft flush on his cheeks.Bradley didn’t realize it, he too had pink on his cheeks. It was a delight to chat away like this. He hadn’t smiled like this in a long time. Since the X Games really. Some normalcy back in his life that wasn’t at his expense. No one laughing at him, or whispering or ruining his notebooks. Just laughing with someone. Well, what wasn’t normal was that it was Max and not one of the Gammas, but this felt much better than with the Gammas. More intimate for some reason.Max listened without judgement. It felt new.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

While in the math class the two shared, Bradley had gotten a paper airplane. It flew through the air and landed on his desk. He looked at it with confusion, then found that it was Max who threw it. He was pointing to it and made an opening motion with his hands.Bradley unfolded it, ‘midnight tonight, be ready to lose!’He rolled his eyes and made one to throw at Max. But the airplane didn’t make it to Max and someone else opened it. He quickly looked down at his papers, ignoring the fact that some random guy got a very rude note saying, ‘Fuck you!’Back in Mocha’s room, Bradley had been writing out a paragraph for his English class. Mocha had long since climbed into bed for the night. The clock changing numbers as minutes went by. He had lost track of time. The English assignment wasn’t finished yet, making him focus on that rather than his own hunger or the time.By the time he had lifted his gaze off his notebook, he saw that it was past midnight by thirty minutes! He scrambled to the bathroom, combing through his hair, while working he had a habit of messing his hair up when focusing too hard. Grabbing his SK8 board and locking the door.He forgot to put his vest on, so he was just wearing a button up with rolled up sleeves. The rough sound of the wheels on the cement and the colder air hitting his face, he hoped that Max hadn’t left yet. Skidding to a stop at the entrance to the park, Bradley looked around the mostly dark area. Only a few lamps were left on. The ramps and halfpipes were empty, spooky. Not even an echo of a board or rollerblades sounded.Puttering through the park with some hope, keeping his eyes open for Max. No one was here. Bradley kickflipped onto a small ramp, grinding on the rail down with a curse under his breath. He had just missed Max. He was looking forward to it too, for some reason. Fuck.“Bradley?” A voice echoed.The sound of his tricks must have alerted Max, he was sitting on a bench off to the side, skateboard on his lap. Bradley glided over to him, “Max… I was doing homework and didn’t realize the time.”Max shrugged, “Thought you forfeited.”“I wouldn’t give you a free win.”“Ha, I know.”“So, shall we race?” Bradley looked to the park, thinking of a path that would be suitable for the course.“It’s darker than I thought. I wouldn’t want either of us getting hurt.” Max stood, “Maybe we could just hang out?”Bradley glanced back at him, “Alright.”Max stood, throwing the board down and kickflipping. Getting ready for another move, he did a 360 flip. He looked to Bradley. Bradley pursed his lips, giving a little push and bending his legs, doing a clean double heelflip.“Fuck! Show off!”“Your turn.” The corners of his mouth curved upwards.Max got a good pace going, with furrowed brows, he wobbly did a fakie heelflip. He teetered to the side when he landed, but managed to find his balance.“Hm.”“What?”“Nothing. You just have your feet in the wrong placement. Turn your foot more this way.” Bradley used his foot to push Max’s a bit, “Then try to think of it like a fakie ollie kinda… You can do those, right?”“Yeah!”“Good. Try it.”Max reared up for another go. First, he did a fakie ollie. Nailing that one in one go. Then he readied himself to try another fakie heelflip. Which he did better this time around.“I’ll approve of that one.” Bradley nodded at him.“Wow, thanks.” Max rolled his eyes.Bradley did another trick or two, before noticing Max was staring at him like he wanted to ask something, “What is it?”“Just… um. Have the Gammas been hard on you?”“A little...” Bradley stood on his board; a bit taller than usual, eyeing Max.“Did you say anything to Tank?”Bradley frowned, “Why is that a concern?”Max rubbed his neck, “Because I get the feeling that you guys are good friends.”Bradley had to paused for that one, “We were.”“What about the other Gammas?”“It doesn't matter. I'm not their leader anymore.” Bradley tic-tacked to keep him busy.“Maybe as a friend you can…”“Stop telling me what to do, Max.” He grit his teeth.Max frowned, “I'm not. I just don’t wanna see them bully you.” He did another kickflip like it was his favorite move. Or just an easy one.“Why are you worried.”Max froze like the thought hadn’t even crossed his mind.“Are you worried for me?” Bradley’s eyes locked onto Max’s.“I don’t know.” Max looked down at his feet, doing another kickflip, “It’s not easy to watch. I know I can help, but it’s up to you to face it.”“I see.”A long awkward silence lingered on as Max distracted himself with a few basic tricks. Bradley trying to think of what to say. The moon was bright, a cool breeze fluttered through. Bradley had only worn his button up shirt and he was getting a little cold. He shivered, quickly composing himself.Bradley skated a little bit away from him, doing a crooked grind. Shivering again when the breeze picked up more.“You cold?”“No, I'm fine.”“You aren’t wearing your usual sweater?”“Like I said, I didn’t realize it was so late.”Max chuckled, “So, you rushed out here like that?”Bradley might have been cold, but his face sure wasn’t, “Shut up. You’ve been the one out here waiting. Aren't you cold?”