The annoying, ear-piercing beep kept going, over and over. But Chloe didn't want to move, the small girl wrapped up in her arms. They fell asleep sharing the covers, and when Max had a bad dream, she pushed her way into the other's arms. And the officer held her tightly, smelling the scent of her own shampoo in the girl's soft, brown hair. It smells better on her, even my clothes look better on her.

Finally, she finds the source of the tone, accepting the call that's been ringing for 5 minutes. "Whaaat?" She croaks out, her eyes still shut. "Chloe! Where the hell have you been?!" The Punk's body lurches forward, panic surging through her heart. "Never mind, it's almost been a whole damn month, with no word from you! Nathan has been bailed out of jail."

Her teeth clench together so tightly that she was sure they would break, the grip on her phone becoming lethal. Her eyes land on Max, the girl who is sleeping peacefully; something she never did before. The officer could hear her father's heavy sigh. She didn't want to wake Max, so she gets up and goes to the kitchen quietly before responding.

"What the fuck do you mean he's been bailed out? Who bailed him out?" Chloe balances the phone between her ear and shoulder, trying to make a cup of coffee to calm herself down. "His father, of course. The press never figured out Nathan was in jail, and his father wanted to keep it that way. Where the hell have you been? No one's seen you around the station for weeks. Your goddamn office is collecting dust."

Chloe licks her lips, her mind blank; no excuse to save me now. "I've- I've been doing what you asked me to." She wasn't wrong, he asked her to spend time with Max and she did. The coffee machine beeps, signaling the dark liquid is ready to be devoured. "I've been with Max, trying to convince her. I mean-"

"You've been with the victim this entire time?" David's voice was both curious and pissed off. "Quit calling her that! She has a name!" Her fist pounds into the counter-top with every few words. A drawn out, disappointed sigh leaks out of her mobile, "I told you not to get attached."

"Dad, I'm not-" She shakes her head, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I'm not attached, alright?" The sound of shuffling feet causes Chloe to turn her head, seeing a sleepy Max standing at the kitchen archway. "I'll talk to you about it later, I promise I'll pull through." She ends the call without hesitation, turning to face the younger girl.

"Who were you talking to?" Max speaks raspily, rubbing the sleep from her half-lidded eyes. Chloe forces a grin on her face to cover her frustrations with the chief.

"It's uh... it's nothing. Just business, is all." Chloe scratches the back of her head. The last thing she wanted was to make Max concerned or upset. "I made some coffee, want some?" Chloe says, already turning to open the cabinets.

"Sure," Max says, sluggishly pulling herself up to sit in a stool. The small girl watches Chloe as she pulled two mugs off of the top shelf; jealous of her obvious height and her ability to reach things without having to climb on chairs and countertops for them. Max always enjoyed watching Chloe do whatever she was doing; she thought it was humorous to see how concentrated the officer gets when she plays video games or when she's doing paperwork for the police station.

"Oh, yeah... It has been a while since you've been to work, hasn't it?" Max asks softly, feeling a twinge of guilt.

"Hm? Yeah, what about it?" Chloe responds, pouring the hot liquid into the mugs. She gently hisses when she burns her finger on the steam coming up, putting the tip of her finger in her mouth in an attempt to cool the sting of it.

"I've been keeping you out of work this whole time," The brunette states, biting her lower lip. Even after all this time, she still couldn't think of a reason as to why the officer has done all of this for her. Max felt as if she didn't deserve any of it.

Chloe turns, eyebrows furrowed, taking her finger away from her mouth. "No, no you haven't. To be honest, it's nice to take a break away from that place. It gets really dull and boring sitting in a desk all day, filing stupid papers that doesn't help anybody. Everything seemed so gray and sad." She turns, handing Max the warm mug.

"But you've brightened it up, haven't you, sunshine?" It was almost a whisper, their fingers touching as the officer leans in with a smile. The small girl is dumbfounded, her lips slightly parted. Without the counter separating their bodies, Max was sure they would've been closer. She couldn't find the words to say, Chloe's stare feeling more intense as the silence extends between them.

