Vi coughed and said, "Hey guys, you mind if I invite Steph? I mean, I'm going to do it either way, but I thought I'd ask to be polite. Not sure if she's available though, but we might as well try to get all the backup we can get."

"That's the reason?" Kate asked smiling.

"I can think of another reason..." Max teased.

"For fuck's sake, never mind..." Vi grumbled.

"Sorry, sorry, yes of course you can invite her," Kate placatingly said.

Vi gave them both an exaggerated look of grumpiness and took out her phone, maintaining her expression a little longer as she texted.

"There," the older girl said. "We'll see. So...I guess we better stop by to get my costume," she said, putting her hand on Max's shoulder. Just then, Vi's phone buzzed.

She checked it, again glancing at them with a playful sour expression in between reading. "Okay, she'll meet us there."

Kate's smile beamed bright and then she ran over to hug Vi.

"Hey, hey, fucking hell, it's nothing to get crazy about...damn affectionate angel," Vi said, relenting to the embrace which the blonde then released.

"Don't either of you dare act weird like this when we see her," Vi said pointing at both of them back and forth.

Max shrugged innocently and Kate smiled and nodded.

"Okay then...so...I guess let's go," Vi said as her playful threatening posture slowly faded.

Max said, "Sure thing. Um, let me get changed first." The brunette looked at her costume considering. "Hmm, I guess I can just put the flannel over my shirt and I'll be good to go." Max started slipping into the red and black long sleeve shirt and then Kate came over to button her up. The freckled girl smiled as her girlfriend took care of her. Lastly, the blonde pulled the beanie over her head. As she placed it, Kate moved her hands down to guide Max's head in for a kiss.

"My babies can't keep their hands off each other. Wait, that sounds wrong. Meh, what the hell," Vi said with a shrug. "I'm going to keep going with it."

"We are like sisters," Kate joked, looking at Max with a wink.

Max rolled her eyes and said, "Ug, Katie, I'm trying to forget about that."

Kate just kept smiling.

"Ha ha, inside joke, whatever," Vi sarcastically said then continued, saying, "Anyways ...save some of that smooching for the festival. I want to see those self righteous heads explode from all the hot macking you two will be doing."

"Vi...That's not why I'm going," Kate protested.

The older girl cocked an eyebrow and said, "Well if you won't do it, I know Steph will, but come on...you're not going to be kissing cute flannel-max over here not even once until you get home?"

"Well..."

"Exactly. And I don't think lil' Maxie over here will be able to keep her hands off you, with you looking all...well...all so...you know. By the time you get home tonight, she'll be wanting to taste that rainbow."

Max and Kate's eyes widened, both then looking away bashfully. Kate turned back to Vi and said, "Okay, so maybe we won't be hiding our...affection, but I'm not going to be all over her just to throw it in their faces...I mean, not anymore..." Kate grew quieter at her admission.

Now it was Vi's turn for her eyes to grow big which matched the large grin on her face. She said, "Sweet miss K, not so angelic all the time are you?"

Kate seemed a little embarrassed and said, "It wasn't that crazy, I mean...not as much as it sounds..."

"Maxie?" Vi asked for confirmation or denial.

"It's not like we made out, but she was pretty much all over me," Max said, enjoying teasing Kate.

"Em!" Kate huffed, but smiled. "Tell her what really happened!"

"How you kissed, sucked and bit my-"

"You did what to her what now!?" Vi jumped in, her expression becoming even more exaggerated.

"Neck! Just neck! Geez you guys," Kate clarified.

"Oh, well that's not too crazy," Vi said shrugging.

"Thank you!" Kate said and crossed her arms.

"That is how it starts though..." Vi added.

Kate rolled her eyes and said, "Let's get going," and grabbed Max's hand.

"Hold on speedy," the brunette said and grabbed the blonde's bag.

"Oh, thanks, love," Kate said smiling.

"Hey," Max whispered. "How're you feeling?"

"A little sniffly, a little headache that comes and goes, but I'm fine."

Max gave her a scolding and concerned look.

"I promise it's not that bad."

"What's the hold up!?" Vi said, coming closer.

"Nothing...let's go," Max said reluctantly. Kate gave her hand a squeeze and held on. Max relented, no longer giving Kate a hard time, but making a mental note to keep checking on her. She did seem okay, for all outwardly appearances.

They all left the room and walked to the car. As they went along the path, the couple continued to hold hands and the feeling was exhilarating for the freckled girl, to be doing it outside in daylight in front of anyone to see. Being on campus made it even more thrilling. She kept watching their hands clasped together, then turned to the blonde's face, admiring how beautiful she looked. Kate glanced over too sometimes and smiled as she caressed Max's hand with her thumb.

Behind them, Vi noticed and said softly, "She can't stop looking at you, angel."

Max turned back to the older girl when she spoke, then bashfully forward, embarrassed at being caught.

