#hazel hook

“Yeah, well just..'uh...don’t let it happen again” Max stammers out with his cheeks tinted with a light pink that was not there before. 

“Well, I will see you around Max. I better get to class since I don't want to be late” you say with a smile before turning away and setting off towards your class. As you walk away, you can’t help the grin on your face as you wonder how long it will take for him to notice his wallet is gone. 

Max, completely dumbfounded by the entire interaction, stands unmoving, and watches you walk away. Realizing what he is doing, he snaps himself out of it and heads to his class. 

“Crazy HKs” Max mutters under his breath. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It would not be until after the final class ends that Max would realize that his wallet is missing. Max is currently sitting in the garden talking with the other VKs. 

“You should have seen the look on his face after the reading I gave him” Felix laughs as he recounts his earlier tarot reading with one of the HKs that morning. 

“Sounds like a blast” Hazel barely responds, as she is more focused on trying to get the Smees to stop climbing the nearby tree before they hurt themselves. 

“I had the strangest interaction with who I think is Rapunzel's daughter. I never caught her name.” Max says to the group now that Felix is done with his story. 

“I think it’s Y/N” Felix responds, having met you in his Auradon's history class. 

After learning your name Max couldn’t help but notice how much it suited you.

“Well, she crashed into me this morning, causing her to fall down. When I helped her up, I saw that she had a nice bracelet so I snatched it. Then out of nowhere she hugged me before running off” Max tells his friends, still confused by the experience. 

“Hugged you? Oh, I wish I could have seen that” Hazel laughs at Max after having successfully distracted the Smees with snacks. “Did she notice the missing bracelet?” 

“No, she didn’t. It looks expensive though” Max shares as he reaches into his coat pocket to show his friends the bracelet. While he is able to find the bracelet, his pocket is noticeably emptier. Realizing what has happened, Max exclaims “My wallet is gone! I think the princess snatched my wallet!” 

Hazel and the other VKs finding the situation hilarious start crying out with laughter. The image of a princess taking Max’s wallet is too ridiculous not to laugh at. 

“The princess took your wallet, and you didn’t even notice. No wonder she hugged you out of nowhere” Hazel continues to laugh while drying a fake tear from her eye with her hook. 

“It's not funny guys!” Max responds distressed. “I thought she was just overly nice like some of the other HKs. Now I’m going to have to go find her to get it back”. Max stands up getting ready to go search for Y/N. 

“Good luck with that” Felix tells his friend while still laughing. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Across campus, you are happily painting away in the art classroom. Technically no students are supposed to be in here, but after you had picked the lock multiple times, Fairy Godmother got tired of trying to stop you since you weren’t doing anything besides paint. Unsure of what to paint today, you dipped your paintbrush into some purple paint before bringing it up to the canvas. Your brush glides across the canvas, and while you were unsure of what you were painting, you knew it would come to you soon. 

As Max passed by the art classroom in search of you, he heard movement coming from inside the classroom. This stood out to him as there were normally no teachers left in the classroom at this hour. Moving closer to investigate, he sees you inside the classroom painting. 

Opening the door quickly Max exclaims “You took my wallet!” 

Surprised by his sudden appearance you drop your paint brush, which thankfully misses the canvas. “You made me drop my brush” you huff out sadly. 

“You took my wallet earlier” Max repeats again, not caring about having startled you. 

“And you took my bracelet” You respond unimpressed, picking up your dropped brush. 

“If you knew I took your bracelet, why didn’t you say anything?” Max questions. 

“Where’s the fun in that? I wanted to see how long it would take you to notice” you laugh, pulling out Max’s wallet from your bag. 

“I don’t think stealing wallets is very princessy behavior” Max can’t help but grin at you, intrigued by your behavior. 

“Well, my dad used to be a thief, and you were just asking for it when you took my bracelet.” You smile at him. “I’ll trade you your wallet back for my bracelet.” 

“Hmm” Max hums. “Or I could keep your bracelet, and you give me my wallet back.” He smirks at you. 

“Ha. Very funny Max” You respond sarcastically. “How about I keep your wallet and steal my bracelet back when you least expect it, leaving you with nothing.” 

“Fine, your bracelet for my wallet” Max concedes, taking your bracelet out of his pocket. 

