Wake Me Up When September Ends
Part Three – You Drive Me Wild
Song by The Runaways
Warning: This chapter contains NSFW content. View at your own discretion. If you don't like sex-related content, skim until you're past it. Don't leave me a review that is nothing but your not liking the sex stuff. That's nothing but rude and I'll be tempted to block you.
The storm had hit just when Max and Chloe had reached the bottom of the hill. Receiving only a single crash of thunder as warning, both girls had hurled obscenities into the air as the ensuing downpour began to drench them both. Sprinting to Chloe's truck, Max slammed her passenger door shut as Chloe jumped into her seat so quickly that her head landed in Max's lap. Laughing, Max had ran her hand through Chloe's mess of wet blue hair as Chloe joined her in the mirth. Watching as Chloe turned herself around, Max beaned at the look of child-like glee on her girlfriend's face. You're really perfect sometimes, Chloe. You don't know this, but a smile from you like the one I'm seeing now can last me forever if need be.
Pulling her knees up, Max watched as Chloe's head was lifted toward her until she was kissing the bluenette with their rain-soaked hair plastering each other's faces. Tasting rain and Chloe, Max put a hand to Chloe's jawline and rubbed her thumb along it as she continued the kiss. Pulling away to take a breath, Max saw what she was looked initially to be rain on Chloe's face. Taking a moment to gaze into her girlfriend's eyes, Max realized that Chloe was crying.
"Chloe? Chloe, what's wrong?" Max asked, getting a warm grin in reply.
"Nothing's wrong, babe. A lady can't be happy and cry?" Chloe asked, putting her hand on Max's as she intertwined their fingers together.
"You keep mentioning this lady. I'm gonna get jealous. That, or really fucking confused," Max chided teasingly, Chloe shaking her head in response with a look of slight irritation.
"Max, I'm serious. I'm…I'm happy. You're here, with me, and we're together. Never mind the lighthouse and how…how great that had been. Just you being here is amazeballs, dude. Don't kill the moment with your awkward need to deflect into humor."
Whoa, Max thought, What a way to cut through me, Che. I…I don't deflect. I'm just joking around. What's the harm in joking? I can't tease? Max sat in contemplative silence, completely unaware that Chloe was watching her. Do I deflect? I mean, is joking really that bad? I thought you liked my sense of humor, Che. W-Why would I avoid anything? I don't have any-
"Earth to Max. Come in, Max." Snapping out of her thoughts with Chloe's baiting, Max blinked her eyes a few times before looking back down at a concerned Chloe. "Dude, I didn't mean to fucking shut you down. I was just trying to be serious."
"For cereal? You?" Max said, biting her lip as she caught herself trying to deflect, "Ugh, I'm sorry. I guess my defenses are still pretty high, Che. I know what you mean, though. I'm happy to be here too, my lovely Che nestled in my lap."
Seeing Chloe respond by pretending to yawn as she closed her eyes with a look of pleasure and contentment, Max stroked her girlfriend's hair before noticing that Chloe's booted feet were getting pounded on by the rainfall. Looking down to see Chloe's head in her lap, Max shrugged and continued to stroke her girlfriend's hair. Thank you, Chloe, for being loving enough to hold off a bit longer. I know that things got hella steamy up there. I really want you, too. I also want it to not be in something that could pass for a meth lab. Leaning down, Max kissed Chloe on the forehead and watched with delight as Chloe pretended to suddenly awaken.
"Oh, is it 'Chlo White' now?" Max joked, Chloe's sweet grin the only reply she needed. "I don't want to be a handsome prince, Che."
"Then be my amazeballs SuperMax. Shredding guitar faster than a speeding poser, able to mace douchebag assfuckers with a single spray, more hella than a locomotive! Suuuper Max!"
"And you call me a nerd!"
"You are a nerd, Max Caulfield. I'm just cool as fuck."
"You're something 'as fuck', alright. Not so sure about 'cool', though," Max said as she pushed her knees all the way to her chest so Chloe had no choice but to sit up, "Time to head back, Che."
"Awwwww…" Chloe's pout was answered with a kiss from Max, the brunette following up by kissing Chloe on the nose. "Max, I was so comfy…"
"Let's go, Che. We can be hella comfy at your house, brat." Sticking out her tongue at Chloe, the other girl having started it with her own show of disappointment, Max giggled as Chloe begrudgingly started her truck up and headed out of the lighthouse parking lot. Never change, Chloe. Pulling her Polaroid out, Max snapped a shot of her angst-ridden girlfriend just in time to catch a middle finger aimed at her. Never change.
Max smiled amusedly as Chloe practically ran into the door, both girls trying to cross the front yard through the downpour as quickly as possible. Holy shit, you can't even tell that it's still daytime, Max thought as she looked out the window, Chloe shutting the door behind them. Wowsers, it's so dark outside. Turning around, Max blushed as Chloe took her hoodie and hung it next to her own soaked jacket. Why are you being all formal and shit, Chloe Price? What are you thinking in that dyed brain of yours?