She clears her throat, finally discontinuing their burning touch, mumbling a 'thank you.'

But Chloe stays, leaned in close. Even through her messy bangs, she could see the details of the officer's worn out features; her slightly yellowed teeth as her tongue darts out to lick across her bottom lip. The Punk cradles her chin in her palm, staring at the brunette lovingly. "Anything you want to do today? I know we've been cooped up in here for a few days."

Max swallows a large gulp of her coffee, already warming up. "Could we go to the store? There's some things we need to get for the house." She places her mug down, before realizing what she said. "I mean, your house." Chloe's smirk only grows wider, finally backing away. "Store it is. Make a list so we don't forget anything."

"I've already made a mental list, I have good memory. I'll remember everything." Max smiles cheekily, before taking another sip of coffee. The Punk tongues the inside of her bottom lip, crossing her arms. "If we forget anything, I'm holding you responsible because you were too lazy to make a list." Chloe says jokingly, grinning at the small girl. "I'm going to go ahead and get dressed."

Max watched Chloe exit the room out of the corner of her eye, before finally sighing in the comfort of the quiet. I've been here about a month, haven't I? She sips from her cup, crossing her legs. I have totally over-welcomed my stay… but I've been so distracted about all the fun I've had with Chloe. She's got to get tired of me at some point… right? Maybe after today I'll go home.

She finishes her cup of coffee in blissful silence, surprised it's taking the officer so long to get dressed. The small girl makes her way to the bedroom, peering in through the crack of the door; only to see the back of the blue-haired girl. Her muscles contracting as she picks up her shirt, sighing heavily. Max's cheeks began to feel as if they were lit on fire, and hurries away quietly in hopes she never heard her around the door.

Chloe came out sharply dressed in her uniform, as if it was her first day on the job. This is the neatest Max had ever seen The Punk, confusing her greatly. "You never know what you're going to encounter out there, so I like to wear it wherever i go." The brunette nods, noticing her tie is a little crooked. She closes the space inbetween them, hesitantly tugging the cloth in a straight line.

The officer had held her breath the whole time, watching her companion's face rather than her hands. There was an urge tugging at the back of her mind, but she pushed it back. "T-thanks," she stutters out. I can't believe she makes me into a babbling mess. She's smaller and younger than me but sometimes I feel way more vulnerable…

Chloe clears her throat before reaching out to curl a loose strand of the brunette's hair around her finger, smiling timidly. "Better go get dressed, that way we can beat rush hour traffic."

Max smiles and pushes her hand away, "You like to zoom through traffic anyways." Nevertheless, the small girl gets dressed and hurries back to The Punk's side. "You still got your mental list, right?" Max nods. "Good, keep it that way."

Max likes to take her time while browsing, comparing prices and things. Chloe on the other hand, is an impatient person. But she stands calmly and quietly as her companion goes slowly through the aisles. The officer noted how her eyes lingered on the camera section as they walked past it, and she got the perfect idea from it.

"Hey, Max? I forgot something, can you wait here while I go get it?" She didn't wait for an answer as she rushes off, hurrying to get what she needed. Max had been really too busy and hummed an answer, she places the bag of coffee she finally decides on in their buggy. The small girl suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if someone is watching her…

She turns her head quickly, her hair blocking the view for a seconds; only see the flash of color walk away. Was that-? No. It couldn't be. But she hurries to the end of the aisle anyways, it's not him. It's not him, it is NOT him. Max panics so quickly she doesn't see the person in front of her, almost knocking into them. "Max, hey, are you alright? I told you I'd be right back."

Chloe smiles, holding a sleek box in her palms. "What's-" The brunette creases her eyebrows, noticing it's a camera. "Chloe, what is that for?" The officer rolls her eyes, scoffing, "It's for you, duh! I just bought it at the technology area." Max takes the box into her hands, noting the brand name. "No way, I can't take this! It must've cost like, a small fortune!"

