A boy shivered under dull light of the off-blue lavender sky. A partially hidden yellow moon was in the horizon. A few strings of cloud didn't threaten any rain, so why was Max wary? He had awoken this early morn realizing that Bradley was not at his side. When he called out there was no answer. The dog spent a good half hour trying to seek him out to no avail. And he wasn't about to ask his father to join in the search.

Giving a weak cough into a bare hand, he was about to turn around when he heard activity on the water—the lake pretending to be a mirror shattered with ripples from a small, flat stone. It fell to the depths before another specimen followed it. Max leaned a little over the bank to catch sight of a boy sitting on a bed of mulch, woodchips and cool grass. He breathed a sigh of exasperation and relief; there was resistance made against just calling out the name. The younger one decided it would be best to not swim through the dangerously profound body of water and ended up taking another 10 minutes to reach his destination. As soon as he approached, never picking up speed, he noticed the dull gray within orbs and stopped short. There was some reddening at the edges; Max bit his lip and could then only let out a small breath. He settled down on the ground, rubbing at his own arms for warmth as the bit of morning frost affected his whole frame. Staying any longer wasn't helping but his mission was complete. Now what?

"…" A minute passed of the same—Brad tossing rocks until he acknowledged the other's presence with a shrug and roll of the shoulder, not looking his way. The young one assumed it was out of embarrassment of being seen in a disheveled state and wanted to speak up, but another chill went down. And still tired.. Eyelids drooped and with a crooked bob of his head landed on the teen's side, "muh."

".. Hey." Brad was about to lightly push him off but then realized that his companion went out in just a matter of seconds; Max nearly landed on his lap. The arm on that side rather secured the boy's torso to have his neck bent slightly on his shoulder and then collarbone. Bradley let him rest soundly for some time but didn't want to stick around to sunrise. The slight, muted breath almost lulled him into sleep; Brad shut his irritated eyes tight before opening them wide for a second, "ay."

He stared from the corner of now half lidded eyes, knowing quite well that Max wasn't the morning type. Yet, he bothered to be out here anyways just to find him..

He gulped some thought or two down and shook his head very slightly at himself. Then Brad groaned, since now he'd have to be the one to take Max back to camp and not the other way around.


"Rise and shine, Maxie~"

Eyes failed to open for at least 5 minutes. It felt as if there was a weight on top that refused to go away. Some light managed to fill the space. Max gasped after a faint snore, "Wha..?" Neck trying to rotate just a bit to the side, "Dad..?" Nothing but silence for some moments. Then a shifting of fabric finally got baby blue irises' attention, however disoriented it was.

"Are you ok Max?"

That wasn't Goofy. ".. Hey," the boy coughed again in getting the word out; Max sat up with difficulty. Bradley was at his side, taking a light sweater from his pack to drape it on the boy's shoulders, "You're shivering," rubbing loose circles at the base of the neck—

"Oh heck no," the other rolling shoulders suddenly and punching his own back to force better posture, "I ain't getting sick today for.." Going quiet for some seconds, "How'd I get back?" Brad couldn't help but grin albeit sheepishly, "I.. carried you," turning away when the admittance won a guffaw from the Goof.

"Really?" Not feeling weak anymore, "What'd you do for exercise, stringbean?" Not meaning it to be rude—the boy was just curious; Max egged him on to answer with a grin.

Red in the face, rubbing at the top of his arm, "I don't know; I guess it was from yesterday—gathering wood." What he wouldn't admit to was that it was a real struggle for a whole host of reasons. At the very least they weren't caught by Goofy, who was known to be up pretty early if need be. The last thing needed was a father's hysteria over his only son.


Max continued to stare at nothing as they resumed their breakfast at the foldout table, mouth kept shut. Goofy asked Bradley if things were "better" this morning and if he had a chance to rest. There was a conversation that the younger boy was not a part of he figured. Considering how discreet Brad was in letting out any information, this nearly made the 11-year-old bite down the side of his tongue in envy. But that shouldn't matter since hey, it could have been perfectly mundane anyway. It also felt horrible having any negative emotions towards his father. He was always known to lend a helping hand to whoever was in need…

Even if they didn't want it.

"…"

"Max?" The dog glanced up from his hotcakes, hardly touched, "Yeah, Dad?" Receiving a small kiss on his forehead to which he blushed, "Did I space out again?" Laughing a little. He realized anew that his friend was just across the way from him, partaking in a strong coffee with cream, minding his own..

