Hey guys. I am so excited to announce this story. I love The Last of Us and Life is Strange. There will be quite a few ships in here, not all of them are going to last very long. Pricefield is the main ship. This isn't going to follow TLOU completely faithfully, however I have kept the main ideas.

If anyone is affected by any of the issues raised in this story at any point or just in general, feel free to contact me either on here or Tumblr (nothing-you-can-prove) at any time.

Enjoy

Chapter One: It's Time

Kate's POV – Max and Kate's House

The front door creaks open, waking me from my slumber. My bleary eyes open a fraction and as my vision comes into focus, I realize that I have fallen asleep on the couch. I have no idea what the time is, but sleep soon overwhelms me again and I rest my head back on the small pillow.

As my hazel eyes close again, I can hear the familiar muffled voice of Max Caulfield from behind the door leading into the lounge where I am sleeping, "…ok… Warren… look… we'll talk…" there is a slight pause as the door shuts almost soundlessly and her voice reduces almost to a whisper as she steps into the room, "…we'll talk about it in the morning… alright goodnight."

I hear shuffling and feel something being placed on me that I assume to be a blanket.

Max is so considerate.

Unable to get back to sleep now I know Max is home, I slowly open my eyes and lift my head up off the pillow, "Max?"

She rubs her neck awkwardly, "Hey, Kate," she walks up to me and pecks me on the cheek, "Sorry. Did I wake you up?"

I rub at my eyes and stretch out on the couch, "Kind of, not that I mind."

Max smiles at me warmly, "Would you mind budging up?"

I move my head up and Max slumps onto the couch beside me, looking completely exhausted. I place my head back down onto her lap and she absentmindedly strokes my hair, "Fun day?"

She sighs deeply, running her free hand through her hair "You could say that. Warren can be so fuc-" she cuts herself off quickly and clears her throat, "I mean, so damn persistent."

My lip quirks up into a small smile at her restraint on my behalf and snuggle up closer to her, "How so?"

She scoffs, "You know exactly how. I thought he would have got the hint by now. I mean…" she glances down at me and smiles, "Could we make it any more obvious?"

I had wondered why Max suddenly becomes so affectionate when Warren is around. Usually, she is so embarrassed with PDA. When we are alone, she is fine with everything, but as soon as other people are around, she gets really shy, not that I mind. I like being the only person to see this side of her. I guess she is trying to make a point.

"Did you tell him?"

Max sighs again tiredly, "I literally tell him every day. He never listens. Maybe he'll get it eventually," a confused expression crosses her face and she raises one of her eyebrows, "I'm surprised you're still up. It's late?"

I wasn't even paying attention to the time. Shoot.

"What time is it?" I sit up abruptly and turn back to look at the clock on the wall. I squint to make out the time, 11:50 pm.

I still have time. Good.

"Don't you have a really early start tomorrow?" she asks, knowing I rarely stay up after 12 am, even if I don't have anything on the next day.

I smile coyly at her as I reach over to open a drawer in the table next to the couch and begin feeling around, "It's going to be worth it. Trust me."

Where did it go? Aha!

Max slumps further into the couch as I search around. She exhales and rubs her temples, "Can we leave it until tomorrow? I'm pretty tired right now."

"Oh no Max, you aren't getting away that easily."

I finally locate the item I was looking for, a small box, and pass it over to her. I sit there expectantly as she takes the box and turns it over in her hands, "What's this?"

I laugh at her curiosity and gently nudge her on the shoulder, "It's your present silly. Open it."

Max looks up from the box and beams at me, "You didn't have to stay up for that. It could have waited."

"I wanted too."

She opens the box and inspects the small silver watch inside.

"You kept complaining about your broken watch," I comment as she takes the watch out of the box, "I thought you would like a new one."

Max turns the watch over in her hands then puts it on her wrist, a small smile spreading on her face as she inspects it.

"So, do you like it?" I ask, eager to hear her response.

She turns to me, "Kate, it's…" her face suddenly drops and her smile slowly fades to a frown, "I think…" she holds the watch to her ear and her brow furrows, "I think it's stuck."

I grab her arm and lean in to check the watch, "No, that can't be, that-" my words are cut off as Max steals a kiss. The action takes me by surprise and I stare at Max for a moment, who grins cheekily back at me. The watch appears to be working just fine.

I should have known.

I shake my head and smile, "Very smooth, Max."

Her grin widens, "Sorry, I couldn't help it. You're just too damn cute, Marsh."

I roll my eyes at her and turn my back on her in mock annoyance with my arms crossed, struggling hard to suppress the smile threatening to creep onto my face at her dorkiness.

It's like a game with Max and I.

I glance back at Max and she smiles apologetically, "Come on Kate don't pout. I couldn't miss an opportunity like that. I'll make it up to you later, promise."

Unable to maintain my act, I turn back around and shuffle closer to her once more, placing my head on her shoulder "I suppose I can find it within myself to forgive you"

She places an arm around me as she inspects her watch, "I really like it. Thank you," she looks at me with mild curiosity, "Where did you get the money for this?"

I offer her a toothy grin, "Drugs. I sell hard core drugs."

Her lip quirks upwards in amusement, "Well, I'll be expecting to get a lot more presents from you then."

I gently push Max, "You wish."

She rests her forehead against mine, gazing deeply into my eyes, "I don't need any other gift than you."

I playfully roll my eyes at her, "That was so bad, Max."

Max squeezes me, "You love it really."

"I do, don't I?" I sigh.

