"Wowww! This place is hugeee!" Little Archie yelled happily. Indeed the place was bigger than he had expected. Thankfully not too big, just a two story house out of the way from the city in a corner. Dammit Archie. I told him not to-

"Dad, dad can we go in? Can we can we?" Still, the excitement the child exhibited was contagious. Maxie felt himself chuckle and smile at the wide eyed boy tugging him through the front door, running through the furnished front room in wonder as he locked the door behind them. The air conditioner was running silently, and he had to admit it was a nice change from the sweltering natural warmth from the caves he was used to.

"Do you want to bring your things up to your room?" Archie nodded eagerly, taking one of the bags on his own carefully up the flight of stairs. Maxie handled the other two, hoisting them until they got to the top step of new tile wood and a long hallway.

"Uhm...my room is...?"

"Try the one on the right."

"This one has one bed and a big fish tank." He called, closing the door when Maxie explained that wasn't the right one. Rolling his eyes a bit at the fact Archie had left a room for himself with a fish tank of all things if he was only a short walk away.

"It should be the next one then." Sure enough, the other room had two twin sized beds with matching closets and a large toy trunk in the shape of a eevee. A bookshelf was in the corner near a small desk and 4 tiny chairs, with the last piece being the huge carpet in the middle.

"When Max gets here we need to choose beds." Little Archie was so serious it made him laugh.

"You sure?"

"It's not fair otherwise!" Fair point. Dropping the bags on one bed, he set to work on hanging up all the clothes; some little Archie's, some Max's. Handing the waiting child toys to be put away and books to be shelved.

"We should leave some for later."

"So Max doesn't feel rushed?" The little one nodded and Maxie ruffled his hair. Such a caring child.

"Dad you get your stuff and I'll inspect your room!"

"Yes yes." Really, the aqua leader was going to get an earful the next time they were alone. Getting a house for them was already over the top. Not to mention the utilities, school and even furniture were all paid for in advance...! Did he not think Maxie capable of handling things?!

If anyone in his family found out they'd- no. He didn't need to be rich or famous to be happy with life. Right now he was content (if also shamefully embarrassed at the 'gifts') with what he had now. BEFORE the whole Lilycove thing. Although...

It'll take awhile to pay Archie back...Hopefully the other didn't decide to hold this over his head like a never ending favor dispenser until he grew bored. Not that he WOULD, that'd be extremely out of character for the man who had finally warmed up to Maxie (how odd that the friendly pirate would have a harder time building a friendship than him). Even so...it was still bugging the back of his mind like a heavy weight.

"Dad?"

Instantly his thoughts were brought back to reality. It felt almost natural for him to be called that. Although he still didn't think he was the best role model, let alone a parental figure, for anyone. Least of all a small child.

"Yes Archie?"

"I'm stealin yer beddd!" Oh great now he's starting to talk like the pirate too.

"You do that and I'll tell him you think he's cool." The sudden quiet got cut by a shrill yell.

"Yo-you promised you wouldn't say anything! Pro-mised!" Maxie chuckled to himself as the shouting continued. Dragging his bags up the stairs with a low thud after every few steps. It was less because they were heavy and more that his height was making the balancing...difficult. "And, and...!"

"I'm joking."

"You don't joke about that! Never ever!" The bed was much larger than he anticipated and technically needed. Little Archie was stretched out fully in the middle and he, Max, AND Archie could all lay on it with him with more than enough personal space per person.

Why do I get the feeling he intended for that purpose...? Did that man intend to visit more...? More than-

"Dad?"

"My apologies. You want to help me put these things away?" Naturally tiny hands quickly came to his aid. Taking folded shirts and pants to the dresser while Maxie took out and folded them from his luggage.

"When are they gonna get here?"

"Hm...about an hour or two." Glancing at his watch he continued. "After this, how about we make a cake."

"Like a welcome party!" Archie stated happily. "What kind is it gonna be? Chocolate?"

"Let's get this done and we'll see what ingredients we have."

"Okay!~"

It actually took 3 hours for Archie and Max to arrive with his ex rival apologizing profusely and a cheery (but slightly terrified) tiny redhead riding on his shoulders. By that time Maxie had had time to cool the cake before frosting it making it much more moist for later.

"The meeting just kept going and we didn't even get a lunch break...I'm starvin." He offered to order something but Archie wasn't having it. "I was late so I'll cook."

"...there's a restaurant-"

"I said I'll cook. Just...let me? I swear I won't ruin yer new kitchen."