This was to be the last day of the camping trip. As it was summertime, there was no rush to get back home to civilization. Home.. Looking at Bradley again, "Hey, guys,"

Having piped up, both the older Goof and Brad locked their eyes to Max's. For some unknown reason he nearly tripped on his next words, "D-do you think—should we go out on bikes today before it gets too bright out?" By that he meant hot. He wasn't going to risk Bradley fainting under the sun again.

Goofy nodded, "Let me unhook them from the car." The one who made the suggestion furrowed his brows; he didn't even wait for—

"I'd like that, Max." His buddy smiled and it gave relief, out in the form of a quiet breath. Without a word after, a small cup of joe was passed down the plastic surface, to which Maxie repelled. That stuff was gross and he was getting increasingly energized all on his own.


They decided on a path that had a medium grade in slope. Unlike the lower grade which would have been a lot easier to pedal through, the first trail was a lot more scenic and had a number of designated resting spots. More opportunities for video as well—The older Goof was multitasking as he had the left hand at the handlebar and the right holding up the camera. If he was getting too close to the steep edge of a stream's bank, a jerk of the metal would have him swerve right back in place. After much yelling behind his dad in worry, Maximilian made the others stop to then fashion a headband out of materials from their first aid kit. Bradley couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous the man looked with the thing on his helmet, but it worked after all. Their pace down the trail was leisurely.. Mountains in the distance were inviting given their grandiose stature; once or twice the guy imagined winter treks through the powdery snow, flakes coming down in a soft breeze.. A cozy cabin.. bundled up in blankets with a mug of hot chocolate or mocha…

"Hey Brad;"

"Hm?" The small Goof had come up next to him, feet still going but arms at his sides, dangling noodlelike. And he was complaining about his old man earlier..! 'Brad' had to blink his eyes a couple times to travel back to summer to give better attention to the kid.

"Do you wanna race..? There's a clear stretch coming up." Max grinned when the other nodded, "Sure."

Both needed to get their bikes slowed down until they were parallel to each other, but didn't stop completely. "Once we reach that last blackberry bush of this bunch, we'll go~"

Mentally preparing himself, the older kid closed his eyes for a second. Presently he wasn't a competitive spirit but given the chance and drive he'd try his best. They passed the foliage—

"Go!" Max leaned forward nearly standing out of his seat, feet in a rapid spin. Bradley was a second too slow but soon would be neck to neck with the Goof. Their guardian called after them and ended up inhaling the dust left behind, which left him coughing. The camera lens now a pale brown; a quick wipe with the satin glove fixed that.

"Be careful!" It fell on deaf ears; they were already a long distance away. The Goof could try to catch up but at his own pace. The camera was switched off to not waste battery and footage.

Down the way, Max whooped in joy when they went down a slight slope, "Come on Brad—you can do better than that!" The other trailed behind.

Where did this kid get all his energy from?

"I'm trying..!" Trying not to run out of steam. Max followed it up with a number of gestures goading him on, including sticking his tongue out in a mocking way, finger pulling down the skin under his eye, still managing to keep on the track. The comment that finally irked the older boy was this,

"You bike like a girl!" Dark blue eyes flashed another color for the moment legs were pushed in an abrupt burst of speed. Brows furrowed in determination—not just to catch up to the kid, but completely surpass him—Bradley wasn't breathing properly, all on adrenaline—

One glance back at Max with an odd glare that transformed into a smugness, which caught Max even more off guard, before looking forward again never really thinking where the finish line would be—a loud gasp could be heard—"Bradley! Watch out!"

The upcoming turn was a lot sharper than Max thought it would be, and Brad was going way too fast to make it cleanly. Pupils shrank down—"Ah!"

A strong swerve of the handlebar and mishandling of the brake resulted in the kid toppling over, bicycle going under him to slide several feet away from the collapsing body—"Argh!"

Landing on his scapula, searing pain shot up through the upper part of his body; a whimper got out as opposed to flagrant cries for help. Max slowed to a skidding stop before jumping off the bike, letting it fall—"Are you okay?" Placing his hands onto his friend, the other hissed in response.

