Maxie dreaded this day. It shouldn't even be considered special! Under normal circumstances anyway, but this was Team Aqua he was speaking of. Specifically their leader, Archie, who just loved this excuse to pull any and all pranks he could think of.
All harmless misfortunes were amped up to 120% on ANYONE he could get. Every year having a contest to see who could possibly beat the pirate that no one had been able to challenge.
Sure Maxie had a sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh or prank. It's just that the top three Aquas were always in on this contest, and they ALWAYS managed to take it one step too far. Every year.
The only real good it had caused was last year's contest, by some turn of events, ended up with the larger one Matt confessing to his admin Tabitha. He knew his right hand fancied the man and was pleased the other's feelings were reciprocated. They were becoming much more serious the last time he saw them, so at least there was that.
"Mail for you sir." A grunt chirped happily. His grunts were doing their own pranks too, but only after work was taken care of. He didn't want any accidents taking place.
Maxie didn't bother sitting down least he be sent back to primary school brand pranking. He picked up the letter carefully. Shaking it slightly to make sure it wasn't rigged. Like a glitter bomb.
Archie still never forgave him for the one time he actually participated in the game at the last moment, and painted his old rival's face and clothing with multicolor glitter in an exploding package. Which took months to remove if the cleaning bill the sore loser kept sending him was any proof.
"A...letter?" A love letter from the stationary type and design. Addressed to him and 'signed' by Team Aqua's leader of course. He scanned it over before reading through it. Whoever had wrote it had done a rather impressive job copying Archie's handwriting. Somewhat.
It was worded simply but held heavy fondness, speaking of how they saw him ('amazing' and 'flawless,' how cliche) but the font they used was too perfect. Too clear and nothing like the normally bold and rushed handwriting Maxie had been forced to read in reports.
He narrowed his eyes as it continued into their declaration of love. Pointing out his physical as well as mental 'beauty' before ending on asking for forgiveness of what they had done to one another and possibly turning over a new leaf with dinner and stargazing. All in all, 8 out of 10 on the accuracy.
"Nice try-"
Suddenly his door swung open violently, a heavily panting and red as a beet Archie forcing himself into his office.
"If you're trying to hid from your friends, you're not-
"Did Shelly give that to you?!" His voice came out strained, almost painful with his rapid breathing.
"It was on my desk." Maxie shrugged. "A 'love letter.' Most likely a joke for-"
Archie didn't let him finish, instead stomping over to him and ripping the letter out of his hand. "It's nothing!" He turned on his heels and ran out into the hall. Ears burnt beyond red and cursing his admin to high heaven.
With the silence after such a...incident, Maxie stood still in stunned thought. The door swung a bit still from being abused in such a small amount of time. He felt his hand cover his mouth as the realization of what the hell just happened hit him.
His face turned crimson and he sat on the edge of his couch. So...
...Shelly won again this year.