You and Max trade back your items keeping a close eye on each other to make sure neither of you takes something from the other.  

“It was a pleasure doing business with you Max” you tell him as you begin to pack your stuff up getting ready to leave the classroom as it was getting late. 

“I never knew a princess could have such sticky fingers” Max says with a smile. 

“Well, there’s a lot you don’t know about me” you smile back at him before walking up to Max, reaching up to cradle his face, and planting a soft kiss on his cheek. Stepping back from him, you add with a wink “I’ll see you around Hatter”. 

Before Max knew it, you were out the door before he even had the chance to respond. It was only when he heard your laughter down the hallway, did he realize that his hat was missing.

Breathless and rosy cheeked Max knew that would not be the last time he saw you.

A/N (7/29/26) - Hi everyone my taglist is currently CLOSED and at capacity. For updated information please check my most recent post or my navigation page.

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The day started relatively normal; you awoke in your dorm. Rebecca Hood—daughter of Robin Hood and younger sister of Robbie Hood—greeted you as always. She didn’t have the same shimmery shine to her as other princesses, but she held a quieter beauty. Regal yet daring, taking after her mother’s—Marian's—features, while keeping her father’s wit. She was a perfect balance, and her intelligence was admirable, especially since she was a year younger than you.

Your parents weren’t remarkable by any means. No big names or titles, just a simple family who lived within Auradon’s Kingdom. Your invitation was purely based on happenstance and the fact that you had been top of your middle school preparatory grade. But other than that, it was just a surprise.

Now you roam the halls of Auradon at the top of your year—based on the midterm exams that had just passed. You also participated in many academic clubs and organisations. You couldn’t wield a bow or fence with pride. Nor could you bake without the fear of blowing the kitchen to smithereens, but you had a great handle on academic leadership.

Everyone around Auradon knew you, considering you had been elected as the Vice-President of the Student Council. The president position went to Meliora, a senior, who was also the daughter of Hercules and Megara. Her wit and sharp mind had completely transformed the easy blend of Villains, Heroes, and Auradon kids. Not to mention she herself was a villain and hero kid—both sides felt supported when electing her. 

My friends call me Mel; her voice echoed in your head from when you first met. She was surprised that the Vice-president position went to a sophomore, but she wasn’t fazed, just quietly accepted it and welcomed you. She was kind, sarcastic, and incredibly smart—someone you very much admired. So whenever you were lost, you had decided that you could rely on her.

⟡˙⋆───𝜗𝜚 ───⋆˙⟡

Walking down the corridor, a few girls waved ‘hello’ to you, and you gave a small greeting back. You had made it pretty far until a redheaded boy blocked your path. Kasper of Arendelle, you identified in your head.

He was a persistent boy, somehow always finding you when you were sure he was off doing something else. Ever since you tutored him last year to make sure he wasn’t expelled for his grades, he began trailing after you like a lost puppy. You have turned him down a total of one-hundred and sixty-two times—something he seems to have kept count of. No matter how many times you reject the prince, he seems hellbent on trying again.

There wasn’t anything all that wrong with him, save for ignoring your rejections, but he just wasn’t your type, nor did he impress you. You found that you weren’t all that attracted to the princely or heroic type. They stood out a little too much, and their “greatness” inflated their already huge ego.

“Hello, dear crocus,” the boy greeted, giving you a perfectly practised bow. Oh yeah, that was another thing that was a little off-putting. A crocus was the floral emblem and crest of Arendelle, and by itself it was pretty. However when he attempted to turn it into a nickname it did nothing but make you cringe out a small, strained smile.

“Hello, Kasper,” you greeted back, already dreading the situation that was about to occur. The aforementioned boy smiled at the sound of his name, standing to his full height and tilting his head down at you. “Lovely day we’re having, isn’t it?” You gave, ready to finish this as quickly as possible.

Kasper’s eyes lit up with self-proclaimed adortion as he took your hand into his and kissed your knuckles. You visibly shivered, revolted by his chapped lips touching your skin. Not to mention the fact that you’ve showcased your utter displeasure for him multiple times. He’ll never understand. You thought, scrunching your nose in disgust.

“It’s lovely now that we’re spending it together,” he started, still holding your hand as you discreetly tried to pry it free. “Gone is the ice in my heart once I settle my gaze on you.” He dramatically told you, gaining the attention of a few passersbys in the courtyard. A hopeless romantic, much like his mother, Queen Anna. You noted, thinking of a way to escape his heart eyes.