“Nah, I got my jacket.” Which Max had unzipped and tossed it over to Bradley, “You can wear it.”It was already warmed up from Max wearing it. Bradley frowned. It was a heavy brown jacket with a high collar. He was unimpressed at the style, but being cold as he was, he slid it over his arms. Because Max favored baggy clothes, it actually fit him nicely. It wasn’t too short in the sleeves. It had a unique smell on the negative side, yet it had something other than sweat, maybe some body wash or deodorant Max liked to use.“Better?”“I won’t thank you for this.” Bradley pushed off on his board, nearing a set of stairs. He saw how Max did grinds a lot when he first got into college, so Bradley felt compelled to practice his grinds as well. He had gotten pretty good at them over half the year.He popped on the rail, doing a classic 50-50 grind. He didn’t want to push himself too much since he hadn’t been able to practice at all since the X Games. Nonetheless, Bradley did want to show off to Max. Bradley was clearly the better skater here, so why not show him what he's got?Time went by quickly. The two silently challenging the other by what tricks they did. It was nearing three AM when they called it quits. Bradley, surprisingly wasn’t mad at that. Normally he’d want his beauty rest and complain to anyone that dares disturbs him. This, however, he needed. This break. This fun! It was greatly welcomed in his ever growingly stressful days. Time slipped away from him for the first time in a long while. It was nice.“Here.” Bradley had taken off the jacket.“Nah you can keep it for now. Mocha’s place is a little far, so might be a while before you get there. My dorms not too far.” Max jerked his head in the direction of his room.“Goodnight, Max.” Bradley said with a softer voice.“Night!” Max waved and darted off on his ‘KING’ board.Bradley shook his head with a small smile forming on his lips, “This kid.”When Bradley had returned to Mocha’s place, she was woken up by the sound, “Uhhh, Bradley? What are you doing out so late?” She rubbed her eye, glancing at the clock.“Just practicing. I can’t get any time in during the day with the Gammas around every corner.” He scoffed, leaning his SK8 board against the bed. Unzipping the jacket and folding it neatly on his dresser.“Sleep.” She groaned.“I am. I am.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Max paused when he saw Bradley walking into class. The taller man only frowned or more like, tried to frown. Max chuckled. Bradley scoffed and climbed the stairs. He settled in his seat, flipping his textbook open.Max sat with his friends; he couldn’t really hide that he was talking with Bradley some in recent days. PJ could tell with their little glances and such.“Are you really trying to befriend Bradley, man?”Max shrugged, “I don’t know. He’s not awful company.”PJ turned his head to look at Bradley. The man was writing out something. PJ met Max’s eyes, “Are you sure about that? I kinda get helping him and all, but friends? Max…”“I don’t know, man! Don’t ask me.”“Just give back his…”Max quickly covered his mouth, “Shhhh…” He whispered, “Can’t let the Gammas know I'm helping him. Might make things worse.”PJ nodded, “Okay… Then…”“Slow and steady wins the race.” Max pursed his lips, “I hope.”PJ rolled his eyes, “What race?”Bobby smiling, “Well, you never know. He might join our skate team! The reverse!”“…” PJ sighed, “No way! I won’t allow it!”“Maybe.” Max shrugged, a hopeful glint in his eye.The professor walked in, beginning their lesson. Max found it harder than usual to focus. His mind wandered to Bradley. Each time he shook his head, forcing himself to hone in on whatever the professor was saying. Writing down word for word. It reminded him of that soft gentle smile Bradley had when he gave back his board. Would he ever get to see that again?“Fuck…” Max frowned. Maybe… No, couldn’t be…Max, PJ and Bobby moseyed on over to the library. With the end of the year coming up, they didn’t have as much time to skate or mess around. Bobby still needed to buckle down and get some serious studying in if he wants to pass his classes.Sylvia was stamping books and filing papers away. Students came and left as hours went by. The dry air and low murmurs made the library, the library. It was easier to focus here on some days. Today wasn’t that day. The trio had their heads in their hands, eyes scanning over page after page. Pencils scratching away at the paper, words forming that were either erased or thrown away to restart.Max was filling out a worksheet, almost finished, or so he hoped. Bobby had fully pulled up his sunglasses, resting on his forehead, glaring at the textbook. PJ had already done most of his work, just doing the last lines. Max sighed. Him and Bobby were going to be up late for the next week or so finishing up everything. The tests were coming up as the year came to a close. Just not soon enough. Or maybe he wanted it to last a little longer just to get enough studying in to make him feel comfortable enough to take the test without fear of failing.Classes were drawing out as long as they could. Adding a few extra assignments just to ensure that the students were ready for that damned final. Max packed up his things and with a skateboard in hand, he left for the skatepark.Dodging people on the way, Max leaped over the railing, board gliding underneath. Landing on it perfectly and pushing off for more speed. A few girls glanced over and clapped for him upon his trick. He grinned and waved at them. They giggled with flushed faces. They were pretty.Max tossed his bag down by a bench, diving down into the bowl. He did some warmups, rolling around in the bowl. Afterwards, he was in the zone! He began some harder moves, turning his board around in the air. Landing with a bit of a wobble but nothing that knocked him off his board.Trying a new one, Max stumbled and slid on his knees, cursing. His board went flying, rolling back down to him. He heard clapping, sarcastic clapping.