So this is going up the day before Valentine's day. It's not really as fluffy and sweet as may be appropriate but... there's plot at least? I hope all of you have a Happy Valentine's Day, with your loved ones, and if you're single (like me) I hope you meet your own Chloe, or Max soon!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Max ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chloe hands me a bunch dresses, and pushes me towards the changing rooms. None of them are really my style, but they're all appropriate for a funeral. I try them all on one by one dutifully, and let Chloe assess me. I hate doing this, not shopping, and showing off for Chloe, but the fact that we're here to buy something for a funeral. It really fucking sucks. I've pretty much already decided what I'm going to buy, a simple half sleeve a-line dress. It's got a modest skirt length, and fits me well. It should do for a funeral. Still, Chloe picked out several so I'm trying them all on just for her. I feel a little guilty for it, I mean are you supposed to have fun shopping for a funeral? I'm not sure this is exactly fun but... I am trying to make it at least less depressing for Chloe. And for me.

I turn to look at the door, knowing Chloe is out there behind it somewhere. Not being able to see her makes me really anxious now, but I know I shouldn't just cling to her all the time. After losing her in the other timeline, I just can't help but want to keep my eye on her, to try and make certain it can't happen in this one. I don't want to hold her back either, so I really need to get a handle on myself over this. Still... it couldn't hurt to cling a little sometimes, right?

"Hey Chloe?" I pitch my voice up over the door. "Could you come in here a minute? I need some help with this..."

Chloe slips in, and gives me a confused look, as she takes in the fact that I'm not having trouble with one of the dresses, and am in fact just standing there waiting for her in my underwear. "Max... I thought you said you needed help with something?"

"I do need help with something." I give her a mischievous smile, and step into her personal space. "I missed you, and badly needed help with that." I get up on my toes to press my lips to hers. I can feel her rolling her eyes, but that doesn't stop her from kissing me back.

I pull her a round, and push her back against the wall gently, and then start kissing away from her mouth, along her jaw, to her neck. She let's out a soft hum, as I begin to nip, and suck gently at the sensitive skin along her pulse point. She wraps her arms around me, pulling me in against her tightly. My teeth, and lips continue to gently tease her neck until she let's out a sound much more akin to a moan. She stiffens up against me, and pushes me away gently.

"Max... we're in a public place." her cheeks are flushed probably with both her embarrassment, and arousal.

I grin up at her, and then lean up to playfully nip at her lower lip. "It's only kinda public... we've got four walls, and a door..."

She laughs softly in spite of herself. "Keep it in your pants Caulfield. At least till we get home... okay?"

I get up on my toes leaning to the side, and give her earlobe a little nibble before whispering to her. "I already know which one I'm going to buy... so let's hurry up and blow this pop stand."

She laughs again, shaking her head. "You're such a dork... but okay, let's pay for your dress and go." her cheeks flush lightly, and she doesn't quite manage to make eye contact. She's so cute.

Chloe takes the rejects, to put them away, while I begin to redress myself. Without Chloe here as a distraction, I start to feel a little guilty for acting the way I did while shopping for Kate's funeral. Is this shitty of me? Am I still being an asshole? I mean it's normal to want to affirm that you're still alive after a death right? Nobody expects me to just stop loving Chloe, because something terrible happened right? Fuck, I just don't know. All I do know is that right now, I want to be with Chloe as much as possible, and in as many ways as possible. I need to be close to her. I know it's not healthy to be attached to her all the time, but the desire is still there right now. I decide not to start that fight with myself again, and just focus on getting dressed so we can pay, and get home quickly.

Once I've finished dressing, I step out to find Chloe already waiting for me. She gives me a smile that lights up her whole face, and lights up my whole heart. I'm getting so sappy, still I love every moment of it. I step forward, and take her hand, lacing our fingers together before we head over to the counter to make my purchase. The boy behind the counter stares at Chloe the whole time as we make our approach, so I slam the dress down in front of him, and give him an aggressive grin, when he jumps. Chloe gives me a little nudge, and mouths "Play nice." at me through her smile. I roll my eyes, but tone it down as I pay for the dress, and wait for it to be bagged up.

