Maxie's family was...unique. They were all contest stars, doctors, lawyers, CEOs; only the best of the best that dreamed of starting a family so the cycle could begin again. They were all outstanding citizens, hard workers and the life of whatever room they walked into.
His parents were no different. His father a manager for one of the most prestigious business firms in Hoenn while his mother was a retired world-class contest star. His cousin had gotten an acting contract at 8 years old, and signed off on the lease for her third mansion at 19. Another aced his medical license and couldn't keep hospitals from around the nation asking for an interview.
Something had went wrong for him and his siblings though. He had always felt out of place. That the level of perfection to be expected out of him once he was able to speak seemed unobtainable. He had tried; oh by everything in his entire being had he tried.
But then his oldest brother that could never fake how he felt or fake how much he hated being forced into a musical degree became a wandering spirit under the whispers of being a crime lord.
Then his other oldest, the bright twin who covered for his identical clone that pulled the wool off his eyes and disowned his family.
Both chasing what they desired and not being model children. Respectable adults. A perfect family.
Leaving all the expectation onto Maxie. The youngest, the baby.
"Max darling please remove those awful things." His mother sat across the table. Dressed nicely and smiling in that oh-so-kind manner that he felt shame burning into his cheeks as replaced his thick frames for the wire glasses she provided him. "Now, how have you been doing? Eating a proper diet?"
"I...yes mother." Maxie swallowed hard. "I've been doing well. What happened with the...everything, nothing was written on my records."
"Courtesy of the Champion yes? Good." Sipping her tea her eyes flickered up from her reflection in the liquid. "Have you made your choice yet?"
Right to the point...as always... He felt his mouth opening regardless of the fact he didn't have an answer. Rather, he did, but not one she would like. Which meant it wasn't an option.
"I-I..."
"Yo Maxie did ya get the-oh." As if on cue for a cruel joke Archie came bursting through his office door grinning ear to ear before his expression dropped. "Um...am I interruptin somethin here?"
"Oh my, Archibald is that you? My you've grown so much since I last saw you." His mother smile widened as she waved him over. Archie looked baffled as he walked slowly over to his side.
"Uh...Ma'am?"
"Archie." The name held more weight than he anticipated as he spoke. "Surely you remember my mother."
"Wh...holy- damn you really didn't age a day did ya?" The upturn of lips turned in a strained but amazed smile setting her at ease. Blushing a bit she laughed.
"Such a flatterer! You've grown into a handsome man too... be careful complimenting me like that; I'm faithfully married you know." They joked a bit as Maxie shifted uncomfortably. Dreading the next words that would surely come out of her mouth. "Please, sit down for awhile. Max and I were just talking about a few things."
"Well I was just-" Any arguments were hushed as he was seated next to him under a silent but expectant stare. His mother glowing with happiness when he adjusted awkwardly next Maxie with a cup of tea.
"I remember when you two were little Max use to be the taller one...ah how time flies..." Digging through her purse she pulled out 3 velvet picture holders. Each one with a different woman on the front that made his blood run cold. "Speaking of children..."
The man next to him arched an eyebrow as she place the three pictures in front of him. Her hand lingering on a specific one the redhead knew she preferred.
"So...who are these girls exactly?" Archie tried to ask casually as he took a drink from his cup.
"Bachelorettes, but once Max makes his choice one of them will be his bride." Maxie didn't look at the expression the pirate made when he choked on his tea. Nor responding to the proud tone his mother used.
"P-people still *cough* do those things? Arranged marriages?"
"It's a family tradition. Who knows you better than the people that raised you?" Yourself, for one. "Now, which will it be Max? You know I think Daisy would be the best choice although your father is fond of Yani. Always a sucker for the exotic types that one, but Daisy is a sweet and simple girl who would be more suitable to handle your eccentric tendencies. There's Trish too if you prefer the...out of the ordinary type. Very anti-conformity that one."
"Isn't that uh...shouldn't he have more time to-?"
"He isn't getting any younger." She cut off Archie with a twitch of a frown. "Now is the best time for marriage and within a year or two they'll have a little bundle of joy-"
"Mother. If I may, what if..." Maxie took a deep breath. Like all attention was on him, he felt it shake his rib cage as he tried to keep his voice even. "What if I don't want to get married..?"
His mother was silent for awhile. Drinking her tea with that small smile that made his anxiety crop up more and more each second. Finally she set her cup down and-
*SLAP*
The crack of skin striking against skin sounded similar to a lightening strike. Maxie could hear his glasses hit the floor a good few yards away as the painful throbbing of his cheek registered alongside the panicked 'What the hell is wrong with you?!' Archie yelled out. The ringing in his skull lingered as he rang a tongue over his lip. Tasting iron and raw flesh while trying to numbly shoo away the large hands trying to inspect his face.
