the devil is a white boy with blue eyes, this i know to be true amen
Max silly headcanons - Doesn't take responsibility for his actions, Very dramatic, often does things just to stir up drama, Posts on social media constantly, Has a goofy sounding laugh, Smells like Football Season (bbw fragrence)
Prompt Idea: @grimdarkpixels Julian: He beats himself up over this. His visits to the gym are more frequent, trying to get rid of excess anger. What could he have done to keep them there? Why would they leave in the first place? Are they coming back? The next person to anger him is going to get an uppercut to the jaw. That person is almost the one who interrupts his workout one day. Julian's fist balled, he turns. Just as quick as he raised it, it flies back to his side, "You came back." Mia: She only goes through three of the stages of grief. The first day or so, Mia insists it's a sick joke and that the MC will have their ear chewed off for this. She combines the next two phases, using her temper to cover up how horrible she feels inside. She doesn't talk to anyone for weeks, and if they talk to her they get an earful. Unless they can bring the MC back, Mia doesn't want to hear it. Leaving cheer practice early, Mia walks towards her car. She sees someone sitting on the hood of her car, and Mia drops her bag. She runs and grabs their hands, pulling them into a hug. "How dare you! If I wasn't so happy, you'd be in for it!" But for now she's just relieved everything is the way it should be. Wes: He skips school for a bit. Wes is rumored to be scheming all over town, searching and asking around. Every dead end hurts him more, but no one could tell. After a sleepless night, he visits one last lead. Standing alone, the MC faces away from him. Wes walks quietly beside them. A sly smirk grows on his face. Staring at the sunrise together, he whispers "Just take me with you next time okay?" Payton: This is one of the rare occasions Payton doesn't dress up or wear much makeup or any at all to school. No parties are held while the MC is missing. Her eyes are puffy from days and nights spent sobbing into her pillow. The person who did so much for her has left, without so much as a word. Is it her fault? Could she have stopped them? The very thought puts her into another fit of crying. At first, she tried to put on a happy face for everyone. Eventually even that was too much for Payton. Someone managed to get Payton to come along shopping, one of the things she hadn't done since MC left. Browsing the racks, she recognized the bag with a keychain she had made for all her friends. "YOU'RE BACK! Oh my goodness." The end she mutters into the back of the MC. They turn and give her a hug back. She doesn't even wait for an explanation as she details all the things they are going to do now that the MC is back. Ezra: He still performs, but uses every chance to ask the crowd if they've seen the MC. Ezra passes on the info to Wes, trusting he will be successful. After one of his shows, he packs his things and sits slumped over on the stage. His head hangs, eyes closed. When he opens them, two feet stand in front of them. "Talk about a reunion show." The person laughs at their own joke. Ezra grabs them for a side hug, squeezing the MC just uncomfortably tight. "It's about time." Sakura: Just looking at her, no one would know she was upset. But Sakura was mad. Mad at the world for letting this happen. Mad at the MC for leaving her. Mad at herself for not stopping them. Nishan assures Sakura the probability of her being able to prevent it is small. She gets mad at him, but her body can't take much more anger. It all rushes out in a tantrum during lunch. With all the shouting and throwing things, you would've thought it was a war zone. After a session with the school counselor, Sakura grumbles into the hall. She bumps into someone by the lockers. "HEY WATCH I-" She cuts herself short. "That wasn't fair. You can't just leave." Nishan: As the days pass by, Nishan's grades begin to suffer. Many people would be happy with a low A or high B, but that's failure in his eyes. He's been so preoccupied trying to solve what was going on, he barely had time to study. The teachers noticed, and after a consultation Nishan mumbled an apology and promise to do better. He didn't understand. It was the one problem he couldn't solve. "Come on, dude. A B?? In math?" Nishan looked up at the voice. The MC held a tossed out homework sheet, shaking their head. "I- uh sorry. Maybe you can help me with some answers though." Nishan stuttered with wide eyes at his friend. Koh: This isn't anything new to Koh. She has pulled this same stunt herself. It does feel weird, since she wouldn't expect it from the MC. Normally they let everyone know what's going on. It isn't like them to just drop everything and disappear. Koh tries to give them space and let them work it out while