Dear Diary (Maxley)

14

"Can you golf?" Benjamin asks with eyes that already know the answer, "Nevermind."

"Now, now, Ben, be a dear and teach him." Brad's mother gives Max a dainty smile, "He is your brother-in-law now. Be kind."

"Mother, I'm only sparing him humiliation." Benjamin's laugh is as irritating as ever, Max has heard it all week. "I doubt a mutt would have a comparable swing to mine or Father's."

"Yours is hardly anything to brag about." Brad is reading on the living room's couch, Max on the other side. They hadn't really spoken since their last call and it was eating away at Max's mind. Was he mad? He didn't look mad, or did he? Max couldn't tell! He wanted to ask but he couldn't...speak. Not when Brad's eyes met his. "You're staring."

"Sorry." Max's eyes dart away, face flushing and tail spinning in circles so fast Brad has to grab it to stop it. "Sorry-"

"Do you usually let him dominate you like this?" Brittney asks while walking in with a fine blue dress on her figure. Belle is beside her, along with Brad's other sister and brother- the twins. They have yet to notice Max and honestly he'd like to keep it that way.

"If by dominate you mean speak for himself, then yes." Max sits up a little taller, eyes narrowing. "He's not meant to just sit and look pretty."

"Well what else is he meant to do? Have your pups?" Benjamin tenses when he feels Max's pheromones, raising his hands in a mock surrender. "I'm asking a serious question, Mutt."

"Quit calling him that." Brad stands, motioning for Max to join him. He does and Brad takes his hand, "We're leaving."

"For a few hours. You know you'll be back, it's not an option to miss the gala-"

"Oh shut up, Belle. I don't need permission to go on a walk with him." Brad tugs Max along, jaw clenched as Max stays quiet. "Speak up for yourself next time."

"But-"

"They'll never take you seriously if you don't."

"They don't seem to take you seriously either," Max regrets saying it the moment those words leave his mouth. "I didn't mean-"

"Thanks for the reminder, Max." Brad lets go of his hand, stomping ahead. He doesn't stop when Max calls out for him, tears stinging his eyes. He needs...he needs to be out of this damn house.

A bench is in the center, made of mahogany wood and sturdy beneath Brad as he plops down on it. The garden is quiet besides the sounds of chirping birds and the hired gardeners tending to it, scissors snipping and clipping, pruning plants until they're perfect.

Everything has to be perfect here.

"Brad?" Max pauses when he sees the tear sneaking out of his eyes, "I'm sorry."

"You haven't done anything." Brad turns away, quickly wiping his face. "I'll be inside in a moment."

"But-"

"Max, I want to be alone."

Max's eyes drop, mind churning. He had done nothing but leave him alone since their call, he needed to be near him. He cautiously takes a step forward, then another, then another- he stops when Brad glances at him, tail wagging when their eyes meet. Brad rolls his eyes and pats the spot beside him, jumping when Max dives into it and wraps his arms around him. He smells so good and he's so warm, Brad can't help but melt, slump against him as he's held in a tight hug and covered in kisses.

"Max, enough-"

"Not enough! I've barely been able to touch you all week!" Whiny, he knows he's being petulant but he doesn't care. He buries his nose in the crook of Brad's neck, inhaling his scent. "Can't we...I just want to spend some time with you. I'm sorry, Brad, I didn't mean to be so bitchy on the phone."