“Nice one.”“Bradley? Thought you didn’t want to come to the park?” Max skated up to the edge and stalled, balancing there.“I thought I’d join you. Remember that race?”“Sure, I do.” Max looked around, “The Gammas?”“Already checked. It’s late enough that they are more than likely studying or failing to study. If not, they’re out to dinner. Low chance they’ll come here.” Bradley had brought his gear along with him, clipping his helmet and pads on and diving into the bowl with Max.He smiled, following suit. Each timing their tricks to make sure they wouldn’t crash into each other. Watching more than actually skating, Bradley was doing a handstand on the edge and other simple tricks that were cool to see. Max was more or less just rolling rather than doing anything.“Are you going to watch me all day or…?” Bradley slowed some.“Yeah! Of course, I was doing a lot before you showed up. Just taking a break.” Max rolled his eyes and was quick to think of an easy move to pull off.“Uh-huh.”“I was!” Max confirmed.Bradley shook his head, “I'm ready to race if you are.” He skated to the edge of the bowl, watching as Max finished up a trick.“You really want to race?”“I thought you did? Did you not?” Bradley wore a challenging smirk.“Ready for it!”“To here and back.” Bradley pointed out a fairly flat area with a few small ramps in between them and the U-turn.“And you’re not going to cheat?” Max raised a brow.“…” Bradley gave a frown, “What do you think?”“I trust you.”“…” He gave a nod, “You call it.”Max counted down, “3. 2. 1. GO!”And they were off! Pushing off hard, both getting ready for a trick to get over the first small ramp. Both evenly doing an easy kickflip. Bradley was ahead by mere inches. Max caught up fast. Neck and neck. The second part of the race was to dip into the bowl and continue the track after it. They both sunk into the challenge; at the other side of the bowl, they both did a trick. Max was the one that landed first, Bradley puffing out a hiss.For the U-turn, they had to slow and touch the fence. Max was first to do so, Bradley right on his heels- or well, his wheels. Bradley kicked off harder, Max sunk into the bowl. Bradley knew this is where he could pick up some speed. He managed to do a trick and land cleanly on the other side, giving him a little boost.They were pretty evenly matched. Nearing the ramp, Bradley had heelflipped and grinded on the edge. Max did a crooked grind, having them going at the same speed. Bradley was so ready for the next ramp that was quite small. He reared up, gaining enough air to go over the whole thing leaving Max in the dust. Bradley skated over the line they drew on the ground and cheered!“I won!!! Hahaha!” He turned with a wide grin on his face, sharp canines showing.Max hopped off his board, “Wasn’t ready for that move! What made you think you could do that?!” He playfully nudged Bradley.“I had a feeling I could.”“Just a feeling? Ha! Nice.” Max picked up his water bottle, downing half in one go.Bradley had taken out his metal water bottle and sipped slowly on it. The two took a seat on the bench Max had thrown his things on.“So that’s settled.” Max side-eyed Bradley.“What do you mean ‘that’s settled’?”“Maybe you could join my team? I mean for next year, of course. If you’re still coming here… I forgot about that.” Max sounded a little sad.Bradley nodded, “I will more than likely be back…” He picked at his nails, “If I haven't been cut off completely.”“What do you mean?”“My father had already cut my credit card. Because of what I did at the X Games.” His blue eyes fluttering around the park, “I'm not allowed to participate in any skating events anymore.”“What? How come?” Max leaned closer with shock on his face.“Because I lost the X Games… I… When I apologized to you, before you actually heard me, I was trying to explain that it wasn’t just to look good and win. It relied on being allowed to skate. My father said don’t try anything that you can’t win. So, because of that I tried to ensure my win, I can’t skate publicly anymore. Already brought down the Uppercrust name enough as is… Heh…” Bradley lowered his eyes to his hands.“But…”“It is what it is, Max. I can’t join next year’s X Games no matter how much I want to. Fuck, my father doesn’t even know I was kicked out of the Gammas. It’ll be another embarrassment if he finds out I'm living in the public dorms. Never has an Uppercrust been so low to live there. I'm the first.”“It’s just the public dorms… H-how is that embarrassing?”“Uppercrust’s have very high standards. Even misstepping at one of our parties is enough to get a lecture on why it shouldn’t happen again.” Bradley looked over at Max, “Skating is my life. I-I don’t know what to do if I can’t skate… But getting disowned would be much worse…”Max paused, having that fear hung over his head like that all the time. Fuck…Max placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, “You’re free to ask me to skate with you anytime. I love skating with you.”Bradley blinked up at him, “Y-you do?”