We head out hand in hand, and make our way to my jeep. I can't wait to get home, and get Chloe all to myself. I know that's selfish, and I would never stop her from having friends, but for right now I just need her. I don't know how long it'll be this way, but I do need to make sure I don't smother her in the mean time. Still... I also wasn't going to pass up a chance to spend some intimate alone time with Chloe just for a day out at the mall, or whatever. I glance over at her as I drive us home. She looks happy, but am I just being an asshole in a different way now. Fuck, am I keeping her from living her life just because I want her all to myself?

Chloe's hand pulls me from my thoughts as she rests it gently on my thigh. "I can hear you worrying from over here. What's on your mind super max?"

I sigh softly, I don't really want to get into it but... not talking to Chloe got me into all kinds of trouble, and I know you can't maintain a healthy relationship if you're not honest with each other. "I'm just worried I'm fucking everything up still, that maybe I'm being too clingy now, and I'm keeping you from living your life... or something."

"Max..." she gives my thigh a little comforting squeeze. "I mean yes, you've been a bit more anxious than usual lately, but... considering everything that's not weird. And it's not like you try and stop me from doing anything I want to do."

I bite my lip and shrug. "Well... I do kinda give you um... incentive to stay in with me just because I want to keep you to myself sometimes."

Her cheeks flush softly, and she laughs. "I... well I can't say I don't like your incentives, but isn't that normal when you're a couple? It's all still new, and fresh, and fucking hot."

That last statement pulls a laugh out of me, and I shrug. "I don't know... I guess so. I didn't exactly couple up before... you." I watch the road very carefully, suddenly feeling very shy about that admission.

"But I thought you had... you know before me?" she sounds confused. She so cute.

I laugh softly, and shrug one shoulder. "I had... but really all we were doing was hooking up. Nothing I'd call a relationship."

I sneak a look over at Chloe, she looks pretty uncomfortable. Which incites a small sense of panic in my chest. "It's not like I did it a lot... Just a couple of girls really, and one guy. But only because I was kind of panicking about my sexuality... it was hella gross, and a big mistake." I shake my head.

Chloe laughs softly, shaking her head. "No... I'm not worried about you sleeping around or something. I just feel a little intimidated by your experience, nothing new really, just another reminder."

I take one hand off the wheel, and place it on Chloe's hand. "Well none of it is anything you should be intimidated by. You're amazing Chloe, just being you, with or without experience. It's not like it's a contest or something." I give her hand a little squeeze. "I love you. You are all I've ever wanted."

Chloe blushes, looking away shyly, which brings a smile to my face. "I love you too you mushy dork."

I laugh softly. "Only for you."

I can barely even wait till were through the door, before I am all over Chloe. My lips on hers, my hands gently roaming her sides, trying to caress every inch of her. Her tongue meets mine in a frenzied, by surprisingly gentle dance, as her hands begin to rove over my body in return. I smile against her lips, pressing her against the wall by the stairs. My hands slip up under her shirt, my fingers playing along her hot smooth skin drinking in the feel of her greedily. I let Chloe become my whole world, she fills my senses, and everything falls away as we kiss, and touch and...

"Ahem." I hear Joyce clear her throat awkwardly from the stop of the stairs. Fuck.

Chloe bangs her head against the wall as she pulls away from me quickly, her cheeks bright red. I back up to give her space, my own cheeks feeling a little hot as I look everywhere but up at Joyce. "Sorry Joyce... I-I didn't know you were still home."

She gives us a long suffering, but still fond sigh, shaking her head. "What am I going to do with the both of you? I suppose I should just be grateful there's no chance of an unexpected addition to the family..."

"Mom!" Chloe exclaims sounding mortified, and well I just can't help myself, I start laughing. Chloe gives me a betrayed look, and I just laugh harder.

"Sorry... sorry, it's just... Come on! It's funny!" I keep laughing, and Joyce is the first to join me, followed by Chloe.

I wrap my arm around Chloe's waist, and get up on my toes to kiss her cheek chastely. She looks over at me, and gives me a smile, a little residual embarrassment still tinging her cheeks. She looks amazing. I just stare back into her eyes, adoringly, and she looks back the same way. I'm still blown away by that. By the fact that she looks at me the same way I look at her, that she can see me the same way I see her. It just seems so special, so impossible, and yet, here we are. The sound of Joyce sighing wistfully pulls me from my reverie.