Vi added, "You two..." and sighed with a warm grin.

Kate smiled at Max, a little shy too, but said nothing and also looked forward.

When they got to the car, Max suddenly realized something and said, "Shit, I remembered your bag, but forgot mine. Be right back."

Kate did not let go of her hand though and said, "You know I'm coming with you."

Vi said, "Fuck if I'm going back. You two hurry up. Here, open her up first."

Max took out the keys and opened the door. Both girls helped Vi slide into the rear passenger seats. Max said, "Be right back," and the door was closed.

The brunette and her girlfriend looked at each other and started walking back together at a normal pace at first, but then it gradually became faster. Both girls were glancing at each other as each stepped up the pace until they were running by the end, giggling a little at their silliness. Their giddiness made them turn their errand into a race that neither would win because they wouldn't let go of each other's hand. They weren't worried about the future in this moment, but just enjoyed being together, freely and open.

When they reached Max's room, they giggled with each other one more time as they caught their breaths. After a moment, they went in. Once inside, the brunette closed the door, only to be immediately set on by Kate. As soon as she turned around, the blonde slipped her hands up to hold the freckled girl's face before pressing their lips together. This pushed her gently against the door, but Max quickly overcame her surprise and moved her own hands to hold Kate's hips as she returned the kiss. They quickly were tilting their heads to begin french kissing, both girls taking turns exploring the inside of each other's mouths with their tongues. Somehow, Max found her hands squeezing Kate's firm behind. After a moment, Max pulled back to say, "Woah, Katie, I uh...love kissing you, but not so deep."

"Sorry, I got carried away. I just want you so bad, Em, I forget to think." She seemed a little embarrassed.

"It's okay, heart, I love your eagerness."

"I'll make sure you appreciate it later..."

It was Max's turn to blush, thinking Kate was being specific about her eagerness with her tongue, even though she didn't say it.

Kate returned to their original conversation. "I can do better, come here." With that, she returned to kissing her, much more slowly and sensually, not moving her tongue in too deep as they made out, still standing by the door. They soon had to stop to breathe, with Kate lightly pulling at Max's bottom lip with her teeth before letting it go.

The blonde said, "Did you forget your bag on purpose?"

Max shook her head and said, "I'm not that devious. I really just forgot, but I'm glad I did."

"Me too...but I guess we better hurry back before Vi thinks we were doing something more."

"Yeah, I guess so," Max said and reluctantly parted from Kate to locate her bag. As she looked, the blonde said, "Soon enough, it'll be true though."

The two shared suggestive smiles and Max asked, "Soon?"

"Soon enough, whatever that means. When we're ready, when it's right."

Max smiled at Kate's understanding response, but knew she would do anything Kate wanted to do, whether she mentally felt ready or not. Her body would override any hesitation. Still, she loved Kate even more for her continued respect and consideration of her readiness.

They left the room, again holding hands. When they reached the car, Vi was in the back, but the door was open. She called out, "It got stuffy. What took you two so long...or do I already know..."

Neither girl replied, but their glances at each other confirmed it for Vi.

"Young love...well you don't smell like sex, so I guess you weren't too crazy. You'll get there." She winked and then said, "Can one of you close the door for me?"

"Gladly," Max said playfully and shut it, smiling. She opened the door for Kate before getting in herself and off they went.

As they drove, Kate looked hesitantly to the back and said, "Uh, Vi...I'm going to need you to promise not hurt anyone while we're there."

"What? I would nev..." Kate gave her a look and she changed her sentence to, "Okay, okay...fine. But what if I have to defend you guys?"

"You shouldn't be fighting for any reason in your condition, or at all. We don't answer words with hitting."

"Maybe you don't..." Kate gave another look and she said, "Okay, okay...got it. But if someone tries to even touch my babies..."

"Then feel free to defend us," Kate said.

"Sure thing..." Vi said with a nod.

"Defend," Kate emphasized again.

"Sure...and you know what they say...the best defense is a good offense,"

Kate turned around and narrowed her eyes.

"Just kidding! Fuck, angel, you're so serious right now."

"I just don't want them to have a reason to hate us and act like they already might."

Max thought in her head that there was no might about it, but she would never give Kate the details.

"Ah...you want to show that we're better than them. Got it," Vi said nodding.

"Not exactly, but...sure. If that helps you not punch someone, then yes," Kate said, rolling her eyes.

Max thought to herself that this event would go better than the church service. Everyone was participating in one thing during that time, but here it was more open and not everyone would be watching them come in. There could still be some individuals who might say or do something. She was glad now for rewinding to give them a chance to hopefully enjoy this night. No one but herself really experienced what happened in the church. Otherwise, whatever equated to Christian bouncers would have went straight for the couple, escorting them out for sure for Max kicking Mr. Marsh in the face, if not for just the scene that was caused before that final violent climax to their visit.