Looking at the empty hallway, Max told Chloe she would be right back as she headed upstairs. Unlocking the bedroom door, Max slipped into what was currently her bedroom and immediately locked the door behind her. Opening the luggage she had left at the house, Max began to search through each one. Where the fuck are you? I know you're around here somewhere. Dog, if I left it at home, of all the times to fucking leave something back in Seattle, I will flip my shit. Feeling a small velvet pouch, Max clutched at it as she yanked her hand out of the duffel bag and stuffed the small bag into her back pocket. Muahahaha, Max grinned as she imagined the look Chloe would have plastered on her face later tonight. Tonight, I am the master.
Hearing someone come in through the front door as she locked the bedroom door, Max peered down the stairway but couldn't make out who had just come inside. Fidgeting at the memory of David's face reddening under the spray of her mace, Max's memory having cleared up, the brunette felt a knot of dread tighten in her stomach. Maybe I should just wait up here for someone to say something, Max thought to herself. Turning around to unlock the bedroom door, Max heard footsteps coming up the stairs and fumbled with the key.
"Max?" a girl's voice asked, Max's fear dissipating as the friendly tone echoed through her mind. Thank Dog.
"Rachel, you scared the fuck out of me," Max said, turning around to wrap the taller girl in a tight hug, "Seriously, hella scared right here."
"…Did you think I was David?" Rachel asked, her tone a mix of worry and amusement as she met Max's hug with one of her own, "Max, I know I can stomp sometimes, but I'm not that bad. Shit. Haven't seen you all day! You…You doing better, Maxaroni?"
"Y-Yeah. Yeah, I am." Replying with a faint stutter, Max kissed her friend on the cheek and was met with one back before both girls pulled back from the other, Rachel a little red in the face, "How's…uh, Chloe told me his name, I swear…"
"Frank? Wow," Rachel said, eyebrows raised in surprise, "I'm surprised she even said his name, much less said it to you. He's fine. C'mon. I think Joyce has dinner ready."
"Chloe invite you?" Max asked, gesturing for Rachel to go ahead of her. "She, uh, she tell you what happened at the dorm?"
"Her, Kate, a couple other girls," Rachel said, looking back at Max with an appraising eye, "You really fucking stuck it to David, Max. Good on you, and good for Chloe. She needs someone like you in her life, someone who will always look out for her."
"U-Uh…," Max stuttered, blushing at the image of 'Chlo White' from her and Chloe's discussion back in the truck, "You're here too, though, so it's not like she doesn't have any backup. Right?"
"I'm not always able to pay her the attention she needs, Max. I'm not her girlfriend. That's you. I love her, of course, but you're in love with her."
"Dudes, are you two going to just lady-bro it up over there or are you going to fucking chow with us?" Chloe asked from the dining room table, "I will eat all your portions, Max! You know what I'm capable of, nerd!"
Hearing Joyce chide her daughter, Max and Rachel giggled as they hooked arms and strolled down the hall together. Chloe's lucky to have you as such a good friend, Rachel. I hope that we can be as close someday, too. Kristen's great, and Fernando's funny, but you're more on my wavelength. Music, style, attitude; we even play some of the same video games.
"Rachel?" Max halted just around the corner from where Chloe and Joyce were starting to fix their plates up. Seeing the humored look on Rachel's face, Max bit at her lip in embarrassment. "Um, will you be my friend? Like, well-"
"Max, we're already friends. You need to chill and let things just flow, dude," Rachel replied, Max feeling assured as the taller girl squeezed her hand gently, "Now come on, before Chloe eats all the food and the dining room furniture."
Oh my Dog, Joyce made a pot pie, Max thought as she took the seat next to Chloe, kissing the bluenette on the cheek affectionately before moving to fix up her own plate. Price family pot pie. Pie…in a pot, full of deliciousness. Om nom NOM. Seeing a friendly smile on Joyce's face, Max realized she was staring at her own plateful of food and promptly started to dig in. I can't remember the last time I sat down at a dinner table for a home-cooked meal, Max pondered as she took a bite of Joyce's pot pie. Closing her eyes in delight, Max thought her eyes might roll up into their sockets and stay there as the flakiness and savory taste of the pot pie made her mouth and stomach warm as she swallowed the morsel. Opening her eyes, Max deftly blocked her girlfriend's reaching fork with her own. Shooting Chloe a menacing, playful look, Max and Chloe both looked away out of awkwardness as Joyce and Rachel chuckled at their playfulness.
"You two have fun today? Do anything exciting in big ol' Arcadia Bay?" Joyce asked, sipping at her coffee while Max nearly choked on her water. I nearly did your daughter, Max thought, biting her tongue to stop herself from blurting out the words.
