The punk sighs as she covers her eyes. The October morning sunlight wakes her up and she rolls on her side. It's almost noon. But they had a long trip and a long night, so they deserved a good sleep. She looks at her beautiful girlfriend. No, she's not her girlfriend, she's her fiancée. And even so, she will be her wife in hours. She smiles and kisses the brunette on the face who grumbles a little.

'Hey, wake up' the tattooist whispers.

'Why?'

'Come on! Today's the big day, right?'

'Yeah' she opens her eyes slowly.

'How was my old bed?'

'Cool. I love your old room'

'Reason?'

'Memories' she smiles and snuggles.

'We still can eat together before your parents arrive to take you away'

'Sounds good, but I'm fine'

'Maybe, but I'm hella hungry' she giggles.

'Okay, okay' she sighs 'Two more minutes'

'Hey, Max?'

'Yeah?'

'I love you'

'Love you, too. I'm happy we can get married on this day'

'October 7th. Yeah' she smiles softly.

'Are you really happy with me?'

'Do we really have to do this today?' she rolls her eyes.

'Sorry. But these past months were crazy. I'm surprised we could actually get everything done'

'But we could. You know why?'

'Because we're in this together'

'Exactly' she kisses her gently.

'I don't really want to get up. It's so good here, in your arms'

'I know, I know, but come on. We're running out of time. Let's get dressed, and then… geez… it really is happening. You're gonna be my wife'

'Yeah' she tucks into her hair 'I miss your blue hair sometimes. We really are…'

'Growing up'

'It's scary.'

'It hella is. But we're in this together'

'Yeah' she sits up 'We really have to go, right?'

'Afraid so' she sighs.

'After all the horror' she puts on her jeans 'we finally get what we truly deserve'

'Hopefully' she smiles as she hands Max's T-shirt over.

'And soon enough it'll get even better'

'Yeah. You have everything, right?'

'I guess' she picks up her bag.

'Hey, can you smell it?' she licks her bottom lip.

'Wowser. We haven't got our special since we moved to Portland'

'I'm starving'

'Hold on' she gently grabs her wrist.

'What's wrong?' she raises her eyebrow.

'I'm… just…'

'You don't wanna quit now… do you?'

'No, no, it's not that' she snuggles 'I just want you to know… that I'd be nowhere without you. And I truly am grateful for you'

'And I'm the sentimental stupid punk' she giggles 'Hey. I'd most probably be dead if we wouldn't be together. You give my life a meaning'

'You sentimental stupid punk' she chuckles as she gently kisses her.

'Hey, kids!' Joyce shouts from the kitchen 'Don't you think it's time?'

'Coming, mom' Chloe sighs and opens the door.

They get downstairs. Everybody's there. The tattooist takes her place at the table.

'I'm starving. I could eat a horse'

'Good to know you're not nervous' Joyce places the plate in front of her.

'Why would I be?'

'Maybe because it's a decision of your life' Rachel shrugs smiling.

'I wish every decision I had to make were this easy' she grins.

'Was it really that easy?' Ryan asks.

'Yeah' she shrugs as she sips her coffee 'I knew I love her. So why should I have waited? I promised her I'm gonna marry her. And I proposed as soon as it was possible. She can escape anytime though' she grins at Max.

'Maybe I will'

'Go.' she shrugs.

'Asshole' she mumbles 'Like I could leave you'

'You can' she finishes her breakfast.

'No way. You know too much about me. If I left you, I have to kill you as well'

'Kill me'

'You two are mental' Matt laughs 'Max, you can't kill her. I need her. She's the best employee I could get'

'Well, thanks, boss' Rachel playfully punches him in the arm.

'You're not the same, blondie. You're great as well' he winks.

'Time to go' Vanessa says and stands up.

'Hey, hipster' the punk gently holds her hand as the others walk out.

'Yeah?'

'Don't dare to leave me today'

'I'll leave you tomorrow then' she grins as she wraps her arms around her neck.

'Okay. That's okay' she whispers.

'I feel nervous'

'Me too, baby. You can chicken out'

'No. No… I'm with you'

'You're shaking'

'I'm so happy. I could…'

'Don't. Don't cry, okay?' she whispers.

'I'm trying. I love you'

'I love you, too'

'It really is happening…' she sniffles 'I'm so lucky to have you'

'And I'm sentimental' she caresses her face 'Don't cry. Hey' she leans to the brunette's ear 'do you know why tonight's gonna be special?'