The girls soon changed conversation and a few minutes later were at Vi's place. After helping get Vi out, the girls walked over to get inside the small building. The older girl went to the bathroom first, not bothering to close the door. Max and Kate could not see Vi from their positions, but they could clearly hear her make some frustrated noises and then soon the sounds of her relieving herself before the the flush. There were again grumbling noises from Vi and a groan, before they saw her come out and go straight to her closet, hobbling on one crutch. As she faced her clothes, the older girl took off her shirt and both girls saw the tattoo that covered a large portion of her back.

It was black and gray leaves falling down into a pile and looking closer, the brunette could see very small insects like pill bugs and beetles in the bottom collection of leaves. The older girl was still looking for a shirt, but felt the stares and so turned just her head around for a moment, catching them both and said, "Oh, you finally get to see the big one." She seemed a little less her usual energetic self as she said, "That one was a bitch, especially down the spine."

Kate said, "It's very beautiful...the leaves look almost real...well, besides not being in color."

"Does it mean anything?" Max asked.

"Yeah..." Vi sighed and turned completely around saying, "It means life is damn short and could end in one shitty instant like it does for these poor fuckers. They're fragile as shit and die all the time from people stepping on them and life can do that to us any fucking time it wants. I...wanted to remember that...but at the same time I didn't...so that's why I put the fucking thing on my back. I forget sometimes, but it always seems to remind me at the right times. Well...usually."

The girls were taking in the weight of her words, but it was hard not to stare at Vi's ample chest, especially comparative to her overall average size as she spoke. It had been at least easier when she was speaking to ignore, but when Vi stopped, the two looked down or away. They were both separately wondering if her black bra, with its revealing cleavage was even the right size for her.

"I guess it really does mean something. It's the best reason I've ever heard for getting one. So it makes you appreciate life more?" Kate said, still looking down.

Vi first started responded to the blonde quietly and seriously, saying, "Yeah...I guess so. Sometimes," and then started to pick up her mood a little as she said, "But yeah, thanks, angel. There's more to it with the leaves, but you get the idea." The older girl then noticed their behavior and said, "Oh, I see what's up. These ladies get appreciated all the time, but don't worry. I don't mind it." She instantly moved past the awkwardness and said, "Hey, can one of you get the costume and gas mask? They're way up high in the middle of the closet. Would have put them lower if I knew this would fucking happen."

After speaking she reached over and finally found a yellow shirt, putting it right on. As she did, she said, "This damn costume is a little see-through. I found out later of course. Fucking overpriced piece of shit. The pants will have to work. I have no yellow ones."

"That sucks," Max said as she went over to try and help to grab the items. It was just out of her reach and Kate was about to come over to help her when she jumped and grabbed it.

"Ha, got it," the brunette declared.

"Minimax can get some decent air," Vi joked.

Max playfully glared at Vi for the nickname.

"Okay, geez. Supermax can fly. Better?"

Max froze and dropped the gas mask and costume in her hand to the floor.

"Max? Hey..." Vi saw she looked disturbed. When the brunette still seemed stunned, she said, "Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?"

Max shook off the memory of Chloe and said, "No...just um...yeah, no. It's nothing." She added, "Let's get you into this thing." She bent down and picked up the costume and mask.

"Sure, yeah..." Vi said calmly compared to her usual self, letting it go.

As Max went over to the couch, Kate came over and whispered, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah...sorry."

"Why are you apologizing? It's okay...I-" It seemed an idea popped into her head. "This is about...her, isn't it?" She didn't sound upset, but Max still started to become more emotional.

"I'm sorry, Katie. I'm not trying to..."

"Shh shh, love. It's okay," Kate said as she put her arms around her girlfriend, squishing the items between them. "I told you, it's okay, that it takes time. I'm here for you and I'm not upset at all."

"Really?" Max squeaked out.

Kate turned her head to convince Max with a tender kiss. Max melted a little, the tension and anxiousness mostly leaving her body.

"Okay?" the blonde said, after pulling back to look her in the eyes.

Max just nodded. Kate smiled and gave her another quick peck on the lips and motioned for Vi to come over. She had been waiting for their moment to be over. As she approached them, the older girl said, "My angel is so good to my Maxie. I think I'm starting to get used to all your excessive cuteness. I don't feel half as queasy as I used to."

Kate gave her a good natured annoyed look and Max smiled a little, letting Vi know that her attempt to lighten the mood again had worked to some degree. She continued, "Okay, fuck, let's get me in this thing!"

They moved to stand on either side of Vi to give her support and Max took the initiative to bent down to help the older girl's legs slip into the hazmat suit on her side, then Kate did the same.

Vi put her arms one by one through the sleeves and zipped up. She left the hoodie down for now and held the gas mask.