"Max played her guitar for me," Max heard Chloe say with some pride in the bluenette's voice, "My girlfriend is pretty hardcore. We chilled at The Pit-"
"So that was you who spray-painted on the sign!" Max cried out, laughing as Chloe puffed out her chest.
"Damn straight, grrrl! Gotta represent! Anyway, like I was saying-"
"Chloe sang!" Max blurted out, the house becoming suddenly very quiet, "U-Uh, she's really beautiful."
Max felt her face get incredibly hot before looking over to see Chloe look at her with glistening eyes. Oh no. Was I not supposed to say anything? Chloe, do you keep your singing a secret? Max was about to speak when Chloe leaned over and kissed Max on the lips, the brunette feeling the extra warmth of her girlfriend blend with her own. I guess it was okay, then.
"Babe," Max said, putting a hand on Chloe's cheek, "You are amazing and beautiful and I can't not tell people. Sorry…sorry if it embarrasses you, Che."
"You called me beautiful," Chloe said, her voice soft as Rachel and Joyce got up from their seats to give the suddenly-gushing couple a moment to themselves, "You…you called my singing beautiful."
"I've done so before, Che," Max said, smiling as Chloe's thumb rubbed against her cheek, "Why are you getting all mushy on me?"
"Shut the fuck up, Max, and just follow me-"
SLAM!
Max and Chloe jumped as an argument suddenly roared from the hallway, Max's eyes narrowing in near-perfect sync with Chloe's as David came charging through. The skin around his eyes flush with the irritant of pepper spray, his eyes bloodshot, David Madsen made a beeline for Max and grabbed the brunette hard by the forearm. Max let out a faint cry at the surprisingly intense amount of pain as David's fingers felt like they were digging through her skin and into the muscle. Agh, lemme go! Let…me..GO! Max slapped at David's arm and shoulder, kicked at his leg only to be nearly dragged as she lost her footing for a moment. Hearing the other women in the house protest and scream at her captor, Max finally broke free when she brought her foot into contact with David's balls.
Extricating her arm from the strong grip of Chloe's stepfather, Max went scurrying down the hallway and behind an enraged Chloe Price. Owww, Max thought with tears streaming down her cheeks as Chloe shielded her, David slowly getting to his feet, Chloe…Chloe it hurts so much. Looking at her forearm, Max saw thick purple bruises begin to form where David had nearly buried his fingers in her. I-It hurts, Max thought as her anxiety began to take hold. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think straight. David's angered visage turned into her mother's, who turned for a second into the face of a 14 year-old Chloe Price that was screaming at her about how Max was abandoning her. Why are you hurting me? was all Max could think to say.
"Why…Why are you hurt…hurting me…?" Max let out with a heavy sob, her body swaying as her face turned a dark red before she fell onto Chloe's back before sliding to the living room floor. Gasping, Max thought she heard Chloe call her name. Che, why did you hurt me? Why do the people I love hurt me…?
"-Get the fuck away from her, you psycho!"
"David, what the hell were you think-"
"…I'll take her upstairs. Chloe, keep him away from-"
"Eat this, motherfucker!"
"Get the hell out of my house! You do not lay your hands-"
Max's eyes opened with a start, thinking for a second that she was dead as the darkness surrounding her seemed so finite. Whimpering as fear began to plague her, the brunette began to sob at the double memory of pain being inflicted upon her. Hearing noises from somewhere close by, Max was startled by sudden flash of lightning. I-I'm in…is this Chloe's room? What…what happened? I remember David, something about David…
"Fuck," Max muttered under her breath, feeling the bruise along her forearm in the dark. Wincing at the pain, Max sat up in Chloe's bed and realized she was alone in the room. The yelling and screaming continued and she recognized all of the voices. "They're all yelling…"
Leaping off the bed, Max felt her head grow suddenly heavy as she nearly careened into the door head-first. Bracing herself against the wall next to the door, Max took a deep breath before shaking off the fogginess. I…I need to do something. I need to help…, Max thought as she grabbed at the doorknob to find it locked. Turning the lock with a resounding click, Max swung the door open hard and came stumbling down the stairs to find Chloe at the foot of the staircase.
"Max?" Chloe said, her voice hoarse from shouting as she spun around to hold Max close to her, "Oh, holy fuckballs, I thought you would be passed out hella longer than this, babe."
The look of heartbreak on Chloe's face as she looked at the large, hand-shaped bruise on Max's forearm nearly brought the small brunette to tears as both girls jumped from the sound of yelling emanating from the kitchen.
"W-What's going on?" Max asked in a hushed voice, almost whispering.
