A/N: This was written to celebrate a follower milestone on my tumblr blog. Also, keep in mind that this story was actually written before Episode 2 was released, so it doesn't line up well with canon (whoops). I hope you enjoy reading it, as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Victoria thought she would get over this kind of thing.
She always heard through the whispers behind her back that she was a stubborn bitch, who only wanted to get in a guy's pants. She would say to those bigoted gossips that they were liars, but they weren't entirely wrong. Well, the "stubborn bitch" part may be true- to a certain extent- but only wanting to get into guys' pants. Now that wasn't a valid statement.
Mr. Jefferson was leaning against a desk in the middle of the classroom, once in a while taking a few steps here or there as he spoke to his students about the progression of photography from the 1800s to modern times. Normally, Victoria would be avidly listening to the smooth timbre of his voice, but lately she found her interest in him waning as her eyes traveled over to another.
Max Caulfield, resident retro nerd of Blackwell Academy, had taken hold of her attention.
Technically Max had always been under her radar of dorks to mess around with. Ever since the dweeb had step foot in class she was constantly under Mark's seemingly endless praise towards her. All of this attention from one of her idols had Victoria becoming vigilant.
Initially it began as a territorial paranoia, done in a way that would make Max understand that Mr. Jefferson's attention was off-limits to any girl.
Now...Now Victoria wasn't sure if she should be watching Mark or Max.
Sitting with her elbow on the back of her seat, Victoria rested her cheek in one hand as she discretely observed the hipster across from her. All the while she was seemingly paying attention to Mr. Jefferson's lecture. Her eyes flicked over to Max with every movement she made. Whatever object she came into contact with, Victoria would then carefully observe how she interacted with it.
Very rarely did she look at Max's face, just in case they would accidentally make eye contact, and then Max would become aware of her gaze. Though when Victoria did sneak a peek, her focus always led to the girl's childish round cheeks, long dark lashes that fluttered over doe-like eyes, and those soft peach-colored lips.
It made her want to smack herself.
It was absolutely infuriating how infatuated she had become with the girl. It was only one simple act (and a bunch of lame words) that somehow managed to win her over.
When Max had approached her being soaked with water and covered in paint, she expected karma to come biting her in the ass. Instead, the little dweeb actually came to comfort her. Her! The one who has been harassing and bullying Max ever since she appeared at the Academy. What really got to her was how genuine it was. The lone little loser came to her not out of spite, but with compassion. It was utterly ridiculous, and Victoria loved every second of it.
The bell rang, signaling the end of class for the day. Victoria continued to observe Max as the girl gathered her things together and stood. Meanwhile Victoria had pretended to be busy with gathering her own things.
Max took a moment to speak with Kate, a small flare of envy burned in Victoria at the sight, before she walked towards the door. Once she was out of sight Victoria quickly shoved her possessions in her bag and strode after the girl. Mr. Jefferson glanced at her with a look of subtle surprise as she stalked out the door. For once, she didn't feel like talking with Mark.
It wasn't difficult to spot the nerd down the hall, so Victoria kept an easy pace behind her without looking too obvious to the other students. She could tell from this distance that Max had her earbuds in, tuning out the rest of the world around her. Tuning out her.
Shaking her head Victoria brushed that last thought off, scowling at how lame she had become. It was admittedly pathetic the way she felt like fawning over Max like this. Always wanting to ensnare the girl's attention solely on her.
After passing through the entrance doors a cool breeze whispered by her ears, the bright sun beams blanketing her body with warmth. It was nice day for a jog. Maybe she could convince that lanky noodle to run with her.
Ugh. Get over yourself Tori.
Releasing an irritated sigh she once more sought out Max, who was currently on the path towards the dorms. Making her strides a bit longer she managed to catch up with Max in the girls' dorm building, but by then she was already entering her room. Releasing a hopeless sigh Victoria trudged to her own room, tossing her bag onto one corner of her sofa and sitting down with a tired slump.
What did she think was going to happen if she had caught up with her? What did she expect to happen?
