Chapter 7: A New Ally or An Old Acquaintance?

Avery

As I slowly regained consciousness, the pounding in my head reminded me of the previous night's festivity. Blinking away the grogginess, I found myself in an unfamiliar room, the sunlight filtering through the window adding to my disorientation.

Struggling to sit up, I noticed a figure in the kitchen area, shirtless and sporting a striking Phoenix tattoo along his back, he seemed engrossed in whatever culinary creation he was developing.

Curiosity overcoming my lingering headache, I cautiously approached, intent on introducing myself. However, as I shifted my weight, a sudden sensation slithered up my leg, sending shivers down my spine. With a startled yelp, I recoiled, my sudden outburst alerting the man to my presence.

Max: What's wrong, Avery? Why did you scream?

Avery (pointing at the floor): There's... there's a roach!

Max (chuckling): A roach? You screamed over a roach?

Avery (flushing with embarrassment): It surprised me, okay? It's... it's not funny!

Max (still laughing): Sorry, sorry. It's just... unexpected, that's all.

Avery (crossing her arms): Well, it's not funny to me!

Max (composed now): Alright, alright, I'll take care of it. No need to worry, Avery.

Avery (grumbling): I wasn't worried... just... surprised.

Max (smiling): Well, let's get rid of our little visitor, shall we?

Max (grinning mischievously): Hey, Avery, want to say hello to our little friend?

Avery (nervously): N-no, Max! P-please don't bring it near me!

Max (teasingly) Oh, come on, it's just a little roach. It won't hurt you.

Avery (stammering) I-I know, b-but I don't like bugs! P-please, Max, keep it away!

Max (still grinning) Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. Here, I'll let it go outside.

Avery (relieved): Th-thank you, Max. I appreciate it.

Max (smirking): No problem, Avery. Just remember, next time a roach shows up, you know who to call for help!

Avery (rolling her eyes): Ha-ha, very funny, Max. Just... just get rid of it, okay?

Max: Oh, and Avery, don't think I've forgotten about your drunken ramblings last night!

Avery (blushing furiously): Wh-what are you talking about?

Max (grinning): Oh, you know, your profound thoughts on... ducks!

Avery (mortified): Oh no, please don't remind me of that! I can't believe I said such silly things!

Max (chuckling): Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. But I must say, you're quite the philosopher when you're tipsy!

Avery (covering her face in embarrassment): Ugh, I can't believe I even brought up ducks... Please, let's just forget about it!

Max (still laughing): Alright, alright, no more duck talk. But just so you know, I've already told Uncle Joe about your newfound love for ducks!

Max: Breakfast is served! Help yourself, Avery.

Avery (surprised) Oh... um, thanks, Max. I didn't expect you to... uh, cook.

Max (smirking) I'm full of surprises, aren't I?

Avery takes a bite.

Max (grinning): Don't be shy, Avery. I can see that you like it.

Avery (embarrassed): Well, maybe just a little. It's really good, Max. Thank you.

Max (smiling): You're welcome. Now, hurry up and eat before it gets cold.

Avery (quickly eating): Yeah, I will. I'm just going to... uh, freshen up in the bathroom. (rushes off)

Max (chuckling): She's cute when she's flustered.

Max's smile fades into a serious expression as Avery rushes off. He retrieves a small notebook from his pocket, flipping through the pages until he finds a specific one. With a satisfied smile, he murmurs to himself, "Everything is going according to plan."

As Avery and Max made their way through the grand hallways, Avery couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. She tugged gently on Max's robe, silently signaling her discomfort. Leaning in close, she whispered, "Why is everyone staring at us?" Max responded with a playful smirk, "Oh, you know, it's just my irresistibly flamboyant presence."

Before Avery could react, three girls from Max's class approached him with giggles and introductions.

Lily reached out to touch Max's freshly styled hair, her fingers trailing through the dark locks. "Wow, Max, your new haircut looks amazing! It really suits you."

Max grinned, clearly pleased by the attention. "Thanks, Lily! I thought it was time for a change."

Emily nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Yeah, it looks so stylish and modern. You always know how to keep up with the latest trends, Max."

Sophia added her own compliment with a serene smile. "Indeed, it's quite a bold choice, but it suits your confident personality perfectly, Max."

Max chuckled modestly, running a hand through his hair. "Well, I'm glad you all approve. It's all about making a statement, right?"

The girls laughed, charmed by Max's easygoing demeanor. Lily leaned in conspiratorially. "Speaking of statements, have you seen the looks we're getting from everyone? You're turning heads, Max."

Max shrugged nonchalantly, a playful glint in his eye. "What can I say? I have that effect on people.