everyone freaks out. She's pretty relieved when they show back at school the next day. "Come on, tell me when you go on adventures. I bet it would've been more fun with me." Ace: The MC and Ace weren't always on the best of terms, but it didn't mean he did not care now. Ace was convinced it was his fault. He was also convinced he was the only one who could fix it. The halls were filled with "Have You Seen Me?" posters and details to get in touch with Ace. He would never forgive himself if they were in trouble and he didn't stop it. Everyone noticed the bags under his eyes from nights spent thinking over every possibility. "It's not your fault." That voice shook Ace. He turned at his desk to see the MC , back where they belonged. Right here. Max: He didn't want to admit something bad might happen to the MC. He messed with them sure, but this was serious. What if they don't come back? Max pretended he didn't care. "Good riddance." But he always asked Mia if they were back. He tried to keep himself busy with practice, too afraid to think it might be his doing. Maybe he pushed them too far? After all, it's not like Max hates them. Mia came home, ecstatic. She smiled broadly, saying how the MC was finally back. Max grinned to himself relieved. "Whatever." Autumn: Everybody needs time alone sometimes. Right? That's what Autumn tried to tell herself. But days kept passing, and still no sign of the MC. What if something terrible happened? "No, we wouldn't allow it." Still Autumn sent voicemail after voicemail, staring at her phone. Soon, Autumn couldn't bring herself to finish a painting. She began to pack up when her phone dinged. A picture of the MC smiling in front of the school popped up on her phone.
Julian: The second he notices the MC with tears, he clears the area for a private talk. He pulls them close and tight. Julian rubs the MC's back until he feels their breathing even out. He knows what it's like to not want to talk about an issue, so he lets them speak up whenever the are ready. Mia: Only someone as special as the MC gets to cry on the shoulder of Mia Warren. She holds them, trying to use her hug to keep away the bad like a shield. Mia lets a secret tear out. Only the best earn her crying, and the MC is one of the best in her book. Wes: "Hey, what's wrong?" A gentle hand reaches the MC's upper arm. Whether they answer or not, Wes holds the MC's hand. He squeezes it tighter if their condition worsens. Wes lets them cry it out, hoping they fall asleep and forget their troubles. At least for a little while. Payton: All of her plans are canceled when she learns the MC needs her help. Payton makes it her mission to turn this day around for them. Petting animals, watching their favorite movies, and soothing facials are just pieces of the day she has planned. Ezra: As a kid, his mom sang him a song to cheer him up. He teaches the MC all the words as 1) a way to take their mind of the pain and 2) a coping mechanism if he wasn't their next time. Before Ezra leaves, he gives them a tight hug, whispering the words under his breath. Sakura: Sure, she's the toughest teen right after Koh, but tears always feel personal for Sakura. Every champion has an off day, and it's better out with friends than in front of your enemies. Sakura offers advice, wanted or not, but the MC knows it just means she's trying to control a tough situation as best as she can. Nishan: He tries to pretend nothing is happening and treats the MC totally normal. When that doesn't work, Nishan tries to explain the science behind crying. The human factor of it is always what makes it difficult for him. Koh: This is a new one. Normally, Koh makes people cry, not trying to stop them from it. She doesn't know what to say except, "You need anything?" Koh tries to serve as more of a comforting shadow until she is thinks they feel a bit better. She has an appointment with whoever made them like that. Ace: Since he was a kid, Ace has been good at hiding his emotions and keeping a straight face. He sighs, disappointed he let his personal feelings get the best of him. The MC throws their arms over him, startling Ace. With their head buried in his shoulder, Ace cries for himself, quietly so no one can hear and hidden with the more obvious MC stealing others' gazes. Max: At first he thinks he did this to them. He apologizes casually, trying to keep it low key. Whether it was his fault or not, the MC continues to look upset. Sucking up his 'pride', Max rubs their back. He checks to make sure no one will see him in such a compromising position. That doesn't mean he does not care. Autumn: She doesn't say anything. Autumn kneels down, grabbing the MC's hand. She pulls a pen out of her pocket and starts doodling on their hand. Remembering from a while back, Autumn creates an intricate design of their favorite animal. When she finishes, Autumn just smiles lovingly.