'Why?'

'Because tonight will be the first time of making love with my wifey'

'I kinda hate you know' she chuckles.

'Maxine!' Vanessa calls her again, losing her patience.

'Coming' she sighs 'See you soon'

'Take care, hippie' she gently kisses her on the lips.

'Well, C, are you ready?' Rachel smiles.

'It's not that big a deal. I'm gonna change my clothes, that's all'

'Are you serious? You're not even nervous?'

'Why should I be?' she shrugs 'I'm marrying the person I love'

'You're hardcore, Chloe… Now, come on. Let's get ready. I'll help you'

The girls head back to Chloe's room. The blonde sits on the edge of the bed, her eyes explore the room. She sighs slowly. The punk sits next to her.

'You okay, Rach?'

'It really has been a while… I remember how much fun we had here'

'Hey, it's okay. These are… good memories, right?'

'Yeah. Then I fucked everything up. We… never talked about it'

'Do you really think we should?'

'I never gave you an explanation. And…'

'It's okay. You can, now' she smiles softly.

'I loved you. I loved you so much'

'I know' she giggles 'You really were into me. What happened then? We planned everything. Then you just… disappeared.'

'I know. I loved being with you, you know? Like, geez, I never felt that free. But when we were not together, I felt… filthy, like… I felt disgusted by myself. That was the time when I started banging Frank…'

'Fuck, I wish I've never known about that…'

'You would've found it out, sooner or later. But I should've been the one to tell you. Shit… When I got to LA, everything was… so different there. People don't really care about who you are with, you know? I learned that love is love. Love is genderless. Or at least it is, for me. But hey' she smiles.

'What?'

'We had fun. And we're friends, again. It's great, you know?'

'It is'

'You're so different since Max's back. Alive, responsible… happy.'

'I was happy with you' she playfully pokes her side 'And I'm happy you're back'

'So I really am forgiven'

'You're back after all, right?'

'I came back for you. I didn't mean… Shit…' she sighs.

'Hey, it's okay' she smiles softly 'You're happy, I'm happy, we're friends, everything's cool, right?'

'Hella cool' she smirks 'Okay, let's get ready. Show me your suit'

'It's nothing extra-vagant. Just a regular suit' she walks to her wardrobe.

'I just can't believe you're getting married today'

'Well, who can?' she grins as she starts changing.

'What about your vows?'

'I have everything in my head. Much rather, in my heart'

'I didn't even know you can be this sentimental'

'Oh fuck it, Rach!' she laughs as she puts on her white shirt.

'I just see that Max and I are very different in your eyes'

'Max and I… we grew up together'

'You loved her before you realized it, huh? Like, she broke your heart when she left you behind and moved to Seattle'

'It was awkward' she cleared her throat 'I wanted to give her a little time to settle in and all. Then it just felt strange, like, you know… I wanted to write her, but after so many months what should I have said? "Hey, Max, it's Chloe, remember me? Your best friend you left behind" Oh, no. Those times sucked. My dad died, Max left me… And then you came along to rescue me'

'Hell yeah, like I was such a great friend or girlfriend' she sighs 'I left you as well. Without an explanation. And I still can't talk about it. It… sucks'

'Hey, it's okay. Stop blaming yourself! What do you think?' she scratches her neck.

'You look good. Turn around'

'It's happening' she whispers as she turns around.

'You're nervous after all!' she chuckles.

'A little bit'

'Cute. What's with your tie?' she stands up and walks to her 'Let me fix that'

'Thanks'

'So…'

'So?'

'Am I losing you once again?'

'You gotta be kidding me, Rach… You live in our flat. Of course you're not losing me. Dumbass!'

'But after Max finishes college, you're gonna move, right?'

'Well, yeah'

'So I'm losing you after all'

'Wanna come with us?' she rolls her eyes 'You may start modeling for real. That was your plan, right? Plus, you wouldn't be alone'

'Sounds good' she sighs as she lets Chloe's tie go.

'What's wrong?'

'I love her, you know? I can't just leave her behind'

'Hey, we still have time, right? You can decide later, Rach'

'C, it's not that. Why do I always have to be the leaver? For at least once in my life, I wanna be the one who stays. Can we talk about it later?' she sighs 'It's your big day. Sorry. My insecurities… Fuck it…'

'It's okay' she smiles softly 'We're gonna talk about it. I promise. So, shall we go?'

'I guess. Hey?'

'Yeah?'

'You look good'

'You too' she smiles as she walks out of her old room.