"Max." It was soft. A few seconds away from getting angry he knew. His vision was foggy from the sudden violence and lack of eyewear, but he tried to keep his eyes on her. "I am doing what's best for you. I let you loose for awhile and looked what happened; how many people did you hurt, how many pokemon? It's clear you don't know how to make your own choices. Mother is just trying to save you from becoming a complete disappointment."
His throat tightened at her words. No matter how much he apologized he could never take back almost destroying the world. Making a child clean up his mess of stupidity and arrogance. He had only proven himself incompetent as both a leader and as a person. How could someone like that be redeemed?
"Now go clean your face. You look unsightly." As much as he didn't want to follow through with his family's wishes...did he know what was the best decision anymore? I'll be miserable. But right now, of his own choice he was nothing but alone and full of regret. So...so...
"Yes mother."
"When you're done you'll pick your bride so I can start planning the wedding." Maxie just nodded ever so slightly. Standing up and walking to the bathroom with stiff legs not wanting to move.
...I thought...with a witness...she must be losing her patience with me. His mother used to be so adamant when expressing her displeasure. Only when they were by themselves, or in the presence of his father. Never hard enough to bruise or damage anything.
Yet here he was; his reflection spouting a busted lip and bright red hand print on his cheek to his jaw. Touching it made him flinch. It still burned under even the lightest touch and worriedly he had to wonder if it would swell.
I won't be able to hide that...He clutched the sink until his knuckles turned white. Failing to suppress the tremble that shook his entire body Maxie set to work on finding something to aid his lip.
"You should really mind your own business Archibald. This is a family matter." Maxie's mother's words broke him out of his stupor. Archie had been more than shocked at the sudden mistreatment she had inflicted on the Magma Leader.
"Private or not ya don't hit people all cause they don't wanna do what you want!" In all the years his family had known Maxie's, they were usually very nice and always talked things out. The mother was especially kind to him throughout the decades. So how this occurred...it didn't make any sense!
"Why do you care?" Archie blinked at that. She hadn't dropped her smile throughout the conversation. Once sweet and loving now looked almost threatening as she poured herself more tea. "My son is an adult. A member of one of the most elite families in Hoenn. He doesn't require a babysitter- well, not from a man you understand."
"..." What could he say to any of this? Yeah him and Maxie weren't the closest bunch after everything that happened. Back when they were kids sure they played together but were casual friends and nothing more. Who would just let this shit fly though?!
"Archie...do you understand what's at stake here? Our traditions let us continue to be the best. The cream of the crop if you will." Smiling fondly she tapped one of the girl's pictures with a perfect finger. "Isn't she gorgeous? Her and Max would make beautiful children. Prime mix of genetics for a future contest star. A return to the stage to reclaim the title of 'world class.' He would be unhappy, at first, but reliving such a dream might spark that inner contestant again!"
His mouth felt dry and his teeth clenched in rage. His mind however was filling with despair. It was obvious she would not listen to reason nor respect Maxie's choice and get over her twisted idealized future.
"He can't!" Think Archie...! Quickly...! "H-he's already seeing someone!"
"Hmm...? Is that so...? WHO then?" Shit shit shit-fuck it!
"M...me and him are..." Maxie's mother looked up surprised. Honestly Archie was equally surprised at what he had said but it was too late to back out now. "He didn't want to say anything cause we just started dating, ya know? Didn't want to get any hopes up too high so early into it."
"R...really now?" She wasn't smiling anymore. More silent than anything. "...for how long?"
"H-huh? Er...a...few weeks now. Not even a month actually."
Archie could feel the sweat forming on his skin as she seemed to think this over. Not lashing out or acting pleased. In fact acting incredibly...uncertain.
"You...and my son are...intimate." She said it slowly. Watching him as if to gauge a reaction and seek confirmation.
"Yeah we're- I mean we just started so there hasn't been any of that yet."
"Stand up."
"Ex...cuse me?" She didn't have to repeat herself as she stomped over to his side and dragged him up by his arm. Contrary to her petite size and tiny arms it was like his weight was only a small problem. Instantly she started looking him over. Pulling off his bandana and circling him like a predator ready to strike.
"Do you dye your hair? What manner of exercise did you use to gain this mass? What skin products do you use? Any allergies or immediate family health issues I should know of?"
"No I don't. Um swimming and weight training. Nothing really. No real allergies and...I think my grandpap had some lung issues but he was a heavy smoker so..."
"Of course I'll check things over to make triple sure...hm...if I got the right surrogate...I suppose it'll be fine." Nodding more to herself than to him she took a step back. A large smile growing steadily that reminded him of way back when. "My son has been taking awhile, don't you think? Please fetch him for me if you will."
Thank christ! Moving towards the bathroom he could feel her eyes on his back well into when he picked up the cracked glasses and closed the door.
"Maxie, you okay?" His old rival stood rigid in front of the mirror. He didn't respond. "...Maxie?"