"That's not what I-"

"Besides! I wanna. The ingredients should be..." Oh. He planned this. And as always Maxie found himself unable to vocalize his complaints should the subject turn sour around the kids.

"First the house, then the school and now...this. Are you trying to impress someone?" He could see little Archie flinch and give him a pleading look. A 'please don't tell him I think he's cool' look.

"That depends; is it working?" Archie had pulled out some meat and vegetables from the fridge. Eyeing the cake with sparkling eyes and an eager stare. "...is that fer desert?"

"That was the intention when I made it, yes." He really MUST be starving if the first thing he jumped on was the cake. Instead of...anything really. There was fruit in there.

"Ya didn't answer me."

"I wonder..." The pout Maxie received almost made him laugh. Almost. "Yes Archie, your actions are greatly appreciated."

"But I didn't even get a 'welcome home.'"

"You don't live here." Considering the very pleading looks he was getting since the cake was brought up, he went about cutting it into small slices so everyone could have a piece while not ruining their appetite.

"You are the worst wife." Archie's hands were completely coated in meat as he worked in some particularly cut vegetables. Making his piece be put aside until he was able.

Maxie rolled his eyes at the comment. "Why would I marry you then? You don't have a life insurance policy."

"You'd only marry to MURDER them for money?!"

"You'd HAVE to eat my cooking and that would kill you eventually if not immediately." He took a bit of his cake. Yep. Definately better this time with hand whipped cream. "If I'm to be a widow then at least have something to make the grieving less painful."

"Yer awful. Just AWFUL." This was all playful exaggeration. Joking if you will. Archie gave a mock offended look as he continued his...whatever he was doing to the meat. "'m cookin cause I'm starving to death. Yer standin there eating cake with the kids and talkin about murdering me for insurance money. And I can't even have my share cause I have meat hands because-"

"Oh stop whining."

"I'm so hungryyyyy."

"I want a divorce." The children had been watching the banter with amusement (rather little Archie with amusement and Max with curiosity) and had finished their pieces with no real mess. An improvement. "Archie go help Max put his stuff away. I'll call when dinner's ready."

"Okay!" After making sure the little thumps going up the stairs had not resulted in any falls Maxie picked up the dishes and walked over to the sink.

"Maxieeeee."

"..." Ignore the whining or they'll keep doing it. Apparently regardless of age; Archie was still Archie. "!?"

The feeling of something soft rubbing against his shoulder nearly made him drop the plate he was washing. "Did you just headbutt me?"

"I can't exactly do much else." Most of the beef was done, but the servings would not be enough for all four. Leaving Archie to still be unable to eat his snack. "And it was more of a nuzzle considering!"

"So you were rubbing against me like a Skitty because you wanted my attention."

"Yes. W-wait no-! Dammit Maxie..." The last part was quietly whispered so he didn't bother to remind him of the swearing.

All the dishes were clean and drying. The children were upstairs most likely playing and the pirate was the one cooking dinner. At this rate the cake was going to dry up too.

...very well. I'll 'help.'

"Say 'ah.'" Now the expression of startled fear and embarrassment on the other's face was funny. He even tried to play it off with a laugh while his ears turned pink. Maxie just held the bite sized piece on the fork stoically. "Well?"

"That's um..."
"If you don't I'm going to eat it."

"Yer a huge as-...jerk." Archie opened his mouth just enough to take the forkful before turning away from Maxie shyly. "...strawberry?"

"A shortcake yes."

"It's really good!" Of course the next bite was much less hesitant as was the following ones. HE was a bit more focused on the large strawberry the other had yet to bite into. Stealing would be a bad habit to start forming. Even if it was as trivial as the topping to a snack. "I still don't get how ya can make such good baked stuff but...it really doesn't make sense."

"...I'm not really sure as well."

"A bit more practice and you'll-" A large glob of what he hoped was jelly (and not meat) was on Archie's cheek so instinctually Maxie went about grabbing a napkin and wiping it off. And again the larger man froze and fretted in his own way. "I am a grown man!"

"It was going to get into your beard."

"Th-then just SAY so and..." He rose his filthy and contaminated arms up toward him.

"You attempt to touch me with those hands and this fork will make you a real pirate." It was gross. Disgusting. Bloody, raw meat was...it made him shudder at the very idea.

"You're very violent, ya know that?"

"And you're very-" When had Archie finished washing his hands? When had he gotten so close to steal the fork and plate away? His mouth had been open in retort so the last mouthful of strawberry popped in with ease.