This was ridiculous. She was being irrational about the situation. It's not like Max ever talked or treated her any different than the other students at Blackwell. In fact, Max really was a loner most of the time. She never seemed to hang out with anyone after school, being that she was often focused on her studies. There were the few occasions where she hung out with Kate or that geek Warren (who obviously had a thing for her), and recently she had been visiting Dana in her room to chat. It still had Victoria wondering how Max even made friends at all, with her shy and anti-social demeanor.
Emitting a low groan Victoria covered her eyes with her hands and tried to think of something that wasn't Max. She stood up and settled on working on a few of her assignments and essays for her other classes, hoping that it would distract her. For the most part, it seemed to have worked. Victoria had gotten caught up in her own frustration with citing sources and finding reliable data to use for her work. She had nearly forgotten all about her troubles with Max, but once she was done, and had run out of assignments to do, they all came springing back.
It seemed impossible. All thoughts of Max eventually trickled back to her. Whether they were contemplations about if Max struggled with her studies, or just idle thoughts of her in general. Thoughts that turned from innocent musings about her lifestyle to a curious desire to feel her soft skin under her fingertips.
Face growing hot, Victoria shot up from where she lay on her bed, grabbing a towel, shampoo, and a change of clothes from her closet before storming out of the room.
It had gotten late, if the dark campus seen from the window that was near the showers was any indication. Victoria hadn't realized exactly how long she had been working, far too immersed in trying to distract herself from thinking about Max.
Victoria opened the door quietly and entered the room. She noted the sound of water streaming from a single shower. Looking to her left, she saw a pile of clothes sitting on the outcrop of a small ledge. Someone must have taken the opportunity of the night to have the showers all to themselves. Victoria debated on whether to let her curiosity get the better of her and snoop through the clothes to learn who else was in here. As she mulled against these thoughts someone's voice drifted over to her and echoed off the walls.
Something good, oh something good, oh something good
Oh something good tonight will make me forget about you for now…
With a hint of guilty pleasure Victoria recognized the voice belonging to the one and only person occupying her thoughts as of late.
Forty-eight thousand seats bleats
And roars for my memories of you…
Victoria didn't proceed any further past the first shower stall, for fear that she would be caught listening to Max singing (like some sort of creep). She also didn't want Max to realize her presence and inevitably cease her singing.
Now that I'm fully clean
The matador is no more and is dragged from view…
Victoria never realized just how lovely Max's voice sounded when she wasn't nervously babbling in class, or awkwardly making conversation with other students.
Get high, hit the floor before you go
Matador, estocada, you're my blood sport…
Perhaps it was just Victoria's newfound crush that made her think so, but at this moment Max could very well be an actual Muse living among mortals. After all, Victoria recognized that Max had a good eye when it came to photography, and every once in a while she heard Max playing the guitar in her room. Victoria also noticed that she would draw in her private notebook on occasion. Now here she was singing, and it sounded better than she would have ever imagined.
And here I am listening in like some creep while thinking all of this. What am I, a freaking poet?
The squeak of the door swinging open abruptly broke the illusion of seclusion. Max immediately ceased singing and Victoria busied herself with looking into a mirror as two girls entered. One of them Victoria recognized as being part of Hayden's posse, and so she had the misfortune of being noticed.
"Oh. Hey Victoria. Just got here?" One of the girls said in a chirpy voice.
Shit.
"Yeah. What's it to you?" She snapped back reflexively.
Now that dork definitely knows I'm here.
"Nothing, just saying." The girl said with a slight huff.
The two girls then went towards the sinks and began brushing their teeth while making small talk. Victoria pretended to occupy herself with washing her face. The girls didn't take long, soon leaving as quickly as they appeared.
Victoria had remained silent after the initial conversation, and only now did she decide to stalk toward a shower stall, if only to save her from the embarrassment of seeing Max. The first stall was still out of order and Max was in the second one, thus leaving her to go to the third. In her flustered state she hadn't noticed that the shower Max occupied had already been shut off, and as she walked by the curtain suddenly slid open.