⟡˙⋆───𝜗𝜚 ───⋆˙⟡

Squeaky and his twin Squirmy had been walking through the courtyard, thoroughly bored. They had just finished all the snacks that Hazel had given them, appreciative of her ability to always provide for them, considering where they grew up. Now they wanted something to fill their time with rather than their stomachs.

As the two of them navigated the corridors, they saw something—or rather someone whom they recognised. It was you, the girl who Max was always talking about. From your great academics and school presence to how kindly you had tutored him in Advanced Monarichal Systems. Max always had something kind to say about you—a source fueling Hazel’s constant teasing.

Unfortunately, Hazel had started referring to you as Max’s girlfriend as a joke. However, the Smees had taken that as fact rather than fiction. So the two of them watched in horror as some redheaded prince kissed your knuckles. “Dude,” Squirmy said, stopping his brother with a hand in front of Squeaky’s chest. Squeaky only looked even more annoyed with the way the prince hadn’t noticed your disgusted expression. 

The brothers shared a glance, eyes meeting with the same resolution. Save Max’s girlfriend from the evil, tempting prince. 

⟡˙⋆───𝜗𝜚 ───⋆˙⟡

In all honesty, nothing could have prepared you for the blue and white blur that had pulled you away from Kasper. You had been roughly pulled back into someone’s broad chest, as another person tackled Kasper to the ground with a war cry followed by a sickening thud.

Finally getting your world to stop spinning, you made out the two figures who had saved you from unreal peril—Squeaky and Squirmy Smee. You didn’t know them well enough to tell them apart, but that didn’t really matter as one of them was beating Prince Kasper into the courtyard dirt.

“Stop!” You cried, as Kasper had already passed out. Prince Kasper's palace life was too easy compared to the slums that the Smees had to navigate. The Smee who had been straddling Prince Kasper’s waist paused his barrage of attacks, as the one who had been holding you loosened his arms. The attacking Smee turned to look at you, a tilt to his head as if asking why you would make him stop.

“He’s already unconscious, and besides, Prince Kasper always walks away with his tail between his legs.” You said, exasperated by the way they had handled something you normally dealt with.

“Always?” The Smee behind you asked.

“Does this happen often?” The attacking Smee asked after his brother.

“Yes, so please get off of him. I think you’ve done enough damage.” You replied, thinking of ways to move Prince Kasper to the infirmary, while thinking of a way to apologise for the rough behaviour—even if you almost died of laughter at the shout he let out when he got tackled. 

The attacking Smee followed your command and came to stand in front of you on the right. His brother, who had finally released you, came to stand next to his counterpart. 

“That’s not good.” The twin on the right spoke.

“Max won’t enjoy that.” The twin on the left muttered, as you only raised an eyebrow at the pair.

“Squeaky?” You tried, watching the shorter twin perk up on the right. He had been the one to attack Prince Kasper. “Squirmy,” you stated, watching as the taller boy stood straighter. He had held you back from the savage attack launched by his shorter twin. 

Sighing as you now could tell them apart, you decided it was time for questions. But the groan that emanated from behind the boys reminded you of the Prince who had been handled with far less care than he was used to. 

“W-what…” Prince Kasper trailed off, pushing up to a sitting position. Propping himself up with one hand, as the other raised to the black eye that was forming on his face.

The twins’ faces morphed into flat looks, clearly displeased with how easily their target had gotten up. As soon as you gave the word, they’d more than happily launch back into action. Nobody was supposed to mess with you, considering you were Max’s. And the Smees knew how much Max hated sharing his things.

“Kasper,” you called out, pushing your way between the boys in front of you, ignoring their worried looks of confusion. You knelt down to the battered boy and sighed. “I told you that one day your endless harassment would lead to something bad.” You calmly said. “I apologise for the brutality that you had to face, but let it be a reminder for the future. Please stay away from me.” You spoke with finality before dusting yourself off and standing.

You called over a few of the hero boys who had been hanging out in the courtyard and asked them to haul their little friend to the nurse's office. The boys quickly made haste and disappeared, leaving you with the oddball twins behind you.

