Snow crunched satisfyingly under their boots as Chloe and Max made their way down the street, side by side.

A crisp layer had settled on the footpath despite recent clearing, banks of snow bordering their way, and they laughed as they took their care in not slipping over -Max especially- while Chloe played close mind to stay close to Max should she need to catch her.

They were both rugged up in warm clothing and jackets in order to brave the winter weather. Chloe wore her trusty beanie and kept her hands shoved in the pockets of her thrifted jacket, while Max had wrapped a scarf around her neck and wore the one pair of woolen gloves so she could hold her camera, ready to shoot anything that inspired her. The evening sky grew darker above them, meaning soon enough the street lamps will flicker on, and Chloe wondered if the overcast weather meant that it was going to snow again that night. She hadn't bothered to check the forecast before they left in an attempt to get out of the apartment as soon as they could, but she shivered at the thought. It was already quite cold enough outside as it were.

It had been an emotional roller-coaster to have been a part of the Caulfield's phone call. Chloe found it hard enough to ever bear witness to a crying Max, let alone hear Vanessa and Ryan choke up so much on the other end of the line with love and longing for their daughter. Growing up, Chloe had been treated by Max's parents with kindness and love, and had jokingly remarked that she was around their household so often that they had practically adopted another daughter. Chloe's parents, William and Joyce, had both said the same of Max at one point also.

Chloe's chest ached when both of Max's parents had spoken to her, assuring Chloe that they still cared for her as well. But it was the good kind of ache. A sense of belonging, she guessed. It couldn't be helped that their chat had brought up emotions about her own parents, all...three. Chloe had closed her eyes and held Max tight in an attempt to head off a breakdown, but it hadn't been entirely successful. She was grateful only Max was there to witness her vulnerability and tears then, sharing the moment together.

Emotional overload all around.

Cold weather or not, Chloe was determined that the two of them were going to get out on an adventure that evening. Their afternoon's events still lingered in the form of a slightly blocked nose and a light headache. She didn't regret it, though. It was a good thing that Max had finally called her parents. It was certainly heavy stuff but Chloe knew that it was something that had to happen in order for Max to start moving on. Max carried a lot of guilt and blame on herself about the loss of Chloe's mother and stepfather. Hell, after what the smaller girl had told Chloe in October, she might even be blaming herself for her father's death as well.

Despite Max's incredible ability to do the impossible, she didn't want to blame Max at all for what happened. After everything they had gone through together Chloe was grateful that Max had finally reached back out to her parents again. Max couldn't do everything on her own and Chloe knew that she would need her parents in her life. What they escaped from in Arcadia Bay was more than just a storm and the loss of friends and family. It was something beyond that, something supernatural. There was no way that destiny or fate didn't come into play, at least not in Chloe's eyes. The things they'd been through, and especially what Max had been through in that one week alone, were things they were going to have to deal with for the rest of their lives. Chloe was thankful that she had Max, and she wanted Max to be happy and have a family regardless whether Chloe had one any more.

Max was Chloe's family now.

She could tell that the phone call had lifted a weight from Max's shoulders and brought the girl some relief, which was why she decided that they were going to make the most of the moment and go on an adventure to clear their heads after all the crying.

As they walked, momentarily both lost in thought, she looked down at Max, who ahead with a contemplative expression. It was obvious that she had been crying recently, and Chloe wondered if she looked the same. But Max was holding her head up a little higher than Chloe had seen it before, and she couldn't help but smile and link her left arm through Max's, causing the brunette look up at her with a warm smile on her face in return.

"Where we going, Chlo?" Max finally asked her.

"Well I was thinking…" Chloe answered, "that I'm in the mood for a hot chocolate. The weather's perfect for it, right? Then we could do some exploring around the town, aaaaand maybe you could take some photos?"

Max glanced down at the camera that Chloe had encouraged her to bring with them, then looked back up at her again.

"Yeah, actually, that sounds really nice." Max agreed.

"Great!" Chloe grinned. Max hummed happily in response. The sight and sound of her best friend being in a good made Chloe wanna glow in pride, and she sighed a misty breath in the low light.

Just as they made it to the main street of the town, Chloe's prediction from earlier came true as the street lamps turned on, illuminating the small town roads and buildings with a warm orange glow.

