Disclosure:
This is a total Pricefield story, as well as my first FanFic. The game left the ending a little to open for my taste with the "Sacrifice Arcadia Bay" option. I know there are a lot of Pricefield stories, but I wanted to try one of my own :) As stated this is Pricefield, so if you have an issue with that, please move on. This is rated T, with mostly cutesy stuff and the struggles I think the girls would face, with getting a bit deeper into the romantic detail. Some of you may have noticed I cut the NSFW parts out. I am sorry if you wanted those to stay, but I felt like my writing style was not suited for this form of story. Again, I apologize but this will be a rated T story from here on out
Chapter 12: Reunion
Max's mother rushed at her daughter and wrapped her in a tight hug, tears flowing down her cheeks. Max felt her eyes swell with tears as well, but for a different reason than her Mom's.
"Mom, I am so happy to see you. What happened? Is everything okay?" Max asked, her voice muffled slightly by her mother's shirt.
Max's mother held Max at arms length, "Honey how did you know something was going to happen last night," her mother asked in a suspicious tone.
"I didn't Mom," Max fibbed, "I still don't know what happened since Dad wouldn't tell me on the phone."
Ryan looked at his daughter skeptically, "The cops got an anonymous tip that someone was trying to break into our house to possibly murder the family, us. They sent out a few cars and lo and behold, they found a man inside. It was the Jefferson creep from your school."
Chloe and Max looked at eachother, "Then they caught the fucker right?" Chloe asked smiling hopefully.
"No," Chloe's smile dropped, "He ran from the house and the police pursued." Fuck, Max thought. "He somehow escaped," Ryan ended.
Which means he will come back after Chloe and I again. Which means we need to leave to keep my parent's safe. Max's mind raced.
"The police only informed us of those details because they assumed he was targeting someone in the family," Ryan said, he gave Max a stare that felt like it saw Max to her core,
"Max i'll ask again, how did you know he would come last night? Did he do anything to you in Arcadia Bay? Did you two make the anonymous tip?"
Max wanted to tell her parents the truth. It would be hard to believe at first, but she could prove it like she did Chloe, but she couldn't bring herself to do so.
"Honestly Dad," Max said, "Chloe and I just drank a bit last night and stayed in the hotel. I really did just want the place to myself and Chloe. It was just God, or dumb luck, or coincidence or however you want to call it." Ryan sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"Fine, the cops are canvassing our house, so we have to stay at a hotel again until they collect everything they need evidence wise. We were able to grab some clothes and we packed your bags. I think it's probably safer for you two to go back to Arcadia Bay." Ryan set his hand on his daughter and looked at her tenderly. "While I hate to have you leave so soon, if that guy is on the loose here, I want you gone. Plus with all the people in Arcadia Bay who know who he is, I don't think he will be going there anytime soon."
Max nodded and wrapped her arms around her father, breathing in his familiar smell and felt his large arms squeeze her into a bear hug.
…
A few hours later Max and Chloe were standing at the airport entrance. Her Mom and Dad had came with them to say their goodbyes and to make sure they were safe. Chloe was hugging Max's mom when Ryan pulled Max off to the side.
"Listen Max, I know there is more to the story than you are telling me," Ryan said looking Max in the eyes.
"Dad, I wasn't-," Max started, but Ryan held up his hand, silencing her.
"I don't want lies Max. I would expect you to tell me and your mother, but I understand you might not want to yet." Max's father's eyes softened, "I am always a phone call away if you feel ready." Max wiped the tears that were starting to form in her eyes. She rushed into her Dad's arms and squeezed him tight.
"I love you Dad."
"I love you to Maxie."
…
"Holy shitballs," Chloe said plopping down on one of the leather chairs outside the gate, "Max you are a fucking hero! Saving people left and right."
"I don't think I am much of a hero if I am the reason the people are in danger Chlo." Max said. She was fiddling with her camera, not really wanting to take a picture, but just holding it calmed her anxiety.
"Max, it's not your fault Jefferson it a freakazoid." Chloe said tilting Max's face towards her and lightly pressing her lips against the brunettes. "Remember what I said though. Jefferson is ours now. With your powers back and my kickass fighting skills, we can take him." Chloe said smiling.
Max snickered, "Yeah I don't about the fighting part," Max's smiled faded into a determined frown, "But I am not going to allow anyone else to be hurt by him."