"Mom's trying to kick David out of the house. He's refusing to go, and he's drunk as fuck. Rachel called the cops on him after he tried to take a swing at both her and me. Mom laid into him with a frying pan. He's on the floor, I think, half-assed and screaming like the whiny bag of shitty dicks that he totally is. Max, you should go back upstairs. The cops'll be here soon and they'll be hounding all of us more than enough. Get some rest."
"B-But I don't want rest," Max said, her thoughts and words coalescing, "I want you."
"Ohh, my sweet little Max. My angel," Chloe frowned, Max seeing the heartbreak in the blue-haired girl's eyes, "I'll come up as soon as I can, babe. Just…can you just go upstairs and wait? I promise I will be up soon. I gotta cover the stairs; I won't let him hurt you, piece of shit-fucking motherfuckerass."
Searching Chloe's eyes, blue pools of anger at David and concern towards Max, Max reluctantly nodded before heading back up the stairs. Heading toward the bedroom door, Max stopped in the hallway and headed for the bathroom instead. Locking the door behind her, Max leaned against the wall with the lights still off and began to strip. Nearly ripping her own clothes off, Max felt the urge to scrub herself raw with soap and a washrag.
"I-I need to get clean," Max stuttered, her hands shaking as she reached blindly for the shower door. Sliding it open, Max climbed in and cried out at the icy water smacking her in the face. Crouching in the tub, Max turned the hot water on until she could feel it hitting her back with scalding little prickling sensations. Shuddering, Max wiped at her face first before dragging the washcloth down the remainder of her body. In the dark, alone, Max methodically scrubbed every inch of her person clean until her skin felt raw. Hearing a soft knocking sound, Max still jumped slightly until she heard Chloe's soft voice call out her name.
The water still running, Max climbed out of the shower and opened the bathroom door. Naked, Max's skin shone in the hallway's soft lighting as she was hidden by Chloe's silhouette. Her hair like a blue halo around her shadowed head, Max could barely make out the pained look on her girlfriend's face as both girls examined each other. Neither of them spoke for what felt like a while; Max broke the silence not with words, at first, but action.
"…Come," Max said after reaching her hand toward Chloe, her voice surprising both of them with how resolute she sounded. No thoughts plagued her, no worries incessantly gripped her. All was love in that moment, and love was Chloe. "Come."
Max felt Chloe's slender fingers slide into her own and she pulled the bluenette into the bathroom before closing the door behind them. Stopping Chloe from turning the lights on, Max simply whispered "Keep it dark, please" and proceeded to take her girlfriend's clothes off. The bathroom growing warm and humid from the steam of hot water, Max felt hands lightly touch her wet skin as Chloe hesitantly reached out for her.
"Come," was Max's only response, guiding her Che into the shower. Following Chloe in, Max slid the shower door shut and reached out for her washcloth. Remembering where she put it, Max soaped it up once more and began to wash her girlfriend's naked body. Running the cloth up and down Chloe's slender form, Max felt the bluenette shudder every now and then as her hand found ticklish areas and erogenous zones that she didn't know Chloe had. Her thoughts slowly coming back to her, Max felt a hard sting of fear drill into her only to shove it away with her yearning to be with the one whom she loved. Fuck caution. Fuck Mom, Seattle, David, and everyone else. The reason I'm here…she's standing right before me.
"Chlo?" Max asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Max? Fuck, I thought…I thought you were never going to speak-"
"Now."
Max heard Chloe stammer as she tried to discern what she had just heard. You'll find out soon enough, Che. My love. My heart, all fractured yet thriving. Tossing the washcloth over the shower stall paneling, Max thrust her hand into Chloe's hair and pulled her girlfriend down for a kiss. Not tender, not soft or gentle, Max buried her lips and tongue into Chloe's as a insatiable hunger took over her entire body. This woman protected me. She shielded me with her own body against a man who could have hurt us both…or worse…
"Max? Chloe?" Joyce asked, knocking on the bathroom door. Motherfucker! Max thought as she was snapped out of her wanting fugue state by the sound of Chloe's mom.
"Uh, yeah?" Max said, her voice uneven as she was halfway still entrenched in her desire for Chloe, her head leaned into the bluenette's bare chest. "W-What…What is it?"
"I'm going to have to head down to the police station. They just came and arrested David. They wanted you two to come down with me, but I got them to push it off until tomorrow. Rachel's coming along with me, just so you know. David, well, he won't be going anywhere any time soon. If you're asleep by the time I get back, I'll see y'all in the morning. Good night."
Thank Dog she didn't ask what we were up to in here, Max thought as she waited until the sound of the front door closing echoed up the staircase. She probably wanted to, though. Sorry, Joyce, but I can't wait anymore. Turning her head so that her face was pressed against the space between Chloe's breasts, Max ran her tongue up Chloe's sternum and grinned as she felt Chloe shudder again. Not wanting to ask Chloe if she'd liked that, or even wanting to speak at all, Max placed one of Chloe's hands on her hip and the other in her wet hair as she circled around one of Chloe's nipples with her tongue. Nibbling on the protruding nub, Max heard Chloe gasp before gasping herself as Chloe brought the hand on Max's hip around to cup the brunette's ass cheek.
