How Long Will This Last? (Maxley)

Honeymoon Phase

A week had flown by since Max and Bradley became an item. After they had talked, Max was in an especially good mood, so he took the first step in fixing the minor argument he had with Bobby. Which included another apology and paying for a five course meal at one of the restaurants downtown. Max's wallet may have been empty, but he could finally have some temporary peace.

He and Bradley had managed to avoid Amy and Tank all week, and they even tried not to hang around each other too much in public. They still hadn't told anyone, and for good reason. How embarrassing would it be to make a false rumor come true? Apparently not embarrassing enough because they still met up after classes to kiss in secret. Lately they've been getting more daring and impatient; quickly slinking into the shadows, or sneaking into a hallway or classroom that nobody was in. Although Max was thrilled to be with Bradley, in more ways than one, it was hard for him to get over the initial shock of being with Bradley. He found it difficult to understand why he even liked Brad. Of course he would never say that because it sounds awful, but it was sort of true. And yet, he didn't regret kissing Bradley for the first time, and now he proudly embraced his feelings.

Despite not wanting to tell anyone about their relationship, Max decided that something had to change. Which is why he brought Bradley along the next time he went out to hang with Bobby and P.J.

"What the hell is he doing here?" Bobby asked, glaring at Bradley, though no one could tell because of his sunglasses.

"You guys can't be enemies forever," Max argued.

"That's up for debate," Bradley said.

"No it's not. We're going to have fun tonight. As a group. Whether you two like it or not. See, P.J's already on board," Max said, and gestured to P.J, who was just standing there.

"I couldn't care less," he said.

"That's the spirit."

They were down at the arcade. It was basically the only fun place in town. The Bean Scene was nice, but it wasn't fun. Mocha would argue against that statement, but Max wasn't sure she had the right to decide what was fun.
Max didn't think Bradley really knew how to have fun either. Well, without hurting someone else, at least. This would be good for him.

Reluctantly, Bobby and P.J followed Max and Bradley into the building. Bradley leaned over to talk with Max without the others hearing.
"I don't think you understand how much that clown and I don't get along," he said.

"Don't call him clown. And why do you guys even hate each other so much? You barely interacted last year. If anything we should hate each other," Max argued.

Bradley offered the smallest grin. "Yeah, but I always kinda thought you were cute."

Max smiled and shoved him away playfully, covering his reddened cheeks. "Stop. You didn't even answer the question."

Bradley glanced behind them. Bobby was busy ranting about something and P.J was pretending to listen. "I don't know, he's just so...dweebish. I guess," Bradley answered. He turned back to Max. "Definitely not someone I'd want to be seen hanging around."

"You're such a bully."

"Well it's not like he likes me either, so, at least it's mutual."

"Brad," Max groaned.

"You can't judge me too much. I have a reputation to uphold."

"Not anymore."

"What are you guys talking about up there?" P.J called.

"Wouldn't you like to know," Bradley responded. Max gave him a look. Bradley decided, for the sake of his and Max's newfound relationship, he would maybe try to get along with his stupid friends.
Bradley looked back at them. "We're talking about how I'm gonna kick Bobby's skinny ass at all these games," he said. Some, sort of friendly competition never hurt anybody.