Archie felt a sudden wave of fear as Maxie turned with dead eyes. His lip had stopped bleeding and a small ice pack was being cradled against a blackening bruise on his cheek. The usually expressive, at the very least scowling man seemed empty. Blank.
Without a word he handed him his glasses. His movements were robotic. Much too stiff and even with his vision restored he looked past Archie.
"Maxie...hey...let me see the, ya know...I've been decked more times than I can count." The redhead offered little resistance as he inspected his face. Any redness had given way to a nasty mix of green and black. Touching it gave him the only resemblance to a facial expression but not one he wanted to see. ...Ouch that's gonna be an ugly one.
"It's bad." His voice came out flat. Not matter of factly. Not curtly. Not sadly.
"I...yeah. It's not pretty." Right now Archie couldn't muster up the ability to lie to him. After what just happened it'd probably be best to just be honest.
"...give me a moment." Maxie turned back to the mirror. Pressing a hand against the frame it popped open to reveal a medicine cabinet. He rummaged around for a second before pulling out a makeup kit. The pirate could just stand there as he mixed the the colors of skin to fit his complexation with ease.
"Maxie-"
"I'm done. I need to go back." He didn't meet his concerned gaze. Marching forward after sealing it Archie quickly grabbed his arm before he could open the door.
"There's something I gotta tell ya before you go out there."
"...she didn't try anything when I was...?" A look of panic broke out on Maxie's face as he whispered the question. ...I...
"N-no! Nothing. I just- when you went in here we traded some words and..." Archie fumbled a bit with his tongue. Following him in quieting his next sentence he murmured. "I told her we were together."
Maxie blinked in stunned silence before a range of emotions crossed his features; surprise, anger...then fear. "Why."
He couldn't answer. He wasn't so sure himself. I wanted to help. You don't deserve that. Your mother is nuts.
"Are you insane?! No no no...! You need to get out there this instant and tell her you were lying or joking or...! Anything just- we are not! You can't-!" Never had Archie seen the Magma leader going into such a hysterical state. Maxie grew pale, sweating a bit as he strained to put his thoughts into proper words. "You, cannot, cannot be apart of this- okay? My family...there's too many of them in places where if anything went wrong they'd- You need to stay away from me. Away from my family. Just forget what you saw today. Forget anything you heard and just...Just-dammit Archie what have you done..."
Maxie wasn't scared, or worried...no he was absolutely terrified. For Archie. For HIM.
"Did-did what just happened earlier not happen? I'LL be fine-"
"Dears, not to ruin the pep talk but I'm still here~"
" ." His ex rival mouthed urgently.
Walking back into Maxie's office they were greeted with the sight of his mother chatting rather excitedly on her cellphone.
"Yes..! I was shocked too Rayna! Our little boys in love!~"
Archie felt every drop of blood in his body turn to ice.
"I'll call you if I hear anything else. Yes...goodbye dear." Turning on her heels she practically glowed with happiness when facing them. "Archibald I was just speaking to your mother! She's over the moon you finally found someone! Although she's very upset you haven't been calling much and she didn't hear it from your mouth directly she's still VERY happy for you!"
"I...is that right." His brain was considering going into fight or flight mode. To admit he was lying and save himself from the shit storm he just unleashed once his family was notified. Leaving Maxie to deal with the mess he unintentionally made WORSE and...no. He couldn't do that to him. Besides, now that his mother knew...
It was too late to back out.
"And...I must admit I'm a little steamed you weren't going to tell me either Max. I'm your mother!"
"I...my apologies." The redhead next to him managed out. His mother shook her head but kept her peppy tone as she spoke.
"Hmm...though I suppose I can see why you wanted to hide it. Dating a criminal, much less a family friend is not easy to say out loud." He held in a sharp 'who the hell are you calling a criminal?!' when Maxie shot him a sideways glance. "At first I was very very concerned! Still, I thought on it, and considering how sweet little Archie was on you Max...perhaps you have our blood running through you after all~"
He tried to not let the little flinch the other did when she grabbed his face for a kiss stir up pity. Hiding the grimace Archie leaned down and let her kiss his forehead too before she grabbed her purse in a almost skipping manner.
"I can't wait for you two to get engaged!~ But! First things first- here is the invitation for the family dinner Max. I expect Archie to show up in his best suite too! Your cousins will just love him; I'm sure." For a second her expression dropped to disgust. "Your...brothers, might come as well once I tell them the news. Thus I'd...forewarn Archie of how to deal with them."
"Of course."
"Oh your father will be pleased...! Ta-ta my loves I have some calls to make!~" With a small wave she left the room. Leaving them to stand there in awkward silence.
"..." Maxie made a noise that reminded him of a dying wailord. "...I honestly don't know if this is any better than being married off to a harpy."
"My family...is going to be pissed." Archie rubbed his face as dread took up his thoughts. "My dad is going to fucking kill me..."
He wasn't sure if he helped anyone because right now...
...it felt like he just fucked them both.