"Was it good?" For a moment Maxie stood frozen while Archie's grin only grew wider at his surprise. "I saw ya eyeing it. You coulda just asked-"

"I den't-!" Chewing. Right, chew it first before speaking.

"You know, I remember you being a pretty good liar back in the day Maxie-max. Now though?" The sweetness of the fruit did nothing to lessen the scowl in response to that nickname. "You had the most concentrated look on yer face. Plain as day too. 'was kinda cute actually."

"I am not cute." A man his age? Such a word did not belong in the same category when describing him.

"See? Now yer pouting. Adorable."

"I'm going to punch you in the mouth." Words like that were just used to embarrass him. Playful jabs sprinkled in light flirting. KNOWING that didn't make it less irritating as Maxie's cheeks felt hot and he noticed the distance slowly shrinking between them.

"Do it then." Archie wasn't smiling when he murmured that. His attention was directed squarely on Maxie's face. He looked nervous, and his pupils a bit dilated. The hand ghosting over his arm was light as a feather but the warmth emitted made Maxie's gaze waver timidly.

"I...I will." Not one part of him moved as the words left him. They held no malice or harmful intent however. They both knew this.

Archie didn't say anything back. Their noses were close to brushing and he swore for a second he heard the other whisper his name in some last ditch effort of asking if what was going to happen next would be-

"Papa, dad, is the food ready yet?"

Just as he was the first to initiate this dance Archie fled just as quick. Maxie held in a heavy sigh as he watched him forcibly laugh out a '5 more minutes' and act as if what (almost) happened had not occurred.

Perhaps he was just looking too much into it. Or maybe the pirate was not ready to progress? If so he wouldn't push.

Cleaning the last plate Maxie went to fetch the children. Noting halfway up the stairs of the vague feeling of being watched fading the higher he went.

That feeling was nothing compared to walking both children to school. The school itself was, of course, top class and very prestigious. Many families registered as early as spring a year prior in order to have a sure fire spot for their child. Other's just bought the seats by merely flashing their money or name sake around.

Naturally he felt very out of place amongst the very upper class parents dropping off their young ones in namebrand clothing, or making the nanny do it as the time was barely past 8 am.

Occasionally there was a middle and even a few lower class parents too, but they looked guarded. As if ready to jump at the first insult any privileged asshole would sneer at them. Adding to the fact he was not native to the area the looks he received, from both sides alike, had him on edge.

Maxie dressed modestly; hair tied back and wire glasses on with his usual sweater and pants. Sticking out like a sore thumb... It felt like a family reunion with neither one willing to try their luck at guessing which side he belonged to.

He tried to keep his attention on the two children clinging to him. Their little sailor uniforms and hats looked undeniably cute (even amongst all the fuss they gave him putting them on). Max was in his arms and had been weeping softly since they left the house. Little Archie had been walking stiffly and refused to let go of his hand as they neared the school. Nerves probably.

A rather cheery woman was herding the sea of children towards the building while calling out happily. "If you've not checked in, please do so before your child can go to class. Safety precautions say-"

She rambled off some rules as Maxie set the two in front of him. Gently he wiped Max's face and pretended not to notice the moist eyes of the little pirate. "Are you ready to go inside?"

"..." His smaller self shook his head viciously as he whimpered out a 'no.' Archie tried to not follow suite as he stated a stern but weak. "I am...!"

"What are you worried about?"

"Wh-what if the teachers are mean...? And..and you won't be here...!"

"This place is supposed to be very nice, and you two are in the same class so you won't be alone. There are lots of kids who you'll be able to play with too." Comforting them never felt awkward anymore. They were just children so why so many people shot him dirty looks as he gave both a peck on the forehead baffled him. "And, if they are mean, I'll have a little chat with them personally."

This seemed enough to allow him to take their hands and walk through the front door. A reception woman sat tapping her pen against the tabletop and didn't bother to look up as she asked her rehearsed questions. "Name?"

"Matsubusa." When she didn't say anything he continued. "And Aogiri."

"Where is Mister Aogiri? Why is he not currently present?"

"He's at work. Orientiation and training." She scribbled something on the clipboard as a french manicure nail clicked against the board. Archie had started at a new company that promised more stable hours and less travel which of course he jumped on (not caring he had a week of 12 hour shifts to start everything). Meaning Maxie was on his own for the most part.

