and i love you so

“Or maybe I’d finally find out that you really have been trying to lie to me about what you look like all this time. I bet you’re just bluffing,” he responded just as easily, knowing by now that their banter never really meant anything. If anything, Max appreciated having someone that neither found his situation uncomfortable or tried to coddle him because of it. He liked that she gave him a hard time and it really just made him lean in a little closer. “I do. I blame him for everything. Global warming? Political corruption? Bronies? All totally his fault.” The words came with a firm nod as though he really meant that and wasn’t just joking. When she responded, his expression very quickly became obviously mischievous. “Throw it at you? Why, I would never do such a thing. But, you know, my aim isn’t really the best,” he suggested with amusement, definitely plotting something. “Whatever you say, Sugar Spice.” He shook his head at her. “You used to. You two were both just as bad as each other.” For a moment Max felt bad as she hissed in pain, always looking more genuine than usual when he did things that he hadn’t purposely planned on. It wasn’t long before her words wiped away his guilt as they always did. “You’re very helpful, you know that?” With that he went to step on her foot again, though with much less force and clearly intentional. “Oops?”

“Feel free to go around and ask everyone how pretty I am. You’ll get a swarm of - well, actually, no, don’t do that. I don’t want old people telling you I’m hot. Just ask people later,” she decided, though there was something satisfying in him not knowing what she looked like, and still... liking her. Technically. It was a strange relationship that they had, and suddenly Sugar was wondering if it was purely based on her being around, and... now wasn’t the time for all of her insecurities, pushing them back down as fast as they tried to come up. “I like that. All the horrible things in the world were caused by him, I am not arguing that.” Sugar’s distaste in Maxwell’s father had started as something she felt because he was forcing her to work for him, and with Max, but now it came from a place of distaste on Maxwell’s part. She felt more protective of him as time went on, and knowing how he treated Max bothered her more than anything else. “Don’t you dare. I’ll leave you. I’ll never come back... or, no, actually, I’ll never leave. That’s even worse, isn’t it?” She huffed, dramatic as ever. “Keyword is used to. I have learned from my mistakes, duh. Levi also has to try for compliments from, like, everyone. Me? I get compliments from everyone naturally... except from you, but I don’t care. At all.” Which was a lie, but she strangely felt less like she wanted compliments from him the closer they got. Not that she was opposed to them, she just didn’t feel quite as desperate to make sure he knew she was attractive. “I know I am, thank-” She cut off with another hiss as he purposely stepped on her foot, that time, and she was just as quick to kick his leg. She definitely didn’t put her all into it, but it was enough to cause a bit of pain, she thought. “I’m trying to be nice. Quit being rude to me or I’ll go dance with someone else.”

“Could you go a day without being able to primp in front of a mirror though? That’s the real question,” Max asked, a smirk hovering on his lips, knowing she would be mad at him for the question. He  raised an eyebrow. “I’m the least unattractive of a bunch of old. ugly guys? You’re just full of compliments tonight, what gives?” The alcohol, clearly. Max knew it as well as she did that it was not a good idea to be drinking this much or this fast, but instead of stopping or commenting, he found himself shifting to wrap an arm comfortably around her. “Didn’t you hear what my dad said? He’s counting on me to be on my best behavior so of course I wouldn’t do anything bad.” He paused. “Are you tempted to try and start a food fight with the hors d'oeuvres   or is that just me?” Just the idea made him snicker slightly himself, definitely not planning on being a perfect son tonight if he could get away with it. “Could be worse. At least my name won’t get me confused with some of the Spice Girls, unlike some girls around here.” Just humming slightly with amusement, he couldn’t help but look smug after his comment. “He tried. I think I made him mad because I wouldn’t compliment him. He fished for compliments even harder than you do sometimes. I didn’t hear about his love life, though. I think he figured that if he flirted with me I’d buy him more drinks. Mostly I was just trying to get him to stop talking.” The speed that she took his glass away startled Max, and he was too confused to do much other than just follow along as she led him out, not sure what her plan was until his hands were forced onto her waist. “Does my fifty year old dancing instructor count?” he asked, trying to think but not focusing on what he was doing and almost wincing as he realized he’d stepped on her foot. “…. I stepped all over her feet too.”