She smirks at me smugly, "Yep."

I cover my mouth with my hand as I yawn, causing Max to chuckle. She puts her hand on my head and gently ruffles my hair, an action I am too tired to protest against, "Oh dear, is my Marshmallow getting sleepy?"

"Maybe…"

Max helps me up off the couch, "Come on then. Off to bed. Don't make me carry you."

"Pfft, I'd like to see you try."

Her blue eyes suddenly fill with mischief, "Is that a challenge, Marsh?"

Before I have the chance to say anything in response, Max scoops me up and carries me over to the stairs.

"Max!" I squeal, clutching on tight to her so I don't fall to the floor.

She grins at me, "Let's get going then."

She's always the same, always surprising me.

"Are you sure I'm not too heavy?" I tentatively ask as I cling onto her.

"Did you really just ask that? Kate, there is literally nothing on you," Max scoffs dismissively as she climbs the stairs with me in her arms. When she reaches the bedroom door, she stops and looks down at me, "Uh… little help? I've kind of got my hands full."

I reach out and grab the handle, pulling the door open to let us in the room. Max stumbles over to the bed, "And down she goes," she gently places me down on the bed and grins proudly at me, "So, how was that?"

I giggle at her dorky grin, "Impressive, Miss Caulfield."

The mischievous twinkle in her eyes returns, one I have come to learn to fear, "Oh no, I know that look."

Max smiles at me innocently, "I have no idea what you are referring to."

What has she got planned?

She suddenly launches herself at me and starts tickling me mercilessly. I try to wriggle away from her, but fail miserably, "M-Max… s-stop…" she laughs as I squirm, "P-please…"

She relents momentarily with an almost evil smirk plastered onto her face, "Only if you promise to make breakfast tomorrow."

It seems Max will do anything to wrangle food.

"N-no way," I stutter, "I shall not succumb to your powers of persuasion."

She shrugs nonchalantly, "Fine then," she moves down to my feet, which she knows full well is my most sensitive area.

"F-fine… I give up," I reluctantly concede.

Max glances up at me with an amused look, trying hard not to laugh, "You sure?"

"Yes," I sigh and she relents her attack. I lay there on my side, panting lightly as I catch my breath, "You are so evil, Max."

She grins and crawls on the bed beside me, "In the pursuit of your famous waffles, my disregard for morals knows no bounds," she reaches out for my hand as we lay there on the bed, intertwining our fingers.

How did we even get here? Don't get me wrong, I'm happy, happier than I have ever been in my entire life. Max came to me at a difficult time. She… she saved me. I knew then that we would have a strong bond no-one could break, even though they tried.

I look over her freckled face as she gazes at me, her blue doe-like eyes soft and loving.

Can I pinpoint the day? The day that she started to look at me like that. When she thought I wasn't looking, she'd always stare at me with this really weird expression I couldn't work out.

She reaches out and twirls a stand of my blonde hair around her finger.

Max visited me every day in hospital, picking times when she knew no-one would be around. My parents always asked about her. When I came back to Blackwell, she was amazing. We started to spend so much time together, we became inseparable. She helped me so much. I think that was when I started to notice the looks. I… I started think about Max, a lot. It scared me. I clamped down on everything, or at least tried to. Trying to ignore everything made it worse.

She shuffles closer and tenderly kisses my cheek, then out of nowhere blows a raspberry.

I move my head away from her, "Ew, Max. Really?"

She grins impishly at me and nuzzles into my neck, her lips brushing against my skin.

I remember bringing her over to meet my parents. They wanted to meet the girl who helped me. It was a few months after I… after I was on the roof. I had planned everything out so well, or at least I thought I had.

This was the day that changed the course of my life.

Past – Outside the Marsh House

Max and I make our way towards the small house I had lived in for most of my life. She seems a bit apprehensive about this, but she doesn't falter as we climb up the steps to the front door. I tentatively reach out and knock on the door. After a few seconds, I hear shuffling and footsteps behind the door and then it opens, revealing dad standing in the hallway. As his kind eyes fall on Max he smiles, "So you must be Max."

She plays with the bands on her wrist, her shoulders hunched over as she nervously mutters, "Y-yes sir."

I can tell she is worried about this whole situation. I told her she didn't have to do this, but she said that she wanted to.

Dad's eyes soften as he takes in her anxious body language and places a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "Don't look so worried and please, call me Richard."

The contact initially makes Max jump, but when she sizes up the situation, she sighs in relief, "O-ok, Richard."

Was she really that nervous? Dad's fine, it's Mom you want to be scared of.

Max glances over at me hesitantly, uncertainty in her expressive blue eyes. I reach out and touch her hand, offering her a gentle encouraging smile, "Let's go."

She returns my smile as I lead her by the hand into my house. Her hand is warm against mine, my fingertips brushing against small callouses on her fingers from playing the guitar. As we walk through the short hallway, she looks around curiously and takes everything in.

Max is always keen to see what's going on. Some may call it nosey, but she is just curious. She loves learning things about the people she cares about, something I have benefitted from on many occasions. It makes me feel happy that she actually wants to know things about me. It's what saved me after all.

The house is fairly small, but big enough for us. Family pictures line the hallway and a small wooden crucifix is attached to the wall. Mom is obsessed with cleanliness, so there is not much around. A lone vase of red and blue flowers stands on a table brightening up the otherwise dull and dreary hallway. Dad put the flowers there as some sort of rebellion soon after I got out of hospital. Mom complained about the mess they made and she tried her hardest to remove them, but dad just put a new bunch there every time. His persistence was incredible and eventually she gave up. Dad always smiles when he walks past them.

