After the X games Bradley hadn't been seen in a while. It's unknown how he had been doing and nobody really questioned his absence... until one day he was 'found'. Cover art owned by: @Cavee_zz on TikTok! (I don't own any of the characters) Warnings: Self harm Depression Mental health Swearing gore descriptions. Smut (kinda? Not really) This is a Ship book <3 #1 in angst 6th July 2024 (I love you)

"Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer," Niccolò Machiavelli. You could say that's what the two boys are doing, that's what they've convinced themselves of anyway. After a few "hangouts," they've grown fond of one another. Would it be possible to be just them? Could they forget the past and live on happily?

It's Max's sophomore year of college and Bradley's junior year. The two live very different college lives now. While Max and his trio are living it up, Bradley is trying his best to make it up to his favorite Gamma brother Tank by buying him food and finishing up Tank's chores. Lately everything has been falling apart for Bradley left to right and Max can't help but think he's a major plausible cause for this all happening to Bradley. So he tries to befriend the other to see if he's changed whatsoever. Little do both boys know that their "friendship" turns into something much more. Yet things take a terrible turn when Bradley's father finds out... Triggers may include: Self deprication Injuries Family issues Suicidal ideation Eating disorders

Posting it here because Ao3 is down :) They're complete opposites, one neat, one a mess- and they can't stand each other. Brad hates Max's smile, his eyes, the way his father supports him, did he mention he hates his smile? Most of all, he hates the confusing feelings Max causes. Max hates Brad's bratty antics, his ego, and those stupid bushy eyebrows that give away his emotions. They can't stand being around each other, and unfortunately they share a dorm too small for the two of them to share. Well, good thing the line between love and hate is so small, and it blurs after a few drinks. TW For the following content: Self-Harm Depression, Anxiety, Mental Health issues in gen Homophobia Racism Violence Sexual Themes (Smut) FANART FOR COVER IS BY @apyrrha ON TIKTOK Discord: https://discord.gg/ZqJgfm43xH