"Boys!" Mr. Goof had just arrived on the scene, pedaling a few seconds more before stepping off his contraption. He scooped up the kid without hesitation—"Ow!"

Sweat rolled down Max's neck. "Let's see what happened there," Goofy referring to the stained spot where Brad struck the ground.

"No!" Almost falling back again, "It's fine!" Both Goofs about had their mouths open. Once he regained his footing, Bradley got back up again all on his own. Expression clearly showing the opposite of "fine".

"…" Goofy went from his kneel to a stand, mouth closed and lips pursed. He didn't say anything while he aided in lifting the bikes from the ground, handing Max's over to shaking hands. The youngest gulped down guilt for even suggesting the activity. Bradley could see it and spoke, "It's not your fault," taking a breath, "ok?"

The young teen placed his head down when his own bicycle was given, "Thank you Goofy," biting a lip in a grimace.

.. He stayed behind father and son as they walked back to camp, head held up high as tears welled up and sunk back into sockets. The canteen hooked to his hip had enough water to make up for the rush, and it tasted way better.

Remember to behave.

Brad sighed lightly, grateful to not see other eyes staring back at him.


Maximilian wanted to avoid his companion for at least half an hour. He volunteered to gather up another batch of edible berries and have them rinsed for good measure. Otherwise, he would have spent it apologizing over and over, and that would for sure upset Brad more than anything, giving him a headache adding onto the ailment.

In the meantime, Uppercrust seemed to recover faster than expected, trying to roll shoulders and his neck. Goofy sat nearby just in case he was needed after all. Again, the kid avoided eye contact although he was "back to normal".

The Goofs didn't need any more drama.

Bradley eventually mustered up confidence to turn his head and smile. He didn't expect a gloved hand on his own and just looked away having a pink tinge, "Mr. Goof." Neutral, "You should really reserve that for your own son."

The next minute or two was unbearably long. Goofy shook his head slow unbeknownst to him, mind wandering back before catching sight of Max emerging from the forest, leaving the other be.

Brad let out air he didn't know he held in a huge wave of relief. He rubbed at his eyes; on a strange impulse he then emptied the last of the canteen's contents on the right hand in a futile attempt to rinse the affection off.


After affirming for the 10th, 12th time that he was alright, Bradley insisted that Max think up of something else to do as the day was going past noon; the sun had started its descent from its peak. Goofy assured his son that it would be fine. There wasn't a reason to stall their enjoyment of the outdoors. While the boys got ready for a swim, he would begin to clean up the area for them to leave the next morning with a clear conscience.


Max Goof removed his offending shirt almost immediately getting into the tent, before zipping the flap shut, "Gonna be back out in a bit, Bradley."

The friend sat on the plastic chair next to their lunch table, "Alright." Biting his lip not that eager to take a dip in the river nearby. In less than a minute or two the hound emerged out of the cave in his polyester trunks with lotion in hand. "Your turn to change."

"Right." Slipping past him, but failing to close the fabric behind him. He sat there looking clueless before locating his backpack and pulling out his own pair which seemed brand new. Bradley crept to the darkest, farthest part of the tent before removing his stained shirt, flinching quite a bit and sighing while taking off his denim shorts and underwear all at once—took a split second to have the swimwear on. He needed a replacement shirt after all, which he rummaged through his stuff for. Max by now had applied his sunscreen and noticed Bradley was taking forever; he had been minding his own staring at a funny chipmunk with a red nose until his attention was back at Uppercrust,

"Dude are you done in there? You're slow."

"Almost out ok?" Found a shirt.

Max poked his head in just as Bradley began to pull it over his body. The younger one blinked seeing different patches of muted color on Brad's skin and some lines. Shutting and opening his eyes many times; the sun was blinding him earlier and that sometimes left..

No; that wasn't it.

When Bradley drew in a sharp breath Maximilian went dead still, just gazing until the shirt covered the blemishes and the older boy turned around never realizing what the kid saw. "There, Max." Giving a very warm smile to which the other took seconds to respond to, "Well, come on. Water's only going to get colder."


By now he would have been questioning the cotton over skin. Now was definitely not the time to put Brad on the spot. They came here to have fun, after all. Max didn't want to be a downer with an already withdrawn teen. As much as he didn't want to give away what he found out the Goof Boy was getting pretty concerned. Bradley barely heard a word ever since they began walking towards the river bank beyond a few feet of birch trees.