“Shut up,” she grumbled, letting out a huff. “Could you go a day seeing yourself and not crying? Probably not.” Her words would likely seem insensitive to anyone listening in, but it was clear that, especially over time, Sugar had no problems or guilt when it came to Maxwell being blind. “Ah, I don’t know... blame your rude dad. It made me feel more generous than usual. Yet another reason to be annoyed by him.” They looked like a casual couple, at this point, in the closeness and comfort that they both seemed to have with one another, and Sugar wasn’t really thinking about anyone else seeing it - especially not their fathers. “Food fight? Just you. I look too nice for a food fight. Throw it at anyone else, but keep me out of it.” His following words made her elbow him in the stomach, playfully so. “There’s nothing wrong with being confused with a Spice Girl, so thank you.” A squeak of offense left Sugar’s parted lips as he went on. “I do not fish for compliments... anymore. You’re usless, I’ve realized, and I have plenty of other people recognizing my beauty, I don’t need you.” Levi was a good friend, however, no matter how she spoke about him - something Sugar didn’t have much of, ever. She really still felt like she only had Max in the end, though, no matter how embarrassing it felt to admit to herself. “No, not really.” Snorting again, she rocked with him up until he stepped on her foot, hissing out in pain. “Well, just... listen to the music and don’t think too much... and also keep in mind that if you step on my foot again, I’ll kick you. Maybe fear will help, hmm?”

“Want to trade? I’m such a nice guy, that I’ll gladly take your suffering if you want,” he commented with a laugh, teasing her about her attitude, but it wasn’t meant harshly or even as any kind of call out. “You also get to see the priceless expressions on their faces when I insult them though, I just have to imagine. Hey!” Max just huffed at her, playfully pouting, but it wasn’t long until he was back to smirking and drinking. He believed he was unattractive so–while it could sometimes mess with his self-esteem–it was easy to brush off. “But all of that would be rude. I’d never do such a thing.” Max tried to sound shocked at the suggestion, but it was very clearly not genuine. “With an M? You mean, Martin? Have you met that guy yet? What a pompous douche. That’s the only one I could think you could possibly mean.” Furrowing his brow a little, Max tried to think before it seemed like a light went off above his head and he was nodding. “Oh! Him. I met him at a bar once. Pretty sure it’s the same one. Made me buy him drinks and then whined at me a bunch. Sound about right?” Rather than actually respond to Sugar’s words, Max felt like his scoff was enough and he left it at that. “I’ll hold it in my heart always, don’t worry, sugarcube.”

“Deal. You get to see how everyone ugly is, along with their annoying personalities, and I get to make fun of people and they can’t get mad because then they’ll be shunned for it. Perfect.” Snickering, she rolled her head to press her face against his shoulder, trying to hide her laughter before turning back to her cheek again. “Hey, I mean that in the nicest way that I can possibly muster. You’re still better than all the other guys, okay? That, like, makes up for it.” It was possible that Sugar was getting a little too close already, but being around Maxwell constantly had made it all become something she didn’t really even consider. “Oh, right, I forgot, you’re suddenly nice for the night. How boring of you,” she teasingly muttered, followed with a scoff. “I don’t need to meet any Martins to know they’re a pompous douche. The name alone sells it. A lot like... I don’t know... random example - Maxwell. Maxim? Cool. Maxwell? Pompous douche name, no doubt.” When he went on to describe Levi to a T, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Aw, so he still played you? How inclusive of him, though he’s the least guilt-ridden man I’ve ever met. He’d beg anyone for drinks, and jump at any opportunity to talk about his totally tragic love life... it’s annoying, but he helps me pick out some of my cutest outfits, so... I’m willing to suffer, I guess.” Quietly, she was snatching his glass from him the second it was empty, not drunk by any means but feeling comfortable enough to lead both of them towards the middle where more pairs were dancing, and without even asking she was forcing her hands on her waist, and wrapping her arms loosely around his neck, starting to sway. “Have you ever danced with someone before?”

