Hey guys. So, this one follows on from last chapter, detailing what mischief Max, Chloe and Rachel got up to after the runway.

Chapter Five: The 'Third Wheel' Conundrum

The three of them decided to take Chloe's truck to their destination. Apparently, it wasn't close enough to walk to. Or at least that's what Rachel claimed. One problem… there were only two seats available. It didn't take a genius to work out that three people vs. two seats didn't add up.

"What're we going to do about seating?" Max asked, a little apprehensive to find out the answer to that particular puzzle. "Chloe will be driving, so that leaves the two of us."

"We could battle it out… or we can save time and energy by having you sit on my lap," Rachel offered, taking no small amount of pleasure from the embarrassment that ensued.

Blue eyes widened at the suggestion. "What?"

Not really seeing any alternative, Rachel pressed ahead. "Where else are you going to sit? In the back?"

"Could strap you to the roof," Chloe unhelpfully suggested, smirking lightly at the mental image.

Realizing that she had little choice other than accepting or running, Max resigned herself to her fate. "Okay, okay… fine. You win."

"Rach, keep your hands off my girl, okay?" Chloe demanded as they stepped outside, her possessive streak coming out in full force. She knew what her friend was like and as much as she loved Rachel like a sister, she could push her luck sometimes. "I see even one wandering finger and I'll break it. Got it?"

"Oooh, possessive. I like it." When Chloe narrowed her eyes, meaning business, Rachel held her hands up defensively. "Fine, I'll keep my hands to myself."

"You'd better, otherwise I'm kicking you out and revoking your right to use my truck," Chloe added, sounding very serious.

The journey was surprisingly uneventful, Rachel keeping her promise in return for her riding privileges. It was tempting, but not worth the punishment. As for Max, she tried hovering for a while but it hurt her thighs. Eventually, she gave in and put her full weight on Rachel, admittedly not much in the first place. The whole situation was embarrassing, especially with Rachel adding an unnecessary comment here and there. They finally made it to their destination, Arcadia Bay's 'beach'.

Eager to know what they were doing, Max finally voiced her question. "Dare I ask what we're doing?"

"You'll find out soon enough. Nothing too rebellious… by my standards," Rachel added as an afterthought.

"So reassuring," Max muttered under her breath as she got out of the truck.

Chloe stepped out, coming to stand in front of her and affectionately nudging her arm. "Come on, Max. Live a little. I won't let anything bad happen to you, promise."

"It's not me I'm worried about…" The shy hipster corrected nervously. Her girlfriend had a bad habit of getting herself injured whenever she did something stupid… which was most of the time.

"Worried about me, huh?" Chloe couldn't help but smile. "Cute. I can take care of myself, though."

Max gave her a skeptical look, arms crossed. "Can you now? I have a ton of experience telling me otherwise."

"She is pretty accident prone," Rachel admitted. Out of everyone she knew, Chloe Price had the worst luck when it came to injury. If there was a bone to be broken, she would manage it.

Chloe shot a frustrated glance her way. "Not helping, Rach."

In response, the blonde simply shrugged. "Just sayin'."

"Well don't." With a sigh, she turned back to Max, taking hold of her shoulders and looking her straight in the eyes. "I'll be fine, Max. You're, like, my good luck charm or something. Nothing bad happens when you're around."

"Whereas I am the bringer of misfortune," Rachel hissed melodramatically, an evil grin plastered to her face. "Prepare to meet your DOOM!"

Chloe stared at her, amused by the display. "You are such a nerd. I wonder what everyone would think if they found out Rachel Amber, Blackwell's badass celebrity, acted like this."

Rachel just shrugged again. "Some people'd dig it."

"Right, I forgot Blackwell was filled with nerds and assholes exclusively," the bluenette chuckled, shaking her head.

"Hope I fit into the nerd category," Max interrupted.

"Max, you are literally right at the top. No competition," Chloe stated matter-of-factly, with Rachel nodding at her conclusion.

"Thanks… I guess." She wasn't quite sure whether to take that as a compliment or insult.

"Lucky for you, I'm into nerds," Chloe mentioned with a wink, patting her on the back. "They're hella cute." That got Max blushing, as she had hoped. She was just too cute sometimes. Striping down to her underwear Rachel ran towards the water, shivering slightly as she waded in. Max looked away shyly while Chloe smirked. "You have no shame…"

"And you have no balls," Rachel shot back challengingly. "Come on, join me."

Chloe crossed her arms, defiant. "I'd rather not catch a cold, thank you very much."

"Chicken!" Rachel cried out as she splashed them. She then proceeded to sulk, ignoring them.

"She's like a damn child…" Chloe muttered as she sat down on the sandy shore.

"Like you can talk," Max observed, smiling to herself as she joined the blue-haired punk.

"You'd better take that back, Caulfield. Or else…" she threatened playfully, leaving the sentence unfinished and open for interpretation.

"Or else what?" Max shot back, not quite as confidently as her girlfriend. She still hadn't gotten the hang of this whole flirting thing. Gradually, she was getting there.

"Or else, this..." Chloe leaned in, moving her face inches away from Max's. Her breath was warm and smelled faintly of cigarette smoke. Before she could get any closer, the pair were drenched with seawater. They blinked at one another, confused. It didn't take them long to realize who had splashed them. A mischievous blonde jokester. Chloe turned to Rachel, scowling.

To that, Rachel just grinned smugly. "Just had to remind you I was still here. I mean, hey I don't mind watching or anything. It'd be like one of those trashy romance novels come to life, but so much better."

Max felt her cheeks redden, refusing to meet either Rachel or Chloe's gaze. Rachel got out of the water, shaking off like a dog and getting dressed again. She plonked herself down next to the blushing girl, out of Chloe's reach. Just in case. Gradually, the embarrassment and annoyance passed, giving way to contentment as they all stared out over the sea, watching the sunset. Predictably, Max wanted to take some picture, first of the scene on its own and then with the three of them.

As the final picture left the camera, Rachel snatched it up before the others had a chance, grinning at the result. "Now this one needs a frame."

Chloe took it from her, nodding approvingly. "Definitely a keeper."

As the temperature began to drop, Max shivered. Given her slight figure, small and thin, she got cold easily. Noticing this, Chloe shuffled closer and put her arm around her shoulder, sharing warmth. Thankful, Max rested her head against Chloe, sighing contently. It was moments like this the pair appreciated more than anything. They didn't need word.

Well, don't I feel like a third wheel. Rachel grinned as she watched them, idly tracing swirling patterns in the sand. Seeing Chloe and Max so content, that was worth the slight feeling of isolation.

Have a great day and see you next time.