.. Did he see? So stupid, he thought, I didn't close the opening did I? So much for blanking out.

A tad out of his current character, Brad gave Max a solid pat on his shoulder, "Something up, 'buddy'?" Both males had all right to be mildly amused if not shocked. The tone was unlike anything the 13-year-old could pull off before. As if some haze had lifted, Bradley Uppercrust realized that he was a middle schooler a few inches taller than his friend.

"Naw, Brad—I'm fine," open handed stretch and loud yawn, "It's real late now; I usually go swimming during like noon."

"You'd get terrible sunburn. I prefer it like this."

Although, on exceedingly rare occasion. Toes dipped into the water and the 11-year-old shuddered for a split second before running on the gravel to pebbles a short distance before it met sand and clear water. The current wasn't too harsh and the boy submerged himself into the cold, "ahh!"

Bradley saw him pale with the drop in temperature, but was thankful that the sun could still manage to warm them up some. The teen waded in leisurely and Max suddenly splashed him—"Hey!"

"Water's—great!" The boy obviously shivering, made no easier when Brad threw water to his face. "Yipe!" A playful tackle from nowhere sent them into the rushing foam. Luckily the larger boulders were a ways off so that they wouldn't risk head injuries. Max swore that he heard a genuine and boisterous laugh now quieted the instant they locked eyes to one another out of the silver surface.

"What, Max?"

"You're just weirding me out. Are you becoming a real boy?"

"Very funny." Luckily the freezing numbed the imperfections on his back or he would confirm Max's suspicions. A random flick to his forehead got eyes to look upward, confused.

"Oy." Goof shoved a hand in Uppercrust's face, "no horseplay."

"Says you." Pushing the other's forehead back until Max lost his balance, "I got ya." Eyes fully open, sapphire glittering with mirth. The halfhearted smile ended up beaming, "And I get it, no horseplay."

Max pursed his lips and lowered a brow. What was Brad's deal? Was he really happy or was he overacting to cover it up? It wasn't his business but as a friend he felt that he had to say something, anything..!

"Max?" Voice dropped in volume as soon as the black dog got to a stand on his own. He simply didn't say a thing. At a loss to try anything else, Bradley sighed before backing off, settling on the shore. Feet with wet sand between the toes.

The black pup stayed within the river, not minding the ice that surrounded his legs close to his waist. Just stood there in silence surrounded by the near deafening churning and dull crashing of water on stone. Bradley's head tucked behind his knees. Like that would make him invisible somehow. Just before he'd end up losing feeling, Max waded back gingerly, careful not to slip, "I guess we're not going to do laps through the middle of it, huh?" Sitting cross-legged next to him after stretching out his muscles.

Brad chuckled lowly, "Guess not," inhaling and exhaling once he sat up properly, "Sorry I'm weird." Lifting a corner of his lips, "I, I had a lot of fun." Never really looking the Goof in the eye, "This weekend.."

Max mirrored his type of smile, "I'm glad," pausing, "you're happy?" The sun's rays were still enough to warm their backs although a draft of wind was starting up; Brad took a sniff fighting off yet another tickle in his nose. Blue orbs closed as if in thought; a brow lowered the instant he felt a hand on his shoulder, his tongue clicked. Slowly, Bradley raised his other hand to block the other—eyes opened at his friend's stare,

"I'm happy when I'm with you." Suddenly flustered when Max raised his brows momentarily.

Well that sounded dumb..!

"I mean—Max; I don't have very many friends, acquaintances, even at school." Fiddling with his thumbs, "Now I forget if I ever told you that."

"You didn't." Max gave out something like a scoff, "Was it something I needed to know?" He then smiled fully, "Rich kids don't have it so easy, do they?"

There was something unsettling at how baby blue orbs danced around while asking that. Bradley almost choked on air but managed to get out, "They don't. Same problems as other kids," stating it matter-of-factly. "They just have rich parents." .. They never had a choice.

Wind swirled around them and it got their teeth to chatter; Max bit down his tongue while Bradley wrapped arms around himself. The younger kid groaned, hand smacking his head, "Oh! We forgot to bring our-"

A faint holler reached their ears; Mr. Goof was coming up the way, "You left them on the table..!"

He wrapped them both in their fluffed towels; his son was quite grateful. Max nearly nuzzled his dad's cheek; he stopped for the teen near him.