"Well, you're going to take it. I never get to spend money, and now I know my money was spent wisely. And used well." Chloe nods on the last word, crossing her arms.

"Chloe… I," Max pauses, standing in shock. She looks up at the officer, who is awaiting the brunette's reaction. "Thank you so much,"

"I remember you telling me you were into photography so I figured, y'know," Chloe looks away, throwing an arm up to scratch the back of her head.

I can't believe she remembered such a small fact about me, Max thinks to herself while looking back down at the box. She doesn't realize she has a goofy smile on her face as she turns the box in her small hands, observing every little detail on it. "I take it you like it?" Chloe grins, tilting her head a bit.

"Duh! This is amazing, I can't wait to start using it!" Max speaks excitedly as she encloses the box in her arms, not planning to let go of it anytime soon. She felt a little bit like a small child who got a new toy.

"Well, good. Come on, let's finish our shopping. Still got that mental list?" Chloe asked, leaning her body onto the buggy and heading out of the aisle. Max's smile never faltered, "I told you I wouldn't forget anything." But once her eyes roamed the buggy's contents, she notices a missing item. "Wait, Chloe, you didn't grab the milk did you? I told you to get it while we were down there."

In truth, the officer was too busy eyeing the small girl to hear what she had said. "Oh, oops. Uh, I'll just jog down there and get it." She starts her way down there, turning to hear Max say: "I'll be at the frozen foods, come find me when you're done!" Chloe nods, don't worry, I'd never lose you.

Max lets her eyes linger on the blue-haired girl before making her way to the aisle. I shouldn't have worn shorts, she thinks as she observes the different frozen pizzas. Chloe likes the supreme, but I like cheese. I'll just get both. She goes to open the door, but a hand slams it closed. Her eyes see the bruised hand, and travel them up the arm before landing on the face she never expected to see again. She could feel her heartbeat in her throat.

"N-Nathan?" She chokes out, grabbing the metal cart for balance. No, no, this can't be happening again!

"Finally got bailed out of that shithole. Bet you didn't you expect to see me again, hm? I came back for you, because you're mine, Max," Nathan growls through clenched teeth. "You think anyone else would want you?" The Prescott scoffs, before looking at her filled-up cart. "You can't afford all that." Then he looks at the camera box she holds tightly in her hand, "You definitely can't afford that."

His anger rises, knowing she must be here with someone else. "Who the fuck are you with? You should've waited for me to get out!" Max would've answered, but she's terrified. The air in her lungs no longer exist. "Give me that damn thing!" He tries to snatch the box away from the brunette, before a gallon of milk smacks him in the face; causing him to fall onto his back.

The officer appears beside Max, eyeing Nathan. "Why are you here? I told you to stay the fuck away from her!" Chloe could feel her blood boiling. How did he find us here? Pure anger filled her every sense as she balled up her fists, ready to attack. She wanted nothing more than to beat his face in, but a small hand on her arm stops her. "Chloe…"

"Max, stay out of this. I'll handle it." The Punk pushes Max's hand off of her arm, only to feel it being placed again. "Chloe, please! Let's just go!"

"Are you gonna stand here and take this from him? Clearly he needs to go back to where he belongs," Chloe hisses under her breath, grimacing at the man standing up from being pushed to the ground. His side is drenched in milk, the gallon busted after hitting the floor.

"It's you again," Nathan breathed heavily. Max could feel a heavy weight on her chest as she glanced around at all the people surrounding them. This is just a dream, he isn't really here. Just a bad dream, she told herself repeatedly in her mind.

Max couldn't grasp the reality of the situation until she felt Chloe harshly stumble back a few steps. She looked up to see Chloe holding her hand over a harsh bruise on her face.

"You're gonna get it now, fucker!" Chloe shouts as she lunges forward, but the small brunette behind her wraps her arms around the officers torso before she can get to Nathan. Max's clutch is lethal, tears threatening to leak from her lids.