"Fuck," Max said, her voice cutting the word off with a high-pitched whine as Chloe dug her fingers into Max ass. "Chloe…unh, holy fucking shit…"
"My room?" Chloe asked, gasping as Max replied by sliding a hand along the bluenette's inner thigh, "You are fucking terrifying, Max Caulfield. You're a goddamn, amazeballs, force of nature."
"I'm, heh, I'm a sex-nado. A Max-nado." Max bent Chloe's head down and slid her tongue into a waiting mouth. Feeling her girlfriend's tongue writhe alongside her own, Max's chest rose and fell in heaving motions as they lingered on each other's lips before Max pulled herself away. Turning around, Max quickly shut off the water before opening the shower door so that she and Chloe could make a quick escape with a single towel for the both of them.
"What about our clothes, Max?" Chloe whispered, her voice's giddiness betraying her lackluster attempt at caution.
"Do you really care about clothes?" Max asked before sighing and turning to retrieve their clothes. Coming back into the hall with a mildly scathing look on her face, Max's free hand felt slick against the doorknob to what would be their bedroom for the evening's remaining time. Managing to grip onto the metal after a couple tries, Max jerked the door knob and swung the door open with a slight bang as it smacked against the wall.
Pulling Chloe into the bedroom, Max waited until the bluenette closed the door before advancing on her. Dumping the close, Max let out a shaky breath as the cool air of the bedroom met with the dampness of her hair and what little water still remained on her skin. Finding a hand keeping her back as she tried to meet with Chloe in the near-dark room, Max let out a whine only to hear Chloe chuckle in reply.
"Hang on, Max. I've, uh, got supplies."
Wondering what Chloe meant, Max let her girlfriend lead her to the bed. Taking a seat, Max leaned back onto the bed as she heard Chloe move around the bedroom. Squinting, Max tried to make out what the silent blue-haired girl was up to. What the fuck are you-
"How's this?" Chloe asked, her tone simple and loving as she was suddenly illuminated by a few candles. Placing them strategically around the bedroom, the Chloe and Max seemed to glow and flicker under the tiny flames. "Saved for a rainy day. Look, Maxnado. It's raining. Go me, right?"
"Well yeah, Che. I am a sex-nado. I bring the rain with me, y'know? Happy rain." Max said, giggling before letting out an oof as Chloe shoved the brunette onto her back. "Sexy rain?"
"Hell yes," Chloe murmured, leaning into Max so that their chests were pressed against one another.
Max moaned at the touch, her eyes rolling into her head as she bit her lip so hard she thought that it might bleed. Letting out a stifled breath, Max opened her mouth slightly enough that Chloe was able to hook a thumb into it. Feeling her girlfriend trace her lips with the thumb, Max closed her mouth around it and began to suck on it slowly, feeling Chloe shiver on top of her. I might be a virgin, Che, but I sure as fuck am not an innocent little kid. I do watch movies, y'know…
"Che…" Max let out, her voice low as she let Chloe have her thumb back, smiling as the bluenette sucked it clean, "Oh, do I taste good?"
"Dude. That should be my line. You can't eat fingers, Maxaroni," Chloe said, chiding Max teasingly with a finger wagging inches from her face. "Are you sure about this, babe? You've, we've, kinda been through a…a thing, recently. We don't have to-" Chloe gasped, her sentence cut off as she let out a shrill whimper of ecstasy.
"You were saying, Chloe Price?" Max purred, her hand sliding up Chloe's thigh and to the wetness between the bluenette's legs. Exploring carefully, Max felt a finger begin to slide in somewhere and pulled it back before Chloe's hand clamped down on hers.
"Don't…stop…"
Chloe's panting breath, her half-whispered words, sent a rush of heat through Max's body before she nodded and continued. Pushing her finger into Chloe, Max felt something give and she felt something incredibly hot and wet as the single digit found its way inside of her girlfriend. It's…it's hot, Max thought, I mean, it's not like I don't know what this is like. Wowsers, it's just n-new to be doing this to someone other than myself. Oh, Oh Dog, she's grinding against my hand. Will I have to do that? Extending another finger, Max let it slip in when Chloe pushed her body down on Max's hand.
"Fuck, you!" Chloe let out through gritted teeth, "You sneaky fuck and your other fingers! Jesus…unf…keep going, Max. Don't just…don't just lie there…oof!"