They walked back at a normal pace. Once in a while Goofy would glance at Bradley, who kept quiet, and soon enough his mind went back to the 'meeting' with Alphonse Uppercrust…

"So, Mr. Goof; care for a shot or two?"

Pouring out brandy into crystal from his cushioned seat, "Why don't you settle down?" motioning over to an equally comfortable chair in front of the desk. The one still standing received his shot glass and took a sip which was already overpowering, "hm!" The head of the household knocked his back and reacted as if he was drinking water, sinking back into his throne with one leg crossed over the other. Alphonse glanced back up at him, "Sit down."

Finally, that he did. Goofy didn't know what to say in those moments; he was soon greeted by an odd smirk, "Something's up."

The kids were out in the field a good distance away playing catch on the flattest section they could find. At least one young servant kept watch. The men would typically be outside themselves, circling the estate while the carefree guy would be a lot more buoyant in his speech and mannerisms—Talking about his odd jobs and antics at home which included mention of his neighbors, to which 'Al' would all but block from his mind. He learned early on that this dog was a sentient wrecking ball, causing at least thousands of dollars of damage in his first week of visiting the place. But true to his name, Alphonse made the noble decision to not chase him and 'Maximilian' out of the mansion the first day.

He knew that Bradley needed someone around to not have to see him waste his boyhood in solitary activities: drawing, reading, picking flowers and.. Other remnants of their shared past involving a certain redhead with green eyes. Alphonse just wanted to get away from it all, but this boy was a constant reminder..!

"Nuthin's wrong.." Goof tried to imitate the way that Uppercrust got the alcohol down and ultimately failed at it; he was handed a spare handkerchief to cough into while the other covered up a laugh. Alphonse had way more control over people within the confines of this here room.. unless certain others came. Then it was like playing Chess across the checker patterned floor.

The serious man shook the thought away, "You're lying, Goofy." Hazel eyes boring through. The claim was spoken in the calmest tone imaginable, and it succeeded in having the bloodhound gulp before admitting, "Well; I guess I am—I'm worried about the kids. Kinda want to know," Al quirked a bushy brow. "How, they're doing."

Another drink was poured for him, "They're alright." Brows knit but not at the other, "As long as they're being supervised." A cool stare now to urge Mr. Goof to finish up the second round. ".. Not like the other day when your rowdy son had the idea to climb up on the roof with mine. I'm not about to lay the blame on my head servant for that."

Now his expression had gone from mellow to stoic to dangerous. The Goof was taken aback at the tone used,

"Now, Al;" covering his mouth for a small hiccup, "Max told me about it. Nothing happened—

"Your son is a compulsive liar. I was told that Bradley had slipped off the edge and if it wasn't for—

Goofy's hand made a motion for him to stop, "Now see here—" The wrist was grabbed while it kept suspended in the air.

"Goof. While we're here, remember that I'm the one in charge. This incident happened at my home." Eyelids drooped, "Don't you care for Maximilian's safety?" Being merciful, Alphonse let go. The hand was brought back to the other man's lap, slightly numbed.

There was a lot more to say. But what would be the host's limit? There was something that Goofy had to bring up before he went on a tirade to defend the reputation of the young Goof. As he mulled it over, Mr. Uppercrust downed his second or third glass.

".. I do care for Maxie's safety. I know that you care about your son's too.."

Alphonse had been sitting upright for a while now, arms on the table with his fingers meshed. No mark of change on a poker face. His silence seemed like permission to continue. "Bradley.. He's… I don't see you with him a lot, to watch over him."

"I'm working." Deadpan reaction.

Goofy took a breath, "He avoids you." It was just an observation.

Nails nearly dug into each hand on said desk, "Yes; he does.. What's your point?"

Alphonse and Bradley Uppercrust. Their interactions were way different from other families Goofy had come across. And even though Pete or 'Peter' had a motormouth and horrible temper, he could still manage to meet his family's needs. His treatment of P.J. wasn't the best a father could give, but at least he was there..!

"What—" Goofy snapped out of his trance when Alphonse's voice rose. "Is your point?"

The black dog cleared his throat, "It's not the same."

".. I don't understand what you mean, Goof." Something in Al's eyes was challenging him, "Please speak up and speak fully."