Joyce descends the stairs the rest of the way to join us. "Oh to be young, and in love again..." she pulls us both into a group hug. "William..." her voice catches. "William would have been so happy to see you two together like this, to see you both so happy."

"You... really think so?" Chloe asks timidly, and Joyce smiles kindly.

"Of course I do. He'd be so proud of your woman you're becoming honey." she reaches up brushing at a few of Chloe's stray hairs, before turning her attention to me. "And I'm sure he'd love the new you too Max."

"We should visit him..." Chloe says softly. "Maybe after... Kate." she let's out a small sob, and Joyce pulls us in tight again.

"I think that's a wonderful idea... I'm sure he would really appreciate that." Joyce said softly to Chloe as she gave us another squeeze. "Now I really do have to be going... if you two will be alright?"

"Yeah... sorry, I'm fine." Chloe sniffles, and I transfer the arm I have around Joyce to Chloe, wrapping her up tight.

"We'll be fine Joyce, we have each other. You don't need to worry about us." I say softly, and Joyce gives me a smile.

"All right girls... I'll be home after dinner tonight, there's plenty of food in the fridge for when you get hungry. You know how to reach me if you need me for anything. I'll see you later..." she leans in and gives us both a kiss on the forehead, before she heads out. Joyce is such a good mom.

I gently tug Chloe along with me up the stairs. We head into her room, and I steer us towards the bed. She still sniffling a little as I sit her down, and remove her shoes before I remove my own. I push her down on the bed, and wrap her up again tightly in my arms. We stay like that for hours, just being together, finding whatever comfort we can in the simple act of touch. It's nice, and it's comfortable, and it's safe. I feel safe with Chloe, despite everything that's going on. I feel safe with her in a way I haven't felt since before my parents died. I lean in and kiss her softly.

"Thank you..." I whisper.

She gives me a confused look. "For what?"

"For everything." I lean in and kiss her again, and again, and again.

We stand hand in hand in the graveyard, staring teary eyed at the coffin as the priest drones on in the background. I'm not paying much attention, religion was never my thing. I respect that other people believe it, but I'm just not sure. I'm not the only one ignoring the priest though, a couple of women I can only guess are relatives of Kate are busy giving me and Chloe the stink eye rather than paying their respects to Kate. It kinda makes me sick, and also kinda makes me want to just lez it up to piss them off even more. Starting a fight at a funeral though would be a terrible thing to do, especially Kate's, so I control myself. Maybe I'm just letting myself get distracted by these thoughts so I don't have to think about Kate, and how I didn't save her.

Stepping in closer to Chloe I free my hand from hers, and wrap my arm around her waist. Fuck those bitches I need the comfort Chloe can give me, and I need to be able to give her back whatever comfort I can. Chloe's arm snakes around me in return, and I give her a comforting squeeze. Looking up I find those same two pairs of eyes giving me the death glare. I want so badly to flip them off, but I don't I just stare back defiantly, as the priest continues the graveside service. This was going to be a long one, I could just feel it.

The finality of it all hits me as the casket begins to slowly lower into the ground. The regret, and sorrow, and guilt all blossomed in my chest painfully, and I turned into Chloe so I would have to watch anymore. She holds me tighter, as I begin to shake, rocked by sobs. I feel even worse when she begins to cry even harder as well. Good job at being comforting Max. I have to do better when we go visit William. Chloe gives me another squeeze, and I begin to wonder if all this being strong for Chloe stuff is just another way for me to try to avoid being vulnerable. I knew I was safe here now, and I had gone over this all in my head before, but still, I guess old habits die hard. Get it together Max Caulfield, you're not alone anymore, so stop acting like it!

When everyone starts breaking off to leave, I let go of Chloe so she can go have a moment with Stella and Alyssa. I could use a moment to myself anyway, and since I'm kind of an outsider here, I don't want to intrude. I'm sure Chloe wouldn't mind, but... it still feels wrong to intrude on their memories of Kate. This wasn't my fault, but I can't help but feel like I could have done more.