Max just had to choose that very moment to ruin her life.
Standing there in blatant nudity, and staring straight at her like a gaping fish, was that quirky geek. Victoria found that she couldn't direct her eyes away.
Max had a petite figure, nicely toned despite how introverted she seemed. There was a bright red blush across her face that only defined the freckles on her cheeks even more, and the way her damp hair clung to her skin made Victoria's heart race.
Her mind was going a mile a minute with all sorts of thoughts.
It was only within a short moment that they stared at each other, and Victoria had nearly forgotten to put on her act. She quickly collected herself under the guise of her 'bitch' mask and spoke. "Didn't think you were that eager to see me, Caulfield." She said arrogantly as she gestured at Max's body with a smirk.
Max's face turned an even more delightful shade of red, before she self-consciously covered herself in embarrassment. The movement didn't help much to cover what Victoria had already drank in, and only further framed her figure in the most delightful way. "I-It's not like that Victoria." Max stammered nervously, a manner Victoria felt comfortable with.
Victoria couldn't help but laugh at her reaction and Max used the brief reprieve to rush to the small bench where her things lay. In a frantic behavior she clumsily attempted to put on her clothes, all the while Victoria's eyes followed her with a devious look.
Now I have her all to myself.
With a newfound burst of courage Victoria sauntered over to a half dressed Max. She had only managed to get on her under garments, and was currently sliding a loose t-shirt over her head. It was such a tacky piece of clothing, with little yellow chicks across it. Most likely it was something she only wore when relaxing alone in her dorm room. Though the sight of the t-shirt barely covering the lower half of her body made Victoria bite her lip in anticipation.
Max had her back to her and was attempting to put her shorts on when Victoria grabbed her by the shoulders and spun her around. Max was clearly startled by the sudden proximity between herself and Victoria, her gray-blue eyes swirling with bewilderment.
"Look at you." Victoria purred as she cupped Max's chin in her hand. "You're such a mess." The blush on Max's face returned (or perhaps it had never left), and Victoria was absolutely enjoying every second of it. "You know something Max." Victoria susurrated as she leaned closer.
Max tried backing away, but it only resulted in trapping herself. Victoria had her pinned, with one arm against the wall. "Gah! Uh. W-what is it, Victoria." Max swallowed nervously, and Victoria couldn't help but watch the movement of her throat.
Victoria then chuckled at the poor attempt at conversation and how Max's eyes flicked anxiously on everything that wasn't her. When Max did try to speak again she became a blubbering mess. Victoria took the hand not occupied with Max's face and had slid it towards the hem of her shirt. Max was unable to form a coherent sentence without butchering the English language entirely.
Victoria was extremely tempted to just kiss her right then and there. The moment was opportune, and Max was behaving like such a total dork that it had become an extremely endearing effect. Looking at her soft pink lips she licked her own, the action not going unnoticed as Max went red-faced once more. Leaning so close that their chests were barely touching, Victoria grazed her lips over Max's ear making the girl release a choked yelp.
"You sing pretty well for such a twee poser." She breathed. Max's eyes went wide at the revelation. She then shuddered at the sensation of Victoria's warm breath against her skin. A small gasp escaped her lips when Victoria began to idly trace her nails along the side of her waist.
"Do you want to know something else?" She said provocatively, fingers teasing at the border of Max's underwear. There was an audible gulp as Max slowly nodded. Her breathing was becoming short and shallow, and Victoria relished feeling every wisp of air against her collar.
Gradually pulling away, she angled her gaze down into Max's eyes. It was like staring into a blue sky with cloud cover. Her gaze was hazy, as if she were hypnotized. Victoria was now only scant centimeters from Max's face, their noses were practically touching.
She didn't know who initiated the contact, but in the end it didn't matter.