The town and its buildings gave off an 'old-timey', gold-rush, logging village-type vibe. Which, Chloe thought to herself, was probably true. She hadn't given much thought to the Fork River's history, but she had to admit it had its own charm. In fact, the more she thought about it the more beautiful the place was. They were surrounded by mountains adorned with pine trees and snow, nestled in the middle of a valley where the town sat off to the side of a main highway. Rows of wooden buildings on either side of the street were dressed with assortments of Christmas lights and decorations, the old street lamps had been decorated with hanging wreaths and tinsel, in the distance band music could be heard with perhaps the faint sound of a Christmas choir. It reminded Chloe of movies she'd watched as a kid with her father, the memory inducing a pang of love and longing for him.

Arm-in-arm with Max they walked through all the lights, smiling and making a few jokes to each other lightheartedly. They both decided that perhaps they should go find out what all the commotion was as clearly something festive was going down in town. Chloe led the way around another street corner where they could see that farther ahead was a small community fair, where crowds were gathered along the street around stalls and stands, a small stage at the far end with a band and choir performing Christmas carols.

"Wow…this is cool!" Max blurted out in surprise. Her eyes widened at the scene.

"Yeah! Let's check it out!" Chloe pulled the girl along with her excitedly towards the crowd as Max let out a small giggle and followed.

This is perfect!

They weaved their way through families and children, and Chloe was surprised that so many people were around. She hadn't known the community around here could be so full. She could see the smaller girl looking around at everything in amazement, colors and light bouncing off her irises.

Chloe suddenly halted and she could feel the small girl following her nearly run into her as she spun around to look at Max.

"Chloe, what?" Max asked.

Chloe just grinned and pointed towards a stand, "Look! Hot chocolate! Do you want one?"

"Yeah... of course!" Max nearly scoffed.

"Right then!"

Chloe made her way up to one of the stalls and ordered the two girls takeaway cups of steaming hot chocolate, and Max didn't protest when she asked for whipped cream, marshmellows and a drizzle of caramel sauce on each. She reckoned that they deserved to treat themselves to something hella sweet. Chloe fished out some cash from her pockets, throwing sideways glances to watch Max investigate another stall next to them where baking was being sold before turning around and making her way back to Chloe.

As the surrounding lights flickered across Max as she was approaching, Chloe felt herself inhale sharply.

Wow…

Max is…so gorgeous right now.

The brunette caught Chloe staring at her, and grinned inquisitively as she reached her side again. Chloe's breath caught as that warm smile spread across her best friend's face.

"You alright, Chloe?" She asked kindly.

Chloe coughed, "Yeah bud, I'm alright." She tried not to blush involuntarily

Max hummed in response -her features relaxing- and fidgeted with the camera in her hand, suddenly preoccupied with her thoughts.

Once their drinks were ready, Chloe handed Max her own and they continued making their way to explore the festivities. She raised her cup to her lips and blew on it before taking a sip. It was deliciously sweet and warm, exactly what she needed right then and there. Chloe was beginning to enjoy herself more and more as the evening went on, especially by Max's side.

They made their way closer to the stage set up in front of the quaint chapel steps. A brass band and small church choir serenaded the crowd with O Holy Night. The sun had now set and the temperature dropped so Chloe cradled her drink with both hands close to her chest for the warmth. Multi-colored lights danced, and the street lamps threw a soft glow across the courtyard and over the crowd, while families both sat and stood singing along. It was quite a surreal and peaceful moment.

CLICK! Whirrrr.

The unmistakable flash and sound of her father's old camera taking a photo startled Chloe. Wide-eyed with mild surprise she looked to her left to see a guilty Max lowering the camera that had undoubtedly just taken a shot of her when she wasn't looking. She nudged the brunette's arm playfully and Max swayed for a moment, emitting a shy laugh.

"What was that you just took a photo of?" Chloe asked. Max shrugged while carefully removing the printed polaroid.

"I dunno, some punk chick." Max joked.

"You should have let me know, I could have posed for your expertise photography!"

"Sometimes candid shots make the moment way better, Chloe." The brunette smiled.

"Dork."

"Hmm." Max responded, watching the polaroid develop. Chloe noted that Max had put her drink down when she carefully stashed the camera away in her messenger bag, then bent down to pick up the beverage again with her free hand.

Chloe leaned over the smaller girl's shoulder to take a look of the polaroid.

"Hey, lemme see…"

Max obliged and showed it to Chloe, who gingerly took it into her own hand and inspected every detail of the image.

