MaxNeil Oneshots

I'm still Me (part 1)

This takes place the summer after the events if the show.

Neil's P.O.V.

I can't believe it's summer again! Surprisingly, I'm actually excited to go back to camp. This time I'd be there the entire summer, unlike last year when I missed the first few weeks. I adjusted my backpack while waiting on the curb for the bus to arrive. My dad wanted to wait with me but I insisted that I'd be fine. Luckily he listened to me. For once. I let out a sigh I didn't know I was holding when I saw the familiar, beat up bus approach. I wondered what mayhem awaited us this year as I clumsily stepped onto the bus. Quartermaster still drove and he was definitely the same, so that was comforting. The bus was pretty much empty, I could recognize Nerris, Harrison and Space Kid. As I glanced around someone hopped up from the farthest back seat and started flailing their arms. Of course, it was Nikki. "Neil! Neil! Back here! Come sit by me!" She exclaimed excitedly while still swinging her arms to get my attention. I chuckled, shaking my head and walked to the back to sit in the seat next to her.

"Hey, Nik," I greeted. She smiled widely and hugged me, something that I'd have to get used to again. She was pretty much bouncing in her seat as we talked to fill the time. After a while of riding around was when I'd started to get slightly nervous. We'd already picked up Erid and Dolf, and from what I've heard from Nerris talking, Preston would likely be dropped off by his parents. That just left Max. Honestly, I was curious to see where he lived, 'cause then maybe we could meet up or something outside of camp. But I recognized where we were and Max wasn't a stop we'd had. I was hoping in the back of my mind that he would just be dropped off by his parents as well, but a part of me knew that it was unlikely. Max's parents didn't really seem like the type to go out of their way like that. Nikki didn't really seem to be bothered, gazing out the window at the scenery. I wanted to ask about it, but I figured that I would make me sound paranoid so I didn't bring it up. We were close, we could all feel it. Or smell it really. Most people would call the odor unfathomable, but you learn to love it. Almost.

The bus stopped and QM immediately stepped off. I felt a little sad now that I was fairly certain that Max wouldn't be at camp this year. I wondered if things would even be chaotic without the little assh*le running around. Nerris was the first to hop off, Nikki and I last because of where we sat. I could hear a familiar cheerful voice greet us as we stepped off. "He-llo Campers! It's just great to see you all again!" Gwen remained quiet, but waved with a smile. "Now you've all been here before," David started, "So go ahead and choose your tents and drop your stuff off. Meet us in the Mess Hall shortly. We've got a surpri-ise!" Gwen shook her head but I could tell she was just amused. Both of the councilors went to the Mess Hall so I started walking in the direction of where the tents were last year. Everyone seemed to be claiming the same tents. I shrugged to myself and walked into the familiarly placed tent. When I popped my head in though, there was stuff on the other cot. I raise my eyebrow and plopped my stuff onto the other. Guess I have a new roommate. I thought begrudgingly. Yay.

Nikki was waiting outside for me, so I naturally joined beside her as she started towards the Hall. It was as if nothing had changed, no time had passed. The knowledge that Max wouldn't be here left me pretty bummed, and I didn't really feel like talking. Sure, I had missed everyone, at least a little bit, but it just wouldn't be the same. We entered the building, first ones there actually, and I couldn't help but let out a surprised gasp. Sitting at one of the picnic tables was Max. He was messing with something that looked like a stress ball. Maybe this summer wouldn't be so boring after all. What struck me as odd, though, was that he was wearing extremely dark sunglasses. Inside. I eagerly jogged to his side. He seemed to give no reaction. "Hey, Max!" I smiled and he gave his signature smirk that should really be copyrighted by now. He tilted his head toward me, "Aye, Nerd. Glad you could make it." Nikki soon ran up to join us and gave Max a tight hug making him flinch and stiffen. Nikki didn't notice, "Max, oh my god it's been way too f*cking long!" Max seemed to relax a small bit, at least as much as you can when your bones are on the verge of breaking.