Chapter Text
Max was always good at hide and seek. It was… unexpected to say the very least where he would hide. Whether it be in the dirty laundry, up in the ceiling, the tallest tree, regardless he always won. They were creative and constructed well but, David and Gwen understood the fucked up implications of this. Especially considering his countless injury’s he had come to camp with these past 2 years, but without any real proof they couldn’t do anything. Even with the broken arm, bruised rib, black eye max refused confide in anyone so they couldn’t get a case with no evidence this wasn’t just a roughly kid.
David understood him in this way, never being taken out of a home he was not wanted nor safe in. He understood the fear of foster homes, because at least he knows what will get him hurt at home. He understood the fear and pain coming from someone who was only supposed to bring love. He understood max a lot more than he let on.
The day starting with Campbell reeking of whisky was not unexpected despite his restrictions since his arrest. This was early even for him, but David was able to resist the urge to gag every time he walked by…for now. Gwen could tell he was on edge noticing Campbells stench. She even offered to cover for the day even though she’s not payed by Campbell anymore. David immediately refused.
The campers seemed to be none the wiser about their intoxicated volunteer. Aside from Ered, and Nerf who relentlessly took every opportunity to mess with him, but max looked… off. He looked on edge as Neil and Nikki attempted to comfort him. He started daggers at Campbell the whole breakfast. He eventually turned his stare tourd David who gave a nervous smile and continued to get the next activity ready.
Max looked at others for how he should be feeling at a given point. David effortlessly showed how he felt at all times, so trying to gage his emotions was easy. It showed him how he should feel, even when everything felt the same, or too much. It also showed him if his anxiety’s were justified. David was un-afraid to cry, but showed little to no fear when he could help it to keep the campers at peace. When he was truly afraid you could see, so if David was okay he was too… kind of.
Max hasn’t been talking a lot today. The stench of the alcohol is nauseating and makes his nerves go a-wall. It doesn’t help Campbell keeps trying to talk to all of the campers, making rounds of doing so. He never knows when the stench will hit. It’s been a while since the last time he couldn’t talk for this long and he knows Nikki and Neil are going to ask questions when he can form a sentence again. He tries his best to verbally respond to every conversation but ends up looking like he’s in a dissociative state with all of his attention on Campbell and his every movement, like an animal waiting for the pounce.
Shit hit the fan at dinner. David and Max had been able to let down their guards a bit and managed to keep calm the whole day. Max was sitting with Neil and Nikki letting their bickering lule him from his brain till he heard a commotion. He looked up to see a drunk Campbell swaying and slurring his words as David tries to get him out of the mess hall. He then sways hard and falls into David. His hand hits his face attempting to brake the fall. Max heard the slap like cold meat without remorse. He begin to panic trying to search David’s face for his still loading response. To his horror all he can find on David’s face is fear. Campbell regains his balance again before he hits the floor. The commotion causes the room to silence all looking at the scene in front of them.
Gwen quickly tells Quartermaster to get Campbell out of the room while she gets David out to breathe. This leaving CJ to watch the campers.
Eventually everyone went back to their normal conversations after the commotion.
Max’s heavy breaths could no longer be heard through the whole room.
“Max? Hey, it’s okay he will be back! He just needs a minute.” Neil try’s to comfort him.
“Yeah! Gwen says we can’t be alone with Cj for more than 15 minutes, so he doesn’t sell us anything!” Nikki almost screams making max flinch. Ered walks up to their table noticing the gasps coming from max.
“Hey he’s going to be ok. Just take deep breaths… in… and out”
He just tries to slow his breathing listening to Ered while staring at the door for a sign David is back.