Surprise hit The Punk like a truck as she cranes her head to see her companion latched on for dear life. All of her focus situated on the smaller girl, not noticing the rage rushing at the pair. Nathan's hand grasps Max's thin wrist, yanking it towards himself. "You're mine!"

But the officer wasn't having it, her large hand wraps around their attacker's throat; squeezing and pushing with all her might. "You don't fucking lay a hand on her! She's not an object, she's a human! One that you destroyed! You ruined her!" With one final push she finally releases Nathan's throat, he sputters and coughs trying to compose himself.

"And I will never let you harm her, ever again." She licks her lips, tasting a metallic tang. Chloe uses her sleeve to wipe the blood from her nose, turning to walk back to Max; running when she sees her limp against the cart. "God, fuck, I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"

A small hand slips into her own, giving it a small squeeze. "You saved me again, don't be sorry. Now, can we just go home? I don't want to be here anymore." Max speaks shakily, needing some time to process what happened. The officer nods, moving her free hand behind the brunette's head to push it forward; placing a soft kiss on her forehead. When they turn to leave, Nathan is already gone.

"Don't worry, I've got you." And Chloe never let go of her hand.

Max put up the groceries when they got home, and the officer tried to find anything to kill her abusive headache. In the end, the small girl ended up taking care of her; as usual. Max is really good at patching things up, I just wish she would've had to learn it a different way.

"Every time you leave the house you come back hurt in some kind of way, how do you accomplish that, Chloe?" The brunette fusses at her companion, dabbing at the dried blood as Chloe sits on the lid of the toilet. "I dunno, I guess I just have a knack for hurting things and getting hurt. It's the Price's family curse."

Max smiles and laughs lightly, "Family curse, huh? We might just have to figure out a way to break that." The officer's eyes admires Max's features; especially her lips. "I think I already know a way," she whispers.

The small girl freezes as she stares back into the blue orbs observing her, she tries to stay level as they rise above herself. Chloe's larger body looms over her own, staring intensely. "The sunshine that brought light into my dull days. My lucky charm. Through all the pain, I've only seen one definite thing these past weeks."

She steps forward, Max stepping back; they repeat these movements until Max's back hits the wall. Her breathing becomes uneasy. "I- I couldn't imagine what it could be." She doesn't feel trapped, or intimidated, everything's… fine? Like… like it was meant to happen.

"I can. It's you, it'll always be you." With a final step, their faces are inches apart. "I- I think Nathan was right..." The small girl pushes past the enclosed space, grasping the sink as tears threaten to spill.

"He's always been right. I shouldn't have came here at all, I've just been annoying and useless. I feel like… no one could ever love someone like me. Maybe this is life telling me that this is what I deserve." The harsh grip on the sink turns her knuckles white, trying to hold herself together.

"You really think that?" Chloe voice cracks, sorrow building from her companion's rant. "Because I don't." She steps forward again, placing her hand on Max's shoulder to turn her around; she waits till they're face to face to continue.

"You don't know who you are, or the impact you have. That guy didn't show you love or compassion, that isn't love. It will never be." The officer's hand covers Max's cheek, tracing the outline of her ear. "But I can show you different, you just have to let me."

The blush forming across the brunette's cheeks causes her face to warm up, every feeling of despair vanished with the blue-haired girl's touch. "Let me in, Max. What are you so afraid of? I'm here for you, I'll always be here for you," She spoke in soft whispers.

And suddenly, Max didn't feel like a victim anymore. Every defense that Nathan forced her to build up had been torn down, by someone she never expected. Everything that hurt inside crumbled and smoldered to ash. Only Chloe stood there with the torch that burned it down. Chloe, with her hard eyes, but soft words.

She hadn't noticed how close their faces appeared to each other again, but she didn't mind it.

"Move away if you don't want this."

Max is not prepared for the next moment.