“Y-y-yeah!” Max didn’t realize he said that out loud, “You’re enticing a-and inspiring. I’ve been trying to do more air tricks since you make those look incredible!”Bradley had a flush bloom on his cheeks, “Thanks.”The sun had already set, oranges and pinks flooding the skies. Clouds blowing by and the autumn air chilling as the warmth of the sun had faded. Bradley blinked a few times, clearing the tears that threated to fall from earlier, “Well, I could use a bite to eat. Are you free to head to the Bean Scene?”Max gave a goofy grin, “Of course!”They grabbed their boards and glided off down the path, leisurely swaying and lightly shoving the other. Max made a few jokes, getting Bradley to chuckle. No one around here knew them, them being city people. Pulling up to the Bean Scene, Max watched as Bradley descended the stairs and scanned over the menu.“A chai latte, almond milk with peach. One blueberry muffin as well.” Bradley pulled out his debit card, but Max was quick to put in his order.“Chamomile tea, and a sandwich.” Max used his card before Bradley could argue.They took their seat at a booth and calmly ate their food, sharing glances.“How’s your math grade?” Bradley sipped on his tea.Max smirked, “Since when did you care?”Earning a frown, “Since I'm the one that tutored you. If you still can’t get an A in that class after me teaching you, you can’t be saved.” He tilted his wrist with a shrug.“I got a B. It’s good enough for me.”“I see.”“But.” Max took out his English history worksheet, “If you’d like to assist me with this!” He cleared a part of the table to spread out his papers.Bradley raised his brows and sighed, “Really?”“It’s fine if you don’t. I just thought you were offering.” Max widened his eyes, staring at Bradley with a soft smile.“I wasn’t.”“You sure?”“…” Bradley’s frown deepened, “What. Do you need help with?” He leaned on one palm, sipping through a straw as he watched Max line up his papers to show him.----Max knew those two tests would be easy, so he helped out PJ and Bobby with the English history class. And with the tests rolling in soon, so were the parties that hit afterwards! It’ll be both a thanksgiving party as well as an end of year party. For now, everyone was in study mode more than usual.Max had also noticed the toned-down bullying from the Gammas. Even Bradley looked much better too. He wasn’t rushing out of the classroom to avoid them. If anything, the Gammas only shared a few sharp glares at the posh man. Nothing physical in a while.PJ asked off handedly, “Yah know… Mocha hasn’t invited me over for a while. You guys think that’s weird?”“…” Max paused, he almost let it slip that Bradley had moved in and it’s a secret, “I don’t know girls very well, Peej.”Bobby nodded, “Maybe she let the place go since her roomie left.”“Y-yeah that might be it. Don’t worry so much.”PJ rubbed his neck, “Oh, yeah. Alright.”They skated lazily down the path, PJ brought it up again, “Though, I did see her chatting with Bradley near the art building one day. She… You don’t think she’s falling for him?!”“No! PJ, she wouldn’t fall for Bradley…” Max assured him, though now it was a question in his head. Does Bradley have a girlfriend? He’s seen the guy with several girls at the beginning of school, but a lot less these days. Is it because he got a girlfriend that he's done fooling around?“A guy like that already has a girlfriend more than likely!” Bobby added, “Girls love the crazy ones.”“Yeah… Girls… love the crazy ones, Peej.”“What's up with that?” PJ eyed Max.“Nothing. I'm just sure Mocha wouldn’t be into that. Have you once heard Bradley say anything poetic?”“No, I guess not.”“Then no worriessss!” Bobby wrapped an arm around PJ, “Let’s get nachoooos! Awooooo!!!!”The two cheered with him. Max, however, now had it swimming in his head. Bradley might already be taken. I-its not like this is the first time Max liked a guy before. He always knew he’s bisexual, it just feels really weird since it’s Bradley of all people. Then again, it makes sense why it’s him. He’s easy to handle, he’s fun to skate with and chat about things. He’s handsome… He has a beautiful smile that gleams like no other. And that genuine laugh of his, it was like his ears were blessed.“Fuck…”“Hm?” PJ turned to look at Max, “What happened?”“Nothing!” Max pushed off to catch up to them.Bobby neared him, “Y-you aren’t worried that the Brad-ster already has a GF, do you?” He whispered.“Bobby?!” Max covered his mouth, “Shut up! It’s not like that!”“I know that look, Maxieee. I’ve seen which guys you like in middle school. I just didn’t think…” A hand was covering Bobby’s mouth.“You got another crush on a guy?” PJ smirked, “Who?! Tell me!”“Just a guy in my class… Haha…” He awkwardly smiled. It felt so stupid to like Bradley… But he can’t help it. Something just kept pulling him towards the guy. Something made him excited to see him in class or randomly at the skatepark and hanging out was so nice. He wanted to do it again.“You gotta point him out to me when we next see him! We could help out and maybe you could talk to him without stuttering. Remember Roxanne?”“Oh man… A-and I didn’t stutter that much! Right?” He shrugged.The two shared a look before turning to Max, “Ehhhh, you kinda did.”“No way! I don't remember that!” Max waved them off, skating ahead.They reached their favorite diner that had the cheesiest nachos a man could ask for.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