The other stood up, to which the host clearly frowned, "I don't like seeing Bradley being scared of you." Alphonse, no longer relaxed, followed suit to keep at eye level. "Maybe if you weren't so cold—

An angry voice as quiet as can be, "Are you trying to lecture me on how I should raise my own son?" There was a crooked grin and a contained chuckle, "Fix up your damn kid first."

Clearly diverting focus away from the young Uppercrust. But that quip about Max was enough to ruffle feathers, yet Goofy felt powerless in both his physicality and status. The drinking wasn't of help either as he was already swaying.

"Somethin'.. Something is goin' on and," All expression was erased from Alphonse's features. "I wanna know what that is..!"

Without apparent feeling, the man spoke, ".. Get out." The green was prominent in irises that pierced through, "Get. Out."

"No, Al—

Practically knocked over by a sudden barking to his face, "That is my son! I will raise him as I see fit!" Hands were clearly being kept in check; they nearly stabbed at Alphonse's chest as he kept going, "My son! My house—My rules! No bloody simpleton is going to tell me what to do!"

Mr. Goof never ran, and Mr. Uppercrust never threw him out by the collar; the first merely distanced away, and both were left shaking.


Maximilian was stuck in his head more than usual. As if there had been a body switch, Bradley tried getting his attention on several instances while they used up the remaining food supplies that weren't packed away to create pizza bagels for dinner. They would be accompanied by thankfully sweeter-than-usual berries. Neither of the boys were that hungry for differing reasons. As they gathered around the last fire's glow with their meal, Bradley sat less than a foot away from the little Goof, "Hey there."

Goofy was cleaning up the remaining items at the clearing after the other two had done their part.

Max bided his time between bites and wiping his mouth carefully with a corner of a napkin, ".. Hey."

Brad closed his mouth tight, looking off to the side, "Do you, and Goofy, have any plans later this summer?" The kid shrugged despondently in response. ".. Whatever they are, Max, can I go?"

Eyes finally met; Brad rocked back uneasy at an icy glare, before it fell away with a slight twitch upward on the boy's lip, "You're always welcome. But you don't get to decide if you're allowed to go."

Not knowing why, Bradley chuckled, "Never me; you're right.." Eyes downcast in front of him, "Are you mad at me?"

Max could only smile through a veil of sadness, ".. No," he sighed, "I'm just upset that the weekend's over. That's all." He continued eating, enjoying his mini pizza by its taste and its distraction from the conversation. Bradley had hardly touched his food. To not be inconsiderate of the hosts' efforts, he finished his portion just as the older Goof came back with the guitar again.

"I got an idea~" Goofy got close and offered the instrument to the boys, "Strum away."

"… Ah, ha ha.." Bradley forced a grin, "You're not serious." Blushing, "I'll end up breaking the thing..!"

Free to speak, Max nudged at him with a smile that was now sun-sweet, "I'm not gonna do it; guess you'll have to volunteer!"

Saving face, that's what the youngest was doing. To not be a drag, Uppercrust went along, "Sure then, but I don't have a clue!"

The next hour or two was spent teaching the basics. Goofy had to adjust Bradley's hand and arm positions several times throughout. At first, it was visibly taxing on the guest, eyes shut at certain moments and breath going out in prolonged intervals. His friend noticed all of this and chewed at his tongue, holding it all back.

Bradley clearly wasn't used to touch, particularly if it came from an older male.. A father.

Near the end of their night, Brad did seem more at ease, glancing up now and again at the man feeling accomplished in this last-minute guitar lesson. They witnessed a short tune being played right after, proficiently, which got out a wide smile.

As soon as Mr. Goof suggested that he try singing, the kid laughed while wiping away a stray tear, "N-No way!" Sniffing up whatever was threatening to come out, "I squawk like a parrot!"

Baby blue orbs went a shade darker on Max Goof's features. It was going to be now or never.


In the void, a shuffling distracted him from sleep.

"Max?" The boy was right up in his face,

"Tell me; are you ok? Really?"

Blinking, confused; the flap of the sleeping bag was thrown up, "Hey..!" Going into fetal position by default.

"Show them. I know what I saw earlier."

"What are you talking about?" Brows knit on the defensive, he sat up before backing away. Max now got the reason why he kept rubbing at his right upper arm, leaning in and grabbing at it to make a point—"Oww!"