As I stand looking down at Kate's grave, a sour faced blonde woman approaches me. It's one of Kate's relatives I'm sure, one of those tow women giving me the stink eye. She's got confrontation written all over her face. This was not going to be fun.

"How dare you come here to My nieces funeral, and flaunt your disgusting, sinful lifestyle in our faces." she jabs her finger at me, speaking aggressively, but keeping her voice low.

I want to fight. I want to yell, and scream, and tell her off. I want to take all that wind out of her bigoted sails, but... not here, not at a funeral. I take a deep breath, hold it all inside, and rewind so I can walk away before she approaches. It's better this way. I head for Chloe and her friends, hoping she won't approach me if I'm in a group.

Chloe as if sensing my presence reaches out immediately, and wraps her arm around my shoulders. I can't help the smile that spreads across my face as I lean into her, and wrap my arm around her waist in return. Her conversation with Stella and Alyssa are little more than a buzz in the background to me. I'm probably being rude, but I want to keep an eye out for that bitch from earlier. Kate's aunt or whatever. If she whips herself up a posse she might come and confront us anyway, and I really don't believe that'd end well. It's best to just try and avoid it to begin with. Look at me, being all grown up and shit.

Kate's less pleasant relatives leave us be, thank dog, and so as we break away from Stella and Alyssa I'm somewhat more relaxed than I was. Chloe takes my hand, and we begin to make our way through the cemetery slowly. I feel an irrational sense of nervousness as we get closer to William's grave. It's like I'm afraid he won't accept me and Chloe together, like he'll somehow say something negative or bigoted against us. I know he never would if he were still alive, but the fear is still there, even though he's not, and he can't even if he would have. We stop at his grave site, and stand looking down at his headstone quietly.

Chloe breaks the silence first. "Hey dad... I know I don't visit as much as I should..." she pauses her, her voice shaky. "Um... I've got some news. Max is back and..." she squeezes me hand gently. "We're in love, we're dating now."

I take a deep breath. "Hey William... I'm sorry I wasn't here for so long. I was kinda... busy." I laugh bitterly. "Um... I wish I could have been here though. For Chloe especially. I really love her a lot, and I hope you're okay with that. I uh...also really miss you, I just wanted you to know that..."

Chloe gives my hand a light squeeze, just letting me know she's here, and everything is okay. We stand in silence for a while longer, just quietly remembering William. I can feel tears sting at my eyes, and I know Chloe's feeling the same. I do miss him, and I do wish I had been here to see him before he passed. Stepping in a little closer to Chloe I lean my head on her shoulder, and she leans her head on mine. We take comfort in each other for a few moments longer before turning to head back to the jeep, it was time to go home.

As we walk through the cemetery again, hand in hand, a somewhat familiar feminine voice calls out from behind us. "Hey, you're Max Caulfield right?"

I turn around, and for the second time I'm surprised by appearance of Rachel Fucking Amber. I'm also surprised by how happy I actually am to find out she didn't die this time after all. "You... but nothing seemed to have changed. I thought you were dead."

Chloe looks at me curiously, and then at Rachel, recognition slowly lighting in her eyes. "The girl from the file you asked me about... Rachel. The girl you tried to save for helping..."

Rachel gives us both a dazzling smile. "Yeah... sorry about that, but we thought it would be best if things happened as close to the way you remembered it as possible, and since you told me so much in your e-mail... We just didn't want any weird time paradox things, or causal loops, or something..."

"Actually..." Chloe speaks up softly. "I mean we can't know for sure, but I believe paradoxes aren't a problem for Max, because she experiences a single continuous timeline even if it changes for everyone else. She doesn't need events to remain in the timeline to trigger the changes she makes, because they always still exist for her."

I stare at Chloe impressed for a few moments. Sometimes I forget just how smart she is. I lean up and kiss her cheek. "That's my genius girlfriend."

Chloe's cheeks color softly, and Rachel laughs. "Well either way, we felt it was best to try and keep things the same, at least on the surface."

"Yeah, how did you manage that exactly? And you also keep saying we... who else is involved now?" I asked trying to sound curious, rather than confrontational. I was curious, but also the thought of involving anyone else was worrisome.