Wow, I look…really great.

Max had taken a portrait of Chloe glancing out into the crowd. Variations of different colored lights softly fell on her face, and she wore an expression of content on her features. It was an expression she hadn't seen herself with for a indeterminable amount of time. Behind her even more lights glowed out of focus, soft and buttery.

She really does have a great eye for beautiful moments. Chloe admired.

"It's wonderful, Max. You're so talented." She murmured her approval and glanced back at her best friend. A humble Max muttered, "Thanks, Chloe." Chloe returned the polaroid back to her and Max placed it safely in the pocket of her bag.

"Hey Chloe? Can we get something to eat?" Max asked. She realized in that moment that neither of them had eaten anything since their lunch together in the apartment, and nodded in agreement.

"Hells yes. I'm starving. Let me just finish this drink first and we'll go find somewhere for dinner."

Max nodded as well and sipped from her own cup, a small smile still peaking out from her scarf.

They wandered back towards the shops on the main street, searching for a diner or restaurant where they could relax in warmth and satisfy their hunger pains. Chloe spotted a place that looked good enough, a diner named "Jackson's" that was giving off a rustic vibe. She grabbed Max's hand and pulled her inside after her, embracing the wall of warmth she was instantly enveloped by once through the door.

Much like everything in this town the diner was small, a bar running the length of the room on one side and wooden booths along the other. The walls were adorned with various fishing, hunting and mining equipment, as well as photographs retelling stories of Fork River's history. It was inviting and, much to Chloe's relief, wasn't at all too crowded thanks to the attractions that continued on the streets outside. They found themselves a booth in the corner, and Chloe picked up a menu to inspect without hesitation while Max's eyes trailed around the room at the decor.

"Dude, I'm so hungry I can practically feel myself wasting away." Chloe remarked, eyes running up and down the menu taking everything in.

"Yeah, I'm really hankering for a hot meal right now too."

Chloe snickered. "Did you just say 'hankering'?"

"Shuddup."

They both laughed and Max picked up a menu to read through as well.

Man, everything sounds so good right now.

Pizza? I could so do with some pizza, I haven't had any in ages.

"Good evening, ladies!" A cheery young waitress greeted and walked up to their table with a notepad in hand. Chloe looked up as she stood in front of them. "Welcome to Jackson's, my name is Alex and I'll be your host tonight."

Chloe took a moment to inspect the waitress. She can't have been that much older than herself, definitely in her early twenties, wearing a black blouse and dark blue jeans. The girl had blonde hair with red-tipped ends pulled back into a ponytail, a full fringe and piercings. Despite her interesting appearance the girl was radiating with friendliness. Chloe thought to herself that this girl did not look like the kind of person who'd be living in a mountain town like this, but then again with Chloe's azure hair, tattoos and punk attire, who was she to judge?

The waitress continued speaking, "Tonight's special is Chinook Salmon, smoked and served with garnishes on a hot plate. Soup of the day is Jack's creamy pumpkin soup with a side of crispy garlic bread. Now, would you like to order drinks before making your order?"

Max spoke up first. "I'd like a cola please, and I'm ready to order food now if you are, Chloe?"

"Oh, um…" Chloe hadn't decided on anything yet, but settled on her earlier consideration anyway. "I'll get a raspberry soda and a supreme pizza. Like, the largest pizza you have. I'm dying right now."

Both the waitress and Max laughed at Chloe's request, and the brunette added her meal as the waitress wrote it down. Classic Max ordered a plate of hot fries with sauce. The waitress left them to their thoughts and headed back into the kitchen with their orders.

"This is really nice. I'm glad we're doing this." Max piped up.

"Good! Y-yeah, I didn't know that all that stuff would be going on tonight, but I'm super glad we got out. Who knew this place was so beautiful?"

"Yeah, good idea, Chloe. It is Christmas Eve after all."

"Hmm…yeah. Speaking of," Chloe added and Max raised an eyebrow with curiosity. "Do you…do you wanna take up that offer that lady gave you earlier today? I was thinking before, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea. She sounds…nice?"

"Oh, the neighborr? Ms. Dawkins?"

"Yeah?"

"I was gonna ask you, I don't think it's such a bad idea after all. I think... she's lonely, Chloe. And she seemed harmless enough. Maybe it'd be a good thing for us. We don't have to stay very long if we don't want to…do you want to?" Max looked to Chloe, who leaned back against the seat of the booth with one arm and the other fiddled with a salt shaker on the table.