“I know, isn’t it great? If they didn’t, I might actually have to think about what I say and watch my words, but fortunately I don’t. Sucks to be you.” He grinned at her, no offense meant obviously and surprisingly his words being his own attempt at a positive attitude, whether or not people would think that they sounded anything positive. “Isn’t the biggest part of hiding staying hidden? What happens when we leave our closet to get more alcohol and someone catches us and wants to talk? Plan ruined.” Max raised an eyebrow at the sound from her, a smirk rising to his lips, though he didn’t comment on it, just nudging her lightly with his shoulder. “They are. That’s true. Rich boys on the other hand? … they fucking suck too. Do I know a Levi?” Max furrowed his brow as though trying to remember, though he wasn’t able to fully come up with anything before focusing on Sugar leaning into him and swaying slightly along with her. “A genius? Someone got a big head real quick,” he teased before sighing. “Well… I guess. We are more commodity than person at this point, right?  … is it worth it?” Max himself didn’t even have a good answer to that question, not sure if he’d give up the money to have his parents off his case in the way they were or not. “The best looking out of a bunch of old dudes? Thanks. Compliment of the year right there.”

“You’re honestly right. I have the short end of the stick,” she whined, not the least bit sarcastic in her tone. “I have to deal with these people actually being offended by me, and I have to actually look at how many ugly people we’re surrounded by to begin with... including you,” she tacked on, giving him a gentle nudge, but not per usual, she was giggling after it. “You can scare them away... or pretend you don’t know they’re talking to, problem solved.” Humming happily, she once again focused on drinking, doing it a little too quickly, but she’d focus on regretting that later. “Duh. They’re especially annoying, particularly any of the ones who have a name who start with an M. Ugh, the worst,” she groaned, shaking her head. “Maybe? He’s got a cute voice, but he’s overly confident and uses ‘darling’ past the point of charming,” she tried to describe. “My head is perfectly sized for my body, thank you.” As they swayed, Sugar slowly found herself resting her head on Maxwell’s shoulder, still looking around for any threat of people trying to come talk to them. “You’re welcome. It’s the only compliment you’re ever gonna get from me, so you better cherish it.”

“Of course there’s tricks to it. There’s only so far you can get on natural talent, and the goal is to make sure they never want to talk to you again, right?” Max was rarely so candid, but it always seemed like he and Sugar were on the same page when it came to things like this, so it felt natural to comment. He even leaned into her shoulder slightly, far more comfortably than he’d been with anyone… maybe ever. “You think if we bribe one of these waiters enough, they’ll do room service… to our closet? I’d drop a couple hundred or even a thousand on that, how about you?” Sadly, he was more than happy to do just that. “You don’t have to tell me that. Preaching to the choir. Do you have any friend that’s not extremely annoying?” Other than himself, Max almost added, though quickly biting his tongue. He wasn’t sure if she’d disagree that they weren’t friends or that he was in fact extremely annoying, but Max was certain she’d disagree with something. “I like the way you think,” he agreed, taking the drink from her cheerfully and sipping at it. “Beats me. I’ve been to more of these things than I want to count and fun? Not really a factor. It’s worse than responsible, it’s just a way for our parents to show off, isn’t it? Ever just feel like you’re being… used?” Of course, Max knew that he was, his father hadn’t really made it much of a secret. “If you say so. I suppose something about it has to be good, right?”

“You can get away with more than I can,” she pointed out. “People forgive you for being an ass a lot more than they’d forgive me for being a bitch, just in general. You can scare them away, I get into full on fist fights. I think I’ll stick with my own methods,” she said, though her tone remained slightly more teasing than usual. There was something about seeing other people that really stuck a point into Sugar that she preferred Maxwell’s company over all else, though she’d never actually tell him that... sober, at least. “Room service to our closet? Are you that lazy?” She actually snorted at the thought, the sound causing her face to actually flush - something Maxwell was luckily unaware of, or else Sugar would’ve been embarrassed and grumpy over it. He still heard it, however, Sugar quickly focusing on her drink. “... no? Rich girls are always annoying... unless you count me out. I guess... uh.... Levi’s kind of boyfriend isn’t annoying, but I don’t think we count as friends. Other than that? No, all pretty obnoxious,” she said with a huff, leaning into Max a bit more. “I’m a genius, I know,” she proudly responded, letting out an overly confident hum. “Used? Isn’t that the definition of being a rich kid? That’s our whole lives,” she said, though she knew that Max felt used in unique circumstances, and she understood. Finally finishing another glass, she started to sway, ever so slightly, forcing Max to do the same. “... you know, I think you’re the best looking guy here tonight,” she said, suddenly, before flushing yet again. “... not that there’s much competition. Grey hair isn’t my thing.”