You then turned back to the Smees and gave them a pointed look. “What provoked you both to do that?” You questioned, keeping your voice level as you tried to read them.

The boys turned to one another, seemingly sharing a silent conversation, before turning their attention back to you. “Well, you’re Max’s girlfriend. We couldn’t let you get hurt,” they said in unison, as if it solved every problem and didn’t just cause a whole lot more to occur.

You felt your face engulfed in flames—surely then they didn’t mean Max Hatter, but that's the only Max these two know. You internally debated. “You both don’t mean Max…Hatter…right?” You asked, taking a few pauses to quell your racing mind, hoping that they would say no and that this whole thing was an elaborate prank out of sheer boredom. Yeah, that has to be it. You concluded, only to be shattered by their next words.

“Obviously, what other Max is dating you?” Squirmy said, crossing his arms over his chest as he gave you an inquisitive look. “I thought Max always bragged about how smart she was. Are we sure this is the same girl?” Squeaky said aloud, not even attempting to whisper, as if you weren’t still right in front of them. 

You knew Max Hatter, the boy every girl at Auradon Prep had recently had the hots for. After his incredible bravery in saving the Queen of Hearts and Queen Cinderella, it was like the entire school flipped. Instead of shunning him or only being interested in his little tricks, now he was praised and greeted at every turn. 

Your crush on the boy had started long before the whole Maddox Hatter ordeal. In fact, it started at the back of the library during a tutoring session. He wasn’t evil or malicious as many had whispered, but he was kind, soft-spoken, and actually really smart. He tried his hardest to catch up to the curriculum that Auradon had set, and he sighed and struggled like any other kid. During those moments, you began seeing him in a different light, and from there came the easy banter between you both.

After his tutoring sessions ended, you didn’t stop being nice to one another. Opting for passing greetings and fleeting glances that were covered up by the school’s hallways. But they were there. However, after his spike in popularity, it was hard even to catch a glimpse of the tea-loving boy. His purple hair was merely a small wisp in the corridors. And his laugh only echoed in the corners of your mind when you studied late at night.

But to hear from the twins that you were Max’s girlfriend put you in a spin. It made you dizzy with warmth, and you weren’t sure what to do with that feeling. But you did know one thing: you wanted to know why these boys were under the assumption that you and Max were together. Not to mention Squeaky’s comment.

“What else has Max said about me?” You asked, a newfound confidence coursing through you, desperate to hear what you’ve been wishing for since the first tutoring session all those months ago. 

The twins turned to one another, sharing more unspoken words, then they smiled and fixed their gazes back to you. Clearly happy to share their knowledge of a subject they had been privy to.

⟡˙⋆───𝜗𝜚 ───⋆˙⟡

Max and Hazel had been searching for the Smees all over campus. Felix was going to help, but he read the future and decided that his presence just wasn’t in the cards, so he retreated to his and Max’s shared dorm to catch up on some homework.

“We’ve looked everywhere. Where the hell could those two have run off?” Hazel grimaced, crossing her arms over her chest as she glanced about the courtyard she and Max ended up in.

Max only sighed, sure he was looking for the Smees, but he had been secretly searching for your pretty hair colour. He hadn’t seen or spoken to you much after the whole Wicked Wonderland problem, and he really wanted to be able to get back into his routine. Maybe I should start failing classes again, then I could request her as my tutor and—

“Uh oh,” Hazel muttered, interrupting Max’s internal plan to get close to you once more. “‘Uh oh’, what?” He asked back, looking at Hazel's face, finding her eyes glued to somewhere across the courtyard. He followed her gaze, and when he found what she had been looking at, he really wished he hadn’t. There you sat—pretty as ever—on a concrete bench with a twin flanking both your sides. Squirmy sat on your left, while Squeaky occupied the space to your right. You threw your head back in laughter at something one of them said, and Max felt his heart plummet. How did you three get so close? He wondered, watching Squeaky use his hands to gesture along with his words.

Hazel looked at the odd trio and couldn’t help but feel like something was off. The Smees didn’t open up easily, and they barely even knew you. Only hearing about you through the endless teasing she did to Max, and through Max’s endless…praise. Oh shit. She thought, understanding why the Smees weren’t afraid of being near you.