With the tests over, they were free! Or well most of the finals. Either way Max felt so good about his grades! He was sure to show off if he got an A. Surely, he would get a good grade with the help Bradley had been lending.“SKATE TIMEEEE!” Bobby was wearing his skates the whole day, gliding in the halls and getting yelled at.But most of the finals were over and they all were ready to play. The three tossed their bookbags to the side and immediately snagging a free halfpipe that a group had just left. Even the Gammas were monopolizing two other ramps, all of them skating and showing off their tricks to the group of girls that cheered them on.Max was still using Bradley’s ‘KING’ board. It would be strange if he requested it and didn’t even use it, with the Gammas often skating as much as he was, they’d notice. It was still so smooth to ride. While the boys were showing off, Bobby had tried to hit on a girl after landing a cool trick. She shrugged him off and left to go watch the Gammas. Max and PJ laughed at the interaction, earning a frustrated glare from Bobby.There was one class left for his finals. It was his science class. He also knew that Mocha still had a final left to take. Skating around and showing off, Max noticed that girl from the X Games. She was watching him the whole time, cheering and clapping for him upon each successful trick. He made sure to do extra spins or hold a handstand for longer than usual.Tank kickflipped over to them, “Max, Bobby, PJ.”He drew all of their attention.“There's gonna be a big party at our place, you three down?”Bobby said yes instantly he heard the word party, “Yes! Absolutely!”PJ and Max shared a grin, answering, “Sure!”Arriving at the Gamma house later that day, the three shared looks. They’ve always wondered what it looked like in there. It didn’t hold their attention for long as there were so many people that distracted them. That night to keep the good vibes going, they had a little to drink. It was one of the few house parties Max had been to, and just to say, this one was the best yet!Bobby was in the living room, smoking with a few others who were playing Ping-Pong. PJ had been interested in playing pool, Max was on a two-on-two team with him, sinking balls and getting points. Each time they missed; they drank!The music was loud and the people were so hyped! People dancing and a few couples were making out in the halls and alcohol was being poured into cups. Money being passed around when someone won a bet. The T.V. blasting whatever video game they had going followed by shouting and cheers.Max had sat down to catch a break already feeling a little dizzy. Bobby was ascending right now, talking all weird like. PJ was now betting on the Ping-Pong games. A woman that seemed familiar to him approached him.“Hey, Max.” She sat next to him, her face already a little flushed from the alcohol.“Hey.” Max rubbed his eye, “Aren't you that girl that was cheering for me at the X Games?”“Yeah! That was me! I'm so happy you remembered. We didn’t really have a chance to talk.” She leaned on him, gazing into his eyes.“Ah, yeah. Been busy and all.”“Good thing you’re free now.” She straddled him, cupping his face, “You’re so hot! All those tricks you do. Can I show you some of mine?” Her eyes flicked to his lips several times.He shrugged, “I don’t know, can you?” He indulged, letting their saliva mix together. It was a spur of the moment thing. He was probably drunk and not thinking clearly. She tasted like vodka and lemonade. Once her tongue was in his mouth, he snapped out of it.“W-what is it? Did you not like it?” She looked hurt, lipstick smeared on both their lips.“What? No! It was fine. I just… Ah… Sorry.” He pushed her off of him, “Sorry! I’m drunk and I don’t think this is a good idea. I mean, it was a great kiss! Really!” He awkwardly left her on the couch, “Lovely kiss.”Walking through to the kitchen, he overheard a conversation.“No way! Tank, can you show us Bradley’s room?!” A woman asked the larger man.Max’s ears perked up.“Sweetheart, the rooms are off limits to everyone other than the Gammas. Sorry.” He shrugged.“Aw, but Tank…” She whined.Max glanced around, finding the stairs. He made his way to the stairs, seeing that it was blocked off. He asked, “I need to use the bathroom and all the others are, yah know…” He made a cringe face.“On the right once you get to the top. Vomit anywhere in there and you’ll never be welcomed back here.”“No worries! Just gotta take a leak!” Max squeezed on by and climbed the stairs, tripping on the second step, “Ahaha…” He darted into the bathroom. Seeing his hair was a mess, he squinted to try to see clearer. He was definitely drunk. He combed through his hair and washed his face. The lipstick still now washing away, but he forgot about that already.He wasn’t sure why he needed to see Bradley’s old room. But something told him that something still made Bradley shoot knowing glares at Tank. Max checked the doors; they all had a plaque of who’s room is who’s. One was Tank’s, which had a few dents in the door. Slouch’s had a football team flag on it. A few others had personalized things to go with their names.One door near the back didn’t have such a plaque, nor did it have any decorations. Meaning that it should be an empty room. Pushing the door open, it stopped on a carpet just behind it. Immediately that familiar scent of vanilla and black tea wafted by his nose.This was definitely Bradley’s old room. The bed was either a half or a queen size. There were two closets, an empty L-shaped desk that had been cleared. A bathroom connecting to the room and white long curtains that swayed with the breeze from the slightly open window. The moonlight casting shadows along the light wood floors.What caught his eye was that a thin closet hadn’t been shut completely. He neared it and pushing it open was a rack that would perfectly hold three skateboards with a few hooks on the sides. On the top rack was one skateboard. Bright yellow with orange letters, POWERLINE. White wheels with yellow printed Powerline as well. And… and even a signature in silver, signed by Powerline himself?! It looked almost in mint condition, just a few small marks from use.