It was all going a little too well, so of course there was a small voice in the back of Seth’s head that was telling him to be concerned. He knew Levi too well to think that he was going to get off this easily, and yet he was just enjoying having him back in his life at the moment so it was hard for him to really work on damage control the way he definitely ought to have been. With Levi somehow it always felt hard not to just drift back to the way they’d always been, regardless of what had happened. “I’m not sure their heart was what they were trying to offer,” he commented with a small chuckle, shaking his head. “It… It feels like a bad thing, but I don’t know. I guess this is just what happens when you start getting older,” Seth mused, missing any double meaning Levi might have had. Levi’s final words actually made him cringe, dropping eye contact to look down at the table between them instead. “… no. It’s just me,” he finally said, focusing on his drink. “It’s been just me for a little while.”

“Oh? What else could they be offering, Elkins?” Levi blinked, tilting his head to the side in feigned innocence before letting out a soft hum. “Alright, Mr. Negative, let’s be a little more positive, hm? Everything happens for a reason... whether or not we like it. You can either choose to pout about it... which is a very cute look on you, of course, though I’m confident that you could pull off any look you want... or we can have more fun. Age doesn’t mean sad. Age means growing and not ending the nights blacking out, but having a night of fun and ending up in bed with no hangover in the morning. Wiser for the better.” Levi nodded at his own confident words, already lighter in noticing that maybe Seth and Helena weren’t together anymore. Was that evil of him? Maybe, but he hated Helena. He didn’t want to see Seth sad, of course, but the fact that she was possibly out of the picture? That was the main focus for him. “Oh... well, I guess not anymore, right? It’s almost like fate reminded you that I’m still around... still living and breathing, and just as fun and cute as ever.”

“In this one right here and now, sweetie,” Chris chided lightly, shaking her head at him as she often did and the kind but stern way she treated him had been the same through most of their interactions. “See? You shouldn’t have even had to ask!” Once again she was almost chiding him, giggling slightly as he agreed that they were friends and beaming at him. Angelo’s next question really threw her off, not having expected that for a moment and there was a long pause as she tried to figure out what to say. “… well, I don’t really want to offend anyone but, no. No, I don’t.” The results came back as true as Chris nodded. “Not that he’s not still a phenomenal actor and that I wouldn’t be happy to co-star with him, but… I like you more. And if I co-stared with him, I wouldn’t get to do as many fun things like this, or at least they wouldn’t be nearly as much fun as they are with you.” Even that came back as true, though Chris definitely didn’t want to admit that she was also much more attracted to Angelo than she ever had been to Seth. “On,” said the guy involved with pulling the fan questions. “That perfectly goes with the next question! ChrisisBae22 sent in: Which would you rather date, Seth or Angelo?” Chris’s answer was much quicker this time around. “Angelo. Definitely.” Maybe a little too quick, especially as it came back true, but Chris also didn’t want to mention the fact that she was well aware that dating Seth would immediately end her friendship with Levi.

Sweetie. The pet name had him cringing, ever so slightly, still not a fan of kindness, even if it was as simple as that. Though, it was hard for him to hold that cringe in place when she giggled. Chris always easily conflicted Angelo’s feelings, making him feel both disgust at her kindness, but endeared by her nonetheless. He really hated it, and he hated even more that he liked her too much to be angry over it. “... the only one you’re offendin’ is me... or, I guess you’re offendin’ Seth, too, I mean... damn. You’d rather work with me than him? I don’t believe that. I don’t trust the results,” he said, side-eyeing the machine before focusing on her again. There was something satisfying in her words, just as much as it brought up the instinctive disgust Angelo always felt when it came to compliments. He always felt like that weren’t deserved, shifting uncomfortably as he fought back correcting her, for now. He just looked slightly more grumpy. That grumpy turned to a mix of flustered as she answered that she’d date him, Angelo ducking his head away yet again and sucking in a deep breath. “I’m gettin’ a feelin’ this whole thing is rigged,” he said with a huff, shaking his head. “Have I ever annoyed you?” He felt better trying to slide past it all, hoping that the answer to this question could make him feel better. There was no way that he hadn’t annoyed her at least once, right?