"Ah, you're on the dual guardian's list. Please hold on a moment while I get more packets." With that she disappeared into the back without so much as a glance. Really these people weren't being much better than the teachers at his old school...

"You really should get your daughter to stop crying." A snooty voice suddenly grated his ears. Turning, he was met with what could only be considered as the literal definition of 'gold digging trophy wife.' She frowned at him before looking the children up and down and pointing at little Archie. "What an interesting child."

"Excuse you?" She wasn't pointing out the little one's attempt at not crying. No she was...pointing at his skin.

"Mixed babies are very cute. Who's the mother- no, I'm sorry, surrogate or adoption? I suppose it doesn't matter though. They're real cuties." Her tone reminded him of his aunt. Fake and underlyingly insulting. "Did you come here after your boyfriend was hired? There aren't many same sex couples about in Lilycove after all."

"You'd be surprised at the diversity of a large resort town. And no, he's a native." He clicked his tongue at her smirk. "As well, we aren't intimately-"

"Oh there's no need to be ashamed of it! Still, it must be rough getting used to things in Hoenn while the other is...working so much. I can only imagine how the children must feel with their father not there."

She did not...! Maxie had held his tongue out of self restraint but this woman did not know when to stop TALKING.

"First of all, Max is boy. What Archie's ethnicity is is none of your concern. Nor is it any of your business how they were conceived. A good portion of the city does, shocker, have a large concentration of differing sexualities." His blood was boiling at this point. His mind was clear and voice even regardless of that fact. "What my 'boyfriend' is, or does, is not about to be judged by some spoiled brat who had a kid out of wedlock for money. Nice gucci bag by the way, although it seems you've forgotten your child in the process of holding it. Oh, wait, nevermind. I see her now, with the nanny."

Her expression dropped to rage at the last comment. She made an undignified shriek of anger as she turned on her (very high) heels and stormed out.

"Papa...?"

"..." Maybe they should've just gone to Mauville...they were at least decent people once you got past the grumpiness. Maxie shook his head and rubbed their hands with his thumb in small circles as they looked up at him worriedly. "It's nothing. She was just...being rude."

"You handled her rather well if I may say so." How long the receptionist had been there he couldn't be sure. She actually bothered to look at him now. Grinning with a positively pleased expression she handed him the thick stack of papers in her arms. "You just shut down Whitney Moore of the Moore enterprises."

"I...should I know of her?"

"Only if you like people who marry into money and act like they've always been at the top. Her husband, the next to inherit the business, is the real problem you'll be facing now. But, more importantly than that, here are the papers you need to fill out as well as a few possible positions you could fill if you're interested. PTA and whatnot."

"Erm...right. I'll look these over then."

"They can head to class now. Will you be picking them up?" She scribbled something else on the board with his nod before directing the two to class. Leaving him standing in a silent entrance awkwardly shifting his shoulder to glance at the mountain of things needing his signature. THIS was something he surely did not miss.

The walk back home was very quiet. Many would call it serene. Ideal. Back then he'd kill for such lack of noise and chaos.

All that it did was make the feeling of displacement grow when he walked through the door of the house. His house that was empty and much too big for just him.

Team Magma was watching his pokemon as they were much too dangerous (an active volcano was certainly a safety hazard around curious hands) to leave around small children. Occasionally he'd receive a text from his admins (and a few grunts) expressing already missing him along side the usual plans for work.

All his clothing had already been sorted and personal items put where he wanted. Everything was still clean and there wasn't anything that needed his attention.

It left him at a loss.

I suppose...I'll practice cooking. Flipping through the channels on his cellphone he finally found the cooking show he preferred to use as reference. A program for college students just leaving the nest that needed to figure out the 'wonders' of self sufficiency.

[...the dish today is fried rice. First bring out your ingredients...]

Maxie would copy as the chief instructed; pausing every few minutes to make sure he had done the movements correctly. He had gotten to the point where he could afford to drift away in thought as he worked. Turning the normally stressful attempts into (only slightly stressful) relaxing time.

Lilycove wasn't a place for someone like him but he'd stay for Max and Archie's futures. A good primary school would pave the way for a good secondary school and possibly great college if either decided to pursue it. The ability to choose what they wanted was his motivator.

"...hm. It's decent." Finally his skill had started to increase with actual edible food that tasted fine. All those hours practicing both with Archie and his grunts as well as alone paid off. "Only a little burnt too..."

He'd wait to tell anyone, or, dare he say, make them a meal to eat until the end product became constant. And not be so overcooked.