We follow dad and turn into the first door on the left into the kitchen. He glances back over his shoulder at us, "I bet you guys are hungry."

Max's stomach grumbles on cue, causing her to blush, "Uh, y-you could say that."

Dad laughs at her embarrassment, "I'll rustle up something. Take a seat, girls."

Max and I walk through to the adjoining dining room and sit down beside each other at the table while dad works on getting some food ready.

It's strange seeing Max here. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad. I just never thought this would happen.

Dad swivels his head around as he prepares, "So, Max, how's Blackwell treating you?"

Max clears her throat and meets dad's eyes, "Really well, s… uh, I mean Richard."

"That's goo-" his words were suddenly interrupted by a cheerful shout, "KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE!" I feel something grab me from behind.

It can only be one person.

I turn my head back to see a young girl with long blonde hair and can't help but grin at her eager expression, "Hey, Lynn," it seems like she's just come back from school. I stand up from my seat, pick her up and spin her around, much to her excitement and delighted squeals. I finally put her back down on the floor, "How was school?"

She looks up at me and grins, "It was great, but it's better being home with you."

Lynn, you always know what to say to make me feel better.

My body fills with dread as mom walks in behind her. She glances over at Max, her eyes narrowing with suspicion and disapproval as per usual, "I assume you must be Max."

Max rubs the back of her neck at mom's icy glare, "Y-yes ma'am."

Lynn looks over at Max, her face lighting up almost immediately, "Is that the Max you are always telling me about?"

I blush as Max laughs, "Lynn!"

Lynn's eyes widen at me innocently, "Oops, was I not supposed to tell her that?" she turns to Max, "Forget I said that."

Max catches my eye briefly before grins happily at Lynn, "I will."

Mom looks disapprovingly at me and walks over to Dad, who gives her a small kiss on the cheek, "Hi, honey."

I feel like every move I make is being judged by her. It probably is.

Lynn walks over to Max and tugs at her sleeve, "Can I show you my drawings?"

Max beams at her, "Sure. I'd like that."

She looks excited and eagerly rushes upstairs, making Max smile, "She's cute."

Dad chuckles heartily, "Oh, if you had to live with her you wouldn't think so. She is a little terror."

"I HEARD THAT DAD!" Lynn's voice carries from upstairs.

He shouts in the direction of the stairs, "Sorry, sweetie."

I hear heavy footsteps as Lynn rushes back into the room and sits next to Max, presenting her drawings with a huge grin, "Here."

Max picks them up and inspects them, "These are so awesome," she looks over to me and smiles, "You're going to make a great artist, just like Kate."

She is doing that look again. She's not even trying to hide it this time. That gentle look of… adoration? Is that it? Don't be silly, Kate. What does that look mean, Max?

I can feel Mom's icy glare and it sends shudders up my spine.

Am I doing anything wrong? Why does she keep staring? Calm down, Kate. It's fine. She is always like this. Don't let her ruin everything.

Lynn jumps up and down excitedly, "I want to be just like Kate."

I gently ruffle her hair, "Well, if that's the case, then we need to do something about your hair."

She swipes at my hands and grumbles, "Hey. Get off."

Dad beams at us then turns to me, "Katie, sweetie, can you go grab some glasses?"

"Sure thing, dad."

I walk over to where the glasses are in the cupboard on the wall while Dad brings over some plates to the table.

Max gets up from her seat, "Can I help at all?"

Just like Max, always ready to help.

"Well, now that you mention it, could you go into that drawer and grab some cutlery?" Dad asks as he motions over to the cupboard.

"Sure," I hear footsteps and feel a sudden heat at my back as Max reaches around me to open the drawer. My cheeks heat up from her proximity.

Get a grip, Kate.

I feel Max's hand brush against mine and drop the glass in my hand. An ear-piercing smash fills the air and I crouch down to pick up the jagged shards when a hand is placed over mine, stopping me from touching them. When I glance up, I can see Max smiling back at me benevolently, "You'll cut yourself. We wouldn't want that now, would we?"

I shake my head, unable to even look at her now.

She laughs, her hand still on mine, "I thought I was supposed to be the clumsy one," she stops abruptly as soon as she sees my ever reddening face, her smile transforming into a concerned expression, "Kate… are you ok?"

"I-I'm fine," I stutter, trying my best to hide my obvious embarrassment.

She appears unconvinced by my weak response, "You're flushed," she touches my forehead while touching hers, which really doesn't help with my blushing one bit, "You feel really warm. You sure you're ok?"

"Yeah," I mumble, hoping that will be enough to satisfy her.

Max narrows her eyes skeptically at me before thankfully taking a step back from me, "If you're sure. Tell me if that changes."

I can almost feel the disgust radiating from where Mom is stood near the doorway.

I need to be more careful here. I don't want her to start shouting at Max for no reason.

Dad comes over with the dustpan and brush, "I've got this, girls."

Max grabs the cutlery and lays the table before sitting down next to me.

What is wrong with me?

Mom sits opposite as Lynn brings over some cups, sitting on my other side and gives me a cheeky grin, "I'll give Kate the plastic one so she doesn't drop it again."

I tap her head lightly, "Ouch."

Max giggles at us, a sound I find so comforting. Almost all my worries and fear disappear simply by hearing her.

Dad brings over the food and sits down next to mom, then turns to Max with an understanding smile, "Max, we are going to pray now. You don't have to if you don't want to."