"Uh... yeah about that..." She looks away like she's embarrassed. I'm honestly not sure since I know what she was like in the other timeline, and I have no idea what she's like in this one. "So... you asked me to keep Chloe safe, and I did consider just running away, but...well I did in theory owe you, and if something happened to Chloe again you'd just go back and change it again... so I did the only thing I could think of. At first I admit, I didn't believe you, I thought it was a joke, but when things you said started happening... So when Nathan came for me I went willingly, and I joined Prescott Security Service." she let's that sink in for a moment before continuing. "From there it wasn't hard for me to get Nathan on my side, our side, and together we were able to keep Jefferson off of Chloe's trail. At least long enough for you to make it here, then we set about trying to keep the timeline the same for you, though maybe that was pointless..." she sighs softly biting her lip.

Nathan slips out from behind the nearby mausoleum, and joins hands with Rachel. I perk my brow at her, and she just gives me a little half shrug in return. Chloe's hand slips out of mine, and I look over seeing a hopeful glint in her eyes.

"So... if you're alive what, what about Kate? Is she...?" her voice breaks as she clutches her hands together in front of her hopefully.

Nathan flinches, Rachel's face falls, and Chloe's does too. Rachel takes a deep breath. "I... I'm sorry Chloe but, Jefferson was... we can only do so much without him getting suspicious."

Chloe turns into me, and I wrap my arms around her gently. She leans her head down into the crook of my neck, and I can feel her shaking with quiet sobs. My hand trails gently up and down her back trying to give her a little bit of comfort.

"So, now that you're here, and all caught up... we can do something about Jefferson, and Sean Prescott." Rachel looks over at Nathan for a moment, who just looks back impassively.

I feel a little guilty, but I shake my head. " I don't know about that Rachel, I mean this is a pretty big deal, and I'm grateful that you looked out for Chloe, but... Shouldn't we all just take this chance and go? I mean Prescott can't possibly have eyes everywhere."

I feel Chloe Stiffen in my arms. She pulls back a little shaking her head. "No. No we can't let anything like what happened to Kate happen ever again."

Rachel grins. "See your girlfriend gets it. Let's tear this shit down."

- Chloe -

We drive away from the cemetery, heading for the junkyard, where we agreed to meet up with Rachel, and Nathan again away from the public eye. Max keeps her eyes on the road as she drives, her face impassive. I can't help but wonder if she's mad at me. I know I was the one who suggested we leave to begin with, and I just went back on that without a word of warning to her. Maybe she';s just worried about what she might have to do if we fight. What she did in the other world hurts her a lot, I can tell, but it might still be for the best if we get rid of Jefferson for good. We need to put an end to this one way or another. I just hope Max understands that, or can at least be convinced.

I timidly reach over, and gently place my hand on her thigh. Her eyes glance in my direction briefly, and she takes a hand off the wheel to take mine. She laces our fingers together and squeezes gently. I feel a flood of relief, that's larger than thought it would be. Max isn't mad, or at least she's not taking it out on me.

"Max... I'm sorry, I know the whole run away and never look back thing was my idea, but after the funeral I just..." I just trail off, and Max squeezes my hand gently.

"It's fine Chloe, I want you to be safe, but... I'm in this with you till the end, no matter what." Max speaks softly, but there's a quiet intensity in her voice as she does.

"I know this is hard for you...especially after what happened, I just..." she raises her voice a little to interrupt me.

"Chloe, I said it's fine. I'm not mad, and I'm not going to back out. Kate deserves justice, and you want to get it for her. I'm with you." she sighs softly. "I'd burn the entire city down for you, if that's what it took."

Max can be so intense sometimes. I know she's being hyperbolic, but at the same time I still believe she'd do it. It leaves me feeling giddy, but I also feel like maybe I should be worried about her. Is it okay for someone to be that intense? Or that into someone else? Still, if it came to it, wouldn't I do the same? I would die for her, and I know she would for me too, is it really so much of a step to kill for someone as well? Then again, maybe we could still find away to do this without killing anyone. Getting Jefferson caught somehow, and proving that he had permission of some kind from Prescott to engage in illegal and unethical experiments would ruin the company. That would probably take care of all of problems fairly neatly. How to do it though, is the main issue.