I call it the Warren Smirk!! Mwhahaha brilliant! I drew Mia and then I was gonna draw more girls because...girls...but then I was like let's draw the brother!
Title: Teams of Tolerance (Part 1)
Pairing: MCxMax, Max Warren, Alivianna Verrocchio
Genre: Romance
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Parks High (MC’s school) and Hearst High are trying something new. A joint field day of sorts, with a grand award ceremony like the olympics and a partner of your choosing. There’s only one catch. In order for the games to not be school against school, as they had been too often in the past, one partner needs to be from Parks High and one needs to be from Hearst.
“So, who do you think you’ll partner up with?” Liv asked Nishan as they walked across the lengthy Parks football field over to Hearst High’s field, where field day would be taking place. Nishan shrugged.
“I-I actually was considering Kara, but I doubt Sakura would like that.” He said timidly. Liv smirked. Nishan pulls all the bitches.
“Oh, the hardships of having two very beautiful and different girls interested in you.” Liv teased. Nishan blushed lightly and shrugged again. Then, a strong arm swung itself over Liv’s shoulder, taking her by surprise. She turned her head to see none other than Max Warren.
“Speaking of beautiful,” he smirked, “who’s your partner?” Liv was confused. Was he flirting with her? I thought that he despised me.
“I don’t have one yet…” She said, but she realized her mistake as she saw his smirk grow wider. “I mean, I do! Yeah, I-”
“You’re right, dollface,” he leaned closer to her face, “it’s me.” Liv swallowed before turning her head away and kept walking again. Max walked after her.
“I hope you’re as athletic as you look.” He commented as they walked in silence. Liv could practically feel Nishan’s fear, and to be honest, she was a bit scared too. Why was Max Warren flirting with her?
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Liv retorted, crossing her arms.
“It means that you’ve got a fit physique. Some might take that as a compliment.” Max said flatly. “Of course, that is to be expected of anyone I am involved with.” He smirked again.
“Don’t make me vomit.” Liv grimaced. “I’m only being your partner because you’re a jock. In no way are we involved beyond that. Got it?” She gave him a hard look. Max laughed.
“Sweetheart, you wish I wanted to be involved with you.” He laughed. Liv rolled her eyes and kept walking. “But you’re the queen of Parks and I’m the king of Hearst, it only makes sense.”
“For us to date?” Liv snorted. “No. It really doesn’t.”
“For us to be partners.” He grabbed her arm, holding her back, and looked at Nishan. “Scram.” Nishan didn’t need to be told twice, and said goodbye to Liv before scampering off. Max looked back at her. “Listen, you and me together, we’ve got the biggest shot at winning. The only other person worth wasting time on at Parks is Julian, and we all know he’s not that good at football anyway, so who’s to say he’ll do well in assorted sports games?”
Liv jerked her arm away, scowling. “Julian is good at football. He’s my friend and if you’re going to spend today bagging on my friends then just keep walking because I’m not tolerating it.”
“But Livvy, aren’t these teams of tolerance?” Max smirked. “You have to tolerate me. That’s the whole point.”
“Fine.” Liv huffed. “I’ll tolerate you, but please just… Don’t be rude.” She sighed, walking towards the field once again. Max rolled his eyes and began walking with her.
“What’s first?” Liv asked, looking over Max’s shoulder at their schedule of events. He turned around in his chair, looking up at her.
“If you’re trying to smell my cologne all you have to do is ask.” He smirked. Liv groaned and stood up. “The three-legged race is first.” He said.
“Great. We’ll literally be joined at the hip.” Liv deadpanned, sitting down next to him. “What are my friends going to say when they see that I’m partners with you?”
“That you’re lucky.” He said. Liv smacked him on the arm. “Nice try, Livvy-kins. Guns of steel.” He flexed his arms, kissing them.
“It’s amazing you have enough room for me to sit next to you. You know, since you’re always carrying your inflated ego around.” Liv said.
“Very funny.” Max said sarcastically, putting his arms back down at his sides. He accidentally put his hand too close to her, his knuckle grazing against the side of her thigh. She wondered if he knew it was there. Max was well aware, however, and too proud to pull it away and apologize.
