Life of Phoenix - 15. Nix and Max

Past Time: Grade 10

It was the first day of Grade 10 for Nix, grade 11 for Max. Phoenix had spent most of his summer out of town. Between summer camp, vacations and travel. He might have spent a week total in his house.

Max, on the other hand, had spent all of his vacation at home. He spent at the job he got to help his mom around the house and spending time with friends and Cooper. Max had what he considered a lame summer.

Here they were, though, back at the same place to do the same thing. They both had the same idea that day. 'I'll go through the back entrance' For Phoenix, it was to escape from the harassment that could become of him. For Max, it was one more way to escape the world for a little more time.

Max was sitting on the stairs when Nix turned the corner. He stopped right in his tracks seeing his once best friend. Standing there, he went unnoticed. Max had his head in his palms trying to get himself ready for the day.

“Hey... Max.” Nix spoke softly.

Surprised he jumped up. “Oh, hey Nix.”

“What's up? Why are you back here?”

Max shrugged. “It's nothing; I could ask you the same thing, though.”

Nix shuffled from foot to foot. “I'm nervous about people harassing me, so I came back here in hopes of avoiding them for as long as possible.” Nervous, Phoenix did not look at his friend.

Nodding Max smiled. “You're afraid of a little harassment? What does Lyric do to you on a daily basis?” Nix laughed at the thought. It was true, Lyric above everyone else, harasses Nix. Though it's not attacking him, just friendly harassment.

“Ya, I guess so... It's just this is different than Lyric bugging me.” Phoenix continued to shift from foot to foot. “Why are you back here? You never answered me.”

Max shook his head back and forth. “It's just been a rough summer; I don't want to go in just yet...” Nix didn't want to say anything in regards to his summer. He had a blast going around on trip after trip. He stood there looking at his once best friend.

"I'm sorry...” Was all Nix could manage to get out.

Max laughed. “What are you sorry for? It's not like you could have done anything about it. You were always out of town.” Nix stood there dumbfounded by what his friend said. “I spoke with your mom a couple of times over the summer. I had gotten a job as a bag boy at the grocery store.”

Nix found himself at a lack of words. “Oh... That sounds like fun.” Phoenix swallowed the buildup saliva in his mouth. He felt nervous, but couldn't explain why. They were friends; they've known each other for years... Why should I be so nervous around him? Nix thought to himself.

The two boys stared at each other, silent. Neither one moved much, but they always seemed to achieve eye contact. Every time they did they would both blush and turn away from each other. Nix would smile afterward, looking at the ground. Max would think to himself, why can't I just look at him?

Nix eventually broke their silence with a very abrupt, “I... I like you, Max.” He had his eyes closed, to hold back tears and in fear of Max's reaction. When there was nothing, he opened his eyes. “Like... I LIKE you.” He made himself clear.

Max just smiled. “I know you have since we were little. I don't know what I am Nix, so I'm sorry, but I can't say I feel the same.” Nix nodded, embarrassed of the scene he had just caused. “Whatever happened with Keon?”

“We're just done; I don't want to talk about it right now.”

“Okay.” The announcements came over the intercom in and outside the school. The message was simple; Homeroom started in a few minutes. Nix started to walk to the doors. “I guess we stalled all we can out here.”

“I guess we have. Time to face the music.” Together they walked into the school, both with their own fears. Having the other with them seemed to give relief to both Max and Nix. They felt a weight lift off their shoulders like their problems weren't as bad as they thought they were.

That they could be friends again one day.

Current Time: Prom Night

Max's POV

“If you don't like them that's on you. I do, and that's what matters. Whatever we had, or what you think we had, is done. You and I are never ever going to be together!” I swore at Lacey.

She was taken aback at my comments. Her face turned as red as a tomato before she erupted. “Excuse me, Max! 'What I think we had,' the fuck does that mean? You know what, you're turning out to be just a bad guy, so whatever, have your gay pride over there.”

“So that's it, you don't like Phoenix Russell because he's gay?” I snapped at her.