“Holy shit…” Max stared at it in awe, running a hand through his hair. At the other end of the board, it said, Love Mom with a little heart, “Oh no… no, no, no. They’ve been keeping this from him?” He took a step back. Shutting the door gently, “Oh Bradley… man…”Max left the room as quietly as he came. His head beginning to ache or was it his heart? He couldn't tell right now. He climbed down the stairs with a sway in his step.“Careful bro.” The guard noted.Max didn’t even catch it. Bobby was passed out on the couch. PJ had slowed down as well, “Max! Heya man! Over here!” He waved to him.Max rubbed his head, “What?”“I won fifty bucks!” PJ lifted up his hand to show the bills.“Whoa! Don’t show that off too much.” He glanced around, “Someone might steal it, man.”PJ nodded, “Oh, oh right! Right!” He stuffed it in his pocket.“I'm calling Mocha to bring her car. You guys can’t skate back…”“Mochaaaa! OH, I loveee her!” PJ closed his eyes, arm slung over his face, “Mocha is my chino! The caffeine that fuels my soul! The apple to my eye! The coin in my, uhhh, my dime! Or or was it diamond?”“Yeah, all the above, man. For sure.” Max called her up, “Hey, Mocha, by any chance can you pick me, PJ and Bobby up from the Gamma house? They’re both pretty hammered and I don’t think I can skate back without getting sick.” He sat down rubbing his face, he didn’t think he drank that much.“MOCHAAAA MY LOVE! Where art thou, my love?!” PJ raised his arms up high.Mocha heard that, “I'm on my way. Tell PJ that his love is coming to pick him up.”“Okay…” The phone line was hung up. Max sighed, “She’s coming. Wait a bit, will you?”“Mocha is coming here! Oh fuck! How do I look?!” PJ started fixing his hair and straightening out his shirt.“You look fine. Calm down.” Max chuckled.Bobby suddenly woke, “Mommy! It’s not weed!” His eyes were a bit red and he looked tired as fuck.Mocha helped them in her car, PJ being clingy as she drove them back to their place.“What? Mocha?! You never invite me over anymore! C-can I stay with you tonight?” PJ gave her puppy eyes.Max will never know how that works on anyone… wait. Didn’t… Didn’t he used puppy eyes on Bradley and it worked?! Fuck.Mocha frowned, “PJ, honey. I… suppose it wouldn’t be too bad. Just know I have a new roommate. And I don’t want to disturb them.” She shared a look with Max, asking him to help her.“Her roommate is probably asleep by now. Can’t you go some other time?” Max informed.“I really miss you, Mocha.”She smiled, “I miss you too, dolphin. But… Okay…”Max helped Bobby to their room first before driving off.Mocha pulled Max aside before reentering her black car, “Max… What about Bradley? PJ’s going to be so pissed.”“I’ll…” Max sighed, “Think he’ll stay in my room for the night… after waking him and telling him he has to leave?”Mocha frowned, “He’ll have to. PJ’s been getting anxious about me not letting him come over and I'm running out of excuses. Bradley’ll have to deal with it.”Max sucked in through his teeth, “Alright then…”“Wait…” She took out a tissue and wiped at Max’s mouth, “You got a little lipstick…”Max flushed, “T-thanks… Hehe…”They piled in the car and Mocha parked in her usual spot just outside the building. They helped PJ to the elevator and on the second floor, they got to Mocha’s room. She went in first and got a rough, “I have to what?!” At the crack of three A.M.Bradley was quickly thrown out of the room and stunned. PJ was now resting in her bed and Bradley, in his loose Powerline tee and sweatpants, messy hair and rectangle glasses ajar on his face, met with a door.“What?! How dare you, Mocha chino! You can’t just kick me out because your boyfriend got drunk! I don’t even have a change of clothes!” He banged on the door.She opened it, “Shut up!” She closed the door and soon reopened it, “Here. Fuck off.”“…” Bradley’s mouth was gaped open. A pile of clothes and his contacts resting on top. He suddenly turned to Max, “What did you do? It was a Gamma party, wasn’t it? Why were you even there?!”“You, ah… Wear glasses?” Max swallowed dryly, staring at the taller man.“What? That’s not what this is about! Do you not realize I’ve been kicked out of my bed at three in the fucking morning because of you and your stupid friend?!”“Yeah…” His face flushed.“Ugh… I'm not sleeping in his bed! Ugh…” Bradley visibly had shivers roll down his spine.Max shrugged, “Well, I'm not sure if mine is any better… But, ah, go ahead. I’ll take PJ’s bed. Oh, and Bobby’s already there.” He grinned and began to trek down the stairs again.“No fucking way… No way is this happening…” Bradley reluctantly followed Max.“It’s not that bad! Come on. Just think if it as a sleepover. Or whatever.” He shrugged and looked back at the man with crooked glasses he hadn’t bothered to straighten and a deep frown.Upon arriving at Max’s dorm room, he let Bradley in, setting his pile of clothes down on a clean space on the dresser, “Ugh, you guys are so sweaty, it’s in the air.”Bobby was passed the fuck out.Max closed the door, “Sure, you’re used to it. The Gammas and all.”“Yeah, but since I moved in, it’s been a lot better. Trust me when I say that.”“I do.” Max ruffled his hair and took off his shirt, showing his white tank top under it, “Oh, and I like your shirt.”Bradley adjusted his glasses and looked down, red covered his cheeks in an instant, “Shit.”“I love Powerline too! Don’t worry! I’ll keep it our secret! Promise. Do… Do you trust me?” Max wanted the alcohol to last a little longer, sitting cross legged on his bed, wide eyes looking up at Bradley.