Max had grabbed the side of Chloe's neck with her free hand and shoved the looming bluenette onto the bed. Lightning flashing, Max's wanton expression was exposed to a euphoric Chloe in a crash of light and boom of thunder. Letting her hands and body guide Chloe, Max brought her girlfriend to a sitting position before locking her legs around the other girl. Licking at her hand, Max slid it back down and into Chloe's wetness and continued from where she had left off. Following up her hand movements by grinding against Chloe, Max brought her lips against Chloe's and felt Chloe's legs wrap around her as the bluenette matched every move the smaller girl made. Fuck…fuck me, holy shit, Max thought, panting as she broke away from Chloe's kiss and leaned her head into the crook of Chloe's shoulder as Chloe slid her own hand down and into Max's dripping nethers.
Both girls let out moans in unison as Max pushed her head a little deeper into Chloe's neck, nibbling on the bluenette as she felt Chloe leave a string of pinching kisses along her own neck. This isn't a race, Chloe! Also, how many hickies are you going to fucking…fucking…fuck…, Max's thoughts dissipating into a hedonistic blur as she pushed Chloe onto her back and kissed the chuckling bluenette as she slipped a third finger into Chloe. Hearing her girlfriend cry out in surprise and elation, Max began to pump her fingers in and out in rapid, successive motions before letting out her own shrill cry as Chloe tried to keep up.
"Not…N-Not…a race, Che," Max groaned, her body convulsing as a heat began to well up in her, "What…what's going on…?"
"Max…Max, have you never had an orgasm?" Chloe asked, panting between words and kisses, "Amazeballs. I really am taking your virginity!"
"Not taking, Che. I'm giv-FUCK!" Max screamed as the scalding heat in her climaxed into hot pulses that exploded inside of her. Falling on top of Chloe, Max felt herself twitch and spasm in jerking motions as wave after wave of an incandescent pleasure wrapped her up. Breathing heavily, Max bit at one of Chloe's nipples before hearing the slight whimper coming from her partner. Pulling her fingers out, Max heard the whimper trail into a single dejected tone of want before she lowered her head into the blunette's crotch. Licking the lips of Chloe's pussy, Max slipped a finger in and began to pump as she licked away with a twitching tongue while playing with herself. Hearing, feeling, Chloe begin to burst with delight as her back arched up, Max shot a second finger in and was rewarded with Chloe screaming a litany of swear words and loving pet names as she climaxed. Making her way back up so that she was hovering over Chloe, Max hovered over Chloe's expression of orgasmic euphoria. Licking her lips at the taste of her girlfriend, Max bent down and gave Chloe a single kiss, long and meaningful as she seemed to return the bluenette back to awareness.
"Holy…holy shit. That was fucking hardcore. Seriously, you're a virgin?" Chloe asked as Max laid down next to her, both girls laughing between deep, panting breaths.
"Was a virgin, Che. You took that card, fucker." Max laughed at the irony of calling Chloe a "fucker". She is a fucker. Eheheh, my fucker. Actually, ugh, that just sounds weird. She's my Che. That's better.
"I wonder what I can redeem your V Card for? Ooh, free smokes at the supermarket? A lottery ticket-", Chloe let out a gasping laugh as her teasing pissed Max off to the point of tickling Chloe with quick hands, "Noooo, Max! Max! Max…ahahahahaha! Q-Quit it, fucking brat!"
"Che?" Max felt Chloe's tensing at the tickling stop and looked over to see the bluenette just gazing at her with a look of love and sadness. Chloe? Chloe, you okay?
"Sorry," Chloe's voice meeker than Max had ever heard, "I…I just wish you didn't have to go through bullshit like David. First, you tell me your mom abuses you, and now my stepdouche put his hands on you. Max, I'm really sorry. It's this fucking down, I swear. It's like a suckhole for just straight badness, dude. I'm sorry."
"Stop, Chloe. Just stop," Max said, putting a finger to Chloe's lips, silencing the oncoming apologies, "You don't need to apologize for anything. Just be here with me, hold me and love me. Tell me things, or just sleep with me. Under the covers, of course. I'm getting hella chilly, what with us…well…"
"Heh, the sexy Maxnado is quickly supplanted by the shynado I fell in love with," Chloe said, kissing Max on the forehead before hoisting herself up and helping the brunette to her feet. "Let's get you in some clothes, yeah, and we'll just sleep together like when we were kids. Sleepover!"
"Um, not quite like before, you," Max said, squinting as Chloe flipped on a lamp and tossed a pair of boxers and an anarchy t-shirt at her.
The shirt and boxers both fitting with a comfortable looseness, Max spun around and watched the shirt fabric trail behind slightly to Chloe's amused snickering. Sticking her tongue out while giving Chloe the double bird, Max spun around a couple more times before something came to mind. No, not now. We'll have tomorrow morning, at least, before the police station. Right now I'm happy and ecstatic but hella tired. Maxnado needs to unwind and turn back into a fluffy dream cloud.
"Bed?" Chloe said with a stifled yawn, "Wow, you took it right outta me, Caulfield. Who knew you were such a porn star?"