“Max, it might be over for you.” She said, not looking away from the scene as horror crossed her features at her recent revelation. The boy only turned back to his best friend, thoroughly confused by her words. He already knew that; it was clear that you had hit it off with the Smees better than you had with him. He felt bitter, but it wouldn’t stop him from treating you with care. What he couldn’t understand was the panicked expression that Hazel wore. What’s up with her?

Before he could question his friend, the Smees had called out to the two of them. “Hazel! Max!” Squeaky cried out, happy to see them, considering he and his brother had gone without food for nearly two hours now. You perked up at the mention of Max, completely enamoured by the way he had been describing you to his friends. Clearly your crush wasn’t as one-sided as you had assumed. And the way the twins had described Hazel’s teasing had confirmed that the Smees had no idea that you and Max weren’t actually dating.

You felt as if liquid courage had been poured into your veins as you and the Smees met Max and Hazel in the middle. “Hi Max,” you greeted, smiling when he perked up at your voice. “Oh, hey,” he said, throwing your name in, attempting to act suave as if your voice hadn’t just undone him. 

The Smees smiled at the two of you interacting, knowing that they had saved you from the womanising beast. It was Squeaky who had regaled the tale of the redheaded woman-stealing prince. One that left Max and Hazel utterly speechless as you laughed full and bright. Recalling the war cry that had been shouted into the courtyard as Squeaky ran at full speed and dove to tackle Prince Kasper to the ground. “And that’s how we saved your girlfriend.” Squirmy ended, voice softer than his brothers, but equally full of happiness.

Max choked on spit and sputtered a few times. Girlfriend?! Where in Wonderland could they have—oh. OH!

⟡˙⋆───𝜗𝜚 ───⋆˙⟡

“Max, you really need to stop bragging about your girlfriend.” Hazel teased, as Felix laughed beside her, pulling out a card which showcased a married couple.

“Max, if ‘complementing my girlfriend’ was a subject, you’d probably get better than an A.” Hazel teased another time after Max ranted about how pretty your dress was that day. 

“Max, you really need to focus. I know you have a one-track mind for your girlfriend, but we’re trying to stop your father here.” Hazel pleaded when they were stuck in Wonderland.

⟡˙⋆───𝜗𝜚 ───⋆˙⟡

All those times, the Smees had been listening, learning, and associating you with the word girlfriend. They thought you and Max were together, and that’s why they had saved you from Prince whatever-the-hell-his-name-was; Max didn’t really care; he had been pretty mad to hear that some idiot was kissing your hands instead of him. Not that he’s ever done it, though, but it still left him with an annoyed pit in his stomach. 

When Max slid his gaze to you, he found you already watching him, a smirk adorning your face which was so adorably mischievous Max would’ve fainted if not for the fear coursing through his veins right now. 

He wanted to speak, to say something, but he lacked the brain cells to do it right now. It was like his body wasn’t listening, shutting down at just the way you were looking at him.

Hazel had ushered the Smees away, luring them out with food. They threw a ‘goodbye’ over their shoulders, but you didn’t turn. You kept your eyes fixed on the stuttering boy in front of you. His ears had tinted pink, clearly embarrassed at being caught. But it was just so cute, and so Max that you couldn’t really tease him for much longer.

You settled for walking up to him, something that made his mind go blank, and kissed his cheek. That earned a gasp from him. “Let me know when our next date is, Hatter. After all, I am your girlfriend.” You told him, giving him a pretty smile, while your eyes shined with mirth. Then, as if nothing had happened, you turned and walked off.

It took a second for Max to process his overloaded senses. His fried brain whirred back to life after your perfume finally stopped clouding his brain. He then turned to where you had walked off and caught a fleeting glimpse of your hair before it disappeared among the sea of students being released from class. 

Max lifted a hand to where your delicate, warm lips had pressed into. And he couldn’t fight the smile that had taken over his face, nor the lovesick gaze that had his eyebrows furrowing. “I’ve gone delightfully mad,” he said to himself, looking forward to planning your next date. All because the Smees had determined you were Hatter’s girl. 

Slowly you moved further away from the school, towards the gardens. You gasped loud when there was more rustling. “Curious and curiouser.” Muttering to yourself. Approaching. Gently bending through your knees upon the bush.

Humming interested. With a loud squeal, you leaped back when something darted out of the bushes. Eyes twinkling with delight, you went in pursuit. Running after it. Steering away from your destination. 