She actually put her hand in my face, like centimeters away from it. “Stop talking to me; you're just going to embarrass yourself.” I grabbed her by the wrist and moved her hand away from me. “Ow!” She made sure to scream as loud as she could.

“Shut it, Lacey. How many times have I told you I have no interest in you? Yet, time and time again you come back with some new play. NPH is better at it than you, and he was acting when he was in How I Met Your Mother.

“So you can take your pride and shove it. There is not even a chance if hell freezes over, or because pigs fly, that I'll go out with you. I have no interest in someone like you!” WOW, that feels good to get off my chest.

Lacey stood there silent. Twitching she screamed before turning around marching off, her arms flailing, knocking a jug of juice out of one of the server's hands. I think I might have ruined her night... oh well.

I think I see the future.

I realize this is my last chance

Wow, I didn't realize all that happened through half the song, and that's it? Wow, I rant extremely quickly when I'm mad at someone.

She took my arm,

I don't know how it happened.

We took the floor, and she said,

I felt someone grab my shoulder; I spun around as if on command. There stood a very embarrassed Nix being pulled along by Lyric. Lyric took her hand away and went around and pushed Phoenix close to me. There was hardly any space between us, and the song went on.

Nix looked like he was about to cry but he synced with the words perfectly.

“Oh don't you dare look back.

Just keep your eyes on me.”

Lyric and I shared a smile. All three of us, at a minimum, knew what was happening. It was just like that day at the beginning of grade 11 when he told me he liked me. This time, it was much more public and right in the middle of the dance floor.

I took it as my turn to sync with the lyrics of the song. And 'sang' the next line.

I said, “You're holding back.”

Nix's face lit up like a lamp. He went from the most concerned face on the planet to smiling from earlobe to earlobe. Laughing even, he must be so relieved that I played along with him. God, who knows how I would be if my plan went first.

Lyric jumped into the middle of us, purposely so she can sync with the next verse.

She said, “Shut up and dance with me!”

Nix and I shared the following line.

This woman is my destiny

She said,

And by said I believe we meant screamed at the top of her lungs.

“Ooh-ooh-hoo,

Shut up and dance with me!”

And like that, we three were dancing around like goofballs. We weren't really dancing with each other just around each other. I didn't care what everyone else thought, or even if they were looking at us. This was our moment of freedom.

There was no rhythm what so ever from any of us. It was a chaotic mess of things, all three of us. It felt amazing, though, the rush of just doing whatever we wanted. Sure there wasn't much left in the song, but it was the best most chaotic part of it.

As the song settled down, so did we. We were all laughing like we used to, back in elementary school. We've grown up so much since then, man where has the time gone?

I quickly grabbed Nix's hand. “Come with me.”

He resisted. “Hold on one sec.” He took off his jacket, leaving just his shirt, tie and vest on. “Lyric would you take this to the staff room for me?”

She smiled and shook her head. “I guess, you knucklehead.” She grabbed his coat, and I pulled him into the middle of the dance floor, right into 'my spot.'

I looked over at Charlotte and nodded. Nix stood there awkwardly waiting for me. When Charlotte turned on and tested the mic, though. “This next song is dedicated to the organizer of this lovely dance, Phoenix 'Nix' Russell.”

He just stared at me. “What did you do?”

“Oh, nothing.” Just as I finished the lights came onto the two of us, every movable light in the room actually. We were the center of the attention. “Just a little something or rather.”

Nix began laughing, covering his mouth. “What are you doing Max?”

I grabbed his left hand with my right and placed my left on his hip. I don't care if that is or isn't right, that's how I'm doing it. “Doing the same thing you did the last song, but my way.”

He looked down, placing his right hand on my shoulder. It was then and only then I would let Charlotte start the music.

Hold, hold on, hold onto me

The lyrics began as I started to sway and step, Nix following my steps perfectly. Unsteady by X Ambassadors, the perfect song for me right now.