"Ew." Max cringed at the idea of her doing anything like that. "Save the 'porn' from discussions of me, okay? That's just fucking gross."
"Yeah, but you were hardcore like mad. Max, seriously, that was amazing. Come on," Chloe said, beckoning to her smiling girlfriend from under the covers, "Come to bed."
"'Kay."
The new dawn's light filtered through the American flag that Chloe had hung over the window, red and blue colors swirling on Max's face as she slowly began to wake up. Popping her neck, Max looked over sleepily to see Chloe still fast asleep, the look of calm on her girlfriend's face heartwarming. Smiling, Max leaned over and kissed Chloe on the forehead, hearing a soft "Max, noooo" before Chloe grew silent once more. Biting her lip so as to not laugh, Max slid out of bed and tip-toed to her clothes, dressing in the bathroom and brushing her teeth with a spare toothbrush she had packed.
Brave new day, brave new me? Dog, I hope so, Max thought as she winced upon sight of the sickly bruise on her forearm before giggling at three hickies perfectly lined up along the crook of her neck. Mmm, there's a battle scar I don't mind having, Max pulled her Jane tank-top's down a bit to see how her blue morpho tattoos were coming along. Scabbing a bit slower than I'd like, but still looking pretty good. Hopefully, Max stretched the skin taut and winced at the pain, Hopefully they'll be healed up within a week or so. Not like I got the inside of my arm done or anything. Nothing like my ribs. Those hurt, like cereally hurt.
Splashing cold water on her face, Max looked back into the mirror and saw the shadow over her eye where her mom had struck her. Clenching her fists as the assault came freshly into her mind, accumulated with David's mark left on her, Max felt herself begin to shake violently as the euphoria of last night's time with Chloe was replaced with a cold ball of anger nestling itself in her. Even when I feel wonderful, there's always something, Max said, crying at the bruises on her arm and face. Even Chloe's hickies left a saddening impression on Max, almost like a defacing of her person. I just don't understand. Is there…Is there something wrong with me? Why do I always look at the worst before the amazing? I know that expecting happiness 24/7 is a fucking kiddy dream, but I can't have more than the sparse moments I get? I'm about to turn 17 and I just feel like my life is closing up when it should be just really starting…
"Max?" Chloe's questioning voice and soft knocking at the bathroom door startled Max, brought her out of the melancholic trance she had found herself momentarily locked away in. "Hey, um, you okay? I thought…were you crying just now…?"
"J-Just give me a minute, Che. Please?" the plaintive tone, a little whiny, from Max was answered by the sound of Chloe heading back to the bedroom.
Turning on the bathroom vent, Max pulled a joint out of her hoodie pocket and lit up. I need to fucking bake, for cereal. Feeling herself calm down after she had inhaled two doobies, Max came out of the bathroom in a calmer, lightheaded state. Seeing Chloe lying in bed, blowing smoke rings from her own joint, Max went to her camera bag and snapped a photo of the bluenette with her Polaroid camera. Seeing Chloe look over at her with a distant smile, Max set the camera down and began to play with the small pouch she had retrieved from yesterday's clothes. Clad in her usual jean shorts and tank-top, Max set the cloth bag in her hoodie's pocket as she pulled out black knee-high stocking and slipped them on.
"You tryin' to seduce me, Maxnado?"
"Is that name actually sticking? And so what if I am, by the way?" Max said, forcing a strained cheerfulness in her voice.
"Dude, my mind is still blown from last night…among other things being similarly wiped out. Jesus, Max. You were a fiend…and yes, Maxnado stays. Max Attack, Max Mischief, Maximillian, Maxaroni, Maxine-"
"Don't call me that," Max snapped, surprising both herself and Chloe with the rage in her voice, "…M-My mom calls me that…"
Holding her arm awkwardly, Max looked away in embarrassment as she stood near her luggage, nudging a duffel bag as she lowered her head. She wanted to forget everything that wasn't presently in the bedroom, but Max knew that could never be. She was scarred, through her own devices as well as the hands of others, and thought she might never heal the way she felt was needed. Maybe Chloe and I can make a whole person, our broken hearts mending each other's, she mused to herself as Chloe sat up and walked over to her.
"Talk to me," Chloe said, softly putting her hands on Max's shoulders, "Talk to your girlfriend."
Max responded with tears and sobs instead of words, her knees giving out as she crashed onto the floor. Chloe keeping her from landing on her face, Max buried herself in Chloe's shirt as she trembled from the waves of emotional duress crashing through her. I love you, Chloe. I need you so much and I'm going to have to go back to Seattle without you and I don't know if I'll survive there without you I need you so bad…, Max's thoughts swirling in a miasma of despair and desperation. Clinging to her girlfriend, Max wouldn't lift her head when Chloe tried to sit Max up and left the bluenette speechless at the naked state of her vulnerability.