“What will your friends say?” Liv asked, looking over at him. He shrugged and looked out at the field before them where some boys from Hearst were warming up, playing football.
“They’re not going to say anything.” He said. “I could be partners with Nishan and they’d still tell me it was a good idea and they wish they’d thought of it.” Liv smacked him on the arm again. The very arm that was still touching her thigh. He recoiled, holding his arm in his other hand. “Jesus, what now?”
“I said not to talk about my friends.” Liv said in an annoyed tone. Max resisted rolling his eyes. You just have to get along with her for one day, he told himself.
“Sorry. I forgot.” He said shortly, and Liv raised her eyebrows in surprise. “What?” He asked defensively. She shook her head, looking away. “What?” He asked again, a bit more forcefully.
“You’ve said much worse and never apologized, that’s all.” She said quietly. Max exhaled and looked away also. Way to make me feel like shit, he thought.
“Let’s just go to the race.” He said, standing up and starting to walk towards the group of teams who were tying their legs together. Liv stood up and began to walk also, but not beside him. Behind him, more on a diagonal. “You walk so slowly. We better not lose because of you.”
“You think slowly. If we lose anything it’ll be because of you and that genius brain of yours.” Liv retorted. Max exhaled slowly, trying to keep his cool. She just knew how to push his buttons, didn’t she?
“Just keep up.” He spat, walking faster. Liv walked at the exact same speed as before, in fact, a bit slower. “Speed up! Come on!” Max groaned.
“No, you keep going, champ. I walk ’so slowly.’” She put air quotes around the words ‘so slowly’ and Max’s eye twitched in annoyance.
“Don’t be immature, Alivianna. Just walk faster.” He said as calmly as he could and marched straight to the activity, picking up a rope. Liv met him there soon, arms crossed and bitch-face fully on. “Don’t look so excited.” Max narrowed his eyes at her.
She smiled a sugary-sweet fake smile. “Let’s just tie this stupid knot.” She said in a fake sugary-sweet voice. Max sat down, putting one leg out to tie it.
“Are you going to sit down?” Max looked up at her expectantly. She just looked down and raised an eyebrow. “Fine. I’ll tie it with you standing.” He scowled, wrapping the rope around both of their ankles repeatedly as he tied the knot.
“Be careful!” Liv said. “You’re pulling on my leg.” She could feel herself losing her balance as it was, standing on one leg.
“I’m being care-” He spoke too soon, because Liv lost her balance right then. Max instinctively grabbed her waist, holding her up so she wouldn’t fall, standing himself despite their legs being connected. He held her for a moment too long, and Liv cleared her throat. Max dropped her hands, looking away and wishing he could step away. “Sorry.”
“Thanks.” Liv said at the same time that he said sorry. “It’s fine.”
“No problem.” They said in unison again. Liv laughed and looked over towards the race. Max felt something fluttering in his stomach at the sound of her laugh and immediately frowned. No. No way. Not her, he thought. “Let’s go to the starting line.” Liv said, pulling him out of his thoughts. They carefully walked towards the line together, getting the hang of the movements.
Once or twice Liv would stumble and nearly fall, grabbing onto Max’s bicep for support. “If you wanted an excuse to feel my muscles,” he said, flexing again, “all you had to do was ask.”
She squeezed the impressive muscles of his upper arm. “Hmm. Funny. There are none.” She said casually. Max glared at her, but saw she was trying to hold in a smile. He looked away, trying to hide one himself.
They reached the starting line, standing alongside other pairs of three-legged runners. Max bit the inside of his cheek before holding his hand up. “What?” Liv asked. “I don’t have gum.”
“No, uh, I was- I, um… It was…” He couldn’t manage to form a complete sentence for some reason and believe me, he was chewing himself out in his mind. Brutally. “To hold my hand.” He said shortly.
Liv’s eyes widened as a grin spread across her face. “Aw, Maxie, you want to hold my hand?” She teased, watching his face turn red. In that exact moment, she could feel herself growing attracted to Max. For some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to care.
He put his hand down in embarrassment and looked away. That is, until a second or two later when he felt a hand wrap around his wrist and bring his arm back up, before they laced their fingers with his. He looked over at Liv, who was looking in front of them at the activity director, once again holding back a smile. He looked down at their hands, then back up at the activity director.