'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady
Hold, hold on, hold onto me
'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady

The lights mostly returned to their original positions. Everyone around us was dancing close and passionately with their partners, just like we were.

Nix would look up and me and giggled before averting his gaze again. I would say this idea was a smashing success.

Mama, come here
Approach, appear
Daddy, I'm alone
'Cause this house don't feel like home
If you love me, don't let go
If you love me, don't let go

This to Nix meant that he pull us in tighter. Which I was perfectly fine with, I wouldn't want anything less.

Hold, hold on, hold onto me
'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady
Hold, hold on, hold onto me
'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady

We swayed, going in circles. It was like we were the only ones here at this moment. Nothing could happen to ruin it unless the music stopped. Nix and I were the only humans in this gym, in this school... in the world.

Mother, I know
That you're tired of being alone
Dad, I know you're trying
To fight when you feel like flying
But if you love me, don't let go
If you love, don't let go

I tried my best, but the tears started to flow. My dad caused the break up between my mom and him. This song is more than just a slow song for me to dance with Nix. It's a cry out; I need him back with me... because I'm a little unsteady myself.

My dad tries to fight, he really does. But it always seems to end with the easy answers and not the hard truths. They are both so bitter to each other, they didn't want to settle in courts, neither one of them wanted to go that far. But when it came to Cooper and me... that was a different story.

'It's for you two' they would tell us. They decided to separate us; I ended up with my mom and Cooper with my dad. Sure we fought when we lived together, but what brothers don't. Cooper was a little brat at times, but he was my little brat.

As the next verse started Nix rested his head on my chest.

Hold, hold on, hold onto me
'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady
Hold, hold on, hold onto me
'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady

As the music became soft again, I let go of his hand and wrapped my arms around Nix's body. He returned the favor, with an even tighter grip around my body. I did my best to hold back the tears, but a few escaped as the song finished it's finally few lines.

Hold, hold on, hold onto me
'Cause I'm a little unsteady
A little unsteady

The song ended, but we stood there hugging one another. Reality set it again; the whole room was cheering... for me? Was it for Phoenix? Or maybe for us? I never want to know the answer.

Nix pulled me out across the gym floor and out into the hallway. We turned and went straight into the staff room. Slamming the door behind us Nix grabbed the back of my head and pulled me into a kiss.

Our lips stayed locked together. We were sucking face or french kissing. Nothing other than expressing our love for one another. Just two teenage boys trying to tell each other we love one another.

When we let go of our kiss, we barely moved away from each other. “Why didn't you tell me you were so broken?” Nix asked me.

“We had become less of what we were... It seemed embarrassing to have divorced parents like it was a bad thing. It felt like a whole world had crashed on me at once.” Nix had tears forming in his eyes. “So I hid whatever feelings I might have had for you then. I did sports and 'manly' things to try and make myself seem more successful to my parents. As if being gay or bi would make me less of a person.”

“You know they wouldn't think that way,” Phoenix told me what I had tried to tell myself a thousand times before.

“You think I didn't tell myself that. With everything going on with them, it felt like it would just cause more drama. It's been a hard couple of years...” That I wish I could take back, just for you, Nix.

Nix's POV

Max and I stood there in the staff room, alone together. He had let his heart poor out in that song. It was his way of telling me he needed me again; I'm sure of it. Why else would he go to such great extent for me? He's truly amazing.

“I'm sorry Max, I didn't even know...”

He sighed. “I never let you know; I didn't let anyone know. You shouldn't be sorry; I should be.” Max pulled me into a hug, so close and tight. I squeezed him as hard as I could. “I felt like I needed to do something for myself... to get my best friend back.”

“You did more than get your best friend back. You pretty much just asked me to be your boyfriend.” I looked up at him; we looked at each other dead in the eye. “That is what that was right?”

Max didn't answer, just place his lips back onto mine. It was so simple but spoke novels in seconds. He backed off resting his forehead on mine. “Of course, that's what it was. Phoenix, will you be my boyfriend?”