The kiss was rough, at first. Victoria only wanted to satisfy the thirst building up inside of her these past few hours. Yet instead of breaking away like she was supposed to, she indulged in it longer than she should have. It was not like she had much choice in the matter anyway, as Max suddenly had her arms wrapped around her neck and was pulling her closer.
Victoria became less hungry as she tilted her head to deepen the kiss, and when she felt Max's tongue running across her bottom lip she willingly allowed it entrance. The feeling of both of their tongues tangling and dancing with one another was the most delicious thing she could have ever experienced. Though she did take a moment to wonder how Max was such a great kisser (not that she would admit that to her face).
One of Max's hands fisted into her hair as Victoria's wandering fingers began to trail up under her shirt and trace along the edges of her bra. Victoria then broke out of the kiss and began to leave impressions of her lips from Max's jawline and down her neck. She could still taste the water on her skin, and each hot kiss she left had Max sighing with utter pleasure.
It was the soft calling of her name from those terribly sweet lips that sent a spiking heat through her body. It was both exhilarating and frightening to experience this sudden rush of passion with another person, especially with someone like Max.
Parting slightly, both girls found themselves panting heavily for breath as they stared at each other with incredulous expressions. "So…that just happened." Max said breathlessly. "That, or I must be dreaming."
Victoria removed her hands from underneath Max's shirt and managed a haughty laugh. She flicked her fingers against Max's forehead, making the girl pout and move one hand to rub the spot. "I wouldn't want you to dream about anybody else." Victoria had meant to come off as nonchalant, but once Max smiled at her she had found her resolve slipping. She then dipped her head and looked towards the ground. "You didn't hear me say that, got it dweeb." She mumbled uncharacteristically.
Max giggled, the noise causing her to blush just at how pleasant it sounded. "Okay then. Whatever you say Victoria." Biting her lip Victoria faced Max again. The dork was watching her with this goofy grin on her face, and it made her feel challenged in some way.
Victoria then captured her lips again as a show of dominance, but the meaning was lost since Max wouldn't stop stupidly giggling into it. Pulling away again Victoria gave her a scowl. "What's so funny, nerd?"
"It's nothing, really. Just that I was thinking about how cute you're being right now."
Huh. What does she mean by that? How is that funny?
Max giggled again at the stupefied expression on Victoria's face and placed a quick kiss on her cheek. "I guess…I'm just kind of happy right now." She admitted shyly.
"Oh. Oh. I see…" Victoria said, her voice trailing off in thought.
A small smile graced Victoria's lips then, and without thinking about it she brought Max against her in an embrace. Max was a bit surprised by it, but soon settled into it and wrapped an arm comfortingly around her back.
"I guess you can be kind of cute too." Victoria said quietly her hair, making Max grin.
They stood together like that a few moments longer before Max finally spoke up. "Um, Victoria? It's getting kind of chilly, and I'm still not wearing any pants."
Blushing furiously, Victoria shoved Max at arm's length before reflexively crossing her arms with a glare. Max only chuckled at her behavior. "Now, if you wouldn't mind, I'm going to take a shower." Victoria said with a huff. "You better not go blabbing about this-" She pointed between the two of them, "to everyone on campus."
"Of course not, Victoria." Max said with another one of those sickeningly sweet smiles.
"Good."
Victoria slipped past her and strutted over to a stall. She didn't bother looking back as she immediately closed the curtain behind her. She placed her clothes aside on a small outcrop of a raised ledge near the curtain and turned the faucet on. As she washed herself a gentle voice on the other side of the stall pierced through the rushing of the water. Max began singing again.
Victoria found herself relaxing at the melodic tone and it made the experience of her shower much more pleasant. It was strange, like time had frozen and only the two of them could freely move within it.
Closing her eyes she allowed her imagination to wander. Images of a serene verdant grove surrounding her, a fresh water stream trickling nearby as a Nymph sang a lullaby under the shade of a willow…
Victoria snapped her eyes open and shut off the shower.
Yup. I'm definitely losing my mind to twee romance poetry.
