At Vlad's mention of the sidelines, Max beamed. "And it's much easier to throw peanuts at people when they can't see where you're hiding." That reminded him - it had been a while since he had thrown small objects at random pedestrians. Maybe he'd do that tomorrow night. It would make him feel better about Brian's new "mental health" regiment. Not that he thought it was going to work, but it was a threat. Max hated threats.
Though Vlad didn't cough on his drink, Max saw the potential for it and grinned. He wondered if the other man had ever done a proper spit-take before in his life. If not, he'd have to change that. At his disbelieving question, Max nodded firmly. "Yes. Some people say that beards are the ultimate manly gauge, but I disagree. You can hide behind a beard. It's almost like a little shield. It takes a real man to bare his face to the world, with nothing to hide."
Now that, considering both of their hobbies, was hilarious as they were both clean shaven. Max burst out into laughter.