Chloe's anxiety is growing as they're getting near the beach. As Joyce parks the car and gets out, the punk bites her bottom lip.

'I'm coming soon. Give me some minutes, okay? Just… check things out. That everything is fine'

'You okay?' she raises her eyebrow.

'Yeah' she smiles 'I just need some minutes'

'Okay, but hurry up'

Chloe takes some deep breathes, trying to calm herself down. It's happening. The big day has finally come. Minutes later she sees the door open and close and Matt sits next to her.

'Now what, Price?' he grins 'Are you nervous?'

'Hella' she sighs.

'Hey, pull yourself together. Everybody's here. Everything's cool. Right?'

'Right' she nods.

'Come on then! You want this, right? Hey, you're marrying her!'

'I know, I know… Will things be… much different?'

'Yeah' he smiles at her 'You'll be wife and wife, right? That changes lots of things. You know she loves you. She said yes. You asked her. Come on! Let's go, Price!'

'What if I mess up?'

'Stop it! Get out of the car! Now!'

'But Matt…'

'Things are going to be fine' he opens the door 'Come on' he gets out and holds out his hand.

Chloe takes the man's hand with a sigh and walks up to the beach. She takes a look around. Everything seems to be fine. Everyone's here, except for Max and Ryan. Everything is just as planned. She walks up to the registrar and shakes her hand.

'We may start anytime now'

'If you would excuse us, only for a couple of minutes' Joyce stands up.

The punk takes a several steps away from the others and nervously looks at her mother.

'Now what, kiddo?' the woman chuckles 'You look nervous'

'I am. A little bit. What if she changed her mind?'

'I hope only your anxiety makes you say that' she starts fixing her tie 'Who did this?'

'Rachel wasn't on top of that' she smiles.

'I wish your father was here' she sighs.

'I know. Me too. Do you think he'd be okay with this?'

'God, he gave you everything he could. Of course. And he loved Max as well. I think he'd be more than okay with this. I just wanted you to know I really am proud of you'

'Really, mom? Can't we just save the mushy shit for later?'

'Seriously. I hope you just won't regret this. I mean, Max is a great girl… woman, but I still think you're too young'

'Mom…' she rolls her eyes 'How old were you when you got married?'

'Nice save. Are you ready?'

'I am' she takes a last deep breath.

Everybody takes his place and the ceremony begins. As the music starts the tattooist hesitates for a moment before she turns her head. There she comes. She forces her jaw no to drop. As she sees Max in the long, white dress she even forgets to breathe for some seconds. Words can't describe the photographer's beauty. The blonde watches as she moves toward her, along with her father who keeps whispering to her. The man stops right before her. She nervously clears her throat.

'You have to promise me you're going to take good care of her'

'I promise' she smiles as they shake hands.

The registrar starts her speech, but none of them can listen to her. They're lost in each other's eyes.

'You're so beautiful' Chloe mouths.

'Who's talking?' she mouths back, smiling.

'I love you'

'I love you, too'

'And now, your vows, please' the registrar clears her throat 'Maxine?'

'Who would I be without you?' she starts 'A shy, introverted, cliché hipster. Even when we were young, you brought excitement to my life. When I got back to Arcadia Bay, you stirred the still water of my life. I had nothing to do, really. Nothing but to study. Booooring. Two years ago we reunited. You came back to my life as a guardian angel, we left the Blackwell parking lot as rock stars and then, I was totally ready for your mosh pit, shaka brah' she chuckles 'We had our fights, we had to face difficulties and I think it will never change. What matters, you did everything you could for me. Anytime, anywhere. You were always there for me. You didn't fight the dragon for me. You hugged me when I was the dragon. Nobody cared as much for me as you do. Today I swear I'm never leaving your side. We're going to fight all the difficulties, together. I swear I'm always going to be your partner in time'

'Chloe?'

'Where do I begin? I remember shards of our childhood. I've always been a hell raiser, but you followed me wherever I went. Sometimes you tried to save me from trouble, but I was so persistent. I remember the sleepovers, how we used to laze weekends away. Other times we went on adventures and we were so busted afterwards' she giggles 'When you left, I felt like life was sucked out of me. You were the light of my life and I hadn't realized it until you came back. It was so surreal, but we were together again. You brought light back into my life. With you by my side I feel alive again. I learned to say sorry, to be responsible, I finally grew up. I believe we're destined to be together. Now, at the age of twenty-one I know how to give instead of receive all the time. I know how to forgive. You taught me staying angry is not on option, it's nothing more but poison for the soul. My anger towards the world disappeared, thanks to you. Today I swear I'm going to be your always faithful companion, no matter how hard it will be'

'The rings, please' Rachel steps forward, handing the rings 'Maxine Caulfield, do you promise to this sentimental stupid punk you will always be her partner in crime?'