The director shot their gun in the air, and all of the pairs started moving. Liv and Max moved smoothly, practically skipping through the freshly cut grass to the yellow line on the other side. Liv felt herself losing balance for a moment, and squeezed Max’s hand for support. He squeezed hers back.
They somehow managed to make it to the finish line first. Liv breathed deeply, being out of breath after the activity. Max, however, cheered loudly and held up their hands (which were still interlocked). “Winners!” He shouted. He let go of her hand finally, and it dropped to her side. Liv squatted down and started to untie the rope while Max continued to cheer. The runner-ups crossed the finish line as Liv and Max’s rope dropped to the ground. “We make a good team.” He said. “Just like I thought.”
“That we do.” Liv nodded, high fiving him. “What’s next?” She asked. Max pulled the schedule out of his pocket and looked down at it, his eyebrows furrowing. “What?” Liv asked cautiously.
“Water volleyball.” Max said slowly. “What the hell is water volleyball?” He scoffed, shoving the schedule back in his pocket. Liv shrugged and turned towards Hearst High, which had the pool they’d be using in it.
“Come on, this will be fun.” Liv grinned before walking towards the building. Max grumbled something about volleyball being a 'ground sport’ before following behind.
Max stood in the pool with his friends from the football team waiting for the girls to get changed playing volleyball amongst themselves. “Yo, Max, you said Liv was your partner?” His friend Drew asked.
“Yeah, why?” Max asked, a bit distracted as he set the volleyball over the net to his other friend Kevin.
Drew just nodded his head towards the door to the girls changing room and smirked. Max gave him a weird look before also turning around.
Liv stood by the door, chatting with a girl named Sasha from Parks’ glee club, in a bikini. Max spent a moment ogling at her. “Shit.” He cursed under his breath as he felt his swimming trunks grow tighter. There was no way in hell he’d be getting out of this pool any time soon.
Liv noticed Max and waved, turned and said something to Sasha, then started walking towards the pool. Would she notice? Hopefully not. Probably not. Right? Could anyone notice? Max swallowed hard before saying “Get your ass in the pool already, we’ve been playing without you for 20 minutes.”
Liv glared at him and sat at the edge of the pool, lowering herself in. “You’re an asshole.” She sneered, grabbing the ball from him. Max turned around quickly. Just in case. “Zero serving zero!” She called, serving the ball. It soared over the net and hit the water as the other team missed it. Max looked back at her in surprise.
“You’re actually good at this?” He asked, astonished. Liv shrugged and caught the ball as they tossed it to her over the net.
“One serving zero!” She called again.
The game went on as the rules for teams stated. Each team who missed the ball when it came to them, messed up their serve, or hit it out of bounds or into the net was out. It was down to Liv and Max, and Drew and Sasha. Liv served and everyone watched as the ball soared through the air-
-Drew jumped to hit it-
-and landed in the water, the ball splashing behind him.
Liv jumped, screaming “Yes!” Volleyball had always been her thing, and this was one of the things she was highly competitive in. Max turned around and high fived her with both hands, and for the first time she truly saw his sculpted abs. “Whoa.” She said quietly to herself.
“What?” Max asked, unable to hear her over the people talking and the water splashing around them. Liv looked back up, blushing lightly.
“Nothing.” She shook her head. Max gave her a look but decided to let it go. Thankfully, that had gone away so he was able to climb out of the pool. But just as he was about to-
“Warren! Liv!” Drew called from the other side of the pool. “You guys want to play chicken really quick?” He asked, his torso glistening with water droplets.
“Dude, that game is for middle schoolers.” Max snorted. Liv splashed him.
“Shut up!” She said. Max wiped water from his eyes, glaring at Liv. “Let’s play.” She smiled, and so did Sasha. Drew bent down to put Sasha over his shoulders, but she stopped him.
“Wait.” She said, looking at Liv and giving her a knowing grin. “Boys versus girls.” Liv gave her the same kind of grin.
“Why would you ever want that?” Max chuckled. “We’ll crush you in thirty seconds flat.” He swam over to Drew, giving him a high five. Sasha swam to Liv, smirking.