Bradley kept his mouth open as he breathed unevenly in place of screaming. He wasn't aware of the word of giving in, 'Uncle!' Eyes filling up, pleading with blue irises, "Please stop..!"

Max's frame shook at the fear engulfing them both; he had to know the truth, "He beats on you doesn't he?!"

"No..! He doesn't!" The boy wouldn't let go until he got the right answer—or got hit in the face with a sharp backhand—"Stop!"

The kid fell back, only to get right back up, "Don't lie!" Gulping, half thinking that he'd get another one.

Brad froze, hand raised in the air realizing what he had done. Hitting his only friend even if it was self-defense at that moment. "Max. I—I didn't mean to..!" The young one touched his cheek near the mouth. It hurt like hell; it would swell up later for sure.

"That's not, what I want you to be 'sorry about'." Eyes shutting tight trying to fight off a particular sensation; the teen could catch the sparkle of at least one drop from the dull light seeping from the outside. "Why can't you admit it? Not even to me?" Bradley's dizzy and unfocused gaze sharpened at the Goof's distraught expression. Why didn't he trust him enough to confess this to him? Up until now Max was good at keeping even the most mundane of secrets to save face for himself and others. And yet….

"M—Max. Stop." Attempting to be an older brother in massaging tense shoulders, "Stop, please." To observe this boy being anything other than elated or bitter with a child's rage disturbed him, not being able to place his finger on as to why. A pitiable Goof idly obeyed, using the side of his palm on his face to prevent anything else from flowing out.

Little Uppercrust bit his lip at the sight, not wanting to get in and embrace him fully, but felt it was what they both needed—Max coughed on tears missing his nostrils going down to his throat.

The arching of his back reached a peak before he collapsed within the other's hold, sighing lowly..

"Y-You think this changes anything? You lied to me." Arms loosely around the older kid's torso, quite hesitant to reciprocate.

"I did." Peering down until their eyes met, "You're right, Max. You know what you saw. Don't ask me to tell it straight. By the end of the day—

"We need to let my dad know about that. Now."

Brad stared down at a stone façade where his young friend once was. Jaw worked its way up and down with nothing to say but a strained air, drowned out by the boy's justifications for telling a responsible adult about said abuse and whatever else—the teen shut himself away from hearing what the right thing to do was in this situation—

He grated his teeth for longer than he realized, jaw gone sore, "That's enough!"

"But he-!" A hand muzzled the Goof's mouth,

"I said, that's enough." Centimeters away, "You're not going to tell Goofy anything, got it?"

Taking the hand away only encouraged Max to speak, "Why the hell are you defending him?" Brad's eyes widened, not so much at the cursing. "That creep?!"

That 'creep's son gave out a violent, passionate outburst, scaring them both—"You're not going to take him away from me! I don't want him gone from my life too!"

His voice cracked halfway through. Face tingling going red threatening oncoming grief if not anger.

The yelling could have knocked the boy down again if it hadn't been for a strong grip that kept around—he could only sit there helpless and bear it.

".. Too," blinking another tear piecing together what he meant, swallowing down phlegm, "You know that's different than.."

Bradley gave a single nod of understanding as a bead fell from half closed eyes. "But I don't care, Max. I—I love him."

Time stood still. Poor Max couldn't accept what he just heard as true—this kid got stuck with Worst Father of the Year and he could yet overlook that? For affection that this monster of a man might not even have?

".. Bradley." Thin fingers wrapped around his—here Max did pull away on impulse, leaving Bradley stranded on an island of mixed emotions. His other arm let go to rest on his side. The teen shifted away leaving them cold, until he pulled up the cover of his sleeping bag upon his aching bruise. No longer looking at his friend, or even the tent. Nothing.

Nothing until a sudden weight wrapped around his neck—the noose—!

No—thin but determined arms belonging to the kid that lied alongside him—"You can cry, Bradley; cry and this time I won't make fun of you. I promise!"

Brad stuffed away a laugh with anguished cries—Count on Maxie to make every serious moment trivial..!

"Oh God, Max..! I didn't want you to kn—"

Sobbing into his small shoulder—Dearly hoping that his hug wasn't going to crush the Goof.

The other didn't mind. Max merely rested his head upon his, breathing almost too evenly despite the darkened atmosphere.

He wouldn't, however, dare insinuate that everything was going to be alright.