“I don’t know, but… I suppose I’ll have to.” Bradley crossed his arms, staring down at the younger man.“Good enough.” He shrugged.“You… aren’t you going to let me sleep in your bed?”Max jerked up, “Oh right! Of course.” He stood up, “You… look pretty with glasses.” He whispered as he climbed the ladder to PJ’s bed.“…” Bradley paused halfway into Max’s bed, “W-what? What did you say?”“I said, I liked your glasses! Goodnight!” Max threw the covers over him, face flushed. He could hear the sounds of Bradley placing his glasses on the dresser above his bed. The creaks of the bed as the thinner man adjusted himself to the new bed.A soft, “Goodnight.” Almost inaudible, had it not been quiet in the room. Bobby hardly snored, PJ snored louder.---- Bradley woke to Mr. Goof barging in, scaring the shit out of him!“AHH!” He screamed when the door shot open.“Wake up! It’s time to get the day goin’! Ahyuk!” The man paused when he saw Bradley in Max’s bed instead of Max, “Wait a minute. What are you doing in here?” He sounded a bit angry.Bradley grabbed his glasses and looked to Max who was climbing out of the bunkbed, “Dad, calm down! I'm here. Why are you here anyway? It’s eight…” Max looked over at Bradley and paused for a second, quickly pushing his dad to the door, “On second thought, we’ll meet you at the cafeteria for breakfast! Okay! Bye!” He whispered, “Thought I locked it…”Bradley paused with raised brows, “You… talk to your dad like that?”“All good really.” Max rubbed his eye with a yawn, “Just… let’s get some more sleep…” He paused with one foot on the ladder, before turning and leaning on his bed, “Scoot.”“What are you doing?” Bradley said it like Max was doing something outrageous.“Sleeping…” Max had his back to Bradley as the thinner man was pushed more towards the wall.“Max, get out!”“Sleep… five more minutes.” Max muttered, “I have a headache too, be quiet.”Bradley froze, laying on his back. Losing himself in thought, hadn’t realized that Max turned over, hand resting on his chest. Bradley went to move it, noticing that Max’s hands were smaller than his. Resting his hand on top and thinking he had delicate hands. Max was softly breathing and peaceful. Max shifted a bit; Bradley pulled his hand away and pushed him off the bed.“Fuck… What the hell, man?”“Wake up, you dolt.” Bradley said as he climbed over him, pausing once he saw the closet, “You… Don’t have a bathroom?”Max leaned on the edge of the bed, sitting on the floor still, “This is the older building. Bathrooms at the end of the hall.”“I will not shower in a public space!” Bradley scoffed, finding the mirror and pulling his Powerline tee back over his shoulder where it fell off. He frowned, “I don’t even have my comb… I don’t have a change of socks!”“You can use mine?”“I'm good.” Bradley took off his glasses and began opening his contact lenses. Using his left hand, he got one in his eye. Getting ready for the other one.“That’s a little gross…” Max frowned.“Hmmm, I agree you room is gross.” He snapped back. Combing through his hair with his hands and fixing his appearance. As he was about to take his shirt off, he paused, “Do you mind?”“Oh, yeah. I’ll go take my shower.” Max gathered up a set of clothes and took off his tank top, throwing it in the hamper.Once the door was shut, Bradley was quick to change his clothes. His dark brown pants, his white button-up and a lighter purple sweater this time.Max returned after another ten minutes.“Did you even shower?”“Uh, yeah, I did. See, my hairs still wet.” He shook his head, getting a few drops of water on the mirror.“You must not be very clean then…”“I am!” Max answered, tossing the rest of his dirty clothes with the others, “Let’s get going.”“What about my things?”“Just leave it. Those already look like something I’d wear and I don’t think you want to be here when PJ comes back.”Bradley grabbed his glasses and contact case prior to following Max out of the room.Meeting Mr. Goof in the cafeteria, Bradley awkwardly sat with Max.“You good?”“Yes, I'm fine. The Gammas don’t often come here for breakfast. It’s too early for them. Plus, they have their own kitchen.” Bradley had a plate of two pancakes and orange juice with apple slices on the side.Max’s dad got him a whole tray of things. Half of which Max didn’t touch.“So…” Mr. Goof glared at Bradley, “Maxie, tell me why exactly you’re hanging out with this guy?”“He’s cool, dad. Just leave it at that, okay?”Bradley gave an innocent smile, “I am sorry about the choices I’ve made, Mr. Goof. I was lost… And…”He was cut off with several pats to his back, “Oh, you’re forgiven! As long as you meant what you said! You ain’t all that bad, Mr. Uppercrust. Ahyuk!”“Ahaa… ha…” He smiled awkwardly.Max gave a soft nod.“I’ll leave you to it! I gotta get over to Sylvia! I got a date! Ahyuk, ahhahhahaa!” The older man rushed off.“…” Bradley needed a moment, “He’s… Got a date with our librarian?!”“Yeah. They’ve been dating since he quit the Gammas, remember?”“No, I don’t.” Stunned and perplexed at how someone like her ended up with someone like Mr. Goof…“Now you know.”Bradley stood, “I’m off to my class now. I expect you to return my clothes sometime soon.”“Sure!”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Coincidently, Max had spotted Bradley at the Bean Scene. He ordered a black coffee, and two blue berry muffins. Mocha wasn’t there today; Max knew that she was hanging out with PJ. He took a seat across from Bradley on a cushioned booth. Who was deep in his studies that he didn’t notice for ten minutes that Max was munching away on the muffin on the other side of him and enjoying the atmosphere.Soft music, light chatter, and orders being called was soothing. The pitter patter of people coming and going. Bradley shifted some papers and rubbed at his eyes, then stretched, and paused upon seeing Max.