Lily, the petite brunette with lively green eyes and a mischievous smile, then spoke up. "Hey, Max! Who's this wimp?" she asked, eyeing Avery with a hint of mockery.

Max, sporting his usual confident smirk, glanced at Avery before replying, "Oh, just someone I picked up along the way. Forget that, how about we have dinner later?"

Emily, a tall redhead with freckles and a contagious laugh, chimed in excitedly, "Dinner? That sounds amazing! Where and when?"

Max leaned casually against the wall, enjoying the attention. "Let's meet at the Black Swan Tavern tonight at 7. I hear they have the best roast chicken in town."

Sophia, a graceful blonde with piercing blue eyes and an elegant demeanor, nodded eagerly. "Oh, I've heard it's a romantic spot! I can't wait!"

Max flashed them a charming grin. "It's settled then. See you all there tonight!" With a playful wink, he strolled away, leaving the trio giggling in excitement.

As they watched Max disappear down the hallway, Lily turned to Emily and Sophia with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Did you see the way he looked at me when he mentioned dinner? I think he's into me."

Emily rolled her eyes, but couldn't suppress a smile. "Oh, please. He's just being his usual flirtatious self. Besides, he invited all of us, not just you."

Sophia chuckled softly, smoothing down her pristine blouse. "Well, I, for one, am looking forward to it. Who knows what surprises Max has in store for us tonight?"

Max raised an eyebrow at Avery's shocked expression, unable to resist teasing her. "Avery, darling, you really need to stop making that face. It might get stuck like that."

Avery shot him a glare, her cheeks flushed with anger. "Max, this is serious! You can't just flirt with every girl you meet."

Max held up his hands defensively, his expression turning mock-innocent. "Hey, I'm just spreading a little joy in the world. No harm done, right?"

Avery sighed in exasperation, preparing to launch into a lecture about respecting others' feelings when suddenly, a girl bumped into her, sending her tumbling to the ground in a flurry of books and papers.

Avery blinked in surprise, momentarily thrown off balance. As she started to pick herself up, Max rushed to help her. "Are you okay, Avery?"

Avery nodded, a little dazed from the unexpected collision. "I-I'm fine. Just a bit startled, that's all."

Max's eyes widened unnoticeably as he helped the shy succubus girl to her feet, a flicker of recognition passing through his gaze. He quickly masked his surprise with a warm smile as he helped her gather her scattered books.

Avery watched Max closely, noticing the brief moment of shock that flitted across his features. She couldn't help but wonder what had caused it, but before she could dwell on it further, Max was already extending a hand to the girl, his smile genuine and reassuring.

The shy succubus, blushed furiously as she accepted Max's assistance, her words stumbling over each other in her haste to apologize. "I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to bump into you. I-I'm Lilya."

Avery couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the girl, her own embarrassment momentarily forgotten as she watched Lilya's shy demeanor. She offered the girl a kind smile, trying to put her at ease. "It's okay, Lilya. Accidents happen."

Max nodded in agreement, his tone gentle and reassuring. "Yeah, don't worry about it. Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?"

Lilya shook her head quickly, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. "N-No, I'm fine. Th-Thank you for helping me."

Max smiled warmly at her, his charm shining through even in moments of kindness. "Anytime. If you ever need a hand, don't hesitate to ask. Now, let's get these books back where they belong, shall we?"

Avery rolled her eyes, trying to suppress a smile as she brushed off the lingering feeling of curiosity about Lilya's reaction to Max. "Seriously, Max, you need to stop flirting with every girl you meet."

Max grinned mischievously, a playful glint in his eyes as he leaned back against the wall. "What can I say? I'm just spreading a little sunshine wherever I go."

Avery scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "More like spreading confusion and heartache."

Max pretended to take offense, placing a hand over his heart in mock hurt. "Ouch, Avery, that's harsh! Can't a guy just be friendly?"

Avery shook her head, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "There's friendly, and then there's shameless flirting. You, my friend, fall squarely into the latter category."

Max chuckled, unfazed by Avery's teasing. "Well, what can I say? I'm a man of many talents."

Avery rolled her eyes again, unable to suppress a small smile at Max's antics. "More like a man of many bad habits."

Max grinned, his charm as infectious as ever. "Hey, if it works, why change?"

Avery sighed, shaking her head in resignation. "You're hopeless, Max. Absolutely hopeless."

But despite her protests, Avery couldn't deny the warmth that spread through her chest at Max's easy laughter and unwavering optimism. Maybe he was a little too flirtatious for his own good, but there was something undeniably endearing about him that she couldn't quite resist.