"I guess. Yeah. I mean, it's not like we're going to have a normal Christmas anyway. And after tonight…" She trailed off for a few seconds, Max watching her patiently.
"I think we should definitely go with the flow. Let's just have a nice day, yeah?"

Chloe noticed the small smile flicker on Max's face.

"Yeah. I think it'll be nice. Let's just relax."

"Good plan."

Alex the waitress returns and places their drinks down on the table then asks if they'd like anything else before both girls shake their heads and Max thanks her anyway. Chloe and Max sip on their drinks for awhile, a comfortable and content silence falling between them. Chloe thinks about the fact that no matter the situation she never finds herself feeling awkward around Max. It's always been that way ever since they were children. They could spend hours on end talking or laughing or they could just happily chill in each other's company. It's a nice feeling to share.

Although, Chloe thought, the only thing about this place that feel's like 'old times' is the girl sitting in front of me.

Lost in thought Chloe is watching Max idly stir her cola with a straw when suddenly the brunette slumps in on herself. The action catches Chloe by surprise, brows furrowing with concern as she straightens up to look at Max closer. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Max's eyes are filled with wistfulness and she looks downwards with another shrug, adverting her gaze, and Chloe can see the girl gathering the courage to speak her mind.

"It's just that…I have something I wanna ask you."

"Go on." Chloe encourages.

"Where do you see us going from here? I'm a bit lost." Max confesses.

Chloe blinks a few times, caught off-guard by the question. Max's eyes are observing her quietly as she waits for a response.

Go from here? Oh jeez, she looks so worried.

She gives it a moment's thought before responding. "I guess we are just going to take it one step at a time. There's no rush for us to get anywhere or do anything. We'll just…ya know," she shrugs, "...go with the flow."

Max turns her head to the side and looks outward to the diner, obviously mulling something over in her head, so Chloe asks her a question of her own. "What's on your mind? Why do you wanna know?"

"Am I letting you down in any way?" Max blurts out, then shrinks in on herself like she does when she's shy or nervous about something.

Wow. Max is really making an effort to be honest here.

Chloe doesn't hesitate to reach out across the table and take Max's hand in her own. The smaller girl looks down in surprise at Chloe's reassuring touch.

"You're not letting me down, Max. I promise. You're doing so well and…we're getting there. Slowly but surely, kiddo. Like I said, no rush."

Max doesn't look so assured by Chloe, and when she speaks it's as if there is a tinge of regret behind her words.

"Chloe…is there anything you want from me? Anything you wish I would do to make things better?"

It was a surprisingly vulnerable question from her best friend. Max was being incredibly earnest with her questions and, when Chloe thought about it, she wasn't entirely surprised considering what occurred earlier in the day. Max had promised to her parents to actively keep in touch with them in order to not let them down, and Chloe wondered if that was the reasoning behind these sudden questions.

When Chloe's eyes met Max's, the smaller girl's blue eyes glistened with intensity. The brunette's chest was starting to rise and fall more rapidly, indicating to the taller girl that her lack of response was causing Max's anxiety to flair up. She knew she had to meet Max with equal vulnerability, so Chloe took a deep breath before answering and squeezed her hand.

"Honestly Max? The only thing I want from you right now is, well, honesty. We went through a shitstorm and now we've just gotta keep moving forward, that's all we can do about it. We promised each other we'll always be there for one another and I believe it. I really do. And the key idea of moving forward is that…that we're going to do it together.Max and Chloe against the world. Shit, well, if you open up to me then I'll open up to you and we'll work shit out and…keep moving forward."

Chloe was keeping eye-contact with Max now, wanting the girl to believe every word that she said. She was truly spilling her guts out on the table here.

"B-back in Arcadia Bay, you knew I was a mess when you met me again," Chloe continued, "The girl you left behind when you went to Seattle? Well… she wasn't there anymore. When Dad died, I just lost all hope, you know? I lost it. I'd lost you, too. And I didn't see a future I wanted anymore so I threw so much away. I wasn't going anywhere. I was just stuck in Arcadia Bay and the only thing I knew was that I wanted to get the hell out, with or without Rachel, who I also lost."

She took another deep breath to stabilize herself.

"Since you've come back into my life…," Chloe felt a tickling at the corner of her eyes, "well, I don't know what my future has. But I know it's got you in it, and I know you need me and we need each other. So I just want to keep moving forward. That's all I got for now."

