A/N: This chapter doesn't really advance the story much. Instead, my intention was to give you a clearer understanding of who these characters are. Although, at their core, they are the Max and Liz we fell in love with, this is still an AU story. That means their personalities have been slightly altered to fit their AU reality. That said this chapter will be mostly dialogue. Please enjoy.
Disclaimer: The same as the first chapter.
Chapter: 4 Crash Course in Polite Conversation
Max and Liz sat beneath one of the huge Scarlet Oak trees that populated Kenmont's campus. Several books, note pads, and cue cards lay between them on the freshly cut grass, as they prepared for their upcoming debate. Liz sat with her back to the tree, while Max leaned on his side, using his arm to prop up his head. They'd been partners and teammates for over a week now, yet a palpable tension remained between the two of them. It was almost physical, like watching two magnets fight attraction. All they needed was a little flip.
"Well?" Max prompted after several minutes of silence.
"Huh," Liz glanced up distractedly from her notes.
Max sighed impatiently. "I asked you nearly five minutes ago, if you were nervous about our first debate."
Liz looked thoughtful before speaking. "Not really," she shook her head. "Why? Are you?"
Max rolled his eyes playfully. "Like I have anything to be worried about."
Liz gave him an even look. "No, not when it comes to your ego. But as far as your debating skills go…let's just say I have yet to be impressed."
"Oh yeah?" Max leered. "And just what would it take to impress you Ms Parker?"
"For one," Liz counted off on her fingers, "I'd appreciate it if your 'groupies' stopped interrupting us. How are we supposed to get anything done with their constant fawning and gushing? It was funny for about a minute. Now it's just nauseating. Why do you think I didn't hear your question the first time?" Liz wrinkled her brow in exasperation. "After a while, it was just easier to tune all of you out."
"Nice." Max commented
"Not really." Liz frowned. Then, "Is any of this even serious to you. Because it is to me. Sorry to go all cliché on you, but not all of us have a Governor for a father. I'm actually here on a scholarship. A debate team scholarship. So I have to take this seriously."
Max was up from his recline in two seconds flat, his eyes were serious and his mouth was tight with anger. "Pardon me, little miss stick up her ass," Max kept going even when Liz opened her mouth to protest. "I apologize for my lack of diligence. My plan was to take a casual approach to this first debate, seeing as we were still getting to know each other. I would have explained this to you given half the chance." Max shrugged in anger. "But let's be all serious," he mocked, "and do it your way."
"Max…"
"So let's get to it partner," he said ignoring the pleading in her voice.
They worked separately, and silently, for several minutes, until Michael and Maria arrived on the scene.
"What's shakin' Maxwell?"
"Not now Michael," Max said shortly.
"Dude?" Michael questioned.
Maria who had noted the tense atmosphere said, "They're getting ready for our upcoming debate. Let's go Michael," she grabbed him by the arm and practically dragged him away.
When they were a safe distance away, Michael complained, "Gotta say, not likin' the way your girl is affectin' my boy. I mean seriously, what's up with that chick? I know Max is used to being big man on campus, which sometimes makes him a dick, but your girl has issues. If I thought it was possible, I'd say she was indefinitely on her moon cycle."
"Don't be such a—guy." Maria smacked Michael's arm. "Liz is a really cool person once you get to know her. She's just a little… distant sometimes."
"Yeah, like the moon. Maybe she just needs a good…" Michael made an obscene hand gesture and Maria's face flushed with anger.
"Is that what you guys really think? That if a girl is little too serious, all she needs is a good—"
"Calm down Miss Firecracker." Michael said defensively. "It was just a joke."
Maria frowned. "It was sexist joke, and in poor taste!"
Michael scowled becoming angry too. "Well then pardon me on behalf of the feminist movement."
"You know what," Maria stood with her hands planted firmly on her hips, "I think we should skip this date. I'm no longer in the mood for romantic comedy."
"Fine!" Michael shouted. He hadn't wanted to see the Wedding Date anyway. Crappy assed chick flick.
Maria shrugged hiding the hurt in her green eyes. "I need to do some research for debate anyway."
"Catch you later then," Michael said playing it cool.
"Whatever." Maria turned and limped away.
What the fuck had just happened? Michael wondered. One minute he was going out with his girl, and the next he was left standing alone, feeling like a world class ass. This was all Max's fault. Max and his stupid pursuance of a girl who was probably a closet dyke!
Max stared brooding at the research book in front of him. He'd been staring at the same page for more than ten minutes. He now wished he hadn't insisted they study outside. It had seemed like a good idea at the time. The sun was shinning and the air was fragrant. Leaves in various shades of yellow, red, and brown littered the courtyard. All in all, not a bad place to study. Or so he'd thought. Until his hanger-ons had ruined everything.
"Hey," Liz said waving her hand in front of his face to get his attention. "You want to switch books? I'm done with this one."
Max had completely zoned out. "Yeah, sure," he said absently, exchanging books.
Liz stared at Max but didn't know what to say. She had made a mess of things by making such a big deal over nothing. Well not nothing, but it wasn't worth—this. This uncomfortable silence, this sense of alienation.
"Do you think we'll win on Monday?" she asked conversationally.
"Depends," Max said distantly.
"On what?" Liz asked.
"On how serious I take it," Max sneered. "It's kind of a tossup. With me having my Governor father to fall back on and all." Max saw the pained look cross Liz's face and he wanted to kick his own ass. He knew he was being a douche, but that remark about his father had really stung.
"I think we should call it a day," Liz said quietly and began to quickly gather her books
""Liz wait." Max reached out a hand to stop her.
"Why?" She stared at him, her dark eyes huge and hurt.
"Because I'm sorry," he said sincerely, "about everything."
"Me too," she said softly sitting back down.
The next hour was spent strategizing for their debate. And when the two parted comapany sometime later, Liz felt better, if not exactly confident about Monday's debate.
