How Long Will This Last? (Maxley)

Quicksand

As Max waited for Bradley, he racked his brain for things he would say. It was all a misunderstanding, and he just needed Bradley to hear him out. Of course there was always the chance that Bradley didn't want to listen, or he just didn't believe him. And Max didn't want to think about what would happen if that was the case.
They had just barely started their relationship, and if this stupid mess was the reason it ended, Max would be more than a little furious.

As he paced around the room he suddenly heard the doorknob shift, and in came Bradley, completely unsuspecting. He stood in the doorway, staring eyes wide. They hadn't seen each other for a week. Max stared back. It took everything in him to not run into Bradley's arms.

Bradley's hand was still holding the doorknob. He could shut the door and run away at the drop of a hat. He didn't have to look back once he was gone.
"What are you doing here?" He asked.

"We need to talk," Max said.

"No, I don't want to hear what you have to say. You made me feel like an idiot, Max."

Max tried to take a step forward but Bradley took one back. Max stopped in hopes he'd stay. "Please. It was all a complete misunderstanding. You know I don't like her."

"Do I?" Bradley's eyebrows furrowed and he crossed his arms.

Max's heart sank at his words. "Don't you?"

Bradley looked to the ground. "I don't know."

There was silence between them. Bradley thought about telling Max to leave but he couldn't bring himself to. Because in truth he didn't want Max to go. He wanted him to stay. Bradley wanted everything to be alright, just like it was the week before. He wanted to believe Max.
Max picked up the bouquet that he had set down on Bradley's bed.

"These are for you," he said.

Bradley was quiet for a moment. "You got me flowers?" Max only nodded. "That's corny, even for you, Max."

"I know."

Bradley would never admit it aloud, but his heart did soften at the stupidly romantic gesture. Reluctantly, he asked, "How did I misunderstand the situation? I saw you two kissing."

"She kissed me," Max defended. "Bobby told her to."

"Why would he do that?" Bradley questioned, thinking Max was spewing bullshit.

"Because he doesn't like you. He wanted you to see me with her. He thought I could do better."

"Wow, that's so great to hear," Bradley said sarcastically, giving a nasty eye roll. He scowled.

Max took a step forward. Bradley didn't move, and relief washed over Max. "But I talked to him. I think he realizes now."

"Realizes what?" Bradley asked with a brow raised, his expression still hard.

Max took another few steps forward before answering. He handed the bouquet to Bradley. "That I love you."

All the negativity fled from Bradley's face. Both his eyebrows were now lifted and his eyes had once again gone wide. His sassily crossed arms began to unfold and fall at his sides. His cheeks warmed and became red.
It took him a moment to respond. He looked at the ground. "You-," he struggled to find words, "we've barely been dating for two weeks. You can't love me," he said, his face only reddening.

"I do, Bradley," Max assured. He made sure to use his full name rather than Brad. Max was serious and he needed Bradley to know that. "I love being around you. As of right now, you're like my favorite person. And when we're not together," Max shrugged, and his tone became more sheepish, "I don't know, I miss you. A lot. I wanna be with you. This past week his been shit because I was too much of a coward to talk to you. To make things right. But I am now, and I hope you believe me."