A slight blush was rising in Chloe's cheeks. Raw honesty with anyone was not something she was used to, and she definitely felt vulnerable after her little speech there. She adverted her eyes and stared at Max's hands in her own and sniffed, realizing for the first time that a few tears had fallen down her cheeks. She lifted her free sleeve to wipe them dry.

Why are you so nervous about saying this all of a sudden? It's Max. This is Max you're talking to. Your best friend. She's not going to betray your honesty, idiot.

Chloe reassured herself then flicked her gaze back up to her best friend's face again. Max was staring at her intently.

"Chloe, I-" Max softly began, but Chloe interrupted her.

"You don't have to say anything if you don't want to Max, I kind of laid it on thick there."

Max's sudden smile was warm and loving and it made Chloe want to melt in an instant.

"Chloe, I agree with you. You're right. Sorry I just... had a bit of an insecure moment. But you're right, and I'm really glad I asked. I'm so glad I have you, Chlo." Max laid her other hand on top of theirs and rubs the back of Chloe's wrist reassuringly.

Happiness filled Chloe's chest and she grinned back at the brunette, and they both smiled at each other as Chloe let out a small laugh. She thought about the affect Max had on her. No matter what, Max could always say and do the right thing to make Chloe feel better when she needed to.

Damn, this is so healing. Max genuinely makes me feel happy. When was the last time someone made me feel so unconditionally loved? The world practically ended but Max makes me smile so damn much.

They let go of each other's hands as the waitress, Alex or something-a-rather, carried over two plates of hot, delicious-smelling food.

About time! I freaking need to eat!

The rest of their evening in the diner was far more easy going. The mood between them was a lot lighter as the girls laughed and talked about their meals, throwing slight jokes and shared warm glances at each other now and then. Max made fun of Chloe when some melted cheese had flicked itself up onto her face after pulling a slice apart, and Chloe retorted by bringing up embarrassing memories of Max as a kid. They ended up reminiscing about adventures they had shared together as children, and by the time came for Chloe to pay for the food, the both of them were in genuinely happy states.

Max thanked the waitress for them as they left the diner and stepped out into the cold night. "Gah, fuck!" Chloe gasped as the bitter air hit her face. "Got way too used to the warmth!"

Max laughed. The small girl linked her arm through Chloe's and they made their way back along the street in the direction of their apartment. The sky was much darker now as they walked by streetlight, the sound of Christmas music still played in the distance. Chloe hummed as she kept Max close, her cold hands stuffed inside her jacket pockets once more.

"Chloe stop, I wanna do something." Max halted.

"Okay? But not for long. I'm starting to go blue here." Chloe shivered. Max pulled her camera out of her bag.

"Selfie time. I wanna remember tonight." Max stated.

Chloe grinned and bent her knees a little, lowering her head to Max's height while the girl positioned the camera out in front of them. Chloe kept her eyes up at the little lense in front of her.

"Three...two…one…"

Chloe stuck her tongue out at the last second, then-

FLASH! Click, whirrr.

Max laughed in amusement when the photo developed and shoved Chloe's shoulder playfully. The polaroid was a really great shot in Chloe's opinion, Max was smiling sweetly while Chloe just looked like a complete dork. Behind them were twinkling lights, glowing softly. Chloe shoved Max back, then linked her arm back through hers as they continued on their way.

Chloe wouldn't say it out loud just yet, but she hoped that every new photograph that Max took it would help replace a bad memory of an old one.

The footpath curves uphill as they turn onto the street leading to their block of apartments closer to the trees. Max breaks away from Chloe and pulls herself up onto a concrete wall, reaching one hand down. Chloe glanced up at the girl.

"Hold my hand so I don't lose my balance." Max requests, and Chloe happily obliges as they walk alongside each other. A memory of train tracks in Arcadia Bay comes to mind, where two girls recently reunited had held each other's hands to keep balance while waltzing along rails.

"Don't fall, dork." Chloe warned.

"Ha! I've got you to catch me, don't I?"

"Yeah but I'd rather it not come to that!"

Laughter erupts between them.

Music to my ears.

The light from the street lamp ahead fell onto Max's face as she kept her face forward, watching where she was going. Snowflakes fell onto the brunette's hair, sparkling, and Chloe gasped as she looked up to the sky.