Max huffed loudly when Félix slapped the back of his hand so suddenly against his chest. Causing him to stop abruptly. Laughing loud, he pointed in a direction. “She’s at it again.” Tone teasing. Max turned his head, spotting Félix point at you. Running towards the gardens. Dropping your books on the way.

“We’re never seeing her to class.” Hazel would sigh out, crossing her arms. Snorting loud when the Smee’s mimicked you. Max shooting them a glare. “She’s a handful.” Félix let out, slipping his arm over Max and Hazel, leaning down on them. Max brushed his arm off. 

“Come on.” Hazel motioned with her head to the building. Knowing they had a class approaching. Max sighed loud, lowering his head. Getting in motion. “M…Max…where are you going?” Hazel called out, throwing her hands up. “I’ll be right back!” Max shouted back.

Bending down to pick up your fallen books. Collecting them carefully in his arms. Shaking his head with a deep sigh. Venturing after you into the gardens. He started picking up the pace as he knew how fast you could run. “Y/n! Y/n!” Calling out with panted breaths. 

Passing the bush figures and flower patches. Rounding around the fountain, through the flowery archway. Nearly dropping one of your books in his haste. Struggling to keep it in his grip. Slapping it firmly against his chest. Arms guarding them tightly. “Y/n!” Calling once more.

Gritting his teeth, he knew he didn’t have time for this. No time to chase you after one of your silly adventures. That curiosity of yours. “Y/n!” Max shouted louder when he saw the last of your dress disappear behind a bush figure. Speeding up, he shot a hand up to his hat to keep it from flying off. 

“Y/n!” Yelling with frustration. Gasping loud, you came to a sudden stop. Max catching up with you, pulling you firmly towards him by your wrist. “Oh, Max.” You said delightfully. Max’s gaze on you hardened, tugging firmer at your wrist. “We’ve got class!” He reminded you. “But…but I was close…you see I was chasing… I believe a rabbit. Brown of fur or a squirrel. I couldn’t really tell, so I wanted to know…” You tattled on. 

Stumbling over your feet when Max pulled harder at your wrist. “Enough!” He called out, coming to a firm stop. Turning around sharply to you. Shoving your books in your hands. “We’ve got class Y/n. Get that head of yours out of the clouds.” Pushing his finger gently onto your forehead. 

You faintly lost balance, leaning backwards before catching yourself. Fluttering rapidly with your eyelashes, you gawked at him. Swallowing softly, tearing your gaze away from him. “I know…” Whispering out. Moving your books up till your chin, you leaned down on them. Following Max quietly to the building.

Stepping out of the gardens towards the building. It was all very clear. VK’s and HK’s snickering and laughing your way. Cheeks flushed with shame that Max was a part of this walk of shame. You weren’t a fool. Everyone knew what it meant. You had once again let your curiosity get the better of you. 

“I…I’m sorry.” You blurted out to Max. Running past him to not have him associate any longer with you. Max sighed, moving his hat a bit up, scratching his hair. You hurried over to class. Appearing abruptly in the door opening. Eyes falling on Max’s friends.

They noticed you, snorting loudly. Burying your head down, you hasted to your seat. Max entered a moment later, going straight to his friends. Glancing over your shoulder, you stared at their interactions. How they toyed around, teasing each other. At ease with each other. 

Pushing your books closer to your chest. You dropped your chin on top. Biting the inwards of your cheek. Blinking rapidly to keep any tears at bay. How insane he must think you were. Always with your head in the clouds. Easily distracted by your curiosity. Chasing after adventures that were not always worth it.

Your curiosity with the need to know, a burden on you. You knew it and they knew it. Wiping your cheeks dry, just in case any tears had slipped. You rather wanted to be someone else. So sick of yourself. Rather wanting to be anyone else. Then you’d be as cool as Hazel. Lovable as Max. Funny like Félix. Charming like Luis. Comparosing, slowly killing you. 

Turning your head, you stared at Red, Pink and Chloe. Tensing your jaw from jealousy. Everyone wanted to be around them. They probably got invited to gatherings every night. Lifting your head up, you pulled the top book a bit up. Sighing saddened.