She returns his smile, "It's ok. I don't mind. I'll join in."

His smile widens as he clasps his hands together and bows his head, "Dear Lord, thank you for the food on this table and for bringing this family together. It's been… hard at times, but you have given us the strength to see it through. Thank you for sending Max to Kate's side at her time of need. Without her…" he pauses and takes a deep, uneven breath before continuing, "…we wouldn't be able to sit here right now," he offers me a fleeting grin before turning his attention back to Max, "Is there anything you wish to add, Max? You don't have to, but if you want."

Max nods, biting her lip as she gathers her thoughts, "Um… thank you for giving me the opportunity to help Kate," her blue eyes meet my hazel ones as she continues, her gaze so intense right now that it pins me to the spot, "I know she felt alone and… I'm glad that I met her and had the chance to talk to her. I'm so grateful for that. The fact that she is here now gives me the strength to keep going."

Dad nods in approval at Max's addition, "Well said, Max," he glances over at me next, "Kate?"

I clasp my hands tightly together and close my eyes, "Thank you lord for sending Max in my hour of need. I really needed someone to make me feel wanted and loved. You could not have chosen a better person. Thank you for letting Max and my paths cross and I pray that they shall continue to in the future."

When I open my eyes, I find Max still looking at me. Her doe-like blue eyes are so soft and her expression seems almost distant. There is something very slightly troubled about it now.

"Lynn," Dad prompts.

She scrunches her face up and claps her hands together loudly, "Yeah, thanks for guiding Max to Kate. She's my hero."

He cautiously turns to his wife, "Cynthia?"

I glance over at Mom, who maintains her cold and distant expression, "Thank you lord for helping our dear Kate," this is all she offers up.

I sigh lightly, shaking my head a fraction.

Some things never change.

"Amen," we say in unison as we lift our heads.

Dad motions to the food on the table before us, "Right, dig in," as we get sorted out, Mom keeps switching her gaze between Max and I.

I wonder if Max has picked up on it. Given the sideways glances Max keeps giving her, she must have.

She finally speaks in her usual curt tone, "So Max, you go to Blackwell too, correct?"

Max chews her food and swallows before answering, "Yes ma'am."

She looks on impassively, pushing her food around on the plate as she continues her interrogation, "You are in the same photography class as Kate, yes?"

"Y-yes, Mrs Marsh," Max stammers before reaching out for the glass of water in front of her and taking a sip.

This is really awkward. Mom's not really the friendliest of people at the best of times. Dad and her are complete opposites.

"You also live in the same dorm area," she presses, her tone a forced calm and her expression becoming strained.

Max nods nervously, small beads of sweat slowly forming on her brow from the intense questioning, "That's right. I live almost opposite from Kate."

Mom's expression hardens, becoming colder and sterner as her jaw tightens, "I see. Do you go over often?"

This must feel like an interrogation for her. In a way, it is. This is why I don't invite many people over to my house.

Max bites her lip, "Fairly often ma'am. We have tea da… um…" she stumbles over her words, offering me a quick glance before backtracking, "sessions sometimes."

Good choice of wording, Max. If you had said dates, she would have flipped out.

Mom nods stiffly, "It's an all-girls dorm at Blackwell, isn't it?"

Dad clears his throat, interrupting her, "Cynthia, don't interrogate the poor child."

She gives him a scathing glare, "I just wanted to know a bit more about our child's savior. I'm sure she doesn't mind, right Max?"

Max rubs her neck awkwardly, "N-not at all."

Sorry Max. I know this is making you feel uncomfortable. It's nearly over now… I hope.

"See," Mom barks.

A tense silence fills the air at this point, only broken by the clattering of cutlery and the occasional shuffling. I look over at Max apologetically, who sticks out her tongue and crosses her eyes in response. Lynn giggles a bit too loudly, causing mom to give us a reprimanding scowl. We quickly assume serious expressions and continue eating, although every now and then Max and Lynn exchange goofy expressions, much to mom's disapproval.

At least Lynn likes Max. What is there not to like? She's kind, caring, funny and… so many other things.

A discreet smile tugs at the corner of my lips as I glance over at Max once again. I don't think she has a single mean bone in her body and never fails to make me laugh, even when I'm not feeling great. Just being near her makes everything a bit brighter. I jump when something brushes against my leg and nudges my foot, almost knocking over my cup. I manage to catch it at the last second before the water inside spills out over the table.

Lynn grins cheekily at me, "It's a good thing I gave you the plastic cup, huh?"

Did I imagine it? I must have done.

I shrug it off and resume eating. A few seconds later, it happens again. It's coming from my right hand side, the seat Max is occupying. I glance over at her subtly. Her expression seems impassive, but I can tell that she is suppressing a huge dorky grin with all her might as the corner of her lip twitches. I gently nudge her back, her eyes darting towards me as she offers up an inconspicuous smile.

Max always does small things like this and it makes me feel… content. It tells me that she is here with me and that thought alone calms me down.

Max continues to gently play with my foot and we exchange subtle glances throughout the rest of the meal. I try hard to hide the smile that threatens to creep onto my face.

I don't want to raise any suspicions. Mom doesn't need any reason to start an argument.

When we finish, Dad grabs the plates and places them on the side near the sink ready for washing. Mom stands up abruptly and strides over to him, "Richard, can I have a word?"

He turns back to her, "Sure my love. I'll just finish-"

Her brow furrows as she gives him a stern look, "Now."

