A/N: 03.02.2022
Here is part 2 of "The Path Taken" duology. And this might, maybe, possibly be the last story for "Chronicles" for a while (I can't say for sure; ideas just pop in my head randomly. Go figure!). I have one for "Chronicles Part 2" but that takes place AFTER "So Far Away", which is still on the way. Sorry, everyone, but other stories kept needing to be written. But it is still coming! I promise! So, enjoy this quick little drabble. I have to admit, this one made me smile.
SYNOPSIS: Max tells Terry about a huge decision that affects both of their futures. Quick drabble. Pre-"Count On Me".
I'm Staying
It had been a week after Dana and her family moved to Coast City and a few weeks since Mary and Matty moved away. Terry was laying across Max's couch while she sat on one end with his legs in her lap. They had spent the past few weeks discussing Dana and others leaving Gotham, with Chelsea being a notable exception. But Terry held back his fear of Max telling him when she planned to leave Gotham, as well. Everyone else was gone and Terry knew Max had her choice of where to go. She'd be leaving soon; it was only a matter of time.
And it would be the hardest thing for Terry to deal with, no matter how happy he would be for Max.
Max looked up from her tablet at Terry, "So! I have some good news!"
"Thank God!" Terry declared. "I could use some!"
"Remember me telling you about my childhood best friend?"
"Oh, yeah. Sally, right?"
"Yeah! Well… she's moving back to the Gotham! She's going to University of Gotham!"
"Oh, schway!" Terry smiled. "I'll see her around campus."
"Yeah." Max smiled. "And… there's a reason she's moving back… which ties into a surprise I have for you."
"Okay?"
Max held her smile. "I'm staying."
He froze as he processed what he just heard. Part of him thought for sure she was kidding while the rest of him prayed he heard her right. He blinked. "What?"
"I'm staying. In Gotham. I'm not leaving for school. In fact, I'm going to University of Gotham, too. With Sally and you."
Terry slowly sat up, moving his legs off her lap and staring at Max in disbelief. "Max! You… got offers from all over the world!"
"And no other place in the world has you. I'm staying."
Terry jerked his head back. "Max…"
"Everyone else left," Max reminded. "Dana, your mom, Matty. I mean, good for them, but your life just hit a huge shift. Chelsea's sticking around but… Terry, you have so much you have to do here. This city needs you and you need someone looking out for you. That's where I come in. I would never, ever abandon you. Even if Sally wasn't moving here, I would be staying." She stared into his eyes. "I'm not going anywhere, Terry. Ever."
"Max, I don't want you to miss out on anything because of me."
"Miss out on what? All the fun stuff happens here! And, literally, some of the best jobs on the planet are in Gotham. Even if I did leave, I'd come right back. Besides, University of Gotham really is a great school. But, to circle back to my point, I'm staying. Don't even think you're gonna talk me out of it. You're not. This is my decision. And I stand by it."
"And if you regret it?"
"I won't. I know I won't. I never have before. I won't start now."
Terry paused and smiled a bit. "You're staying… because of me."
Max smiled. Then a classic Max smirk came to her face, "Well!"
"Here we go!" Terry groaned.
"You are absolutely useless without me! You need adult supervision at all times!"
"Yeah, yeah!" Terry hugged her. She smiled and hugged him back.
"Thanks, Max," Terry whispered.
"No thanks needed, Ter," Max replied. "I've got your back. Always."