Victoria then mumbled a curse under her breath as she realized she had dropped her towel when she hugged Max earlier. As she slid open the curtain part way and prepared to step out, she was greeted with a soft white towel thrusted at her face.
Looking past it she could see Max had her head turned away, averting her gaze and keeping things modest as she held it out for Victoria to take. The act of kindness had caught her off guard for a moment, but she accepted it without question. There was a silence between them as Victoria dried off behind the closed curtain, and once she stepped out fully dressed did Max speak.
"So…I guess I'll be going back to my room then." She sounded almost reluctant, and there seemed to be a hint of an invitation somewhere in her statement. At least, Victoria hoped she didn't just imagine it there.
Placing a hand on her hip Victoria looked at her appraisingly. "If you want to invite me to your room you can just say so." Max looked up and beamed a smile at her, quickly turning away to collect her things. "I'll come over shortly, so you better not fall asleep when I do." Victoria said with a huff.
Max looked to her and nodded enthusiastically, and Victoria couldn't shake the image of a puppy awaiting its master's praise. After leaving the showers both girls went to their rooms, and Victoria gathered together some things to bring over.
Those few minutes of preparing felt like an eternity. She didn't know what to do with herself. She kept fidgeting and trying to occupy herself with something that would keep her mind off of the image of a naked Max. Even if it only lasted for just a few seconds.
Soft knocks on her door became a welcomed interruption. The person on the other side, not so much.
"I thought we were going to meet up in your room later?" Victoria quirked a brow as she looked down at none other than Max. She was staring at the ground shyly, in her silly chicken print pajamas, and was holding a pillow close to her chest. "I got kind of impatient." She mumbled into the pillow. Max raised her eyes and locked her gaze with Victoria's.
There was no way she could ignore that kicked puppy look.
"Fine. Stop looking like I took your candy, or something, and get in here." Max grinned excitedly and dashed into the room. Victoria rolled her eyes with an exasperated sigh, but that didn't stop a smile from spreading on her face.
Closing the door, she turned around to find Max had already made herself comfortable on her white love seat. She was still clutching the pillow and peeking over the top of it at Victoria. "What are you doing there, dork? Over here." Victoria strutted over to the bed and sat at its edge, patting the mattress invitingly. "Well? I don't have all night Max."
Max looked at her skeptically for a moment before carefully shuffling her way over. By then Victoria was growing tired of her unnecessarily slow movements. Once Max was close enough she pulled on her arm and dragged the girl close against her. Max let out a yelp of surprise as the two fell onto the mattress. Max was laying on top of Victoria with only the pillow between them. Once she removed the final barrier, by tossing the pillow aside, Victoria pulled her into a gentle embrace while sighing in content.
"You can be so insufferable sometimes. You know that." Victoria said as she nuzzled the top of her head. Max chuckled and buried her face into the crook of her neck, rubbing her nose against her collar.
Despite the events that occurred earlier in the showers Victoria felt content to just lie there with Max in her arms. It felt nice to just have someone else there. Someone you could enjoy being with just for the sake of their presence.
After a few minutes the two adjusted their positions so they could be more comfortable. Max sleeping on her side while Victoria held her from behind. It was calming, and Victoria couldn't help but wonder why Max seemed to fit so perfectly in this position. It was like Max had relived this experience with Victoria several times before.
Max took one of Victoria's hands and lifted it up to press a lingering kiss on the inside of her wrist. It was such an abnormal gesture to her, but Victoria felt oddly flattered by it. She gave a light squeeze as she held Max closer, burying her nose in her hair and smelling the scented shampoo.
It didn't take long for the comfort of silence to settle in, and soon Victoria found herself drifting off to sleep. Max seemed to have already fallen victim to slumber; her breathing having gone quiet and steady.
After moving a few strands of Max's hair out of the way Victoria brushed her lips over the nape of her neck, pressing a soft kiss there, before moving to plant a kiss atop her head. She felt a bit silly for doing it, but for some reason it felt right.
Victoria fell asleep soundly with her arms around Max, not knowing how Max lay awake smiling.