“If you’re so sure,” Liv jumped onto Sasha’s shoulders, “then bring it.” Max rolled his eyes, jumping onto Drew’s shoulders.
“One… Two… Three!” Sasha chanted, and Liv leaned as far as she could without falling and shoved Max’s shoulders. Max did the same back to her. They pushed at each other until they had both grabbed each others arms, each one struggling against the other. Then, Liv let go of him, and before he could push her, she started to tickle him. He immediately fell back, grabbing his side. Liv laughed as Drew went under with him. She got off of Sasha’s shoulders and smirked, waiting for Max to come back up.
He came back up, gasping for air. “How… Did you know…” He asked angrily.
“One time when he were planning to prank Hearst I asked Mia what your weaknesses were and she said you were super ticklish.” Liv giggled. “So, naturally, my entire school will always be using that against you.”
“I’m gonna kill her.” He muttered, then looked up and pointed angrily at Liv. “So you’re the one who put all those feathers in my shirt?” He asked. She only shrugged and giggled a bit more, climbing out of the pool. Sasha followed behind.
“Get ready. We have the obstacle course.” Liv said before turning around and entering the locker room again. Max was annoyed, but damn, it was hard to stay mad at someone who looked that good.
“Holy shit.” Liv gasped as they approached the obstacle course. “This is… Yikes.” She looked around. There were tires laid out that you have to run through, hurdles to jump over, a rock wall to climb up, and a zip line to glide down before the finish line. “Is this even legal?”
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure.” Max shrugged. “This is awesome! Let’s go!” He yelled, clapping his hands and running over to the obstacle course. Liv walked after him, nerves blooming in her stomach at the tall rock wall. It was at least 13 feet tall. At least. Most likely more.
“Max and Liv?” Liv turned around to see Julian and Kara standing together. She widened her eyes in surprise. “You guys are partners?” Julian asked.
“Hey!” She smiled, hugging Julian. “Oh, uh, yeah. I tested the ticklish theory, by the way.” She nudged Max, who scowled and crossed his arms. “You’re partners with Kara?”
“Yeah, why? Is that a problem?” Kara narrowed her eyes at Liv. Liv gave her a weird look.
“Jesus. So much hostility.” Liv said cautiously. “No, I just thought you’d be partners with Nishan. Guess I was wrong.”
“You usually are.” Kara snapped.
“Cool it, Kar.” Max said. They glared at each other for a moment, tension thick in the air. Liv turned back to Julian.
“Want to go against each other?” She asked, grinning. “I might even let you win.” She winked.
“Sure.” Julian smiled. “And please do. Kara and I haven’t gotten in first place one. She says she doesn’t want to sweat.” He sighed.
“I think I’m willing to break a sweat now.” She said icily, still glaring at Max. Liv shifted her weight awkwardly. No one knew what to say.
“So, um, I’ll be at the starting line.” She finally said, breaking the silence. “Julian, wanna come?” Julian nodded immediately, retreating to the starting line. The gunshot went off, and Liv went running. She brought her knees up and down, up and down, through the tires. Then she ran at the hurdles. She jumped over them, nearly knocking one over, but it just wobbled and remained up. She took off running again for the rock wall, maybe a second or two before Julian.
In the distance she faintly heard Kara screaming “Can you stop staring at her for thirty seconds and listen to me when I’m speaking?!” She bit her lip to keep from smiling, but it didn’t work. She scurried her way up the rock wall, nearly slipping at one point. She and Julian reached the top at the same time, and Julian was about to go down the zip line. Liv knew that since he weighed more he’d go down faster. So she did what she had to do to win.
“Julian!” She screamed. He looked at her, afraid she was about to fall. She pointed past him. “Autumn in a bikini!” Julian couldn’t help it. He had to look. And in the split second he spent looking and turning back to yell at Liv, she was gliding down the zip line.
Liv reached the bottom two seconds before Julian did, cheering the whole way down. “I win! You lose! I win! You lose!” She chanted, dancing.
“I think I just might cry.” Julian sniffled. Liv laughed and held her arms open. “Bring it in big guy, there’s no shame here.” Julian fake cried on her shoulder. She patted his back.