I catch max looking at me out of the corner of her eye, her face starting to show a little worry. She's probably reacting to the worry on my face, so I give her hand a squeeze, and try to give her a convincing smile. It's not hard though, she makes me want to smile even when things are terrible. She spares me a glance to give me a smile in return. I love her so fucking much. I should probably tell her that as often as possible, since we have no idea how this is going to end.

"I love you Max, and... I'm glad you're with me on this." I give her hand a little squeeze.

She smiles softly, and squeezes my hand back. "I love you too Chloe, and you know I'd follow you anywhere."

We drive on in silence. Max keeps hold of my hand, and we just enjoy the comfortable moment of quiet before things start getting crazy again. I hate that I'm pulling her into this, but I don't believe anything is going to be resolved if we don't do something. We know what's going on, we have allies now, and as Max likes to point out, we have powers. It's time to use them for someone other than ourselves. It's too late for Kate, but no one else should have to suffer because we did nothing. Max gives my hand a little squeeze, as if sensing my mood shifting. Maybe I'm just being obvious, or maybe she really can just sense it, but either way it's nice. She grounds me in the moment, and I appreciate it.

When Max pulls into the junkyard, we're still holding hands. She let's the jeep idle there as we sit, not ready to let go yet. Max leans over, and lays her head on my shoulder. It's nice, just being close like this, no expectations just us. It's funny how things have turned out. When we were kids I was always the one in motion, and Max was the one to make me settle down for these quiet moments. When she came back it seemed like we had switched, she was in motion, and I was keeping still. And now, it seems like maybe we switched again. I'm pulling her forward, while she's keeping me here, grounded in these moments of peace, and quiet. It seems like we're always going to be opposites I guess, but in complimentary way, not an oppositional one. We're like yin, and yang, we balance each other out.

I let out a soft sigh, and Max pulls away. "Are you ready for this?" she asks softly.

I give her a smile, and nod. "As ready as I can be."

"We could still make a run for it... Portland awaits, or maybe we head south and check out San Francisco, or L.A." she grins at me, it's playful, but I know she'd drive right on out of her without looking back if I said I wanted too.

I lean over and kiss her cheek. "Maybe when this is all over and done with, we can take a little vacation. Just you and me... and maybe a beach somewhere..."

"Clothing optional..." she interjects with a laugh, causing my cheeks to flush. She laughs even harder at my blush.

I push her shoulder playfully, and stick out my tongue. "Okay... let's go before your libido gets any bigger."

We get out of the jeep, and begin to walk slowly through the junkyard. Max leads the way, but slowly, forging a winding path through the discarded remnants of people's lives. I'm not sure if she's stalling, or if she's just not in a hurry right now. Part of me doesn't want to go to this meeting either, if I'm being honest with myself. It means we're going to fight, and the longer it takes to get there, the further away the conflict seems. It's peaceful here, and surprisingly scenic, I understand why Max likes it. Our walk comes to an abrupt end outside of a little shack at the edge of the junkyard. Max takes my hand and we step inside.

I look around curiously, and it's obvious Max has been here. The graffiti covered walls, and the makeshift furnishings are just so her. Rachel, and Nathan were already waiting for us inside. Rachel looked fairly impressed, while Nathan just looked uncomfortable. While it's not so bad for a shack in a junkyard, it leaves me feeling a little sad that Max was sleeping here, even if it was for only a little while. Max gives my hand a little squeeze, and I'm left wondering how she does it. Did I say something and she rewound? Maybe I'm just more obvious than I like to think I am.

"Nice place... who's your interior decorator?" Rachel asks with a playful lilt to her voice.

Max casually gives her the finger. "I doubt you could afford her."

They both laugh, and I feel like I've missed something. I know Max sort of got to know her in the other timeline, but they don't really know each other at all now. My brow perks up a little, and Max laughs again, getting up on her toes to kiss my cheek. It does help a little, but it was still a weird moment. Maybe it's weird for them too, but they're just laughing about it?

"It's weird... meeting you for the first time, even though you sort of already met me. At least you've got a sense of humor..." Rachel says with a friendly smile on her lips, but a shrewd look in her eyes.