Dad looks over to us with an apologetic smile, "Girls, could you please start the washing up? I'll be back soon."

We nod as my parents walk out of the room. Lynn sighs, taking one of the plates off of the side and dunks it in the soapy water, "Well, that was more awkward than usual. I wonder what they are talking about."

I don't think it can be anything good judging by Mom's face. I hope she doesn't cause a scene. Max has been so good to me and she doesn't deserve that.

The three of us start working our way through the small pile of dirty plates and cutler. A few times, Max's hand brushes against mine as we work. I can't help but feel a bit flustered each time.

What are you thinking, Kate? Focus.

Just as we're finishing up, my parents walk back in. Dad sighs tiredly, running a hand over his balding head as his eyes fall on me, "Kate, could we have a word please, sweetie?"

A pang of anxiety enters the pit of my stomach at his resigned tone, "Uh… sure."

Lynn gives me a worried look. Max must have picked up on this, because she puts a hand on her shoulder, "Hey, do you want me to show you how to blow the biggest bubbles you have ever seen."

Lynn smiles excitedly at this, "Yes!"

"Thanks," I mouth as I follow my parents into the hallway, Max winking at me before I leave.

Mom closes the door and paces with purpose away from it. She stops abruptly near the bottom of the stairs and turns to me with an icy expression.

I wince a bit at the harshness of it, her heart racing at a million miles an hour as I swallow to wet my suddenly dry throat, "What's the matter?"

Dad stands awkwardly beside mom, who crosses her arms in irritation, "I'll cut to the chase. What is your relation to Max?"

What kind of a question is that?

My brow furrows, uncertain of where she is going with this, "She's my friend of course."

Her jaw tightens at my answer, "Really?"

"Yes."

She draws herself to her fullest height and puts on a stern expression as she squints at me accusingly, "The way you talked about her to us made me believe that Max was a boy."

I think back to the times I had mentioned Max around mom and couldn't see what she was trying to get at, "Why?

"You know why," she hisses angrily, causing me to recoil slightly, "The way you speak about her makes it seem like you… love her," at these words her lip curls upwards in disgust.

"Now, Cynthia…" dad cautions.

She swivels on her heel to face him, "No, Richard," she turns back to me, menacingly bearing down on me, "I have seen the way she looks at you, and the way you act around her. What is going on?"

My eyes widen in sudden realization as her insinuation finally hits me, "Wait, you think that Max and I are… Max is my friend."

Mom scoffs, injecting all the venom she can muster into her voice, "Likely story. That Max girl is leading you astray into sin. I knew sending you to that place was a mistake, especially after that video of you…"

I am rendered completely speechless at her accusations, my heart aching in my chest and tears stinging at my eyes.

How could she bring that up? She knows I was drugged. I didn't want to kiss a load of strangers.

She doesn't stop there, "That place has corrupted you. I should have listened to your Auntie."

"Cynthia!" dad exclaims, completely stunned that she would bring that up. I feel the tears well up in my eyes.

I can't let them fall. I won't let her win. How could she suggest that I willingly did that? How…

"You're a disgrace to this family," mom hisses, twisting the knife further.

Dad steps in between mom and I, his normally calm demeanor long gone as he shakes with rage, "CYNTHIA! THAT IS ENOUGH!"

Mom takes a step closer to him, "OH, SO YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT OUR DAUGHTER'S WELFARE!" it is all too much for me to handle right no, so I run upstairs with mom calling back after me as I reach my room and slam the door shut, "GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW, YOUNG LADY!"

I rush to my bed and hide under the covers, trying to escape this horrible situation I have found myself in. The salty tears fall down my cheeks and drip down on the bed as I sob my heart out, her cruel words still ringing in my ears.

I don't want to hear. I can't. I didn't ask to be drugged. I didn't want to kiss all those people. I don't want to… don't want to…

The memory I have been so desperately trying to suppress creeps its way to the forefront of my mind, tormenting me with its painful reminder…

October 8th 2013 – Prescott Dormitory Rooftop

The rain beats down heavily, seeping through my clothing as I teeter on the edge of the rooftop. I can see everyone standing below just watching, commenting in hushed whispers and… filming yet again.

No-one cares about me… apart from Max.

I sigh at this thought. Max tried to help me, but this is beyond anything that she can do. There are some things that you can never fix. My warm tears mingling with the cold droplets of rain that hit my skin.

I'm sorry, Max. At least you're not here to see this. I don't want that to be your last memory of me. I would spare you that much. You tried so hard to help me, but it doesn't matter now. Nothing matters.

The door to the rooftop behind me slams open and an unexpected voice shouts over the howling wind, "Kate. Get away from there right now!"

At first, I think it might be a figment of my imagination, but when I turn back I see a girl with mid-length brown hair plastered to her head from the rain. Her body shakes violently as she stares at me pleadingly with those soft blue eyes I have come to know so well.

No, Max. I… I didn't want you to see me do this. I'm sorry. You tried so hard…

"What are you doing here, Max?" I call out to her, my stomach dropping at the pained expression on her freckled face.

"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm here to help my friend," her voice falters as if she is going to breakdown any second, but she manages to hold strong.

She really cares. I can tell that easily… not that it makes much of a difference now. It's too late for me, much too late.

"Don't come near me. I will jump," I threaten weakly as I take a small step back towards the edge.

Her face softens as she matches my step with her own, "Kate, please, step away from there."