Max reached the top of the rock wall before Kara. He froze for a second when he saw Julian and Liv in some kind of embrace, but he knew he had to win. He glided down the zip line, jumping off a bit early at the end and walking past the finish line. Liv and Julian stopping hugging and Liv walked over to him.
“Nice job,” she grinned, “we both won.” Max didn’t smile back.
“Great.” He said flatly. Liv blinked. Why was he being so… Max? However, little did she know of the conversation that Max and Kara had just had.
“You’re into her, aren’t you?” Kara asked, her green eyes piercing into Max’s soul. He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.
“I- what? No.” He scoffed. “Of course I don’t.” His palms began to sweat.
“Really?” Kara crossed her arms. “Because I’ve been watching you guys this whole day. I was in the gym next door to the pool room and I was on the field while you did that race.”
“First of all, stop stalking me. Second of all, that doesn’t mean anything.” He said.
“Max, you barely ever even let me hold your hand.” Kara replied.
“That’s because you have sweaty hands.” Max said defensively.
“Fine. Whatever. Why do you stare at her lips when she talks?” Kara asked. Max was a bit taken aback by that. Did he do that? He didn’t know.
“I don’t.” He crossed his arms also, looking towards her as she climbed up the rock wall.
“Can you stop staring at her for thirty seconds and listen to me when I’m speaking?!” Kara cried. Max reluctantly looked back at Kara. “It’s a waste of your time, big guy. I heard that she’s got it bad for Julian.”
“She can have it 'bad’ for him. I don’t care.” He said unconvincingly, looking back towards the rock wall. He looked just in time to see Liv trick Julian into looking away so she’d have more time to go. He smiled involuntarily.
“Oh Max,” Kara sighed, placing her hand on his shoulder, “it pains me to see you like this.”
“Like what?” He shrugged her hand off of him.
“A pathetic little lover-boy, hopelessly pining after some basic, average girl with a crush on another boy.” Max opened his mouth to respond, but she kept talking. “Come on, Max. You’re hot, rich, popular, athletic, and what is Liv? Crafty?” Kara snorted.
He wanted to defend her. To tell Kara that he just had a little crush on her and that she’s being dramatic. To tell Kara that Liv is smart, kind, athletic, and entertaining. But instead, he said “It doesn’t matter what she is. I don’t give a-” The gunshot rang out, and Max went off running immediately.
“The awards ceremony starts soon.” Liv said, checking the time on her phone. “We should probably go over there.” Max scowled when he saw her lockscreen. It was Payton, Wes, Julian, and Liv. Julian had his arm around her waist. She locked her phone again, pocketing it and looking up at Max. “You good?”
“I’m great.” He said sarcastically. “I’ve just been around Parks people for too long.” Liv frowned.
“What? Afraid that nice people will turn you nice?” She asked. Max rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest. “I think you’ll be enlightened to hear you are beyond repair.”
“Like I care.” Max scoffed. Liv turned away, composing herself so that she wouldn’t go apeshit on this boy just to have him ask 'is it that time of the month?’
“Okay.” Liv said calmly. “Let’s just go.” She started to walk out of the gym back to the field where the awards ceremony was. She and Max walked together in silence. That is, until her phone started to ring.
“Is that Julian?” The question flew out of Max’s mouth before he could stop himself.
Liv wasn’t phased by it though. “No, it’s Payton.” She answered before taking the call. “Hey.” Pause. “Yeah, I-” Pause. “Wait, what?” Pause. “She told you that?” Pause. “You know we can’t trust her.” Pause. “No! No way.” Pause. “Payton. No. Now I have to go.” She sighed and hung up the phone.
“What was that about?” Max asked out of curiosity. Liv put her phone in her pocket again and kept walking.
“Nothing.” She said distractedly, deep in thought. Payton had called and asked Liv if she and Max liked each other and that Kara told her they were “all over each other” and “holding hands” and such. How would her friends react to those not-so-much rumors?
They walked to the awards ceremony in silence, both standing with their arms crossed amongst the crowd, waiting. “Third place,” Hearst High’s principal said into the microphone. Everyone silenced, waiting to hear the names. “Drew Newton and Sasha Gomez!” Liv and Max both clapped and Liv cheered for their friends. Sasha and Drew hugged and took their bronze medal, smiling. “Second place,” Liv bit her lip. “Justin Richter and Gregory Smith!” Two boys, one Liv recognized from Parks, went up and bro-hugged, patting each other on the back.