"Yeah... It is weird kind of knowing someone who doesn't know you." Max shrugs, and let's go of my hand crossing her arms. "I know enough to know your first instinct is probably to try using our powers on us, to get us on your side... but I also know you can be so much better than that. I've seen it, and you chose to do it again when you didn't even know me."

Rachel looks shocked for a moment, but then it's gone, replaced with easy playfulness I'm coming to associate with her. She shrugs as if it's no big deal. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised... you did seem to know me pretty well in the e-mail you sent me."

"Just well enough..." Max uncrosses her arms, and shrugs. "Chloe wants justice for Kate... and as much as I'd like to be selfish, and just run away from it all with Chloe... I know what Jefferson is capable of, and..." she sighs heavily. "Chloe's right, he needs to be stopped before he can do something terrible to anyone else."

Nathan catches my attention, and gestures off to the side with his head. I frown at him, , and look over at Max for a moment, but she seems to be distracted by her conversation with Rachel. Nathan gives me an exasperated look and gestures at me again. With a sigh I decide to step away from Max, and see what he wants. It's not like he can do anything bad with everyone so close anyway. I crossed my arms, and waited for him to tell me what he wanted. For his part he did have the presence of mind to look embarrassed.

"Uh... Look..." he reached up rubbing the back of his neck. "I know I said and did a lot of...Things, that I didn't entirely mean. Okay? I just... there are a lot of people just Telling me what to Do, and it really... and that's not the point. " he takes a deep breath. "I just got nothing against you so... I'm sorry or whatever. I don't want to hurt anyone..." his tone softens. " I really don't... just my dad, and Jefferson... and I don't want to end up one of his special projects... you know?"

This was, not what I was expecting. I mean all this time, and worry, and well Kate... I kind of don't want to forgive him. Kate would want me to, but it's not easy after everything. I frown at him for a moment, but he just looks so broken right now. I sigh softly the anger flowing out of me, and I drop my arms to my sides.

"You've still done some bad stuff... You're not completely off the hook or anything, but... yeah, I get it. You're under pressure, under threat... I don't blame you, not exactly, so it's fine. I guess." I give him a shrug, and turn around to head back over to where Max is still talking with Rachel.

"Yeah... thanks." he says quietly to my back.

"... and you were really surprised I knew what you were trying to do to me. If things hadn't been terrible the look on your face..." Max trails off as I approach. She takes my hand, and gets up on her toes to kiss my cheek. "Good talk?" she asks me softly.

I give her a noncommittal shrug. I really wasn't sure myself how that went. "I don't know... It could have gone worse I guess."

She kisses my cheek again, then wraps her arm around my waist. "Well... you don't have to forgive him, or even like him, but we do need to trust each other right now. If we're going to pull this off we need to make sure everyone is on board."

I take a deep breath, and blow it out slowly. "I know... and I'm in. For Kate."

Max gives me a little squeeze, and smiles. "For Kate... and our future."

"For all of our futures." Rachel adds.

"So what's the plan?" I ask, looking between Max, and Rachel.

Rachel laughs lightly. "Well since you're done making moon eyes at each other, we can go ahead, and sit down, and figure that out."

I roll my eyes, not really filled with a lot of confidence. I don't make any commentary though, since I do want to keep the peace, but they knew this was coming for years, shouldn't they at least have a couple ideas to throw our way? I guess maybe they were waiting to find out what we were both fully capable of first, but still coming to the table with something would have been smart. Max trusts her, and that's a good start, but I just hope that trust is well placed. We all take a seat, around the wire spool Max was using as a table, to begin.

"To begin we should probably take turns telling everyone just what we can do." Rachel says taking the lead.

I guess we're really doing this. We're going to end this soon, one way or the other. We'll get justice for Kate, and make sure nothing like that can happen to anyone ever again. Or at least not in Prescott hands. The thought of actually going through with this finally, begins to fill me with anxiety. This is big, what if we can't do it? Max takes my hand and squeezes it comfortingly, and I feel like I can breath again. As long as we're together, I'm ready to face anything.

We're getting really close to the end now. Probably only another chapter or two, or three. We'll just have to see how much more writing I feel I need to do to get there. Next chapter Planning for sure! Maybe action, not so sure... but planning! Woo!