Oh Max. I want to. I want everything to just go away. I want to be able to have tea sessions and laugh with you. If only I could go back and change everything…

My brow furrows as I stare back at her through the rain, "What's the point? It's too late now. I'm in a nightmare and I can't wake up… unless I put myself to sleep," I glance down at the floor below me, my resolve starting to falter ever so slightly.

Max must have sensed my apprehension, because she uses this opportunity to take another step towards me. Her eyes are filled with panic and her chest rises and falls erratically, "No. No. It's not too late. Your life is still yours. You can get through this. I know you can and I'll be here every step of the way."

Max, please don't make this harder than it has to be. I… I don't want to do this, but it's the only way out.

I bite at my chapped lip, "I would really like to believe that, Max. I know you care. You have always been there when I needed to talk and I know it's you who has been rubbing those horrible messages from my board. No-one else would."

I have a feeling that Max's interventions have spared me a few of the worst insults. Her voice wavers as tears roll down her cheeks, mingling with the raindrops, "I really care about you Kate, more than I could ever say. Please don't do this," tears start to form in her eyes. Her face contorts into one of utter despair, "Please, don't make me watch. I can't. I won't be able to function without you, Kate. I need you here," she shivers uncontrollably and I can't tell if it is from the cold or from crying.

Max tells me everything I wanted to hear and more, making me feel special and wanted as she reaches out her hand to me, "Kate… please."

Her eyes beg me to stop what I am doing, to place my faith in her one last time. I feel my hand hesitantly grabbing at hers and she pulls me away from the edge into her arms as we collapse to the floor. She hugs me fiercely, shielding my body from the rain as I grip onto her.

"I'm sorry…" I mumble into her shoulder.

She lets out a sigh of relief, her voice sounding emotionally drained as she clings onto me for dear life, "What are you talking about? You saved me from talking in class."

She holds me tight as if she will never let me go again… she never does.

Marsh House - Kate's Room

A quiet knock brings me back to reality. It can only be one person…

When I don't answer, a shy soft spoken voice calls through the door, "Kate?"

Oh Max. You always come when I need you.

I grip onto a pillow as she asks the one question I was not ready to face, "Can I come in?"

I'm so confused right now. What is it I want? I'm scared, scared of what will happen if I let her in.

I hear myself say, "Yes."

As the door creaks open, I crawl out from my blanket cocoon to see Max standing there awkwardly in the middle of my room, gripping onto her left arm tightly.

She is always so considerate.

I sit up and pat the space on the bed beside me. After a brief pause, she hesitantly makes her way over and joins me.

Even her just being here helps me calm down.

She plays with the bands on her wrist as she searches for the right words, "So…"

She is cut off when I launch myself at her and sob uncontrollably. Without hesitation she holds me close, rubbing small circles into my back and she begins stroking my hair. I hold onto her as tight as I possibly can. She doesn't move away from me, she just sits there patiently and comforts me as I cry. I bury my head into her shoulder and can hear her heart beat, steady and unwavering… much like Max herself. I close my eyes as I listen, the sound soothing my shattered nerves.

How did I ever survive without Max? She's the person who has stood by me, even when everyone else turned against me. She didn't try to blame me for… the video. I don't think she has even watched it. I can tell when someone has. There is always a hint of disappointment and pity, sometimes amusement, in their eyes. They try to hide it, but I can tell.

After a few minutes of silence, I eventually calm down. I lift my head up off of Max's shoulder as she gently rubs my back, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Yes and no… part of me is terrified at where this could go.

I nod despite my trepidation, "Mom… said a lot of hurtful things to me. She blamed me for the stuff on the video."

"What? Are you serious?" Max speaks through gritted teeth. When I nod, her expression becomes one of unadulterated rage, "That is ridiculous."

I don't think I have ever seen Max so angry.

She takes hold of my shoulders and looks me straight in the eyes, "You were drugged. It's not your fault."

Max I know, but it's hard to think that way when everyone keeps telling you it's your fault. You start to believe the lies. You start to believe that it's your fault… even if it isn't.

"I know that, but… that's not all she said," I continue.

Max looks at me earnestly, "Go on."

Here goes nothing. Will the pieces of my tattered life that I have worked so hard to build back up crash down around me?

I swallow to wet my suddenly dry throat, "She said some things about you and… me."

Max squeezes onto my shoulder reassuringly, "I'm listening."

How do I even say this?

I sigh deeply, trying to figure out a way to put this, "She… she said that you were leading me into sin."

She tilts her head to the side in confusion, "Uh… I'm not sure I follow."

I could lose Max. I don't want that… but I trust her. She won't hurt me. I know it.

My heart races in my chest and my entire body quivers as I continue, "She thinks that we're… involved."

Max face softens considerably and I swear I can see a very slight blush on her cheeks, "I… see."

I can't tell what she is thinking.

She seems to be pondering something, having a great amount of difficulty if the slight frown on her face is anything to go by. She finally bites her lip and looks me directly in the eyes, "Kate, even if… even if we were… you know… it's none of her business. God loves everyone, right?"

I nod as she presses on, "It shouldn't matter what your sexuality is or whatever, God would still love you. People take things, people's support systems and… twist them. They use them to hurt people and… it's disgusting. You shouldn't use it as a way to make yourself feel superior. Who gives a shit how many times you go to Church, if you're an asshole to people then it doesn't matter. You should use it to help yourself and others get through difficult times, not to make yourself look good. At least, that's how I see it."

Max pauses, then offers me a small smile, her expression gentle as she offers me that look I can't decipher, "Besides, I can't think of anyone more deserved of heaven than you."