She then suddenly said with her usual full cheerfulness, "Well, I'm ready, so let's get the fuck out of here!"

"Sure thing, Vi." Max said and they all headed out to the car.

After several minutes they were back at the church again, with their additional passenger. It looked different now with a large portion of the parking lot sectioned off by bails of hay all around and small awnings that contained games like throwing balls to knock over things and other similar carnival style games.

When they parked, Max turned around and said to Vi, "Remember, we are avoiding fights, not looking for them. Right?"

"No promises, but I will try my best."

"And what do we say about the haters?" Vi asked.

"Fuck 'em," Max said.

"Forgive them?" Kate said with her hands up in a shrug.

"Oh sweet Kate," Vi said, shaking her head and closing her eyes, but then she stopped and said, "Sure. Maxie and me will take care of the fucking people up, and you can cover the forgiving."

Max and Kate both said, "Vi!"

"Woah, okay, okay. It's baby gays in stereo. I'd like it if it wasn't you both being on me, but okay, I'll be good, Jesus. I mean geez. Sorry."

"It's okay. You try," Kate said with a smile and pat Vi's good leg.

"Alright then, let's show these god fearing fuckers we're not afraid of them."

With that, Vi threw her door open and scooted out, only taking one crutch with her. The other girls left the car as well, Max opening the door for Kate. The blonde kept her eyes on her and they gave each other a supportive look of comfort as they held hands. Vi came around and nodded to them, saying, "I got your backs. Let me just text, Steph and see where she's at."

After a minute, Vi said, "Okay, she'll be here in about 5 minutes. You guys mind waiting?"

Max shook her head as Kate said, "No problem." They both looked at each other, pleased at how considerate Vi was to Steph, like she really cared about the girl already. They made sure their glance was unnoticed by the older girl.

"So what do we do here?" Vi asked Kate.

The blonde replied, "There's games and some square dancing at some point...some pumpkin pie eating contest..."

"Fuck yes, I'm in," Vi said enthusiastically.

"You have to sign up, just so you know," Kate said.

"What? Well fuck." Vi got on her phone.

"What are you doing?" Max asked.

"Telling Steph to get her cute little ass over here so I can enter this contest!"

"She'll be here in 5 minutes or less at this point, Vi. I think you'll be okay."

"Okay, okay...fine," the older girl said as she put her phone away.

Kate added, "They do more than one, so you'll probably get into one of them."

"I better, fuck. One of the few contest related things I'm good at, I'm not getting shut out of this one."

"We'll go straight to the sign ups when Steph gets here," Kate said.

A number of cars had parked nearby and some of the people gave glances, but no one said anything or looked very long. So far, it was as Max hoped. She squeezed Kate's hand. The blonde looked at her and smiled.

After closer to ten minutes, Steph appeared after parking a little ways away. She was dressed as some sort of duel sword wielding medieval fantasy character that showed off her midriff.

"Fuck babe, you look hot as shit."

"Thanks, Momma Vi," Steph said, smiling at the compliment.

Vi looked instantly embarrassed and, putting a hand over her face said, "Not in front of the kids." She hastily added, "And that was her idea, not mine..."

Steph said, "I heard her call herself that to you guys and I liked it," and came over to step in front of Vi, putting the older girl's hand down and then taking it as she turned around. Steph moved Vi's hand around herself as she backed into snuggle close to the taller girl. Vi's hand held the other girl's sides and then naturally went to touch her flat stomach, caressing across it once. To Max and Kate, it seemed like the two had been a couple forever. Vi gave both of them a stare, a silent threat for them not to say anything.

"So...obviously you know about us," Steph began. "I guess I should thank you, Max."

"Me?"

"If you didn't let me know where you were going that day, I may have never met this girl."

"Seems like you two got along pretty well without us."

"Yeah, you can say that," Steph said smiling and leaning into Vi's head with her own.

A man walked by, staring at them. He didn't say anything, but Vi gave him a dirty look and tilted her head up. He quickly looked away and walked faster

"Vi..." Max chastised.

"What!? I didn't touch him! In fact, I should get a medal! I didn't even threaten him!"

"Not verbally," Max corrected.

"Well fuck, I can't even mad dog people?"

"Can you try ignoring?" Kate asked.

"That's what I do. They're never worth it," Steph said as she pulled Vi's hands in to hold her tighter.

"Well, that's not what I do, but okay...I can try to do that," Vi said, seeming to want to please the girl in her arms while still sounding like she was in control. She then said, "Can we get in there now? Mamma needs to sign up for that pie contest,"

"Oh does she?" Steph said. "Going to win for me?"

"Or die trying."

"Don't you mean, or pie trying?" Steph said with a grin.

Vi groaned and said, "You get a pass on that one, only cause you're cute. Now let's go!" She put her hand on her shoulder and led her forward while the other girls followed, sharing a pleased look between each other.