"...how about...yes this looks good. Ah...but this one does too..." This situation was less than ideal. Thus Maxie would relieve the stress by baking.

Alot.

"If I chill the batter it should...I could finish tomorrow..." Any work he had been sent had been dealt with, and the stack of papers... "What even IS a PTA?"

There was no such thing in his schooling program and the term had popped up quite a bit during his research. Reading into it only confused him further. Why did the teachers and parents need to ban together? What purpose did it serve? This area was rich in, well, rich people. How would it be lacking in extracurricular activities or funding?

"...Odd." He pushed that paper away. It was certainly not getting signed anytime soon.

After completing the multitude of papers, he decided to walk around the town to get a basic understanding of where everything was.

The market was loud and busy but held a wide variety of produce. As well as restaurants selling foods from Kanto to Kalos. One particular shop sold fresh premade meals which he bought for dinner. He also spoke with the owners, an old elderly couple who moved from Unova and ended up with a bag of treats when he mentioned his children were just starting kindergarten. They refused to hear his attempt to pay, stating he could introduce them to their grandchild as payment (one of their daughter's recently had a second child so they were hoping the eldest grandchild could have some company).

Maxie thanked them again as he left. Promising to bring them at a later date once their daughter came to visit.

The park was tactfully put only a block away from the grade school (one he knew they'd all be accustomed to once the kids caught wind). And the Aqua base was at the far north of the beach-

...should I bring up what happened yesterday? Or just point blank ask? Clearly there was SOMETHING between him and Archie. Whether it be just urges from being in constant contact or something more it needed to be cleared. The pirate practically avoided him like the plague after dinner had finished.

"..." And part of him, along with the part that didn't want to admit anything, didn't like being ignored. If he wanted nothing then so be it. Maxie could- would, be content as friends.

A good hour was spent thinking on this subject. When he had wandered back to the main road he couldn't recall. Just as well really, class would be over in a few minutes.

"He-llo! Are you one of the parents?" A man this time was there to greet him.

"Er, yes. I am." He couldn't put his finger on it, but something about the man felt off. Maybe not off but-

"I'm the school's science and geology teacher Mr. Frine. Nice to meet you Mr...?"

"Matsubusa."

His face lit up with that. The man could be no older than Maxie was yet his bleached hair and tousled appearance didn't look all that professional. Their handshake lingered a tad longer than he felt was comfortable. Like it was obvious the teacher laughed playfully.

"Sorry sorry! Been a long time since I've actually been able to say hi without someone threatening a lawsuit for being near them." He was...kind of attractive...? Warm brown eyes stayed fixated on Maxie as he spoke. "So you're Max and Arch's father huh? They're very bright for their age. Archibald is bit on the shy side but he really knows his stuff."

"Archie...? Shy?" He had never been so whenever they met other people, or gone out anywhere. "Was Max with him?"

"Yeah, I sorta learned the hard way to just leave them together. Max refused to speak to anyone when I tried to separate them...he's quite a lady's man though."

"...excuse me?"

"Many of the girls flocked to him to play during recess and he and Arch didn't complain once. Most boys their age are in the cooties stage so I was a little surprised."

"I see. There wasn't many children in the last city we lived in so such beliefs weren't really-"

"Daddd!" Two bodies linked at the hands ran into him full speed. Making him stumble to the side and nearly trip before Mr. Frine grabbed his arm.

"Sorry papa." Maxie should've scolded them on the dangers of running into other people but they looked so giddy and happy the harsh words died at his throat.

"Did you have fun today?" Both kids nodded with large smiles as they grabbed for his hands. "I can't carry you both I have groceries-"

He could hear the teacher chuckling at the scene as he gave in, balancing the food and the kids on his arms with much less difficulty than he remembered. It was their first day. It was okay for just today.

"Well well, look at that! I have to say I'm impressed. You're a-lot stronger than you look.~"

Please don't flirt with me. You're a teacher and this is awkward.

Max didn't seem to like it either as he pushed Maxie's face the other direction as gently (and quickly) as possible. Glaring at his teacher similar to how you would look at an enemy.

"He still hasn't forgiven me." Mr. Frine sighed, pretending to be saddened at the idea.

"And I never will! Papa will be MY papa's bride!" Of course Max would snap that loudly in front of hundreds of other parents. Sticking his tongue out and gripping Maxie's sweater possessively while Archie merely observed the teacher's reaction with a tightening hold of his own.