I can. I'm looking at her right now.

"Max, I…" I draw my knees to my chest and hug them, "I'm really confused right now, Max. I'm not sure how I feel to be honest."

"About what?" she asks curiously.

Here goes nothing.

I rest my chin on my knees before mumbling, "About… you."

Max's eyes betray a flicker of surprise, which she almost immediately clamps down. I still see it though and it both excites and terrifies me.

"I feel so… comfortable around you. I can act like myself and I know you won't judge me. I don't have to pretend to be something I'm not."

Her blue eyes remain on me unwavering with a serious expression on her freckled face.

I can't believe I am saying this. Damn it, Kate. It's too late now.

"I… I feel a lot of things around you. Things I've… I've never felt for someone before… things I've been told that I only should feel for… for men," I hug my knees tighter as the confession tumbles from my lips, "Mom has ingrained in us that it's perverse to think like that. I hate myself for it," Max rubs my arm reassuringly as I press on, "I… I don't want to ruin our friendship. You are the only person who truly cares. I'm sorry I feel like this… I'm…" my sentence hangs in the heavy silence unfinished as the tears begin to well up in my eyes.

You've really done it now, Kate.

After a few moments of excruciating silence, Max bites her lip, "Kate… I…" she takes a deep breath, her distant expression suggesting that she is somewhere else in her mind, reliving something, "Ever since I saw you on that roof… I…" she closes those beautiful expressive blue eyes of her, her body slightly quivering as if she were about to breakdown any moment. She swallows hard, then opens them again slowly.

Those blue eyes, I could get lost in them forever. They show me everything I want and more.

Her intense gaze pins me to the spot, rendering me unable to move even an inch, "When you grabbed my hand, I… I can't even describe the feeling I had," a flicker of confliction enters her eyes as she continues, "It… it made me think a lot about what we were. I… I started to realize that maybe… maybe I was f-feeling things for you," she barely whispers the last part.

My eyes widen in shock at her words. This is certainly the last thing I had ever expected to happen, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Max bites her lip harder and plays with the bands on her wrist vigorously, "The same reason you didn't," she pauses for a moment in thought, "Well, not God, but I didn't want to ruin what we had because of stupid feelings," her brow furrows slightly with concern, "Also, you weren't in any state for me to say that. You had something horrible happen to you. That would only add to your problems. What kind of a friend would I be if I just dumped everything on you after… after…?" she looks away from me momentarily, "I just… I just want you to know that… that…" she nervously stumbles over her words, letting them get lost to the silence as her resolve weakens.

I tentatively reach out and place a hand reassuringly over hers to encourage her. She looks up at me, gazing deeply into my eyes with uncertainty, "I… I love you Kate. I'm… I'm sorry if that's not what you want to hear, but… it's the truth."

My breathing quickens and my heart begins to feel like it's going to beat right out of my chest on hearing Max's confession.

What? Max… loves me? How do I respond to that?

Max grimaces when I don't respond, "I… I totally understand if you reject me right here and now. I'm still your friend. You are too precious for me to lose. I… I get if you hate me for it."

How could I ever hate you, Max?

She turns her head from me, her hair covering her face so I can't see her expression, "I'm so-"

My body moves of its own accord and when my brain finally catches up, it registers that I am… kissing her.

I pull away, placing a hand to my mouth. I can still feel the sensation of her lips against mine. It makes me feel… strange, unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I have never really kissed anyone before… at least not of my own conviction. Sometimes, I see faint flickers of my first and last Vortex party, but this is not like that time. Max isn't like those people. She wouldn't take advantage of me, I know that. She looks shocked and that is a complete understatement. She sits there, her mouth slightly agape and her eyebrows raised almost up to her hairline from my impulsiveness. Her blue eyes seem to be searching for something.

"Max, I…" the words get caught in my throat as Max leans in closer.

I can't deny her, not that I want to. I would live forever in sin if I could spend one more moment with her.

She reaches out to me with a quivering hand and gently touches my cheek. I lean into her touch, bringing my own hand up to hers.

Her hand is so warm against my skin.

She bridges the minute gap left between us and kisses me tenderly. I close my eyes and slowly move my lips against hers. I feel the tears roll down my cheek and taste the slight saltiness as they hit my lips. The kiss is gentle and considerate, just like Max. I've seen it so many times in films when it looks as if people are eating each other's faces, which was kind of a terrifying concept for me. As per usual, reality and fiction do not line up, thankfully. I tremble, fearful of what is to come, but I don't want to stop.

Max is everything to me. I can think of no better person to be with me. She loves me and… I love her.

When I finally break away, Max's eyes show hesitation. Her breathing is heavy and uneven as she swallows, "Was that ok? If it wasn't we don't ever have to do that again. You can just, forget it… not that I want to or anything… but I don't want you to feel uncomfortable… or…" she sighs deeply as she tucks a stray strand of my blonde hair behind my ear, "This sounded way better in my head."

Oh Max. How could I ever want to forget that?

I shake my head, feeling a smile tug at the corner of my lips, "I… I want to do it again."

She seems surprised by my decision, but after the initial shock has passed she breaks out into a warm smile, "If you're sure. I don't want you to feel pressured or anything."

I nod, more certain about this than any other decision I have made in my life, "I'm sure. Max, I… I love you too. I think I have for a while now. I tried to deny it to myself, but I can't. Not any longer."

Max leans in and continues to kiss me, this time with more conviction. It still manages to retain its sweetness though.