Him saying those words made me smile like a kid posing for a picture. Mouth open wide, teeth showing. I giggled at how awkward he sounded. “Maxwell Harper, I would be honored to call you my boyfriend.”

I guess its official... he and I are finally together. We can finally call each other ours. God, I don't even know how long I've waited for this day to happen. There's no way we couldn't be in heaven right now.

My 'heaven' was interrupted just as quick as it happened, though. Braxton came through the staff room doors. “Nix, someone has been caught with alcohol on them.”

I rolled my eyes. “God damn it, okay where are they now?”

Braxton's eyes went from me to Max. “What are you two doing in here alone?”

I snapped my fingers to get him out of his little trance. “Where is the kid who has alcohol?”

“He's in the office now...”

I laced my fingers between Max's. “Come on; let's see what's going on.” I pulled Max along, leaving Braxton very confused behind us. There's no easy way to tell him that there is no chance for him with me. It's not going to be a fun day when I do tell him...

Later that night

Max had given me a ride to his place. The dance was eventually shut down early when they found a couple more kids with alcohol. I'm sure those kids are going to get hated on for the rest of their days. Especially since they shut down the prom.

We walked into Max's place; the entire house was pitch black. “Is anyone home?” I looked into rooms as we passed by them, all of them lifeless and black. I followed Max through the house, hanging my jacket on the back of a chair as I did.

“Nope,” Max spoke as he turned on the living room light. “Mom is out for the weekend; it's just me.” His dad got the house out of the marriage; his mom got the car and more than half the furniture. I'm not sure if it was a fair trade or not.

The house looked cozy for just a mom and his son. It was smaller than his old place, but it seemed to be just right for the two of them. “It's nice and cozy in here.”

“Ya, sure. It's nice; its home at the very least.” Max sat down on the couch patting the seat next to him. I sat down and leaned right into him. “What would you like to do?”

I laughed and said the first thing that came to mind. “Netflix and chill?” I didn't mean it like go all out right now, but maybe doing something?

“Seriously? You want us to go...”

I laughed, like really hard. “No, it’s just the first thing that came into my head. I didn't really mean it...” We just became boyfriends, would I really risk that by doing that right away?

Max smiled. “Be honest with me Nix. Do you want that?” I shook my head stopping by putting my face between his arm and body. “What do you wanna do?”

“Just turn on Netflix and snuggle me.” Just being close to Max right now, it's amazing.

It reminds me of the time when we were young and slept on the same bed. I would wake up, and Max would be right up close to me. Sure back then it was just cool to have my best friend next to me. It was awesome to see my him so close, so happy.

Max laughed. “You are still in your suit Nix...” I pushed up and looked at myself. I don't have any other clothes with me... What do I do? “Did you bring anything else to wear?”

“No... No, I didn't.” I blushed and sat back up. “I don't want to get these wrinkly. They are kinda my only suit.”

Max smiled. “I got you. Want to wear my sweats?”

“Sure.” Max got up, leaving me in the living room alone for a bit. When he returned he was in just a pair of sweats, not even a shirt on. “I hope you don't mind the shirtlessness.” In his hands, he had an extra pair of sweats for me and a blanket.

I shook my head. “No, I'm good...” He tossed me a pair of sweats, and I immediately started stripping down. When I took off my pants, I realized I was in just my underwear in front of Max. “Oh, hi...”

Max shook his head. “Nothing I haven't seen before, continue.” He sat down watching me. I quickly pulled the sweats on and joined my topless boyfriend on the couch. Max wrapped the blanket around me, and we returned to our snuggling.

It wasn't long before Max's hands moved down to the band of the sweats, right about my ass. “Go ahead; I'm probably going to fall asleep soon.” I snuggled right in, getting comfy.

Max moved his hands down, resting a hand on each ass cheek. “Nighty night Nix.” and within minutes, it was lights out for me. Prom, though stressful, was the best night of my life, by far. God, I can't wait for school on Monday!!

Chapter End.