It was snowing.

"Wowser Chloe, snow!" Max exclaimed with her usual catchphrase.

"Yeah..." Chloe murmured in agreement.

She wasn't watching the snow, though. Her eyes were on the brunette above, stunned speechless by the beauty of the moment. In the light of the streetlamp, flakes of ice through her hair, a joy to her step – Max was… entrancing.

Hopping down from the wall Max leaned against Chloe for support. "C'mon. Let's get back before we freeze to death out here." They hurried back to the apartment while the snowfall fell heavier and heavier.

An hour later, Chloe changed out of her day outfit and threw her clothes in a heap in the corner. She needed to remember to do the washing sometime soon before they both ran out of clean clothes to wear. Slipping into her sleepwear, she pulled on her black sweatpants and a long-sleeved black top before snuggling under the covers. The lamp on the bedside cabinet next to her was the only source of light in the room, except for the light falling through the door from the open bathroom where Max was brushing her teeth. The radiator in the corner hummed as it attempted to warm the bedroom against the cold, winter air.

Footsteps pattered down the hallway as a barefooted Max, also dressed similarly to Chloe, returned from the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. Chloe scooted over a bit to let the smaller girl get comfortable under the duvet as Max joined her, laying down with her back to Chloe so that the taller girl could spoon her.

"Want me to turn off the light now?" Chloe asked.

"Mhmm." The brunette murmured in affirmation, obviously exhausted from the day. Chloe flicked off the lamp and cuddled up next to Max, placing an arm over her waist and pulling the duvet up over them both. Max hummed in content. This was routine for them now, and nothing felt more natural.

"I hope I don't have nightmares tonight." Max quietly said.

"I'm right here if you do." Chloe reassured her.

"I know. Today was just so good."

"Yeah, it was."

"Thanks Chloe. I love you."

Chloe was glad that Max couldn't see the pink blush in her cheeks right then.

"I love you too, Max. Sweet dreams."

Max always fell asleep faster than Chloe. As she lay there awake, she listened to Max's breathing until it was even and slow.

I really do hope you get a good night's sleep Max, you deserve it.

Chloe gazed at the back of the brunette's head and focused on the rise and fall of Max's body against her arm. It was always reassuring that Max was right there when Chloe's mind wandered at night.

A bright light flashed throughout the room twice and her eyes startled wide-open.

What the hell? Chloe thought as she looked around the room. Max didn't stir.

Was that lightning?

It wouldn't surprise her if it was, considering the heavy snowfall outside, but she waited a few minutes to hear for thunder regardless. When it never came, she nestled her head back on the pillow next to Max's hair and allowed herself to drift to sleep, loving thoughts of her mother and father on her mind.

The next thing Chloe knew was that she was running.

Sprinting down the streets of Fork Rivers.

I have to find Max, I have to get to Max!

Her mind was screaming.

No snow was to be seen on the ground and Chloe was aware of how warm it was as she ran full speed in a tank top and jeans.

Where is Max!?

Behind her, another girl was yelling.

"Chloe!"

It wasn't the voice she wanted to hear.

A flash of lightning crashed into the ground ahead of her.

Thunder boomed from above.

Her vision was beginning to turn red.

"MAX!? WHERE ARE YOU?"

Chloe screamed.

Another flash of lightning blinded her.

A vision of a bull laying on the ground beside her in a pool of blue blood.

As her eyesight returned, she found herself suspended in the air a few feet above the ground.

It was if gravity had released her from the earth and she was floating, kicking, trying to move forward.

The sky transformed black, a dark vortex extended down from the earth.

Blue lightning lit up the middle of the tornado.

Chloe crashed into the ground as gravity returned, slamming down hard on her back.

Dark spots invaded her eyesight and she could sense herself drifting into unconsciousness.

Again, another girl screamed her name in the distance.

Thunder.

"Max…" She whimpered.

Chloe was shaking as she sat up in bed. Max was laying down next to her just as before, deep in her slumber, safe and sound.

Chloe was in her bedroom.

It was just a weird fucking nightmare! She thought to herself, rubbing her eyes for a few moments.

Sighing, she lowered herself back down next to the smaller girl, grateful that she hadn't acted out enough to disturb her.

Chloe wrapped her arm around Max's waist once more. "I've got you, Max." She whispered into Max's hair as her muscles relaxed, her heart rate settling. "I've always got you, I promise."