This feels… so right. I want nothing more than to lose myself in her forever. I don't feel afraid when I'm with her.

I tangle my fingers in Max's hair, gently pulling as our lips collide. Her lips are slightly chapped and hold the very faint taste of orange, probably from a chapstick. Time seems to almost stop as we kiss. All that matters right now in this moment is Max.

I never thought in a million years that this was where I would end up. Now I'm here, there is nowhere else I would rather be.

After a few moments, Max pulls away and places her forehead against mine, "Kate."

The way she says my name does things to me I never thought possible.

"Max."

She reaches out for my hand, intertwining our fingers as she gives me that one look I couldn't decipher. Now I know what it means… love.

For months I was conflicted, unwilling to accept the possibility that I could feel things like this for Max. Every time I look at her, I feel safe and wanted, like nothing can hurt me. I've dreamed about moments like this. At first, I felt ashamed. I've been told that I should not feel these things for women, that it's a sin and I lay awake every night, trying to rid myself of these thoughts. I tried everything, but they still happened and eventually I... started to accept them.

Why should it matter to anyone else who I love? Max has been there for me in ways I can never thank her for enough. We care about each other. What else matters?

Max gazes deeply into my eyes, the intensity sending shivers down my spine, "Kate, you are the most beautiful person I have ever seen."

I blush lightly at her compliment, "Flatterer."

She smirks in mild amusement, "I try."

I know you do, Max. You try so hard.

"You aren't so bad yourself," I counter.

"Thanks," she chuckles as leans in and kisses my nose, "Oops, I missed."

"Max, you are such a huge dork," I giggle.

She grins at me cheekily, "I wasn't expecting you to move. Hold still or next time you might not be so lucky."

I impatiently pull her in and kiss her again. A warm, tingling sensation spreads throughout my body as her hands begin to roam along my back. I hold Max as close as I possibly can, feeling complete when she is here.

This feels so… right.

The door flies open behind me and someone enters. A voice I know all too well calls out to me and my body freezes, "Kate, I…"

No. No. No. No. This is not happening.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" my mother roars when she sees us.

Why? This wasn't supposed to happen.

I wince at the harshness of her tone as she strides over to us, "GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER!"

She doesn't move, instead meeting mom's icy glare with one of her own, "No."

Mom's body shakes with rage, "What did you…?"

Max gets up from the bed and stands in front of mom, staring her straight in the face without fear, "I said no. I love her."

Mom's eyes widen in shock, which quickly develops into unadulterated fury, "No, you are just leading her into sin! I knew you were trouble!"

I get up, unable to keep quiet any longer, "Mom, it's not sin. It's love."

Mom spins around to face me, "DELUSIONAL CHILD!" she raises her hand to hit me and I close my eyes, bracing myself for the pain.

When it doesn't come, I open my eyes a fraction to see that Max has grabbed onto her hand with an expression I have never seen from her before, "Don't. You. Lay. A. Fucking. Hand. On. Her."

I have never seen this side of Max. It's kind of scary.

Mom tears her hand out of Max's grasp and hisses furiously, "Get out of my house!"

My heart sinks, "Mom I…"

She turns to me, shaking with rage, "I am not your mother and you are not my daughter. Get out."

"But…"

She points to the door angrily, "I SAID, OUT!"

I stand there in a daze, my brain trying to register what has just happened.

I knew Mom wouldn't approve of this, but I thought she might have tried to understand. I should have known. I was just fooling myself.

Max glances over at me, then firmly grabs onto my hand and gently pulls me out of the room.

"DON'T EVER COME BACK!" mom screams after us as Max drags me along.

I grab my bag on the way out and wave at Dad and Lynn sadly as we exit the house.

I have chosen my path.

Present – Max and Kate's House

I never saw Mom again after that. When we graduated from Blackwell, Max and I moved in together and shortly after that we gave each other a ring, one I wear with pride. Dad and Lynn have come to visit a few times and they came over to celebrate when we gave our rings. It's nice to know that at least they support me.

Here we are now. I don't regret a single thing.

Max reaches out for my hand and absentmindedly plays with the ring on my finger, "What are you thinking about?"

I sigh and rest my head on her shoulder, "Mom."

Max shuffles closer and kisses me gently on my forehead, "I love you, Kate."

I cuddle up as close as I can to her and whisper, "I love you too, Max."

The story will cover some very heavy topics, as anyone who has played TLOU and/or LIS will know. I don't want to treat these issues as something there for shock value. It's important for everyone to feel validated and supported.

I know people struggle with religion and sexuality, among other things. Religion can be a great thing, but some people use it to hurt others. It's not even just about religion, it's about people making hurtful, unnecessary comments about someone because of something that doesn't even concern them.

You feel how you feel and there is nothing wrong with that at all. As long as whatever you do is consensual for all those involved, then it's absolutely fine.

Never ever victim blame. Blaming someone for something that isn't their fault is very damaging, more than you can even imagine. Please treat people with respect and most importantly, treat yourself with respect. Anyone who purposefully hurts you is not worth your time or energy. Surround yourself with people who love and care about you. You are strong and worth it.

Please, please, please don't bottle up all your emotions. We all deal with things in our own way and that's fine, but hiding/ignoring the issue is not going to help. It will end up with you feeling shit and/or having a huge breakdown. Even if you just write how you feel so you get some emotional release if you don't want to talk about it, it is better than nothing.

(End of big ass monologue)

So, have a great day you beautiful people and see you next time.