The invitations for a tea party you had, tugged in there, seemed pointless. You just knew no one would show up. If only you were one of them, everyone would come. Jealousy tasted bad in your mouth. Fairy Godmother walked into class. The last few students hopped down from the tables to their seats. 

“Good morning class.” She happily let out. Almost singing. Jaw tensed, your jealousy got the better of you. Shoving your chair back, you shot up. Books clutched to your chest, taking a run for it. “Y/n…Y/n…where…where are you going?” Fairy Godmother called out. “Chasing clouds?” You heard in a flint when rushing out.

The laughter piercing through your heart. Tears you had tried to keep inside, bubbled out. Sobbing loudly. Books dropping out of your hand, moving the back of your hand against your lips. Lip trembling uncontrollably. Rushing down the hallway to be as far away. 

Max jumped out of the door into the hallway. Panting loudly. Heading in a direction, nearly tripping over your fallen books. Hopping aside, he regained his balance. Kneeling down with a soft sigh. Carefully collecting them.

Brows quirking up at the envelopes sticking out of a book. Slowly he pulled one out. Opening one to read the first sentences for a tea party. Batting his gaze down, he playfully shook his head, tugging them away. Carrying your books by his hip, he could think of a few places where you would run off to. 

Max lifted the low hanging branch higher up, lowering himself a bit to go underneath it. Curling up a relieved smile upon hearing your voice. Walking under the archway naturally formed by tree branches at each side. Leaning against the bark of one of the trees, crossing his arms. “Room for one more?” He asked.

You gasped loud, looking up from the table. Setting the tea cup down you were about to offer to anyone imaginary. “You should be in class.” You let out, tearing your gaze away. Max huffed out a chuckle. “So should you.” Approaching. Pulling a chair back, by your side. 

Sitting himself down, placing your books on the table. He pushed the books over the table to you. “You should have these. You still have to hand out your invitations.” He tilted his head with a cheeky smile. Scoffing loud, you shoved the books with the invitations off the table.

Invitations flying off, scattering around in the grass. Max stared at it with wide eyes. “Why would I even bother?” You responded. “Who would even come?” Turning your head away from him so he couldn’t notice the hurt in your eyes. “I know what they call me… loony.” Eyes swelling up with tears. “Thinking I don’t hear it, but I do…” 

Quickly wiping the back of your hand over your cheek. Setting your hands on the edge of the table, you shoved your chair back. Getting roughly up. “I’m not as cool as you! No one wants to hang around with me cause they all think I’m a lunatic! You’ve got it all, friends, popularity, invitations! I get none of those!” Spilling your guts about all you envied him.

Turning around, you stepped away from the table. “Y/n!” Max panted out, jumping up from his seat as well. “Wait up…” Coming after you. Reaching for your wrist, keeping you in place. “I’d…i’d come to your party.” He let out, tugging you closer to you. 

Annoyed, you pulled your hand free. “You don’t have to pretend. There is no one around. You can stop acting like you care out of pity.” You cried out. “Even I am sick of myself. Sick of how cursed with curiosity I am.” Pressing your fists in distress against your forehead. “Y/n.” Max pulled your hands down, keeping his grip around them. “I’m sorry…I’m sorry you feel this way…but you don’t have to compare yourself to others.” 

Annoyed you scoffed, looking away. Max pressed his thumbs on your hands. “It’s not pity…I promise you.” He made clear. Brushing his thumb up your cheek. “Sure, you give me a run for it.” Batting his eyes up with a cheeky smile. “But I’d chase you to the end of the world if I have to.” Chuckling softly.

“Silly Y/n.” Booping your nose as it made you flutter your eyelashes. He moved away, kneeling down to collect your books and invitations. He held them out to you. You accepted them. Wanting to take a remaining invitation from his hands when Max pulled it out of your reach. “This is mine.” Winking. You smiled bashfully down. 

“Who needs a thousand friends when you have me?” He said, slipping an arm around you. You nudged him hard in the side. “A few wouldn’t be so bad.” You responded with a soft glare. Max ruffled his fingers through your hair, chuckling deeply.

“Don’t worry about the nickname…I’ll make it disappear.” Pressing you closer to his side. Tearing yourself away from him, you ran a bit further. “Did you say you’d chase me to the end of the world?” Perking an eyebrow up. Smiling cheekily. Max exhaled playfully. You squealed loud when he came chasing you. 

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