'I do'

'Chloe Elizabeth Price, do you promise to this dumbass hipster you will always be her partner in time?'

'I do'

'From now on, you are wife and wife. You may kiss'

The punk gently cups the brunette's face, softly kissing her on the lips. A few teardrops leave her eyes.

'Why the fuck are you crying?' the photographer sobs and laughs at the same time.

'Because' she chuckles 'now I can say something I really wanted for a long time. I mean, officially'

'What?'

'I love you, wifey'

'I love you too' she kisses her on the cheek 'Who's taking us home to change?'

'Matt. I still can't believe this. You're so fucking beautiful. I love you so much. Wifey' she adds with a grin.

'We're married' she whisperes.

'Guys, can we go?' Matt asks softly 'We need to hurry. Fast change, right? We can't miss dinner. Max, your mother gave me your dress. Let's go already!' he grins.

The punk laughs as she takes Max's hand and they head to Matt's car. They promise to get to the restaurant in time. The girls head to Chloe's room as fast as they can. The blonde puts off her suit and trousers immediately and heads to the wardrobe.

'You could really help me' the brunette clears her throat.

'Do you think it's a good idea?' she pins her to the door.

'What do you mean?'

'I'm craving you' she bites her bottom lip 'And we don't have time for this, right?'

'No, Chlo, seriously' she giggles 'I'm not teasing you. I really need help to get out of this dress'

'So, you're gonna show me what's under your dress' she kisses her hard.

'You know we don't have time for this' she moans as the tattooist's lips wander to her neck.

'I'm so sorry. I'm gonna help you' she turns her around, unzips the dress and kisses her neck again.

'Chloe…'

'I can't resist. Just a little bit. Please…'

'A little bit. But really, only a little bit' she finally puts off the wedding dress.

'You know' she whispers in her ear as she grabs her breast from behind 'I really want you right now'

'We can't' she moans 'Let it be enough until we come back, okay?'

'Give me a piece of you' she licks in her ear as her left hand starts its journey downwards.

'We can't' she moans again.

'A quick look' she gently caresses Max's womanhood.

'Don't' she sighs.

'But you're aroused. Don't deny it. You're dripping wet' she whispers seductively in her ear'

'I don't deny. But please, you know we need to go. But tonight you get as much of me as you want'

'We'll have a very long night. But it's still hard to resist….'

'Chloe!'

'Okay, sorry, I know, I know' she kisses her on the cheek and walks back to the wardrobe.

'I hate you' she pants.

'You're welcome' she laughs as she chooses a pair of more comfortable pants.

'And you'll have to help me again. You have to zip this brand new, short red dress, too'

'Okay, now I hate you!' she giggles as she puts on the pants 'Which jacket though? Black or brown?'

'Black. Now, help me, please, and let's go, before my mother blows the fuse at everyone!'

'Okay' she zips the dress 'You're hella beautiful' she kisses her long and soft.

'Let's go'

'Why are you so tense?' she opens the door.

'I just want things to be perfect'

'I really wanna know what Rachel wrote in her speech. She can be…'

'Too much?' she chuckles.

'Well, I don't know how your mother's gonna get that.

'We'll be fine. Hold on. Your tie…'

'It's not the best day for my tie' she giggles 'It's the third time it needs to be fixed. Or maybe you just make excuses to touch me'

'Dumbass'

'Love you' she kisses her on the lips and Matt honks.

He grins wide and leans out of the window.

'You can make out in the car, for fuck's sake! We're late already!'

Chloe, rolling her eyes takes the photographer's hand and gets in the car. She has some things to say on the tip of her tongue but she lets the words go. She doesn't say a word until they reach the restaurant. She hesitates. Which room was it? She sighs as she realizes there was no need to worry. They get the directions at the reception. They take their places and finish dinner while sharing random stories. After dinner Rachel stands up slowly and clears her throat. The punk gently takes Max's hand under the table.