Chloe swung her arm around Max and pulled her close, tossing a fist into the air, "Blackwell Detectives are on the case!"
Max smiled on the outside, but in her head she was fighting herself. Was this the best option? If my powers hadn't returned then I wouldn't even consider it, but with them back and getting stronger...maybe…
The plane called all passengers to boarding. Chloe and Max shuffled onto the plane and took their seats. Chloe dozed off even before the plane left the runway, but Max's mind was filled with too much worry to sleep. They were heading back to Arcadia Bay, where is all started.
…
The plane ride back was fairly uneventful, though halfway through some turbulence woke Chloe up which resulted in her and Max playing tic tac toe for the next ten minutes and Chloe seeing how many times she could kiss Max before her girlfriend turned bright red. The answer was 9 times. With a bit of tongue on the last kiss. The plane landed softly and after ten minutes of waiting to disembark and a quick walk to the arrivals gate, the two girls were met with a group of smiling faces.
Kate rushed away from a boy, who Max could only guess as Ben, and embraced Max into a hug. To Max's surprise, Victoria and Courtney were there also. Max walked over to Victoria after Kate released her and switched to hugging Chloe, who found the hug very awkward at first and just patted Kate on the back.
"Hey Victoria, I am kinda surprised you came," Max said
"Why is that?" Victoria asked in her usual snotty tone. Courtney elbowed Victoria, earning her a glare from the blonde girl. "Sorry Max, old habits. I was the only one of the group that drove an SUV so I got designated driver. And you know, I figured with our talk last time we could..start over?"
"I would like that Victoria." Max said. She wrapped Victoria and Courtney into a tight hug before Chloe wandered over to them.
"What's happening Icky Vicki!" Chloe said holding up her hand and smirking.
"Funny Price," Victoria said frowning and crossing her arms. "You would think some time in Seatle would have upped your wardrobe."
"Ha! Funny! I bet you would swoon if you saw me in the dress I bought. Specially since you bat for the same team now."
Victoria turned her gaze to Max and glared, "Good to know you're spreading the word to everyone."
"Victoria no, I just told Chloe." Max said trying to play damage control. She turned on her heel and pointed a finger at Chloe, "Chloe keep your mouth shut about this. Did you like it when someone else told everyone you were gay?"
Chloe's smirk dropped and she rubbed the back of her neck. "Shit ya got me there Maxirooni. I'm sorry Ick-er-Victoria." Chloe held out her hand to shake Victoria's, who in response didn't move. This earned another elbow to her ribs from Courtney and another glare from Victoria to the dark haired girl.
"Fine," Victoria extended her hand and shook Chloe's.
Max let out a breath of relief and ran her hand down Chloe's arm, entangling her fingers with Chloe's. Courtney looked at their hands and blushed slightly, darting her eyes down at Victoria's hand.
"You guys want to stop and go get some coffee?" Max asked, "I could use a bit of caffeine right now."
"Yeah, there isn't any cafe's open quite yet in Arcadia Bay, but there are a few cafes on the way." Kate said. She grinned and laughed slightly as Ben snuck a quick kiss on her cheek.
"Dope," Chloe said picking up her duffle bag, "Vicki you wanna?"
"Well seeing as I am the only one with their car here," Victoria said rolling her eyes. Courtney giggled at her comment, earning herself a small smile from Victoria.
After loading the bags into the back of the SUV, the group crammed into the vehicle and drove to the cafe that Kate suggested. Chloe held Max back as the group walked through the front entrance.
"Ok Super-Max, what's the plan for Jeffer-douche?" Chloe asked. "You know he is going to come after us again."
"Yeah but what my Dad said is true Chlo," Max said, "Everyone knows who he is here. There is the chance he won't. Not to mention what else are we supposed to do? It's not like we can track him or anything. Maybe we should let the cops take this one."
Chloe shook her head, "No way. They keep letting him slip through their fingers."
"Then what Chloe? How can we possibly find him?" Max asked. This struck Chloe silent.
"I don't alright," She said after some hesitation, "But we need to."
Max sighed, "Okay listen, the most we can do is keep an eye on the news and any websites. Try to follow his path."
Chloe grinned wide, "Alright sounds hella dope." Max shoot her head and pushed her blue-haired girlfriend towards the front door. Everyone was already sitting when Chloe and Max walked through the door.