"Ohoho~ So you're single then?" Please stop talking. I want to go home. You're not even trying to be subtle. If they were alone and their positions weren't as they were he'd consider it. This? This just made him extremely uncomfortable.

"No. Go away." Little Archie all but snarled at him. As appreciated as it was, he needed to curb this hostility the two had in case it grew to be a problem later in life.

"Alright, another time then. Have a nice day." Holding up his hands in defense he walked away humming and went right along talking to another parent.

"I don't like him..." Max muttered.

"Me neither."

"He's still your teacher. Treat him with respect unless-" Their pouts and angry comments back and forth made him want to sit down and wait. Wait for what he wasn't sure. For their endless despise of the flirtatious man to be satied? No, he'd be the mature adult and change the subject course. "So how was it?"

"Our homeroom teacher is really nice. And pretty!" The little redhead giggled, blushing at the end.

"And, she has TWO wives! They said they wanna adopt a lot of kids and-" Maxie nodded every so often as they told him about their day. Their homeroom teacher was from Sinnoh, but found her two wives in Hoenn. One of the girls in the other class already likes little Archie because he's 'sweet like sugar.' Math class was boring because he ALREADY taught them how to add and subtract so they pretty much had free time.

Some boys tried making fun of Max because a teacher called him pretty but then Archie tricked them into walking into a spinarak web.

"...we played with Sasha and Lelian mostly cuz Cassey's scary."

"...Archie?" Maxie slowed to a stop when he spotted the man outside on the porch looking nervous.

"Hey. Yeah we got out early. Sorry, I was gonna call..." He still refused to look at him. There was a moment of awkward silence as he took the bags. Almost pulling back when their hands brushed lightly.

"Papa there was a ugly man trying to talk to papa!" Max's anger seemed to resurface as Maxie fished out his keys. "He was worse than the mean lady!"

"I dunno...the blonde lady was really mean."

"Who?" Archie's tone dropped a bit to worry. They had only moved here 3 days ago. They should not be having these many problems already.

"The 'ugly man' is their teacher. A rather unprofessional one at that- no you can leave that on the table the foods pre made." The children ran up their room to change immediately after being set down. Leaving them trying to ignore the tension in the air alone.

"Aw dude, a teacher hit on you?"

"A preschool teacher at that, and he was as subtle as a brick to the face." Thinking back to already made his skin crawl. Archie gave a laugh but seemed a lot less tense from his response.

"And the 'mean lady'?"

"Some privileged brat who ran her mouth too much." Maxie paused. Perhaps he shouldn't go into it. He didn't want the other to grow as angry (if not fly off the handle) at her ignorance.

"Why? What'd she say?" When he didn't respond Archie walked closer. A dark look was starting to form on his face as his voice came out on edge. "Maxie...? What did she say to you?"

"...degrading comments about native islanders and same sex couples." Out of the corner of his eye he could see the man's fist clenching. "...and a few jabs at mixed children."

"Max." Archie was suddenly very very close. He grabbed Maxie's shoulder firmly as he watched green harden to emerald. "That is a hate crime. Why didn't ya contact me as soon as-?!"

"She's important." The warmth from the large hand pressed against him was not making his voice waver. It wasn't. "She's very...wealthy. From the Moore company and- Look, I took care of it okay?"

"Moore?"

"The woman at the front desk said her name was Whitney Moore." Archie's face dropped to frustration as he groaned.

"Of course it'd be, no not some ordinary slub we get to deal with...dammit."

"If it's any condolence, I gave her an earful and made her storm out of the place."

"Hehe...I wouldn't believe ya if you said ya didn't." There was a more comfortable quiet now. Maxie kept his hands busy taking out the food and putting the bag of sweets away for later. Which Archie naturally stuck his nose in.

"What's with the bag full of treats? Didn't you make a cake like 2 days ago?" Contrary to his words the pirate had both his hand in as he looked over the choices.

"An elderly couple gave it to me. Their daughter has a child around Archie and Max's age so-"

"Should we just call him Jr?"

"Who? Archie?" He had never been a fan of those who rename their children after one another. It felt...gross.

"Hey I don't like it either but it'd be less confusin yeah?" He knew Archie was just trying to help. Didn't make things any less irritating however.

"I'll...think about it."

"Alright, and here's my last question before ya continue." The Aqua Leader actually seemed serious so Maxie allowed his full attention to be borrowed.

"?"

"Would you date that guy?"

"I'd rather date a muk." The words came out before he could filter them. Not that Archie cared.

"Bwhahah!"