Max waited eagerly for her to announce first place. “First place,” He resisted the urge to grab Liv’s hand, “Alivianna Verrocchio and Max Warren!” Both schools went wild, cheering loudly as Max and Alivianna went up on the top of the podium. Liv smiled at the crowd, then turned to Max.
Then, in front of everyone, they hugged. Well, Max hugged Liv. He wrapped his arms around her waist, hoisting her into the air, taking her by surprise. But what took her a bit more by surprise is that she hugged him back. Then, almost immediately realizing that both of their entire schools were watching them, Liv let out a shocked “oh!” Max let her down immediately, scratching the back of his neck.
“I- um. I didn’t… Er, I-” He struggled to find words as his face turned red. What was he doing? He is Max Warren; starting quarterback of the varsity football team, most popular boy in Hearst High, and above all, he was a player. So why did he have a strange feeling in his stomach every time Liv smiled subconsciously and why did his heart skip a beat every time they touched?
She held up her hand, rescuing them from their awkward ordeal, and he gratefully gave her a high five. Liv couldn’t help but smile at the cocky smile on his face, it was contagious. He still had the faintest remains of a red face from blushing before and in this moment, despite all that has happened between them, Liv couldn’t help but feel the urge to just kiss that smirk off of his face.
But she turned back to the cheer crowd and Max held the medal in the air, cheering also. He leaned down and bro-fisted all of his friends and as Liv looked at Nishan in the crowd talking to Sakura, she swore she could see Kara staring at them. She looked towards Julian and Wes, who cheered for her and whistled. She laughed.
It came to an end soon enough, but Liv wasn’t sure why she felt a little disappointed that it was over so soon. She looked back and saw Max chatting up two girls from Hearst. She couldn’t say she was jealous, but she was definitely disappointed. “I can’t believe I thought…” She turned around and muttered to herself. She shook her head instead of finishing, beginning to walk back to Parks alone.
“Liv!” She heard someone call. She turned around as Max jogged towards her, the medal in his hand. She stood and waiting for him to catch up with her as everyone else went into the schools. “Here.” He held the medal out when he reached her.
She raised an eyebrow. “I thought that you deserved the medal because you’re the one that 'brought us to victory.’” She said.
“Yeah, I did.” He smirked. “But I thought you might want it.” Liv looked at the medal. She did want it, actually. It would look really good to put in the display case at Parks…
“Thanks.” She smiled, taking the medal from him. “I had fun today, believe it or not.”
“That’s because I’m always fun, baby.” He smirked. “You’ll see next week.”
“Next week?” She raised an eyebrow. Max nodded. “What’s next week?”
“Drew’s throwing a party.” Max said. “And I’m in charge of invites.” He winked at her. “So I’ll see you there.”
“Can I bring any of my friends?” She asked. Max frowned immediately. By 'friends’ do you mean Julian? he thought bitterly.
“Why? Don’t think you’ll have fun?” He asked. “Your school and my school don’t exactly mix well.”
“That’s my point.” She said. “I kinda don’t want to be the only Parks person in a party of all Hearst people…” He pulled his lips into a straight line, the corners of his mouth twitching. She looked nervous, like she was scared of the people from Hearst. And she had every right to be. Suddenly Max felt guilty.
“Yeah. You can bring a few friends.” He sniffed, shrugging as if it were nothing. Liv sighed in relief.
“Well, I’ll see you then.” Liv said, stepping backwards before turning away. “That is, unless you pop up at Parks and try to fuck everything up for everyone like always.”
He only felt guiltier. “I won’t.” He promised, but Liv just giggled and walked off, not knowing he was being completely serious.
I finished part 1 so quick omg… But yeah here it is my very first fic on tumblr that isn’t MCxHunt! I hope you all liked it I tried to make it as realistic as possible considering I just started the date. Thank you for reading!<3 PS I’m sorry about the boner thing but I imagine that to be very scary for males and damn does Max deserve it.