'We all know these two. Or at least Chloe, because, well, her name was well known all around Arcadia Bay. You know, when I first met her, she looked at me and I thought that she could kill me with her eyes. You have this feeling when you just meet someone and you know that you're connected. Like, deeply. And when we became really good friends in a very short time, she opened up. Do you know what's the most annoying thing when you make a new friend, a friend you believe is your soul mate? That you hear about someone else, while you think you're the only one. All I could hear was "I wish Max was here", "I miss Max", "I wish I was more like Max", and I was just like "Who the fuck is Max?!", well…' she stops and waits for the laughter 'Little I knew about Max. As the years passed, whoa, we went through much. Chloe's someone who just won't let you get bored. And during our teenage years we did almost everything. Everybody knew, but we were so unstoppable. Tattoos, piercings, booze, drugs, dives, concerts, boys… Nothing serious. We had fun together. But not a fucking single day passed without hearing Max's name at least once. When I left Arcadia Bay without a word' she sighs 'it broke my heart. I had my time in LA, without her. It wasn't that bad, but damn, we could have had so much fun together there! And do you know what I got when I got back to the Bay? "Oh yeah, uhm… I'm with Max now". With who? I must've misheard it. So instead of stalking the shit out of her, which I actually wanted pretty bad, I gathered info, you know, there's always sources in Arcadia. I mean, I knew that little hell raiser changed. When you look into someone's eyes and see that little light of life inside? That light was a fire. Much, much bigger when she used to hang out with me. So I really wanted to know who this Max is. It wasn't hard to regain Chloe's friendship, you know? She seems to be stone cold, but hell, would you tell she loves sappy movies? Even so, she cries about how the characters deserved better. Like, this girl, right here! Sorry C, I love you!' she chuckles 'The harder thing was let Max see that I'm not a bad person. When I succeeded I was watching them. I envied their relationship, but who didn't? They were made for each other. I saw Chloe growing up. And who believed she could ever be tamed? She learned not to chase life but to love it. I live with them for a while but I can say I still envy them. If every relationship would be as perfect as theirs, dating sites should be just shut down. If you dare start crying, I'm gonna beat the shit out of you!' she points a finger at the punk laughing, who's just sniffled 'But anyways, guys, you two really are a dream couple. Let it last forever. And right before that idiot starts crying, let's go and get wasted!'

The blondie takes nothing, she insists to get over to the bar. The parents leave, while the young adults head to the other side of the road and hit the bar. After several shots and beers they hit the dance floor. The punk kisses the brunette hard.

'Shall we go soon?' Max whispers.

'Sure. I love you'

'Love you, too' they kiss again.

Rachel interrupts them. She's drunk, Chloe knows her slur well.

'Max, if you don't mind… just for some minutes'

'Sure' she smiles and walks back to their table.

'You okay, Rach?'

'Sure, I'm fine. May I?' she holds out her arms.

'You're drunk' she grins 'I know your slur so well. But yeah, come here!'

'Will you promise me something?' she wraps her arms around the tattooist's neck.

'Sure'

'Will we stay in touch?'

'You live with us, dumbass. I thought we talked about this already'

'No, C, seriously. You're… married now. It's still hard to believe. But… you're my only very good friend. I can't lose you again, okay? And I may not move to LA, but… if that happens…' she sniffles.

'I'm never gonna forget about you' she smiles softly 'We're gonna stay in touch. I promise'

'You're such a good person. And the best friend anyone can wish for. Even after I left you and broke your heart…'

'Hey, that's history. Let it go, okay?'

'You really have changed. For the better. Max is the best for you. I'm happy for you two. Don't let her go again. Ever'

'I won't'

'And hey, if I end up in LA, too… I can promote your stuff' she winks.

'You're so scared…'

'I fucking am' she nods and lets some tears loose.

'You're not gonna lose me. I promise' she wipes the tears with her thumb.

'I should…' she lets the punk go 'It wasn't a good idea. Max won't be…'

'She won't be jealous' she smiles.

'You should go and fuck the night away. From now on, you're wife and wife, right? It's something special.'

'Not until you give me a smile'

'Sure' she smiles weakly.

'I want a real smile'

'Sorry' she sighs.

'Show me that you really are happy for me. And stop crying'

'I really am happy for you, C' she smiles again.

'That's what I wanted to see. Don't worry. You're not gonna lose me. But now, I really should go'

'See you soon'

The punk gently takes Max's hand. They walk out of the bar but stop after some steps. Chloe kisses the brunette long and soft.

'You know what, wifey?'

'What?'

'Our new life has just begun. And I love it'

'So do I. And I love you'

'I love you too, wifey'