“What the? What…? You know, never mind.” Bradley flipped to the next page.“Here.” Max slid the muffin over to him.“Hm?”“You’ve been busy, take a break. Have a snack.” Max took a sip of coffee from the mug.Bradley eyed the muffin, “You got it for me?”“Yes.” Max pushed it a bit closer to the brunette.He sighed, taking a small bite as he glanced over his work. The last class he had was still ongoing, meaning there was still some work left to complete. Max technically should be doing some work too, but most of the year was already over. He had time.“Why are you here?”“Am I not allowed to be?”Bradley didn’t spare a glance, “I suppose you can. Just don’t bother me. I have a lot to get through.”“You know, there is this party that’s gonna be coming up soon.”“Not another Gamma house party. I won’t allow you three to go.” Bradley hissed, “I will not be kicked out of my own bed twice.”“No! It’s a school event, sorta.”Bradley blankly stared at him.“Well, not exactly a school thing. It’s off campus, but everyone's invited. To celebrate the end of a school year!”“So?”“So, you wanna go?”He rolled his eyes.“You have to go! It’ll be so much fun!” Max pleaded.“Hmmmm…” Sharp eyes narrowed at him, “Really? I've been to so many parties, that I really doubt it'll be that much fun.”“It will be! There's a massive dancefloor and ah, good snacks! That, might I add, are free.” Max grinned.“So?”“Damn, you’re a tough case… People usually go for the free food.” Max deflated some, slurping on his coffee.Bradley wrote out a line in silence. Max pouting as he watched the ongoings around the café. When Bradley finally finished his work and his muffin, he packed up his things. Max was still moping over him not accepting the invite. He continued his pouting and sighed, circling his straw around in his mug.“Fine. I’ll attend it.”“Really!” Max lit up.“However.”“There it is …” Shaking his head.“I don’t want to hang out with PJ or Bobby. I haven't spoken to them since I apologized and I'm not looking forward to seeing them.”“Oh, ahhh… okay? PJ’s taking Mocha anyway and Bobby, who knows what he's gonna do.” Max laughed.“I see. Then, I’ll take my leave.” Bradley threw his messenger bag over his shoulder, “Thanks for the muffin.”Max nodded, “No problem.”----It had been easy going, packing his room. Getting ready to move back with dad and all. Max got most of his things boxed up, but not everything. They still had a week left. Which meant that party is coming up! Max was excited to have his first year done! Then again, dealing with his dad till he could come back to school might be a bit of a pain.Nonetheless, Max was kinda ready for that mess. While he was skating, a girl had come up to him, publicly asking, “Max! Would you like to go to the autumn party with me?”Max was put on the spot, some of the guys were cheering for them. He awkwardly answered, “Ah, sorry. I'm just going with my friends…”“No way… You won’t even save me one dance?”He couldn’t dance, he was awful at it, “Not this time…”“Max!” PJ skated over to him, “Come on! Bobby’s been asking for food for a while now. We should head out, man.”“Right. Bye!” Max waved to the girl and skated with PJ to where Bobby was. He was hitting on some girls to invite to the party, they all turned him down. He cursed, “What am I doing wrong?” He shrugged.“Maybe you’re being too forceful?” Max suggested.“I'm not! I don’t think I am.” Bobby rollerbladed down the path.The air was much colder, the boys were wearing long pants and jackets. The leaves were already half off their trees and cluttering the sidewalks. Making the three be more aware of where they were going. Everyone was wearing comfy clothes and most have already left the campus, some of their classes ended earlier than the others.Over at the Bean Scene, the three piled in. Each taking their time thinking about what to order. When sitting, they were approached by a girl. Max thought she looked familiar. It was that green shirt girl that cheered from him at the X Games, he thinks.“Max, hi.” She kinda forced her way into the booth.“Uh, hi?” Max shared a look with Bobby and PJ.“So, Max, I saw you skating again! It’s so cool that you can do so much. How do you do it?” She leaned on her palm, gazing at him.“I, ah, just kinda been skating since I was like I don’t know, eleven? So, it’s like breathing to me. Heh.” Max held his cup of tea between his hands, glancing at Bobby and PJ for help.“Oh, yeah, man. Me and Max have been friends since way back. Skated together and everything.” PJ nodded.Bobby leaned in closer, “The sun is supposed to keep the world warm, right? So, why does it burn us? Aren't the sun and earth friends?”They all stared at him like he's crazy. But thankfully that worked to get her to leave, “Yeah… Anyway, Max. I’ll see you at the party!” She waved and winked at him.Max made a face when she left, “The fuck?”“You invited her to the party?” Bobby frowned.“No! I… s-sort of invited Bradley…” He whispered his name, hoping the two didn’t hear it.“Bradley?!” PJ of course heard it, “Why?”“He’s not my date or anything! I just told him everyone's invited. It’s about time everyone forgives him or at least talks to him again.” He gave a one shouldered shrug.An awkward silence had Max and PJ having a staring contest.“Maximiliannn, you gotta look spiffy for the partayyyy!” Bobby cheered, “They better have those nachos!”“Hahaha! They better!” Max and PJ agreed.