"What? You two need a make-out sesh?" Victoria said.
"You wish you could see that Vicki," Chloe retorted
"As if Price," Victoria rolled her eyes and flipped the menu in front of her face, blocking Chloe from her line of sight. Courtney sighed and did the same. Max giggled slightly as Chloe made a face at Victoria. It's going to be a while until they start considering themselves friends, Max thought.
After ordering food and coffee, the group sat and updated each other on their perspective weeks. Kate and Ben have begun an animal rescue center for any animals that people can't find families for, as well as a temporary adoption process. Victoria and Courtney have been helping remodel the interior of the buildings being built.
"It's crazy to think a month has passed since the storm hit," Kate said, wrapping her fingers around Ben's. "So much has changed. Thanks to the amount of volunteers and donations, Arcadia Bay should be back up and running on a basic level in a few weeks."
"You are lucky the tornado only hit the bay and the houses up the hill," Ben said, "I've worked other disaster rebuilds and they have been a lot worse. Some take years before they are fully rebuilt."
"How is everyone getting on here?" Max asked. She felt so disconnected since leaving for Seattle.
"After the funerals you mean?" Victoria said, squeezing her wrist, "Everyone seems to be focusing on just rebuilding so nothing exciting. People have hired contractors for housing, a lot of families have opened their doors for the ones without home. My parent's have allowed multiple families to live in their cabins around Oregon."
"I don't know if I should gag or compliment her," Chloe whispered into Max's ear. Max covered a snicker and whispered back, "Compliment."
"Wowsers Vicki that sure is nice of your parent's!" Chloe said, using one of Max's words and exaggerating her voice slightly. Victoria squinted at Chloe, not sure if she was being serious or not.
"We should all take a weekend at one of the cabins Victoria," Courtney said smiling and grabbing Victoria's arm, before blushing and quickly releasing it. "Um-you know, get away and take a break."
"Vaca after a Vaca! That sounds hella sweet, although I don't know if princess is allowed to bring ruffians such as myself," Chloe said smirking.
Victoria's brow furrowed as she swelled her chest up slightly. "I'll have you know I can visit any one of the cabins anytime I want. I have keys to over half of them. There are a ton empty since they buy them just rent them out most the time. I know of a few that have no occupants next weekend." She smirked slightly at Chloe, "Though there is no smoking near the cabin Price."
"Pff fine." Chloe said throwing her arm over Max's shoulder, "I'll just bake in the car then."
"Over my dead body," Victoria said, her face twisting in annoyance.
"A weekend at a cabin sounds like fun!" Max said, trying to defuse the tension building between the two girls. "Kate, Ben, would you guys be interested?"
"I would! Hanging out with everyone sounds fun!" Kate exclaimed. It's weird how much Victoria and her seem like natural friends now, Max thought seeing Victoria smile at Kate's enthusiasm. Ben expressed his interested with a nod and Courtney started to swap numbers with everyone.
"Okay! Victoria and I will finalize the plans and i'll text everyone the deets!"
Who would have thought I would be going to a cabin with Victoria! Max thought smiling.
The group devoured their food after it arrived and after dropping Kate and Ben off at the Volunteer Center, Victoria drove Chloe to her truck which she had parked at the lighthouse.
"Bye guys!" Courtney yelled before Victoria drove away, brewing up a cloud of dust.
"Guess Icky Vicki didn't want to say bye," Chloe said smirking. Max slapped Chloe's rib with the back of her hand.
"Be nicer Chloe, can't you see Victoria is actually trying." Max stated, her face not giving into Chloe's smirk.
Chloe frowned and rubbed her stomach, "Fine. But if she flips me shit I'm flipping it back."
"Guess that's as much as I can expect," Max said smiling. She leaned up to Chloe's face and kissed her, letting her lips linger on Chloe's before pulling away.
"Nuh uh Caulfield," Chloe smiled, pulling Max back into her arms, "You're not getting away that easy." Chloe's lips crashed back into Max's as her tongue slid into Max's mouth. Max let out a muffled shriek, but pressed herself deeper into the kiss, wrapping her arms around Chloe's neck and playing with the wisps of blue hair sticking out of her beanie.
"I love you Chlo," Max breathed as they separated slightly.
"I love you too Max," Chloe whispered before resuming their kiss.