"I d-don't want to g-go back, Chloe." Max's sobs bringing tears both girls' eyes, "I-I don't know i-if I'll fucking survive if I go b-back to Seattle…"
Max felt Chloe push her away with force as the bluenette gave her a severe look. Don't…don't look at me like that, Chloe. You have no right to look at me like that. You have more scars than I do, so don't you fucking look at me like that! Max's expression darkened, Chloe's lightening up as she became aware of what Max must've been thinking. Pulled back into her girlfriend's arms, Max squirmed as she fought to get out and away from Chloe.
"Lemme go! Chloe, you…you let me go right now!" Max snapped, her voice low and threatening as her emotions took hold of her, rational thought replaced with an instinctive need to escape from everything and everyone. "L-Let me g-go-"
"No."
Chloe's single-worded reply made something break inside of Max, and she felt her whole body just freeze up as her eyes widened. Trembling slightly, Max just stared blankly ahead from where it rested on Chloe's shoulder.
"I'm not letting you go. We made a promise to each other, Max, and I'm hella not giving up on you. Don't give up on me. On us."
Conflicting trains of thought surged through Max, the want of escaping and hiding contrasting with the heartfelt need she had for Chloe. Slamming a single fist softly against her girlfriend's chest, Max felt her entire body quake with indecisiveness. Unable to piece together a single, cohesive answer to Chloe's statement, Max let her heart take over. Melting into the other girl's arms, Max slowly wrapped her arms around Chloe.
"I don't want to go," Max said, her voice small and cracking from the hoarseness of her throat and the toll her violently shifting moods were taking. "T-This is my home. You are my h-home. I want to stay home."
Feeling a wetness in her hair, Max fought to not cry as she felt Chloe's tears land on her bare shoulder before trembling lips began to kiss where the drops fell. She's crying on me and kissing away the tears, Max's heart breaking all over again. Reminded of their last night together in Seattle, lying in bed and crying together at their inevitable separation the following day, Max realized that she was repeating the event. Pulling back from Chloe, Max gave Chloe a wavering smile as the bluenette just stared at her with bloodshot eyes.
"I know," Max said, putting a hand to her girlfriend's cheek. "I'm sorry for scaring you, Che. I…I just don't know what to do. I'm so conflicted, so frightened. I've spent so much time being afraid. My mother, the woman who birthed me, betrayed me so many times that part of me just refuses to trust anybody…"
"E-Even me?" The fragility of Chloe's voice stabbed Max in the chest with how weak the bluenette sounded.
"I don't want it to be like this, you know. I want to, ugh, I just want to let down all my walls and pull you into me."
"Then do it."
"Easier said than done, babe."
"…Will you please let me in? I'm right here, waiting for you," Chloe's lower lip trembling, Max leaned her forehead against the bluenette's with a crestfallen look on her face.
"I…I don't know h-how. I'm sorry."
Feeling Chloe pull away, the shaky warmth turned into a faint cooling sensation as Max watched Chloe withdraw. No! Please, Chloe, I need you! I'm trying, Goddamnit, so don't give up on me. Please! Feeling herself begin to shake from crying once more, Max shot a hand out and grabbed at Chloe's boxers. Feeling the taller girl freeze in place, Max looked up to see a neutral look on her girlfriend's face. No…please…
"Please don't give up on me. I can't love anyone else more than I love you," Max whispered, the turmoil within her building to a crescendo as need for Chloe consumed the instinct to pull away. "I can't…I can't breathe…"
Max fell over, her hand still clenched as she began to heave in an attempt to try and catch her breath. No, not now, Max desperately thought, her body not responding to her internalized pleas as it began to spasm. Max watched through her shaking vision as Chloe knelt down and carried her to the bed. Not feeling anything, Max could only see Chloe gently set her down and climb into bed alongside her. Watching a single arm wrap itself across her chest, Max knew that Chloe was trying to calm her down. Hyperventilating in earnest, Max wheezed and gasped as she felt herself on the brink of passing out. Think of something, think of anything! Calm down, Max, and just think…think of Chloe…
Chloe Price's blue hair came into the mind's eye of Max Caulfield, the punk's head turning to face her as they sat together at the hilltop overlooking Arcadia Bay. Smiling, Max reached out with a shaking hand and tried to touch the smiling face only to grasp at air as she was pulled back to reality with the real Chloe whispering in her ear.
"Please snap out of it, Max. Max, I need you hella bad, like you need me. I didn't realize how much pain you're in, and I'm sorry. I just…I just want you to love me and know that you can trust me. I need your trust as much as I need your smile and your laughs, dude. I can't love a wall, but I can try to fucking break it down. I won't give up on you, I swear, but I need you to try…"
"…Chloe?" Max's voice was raspy as she coughed, eyes fluttering open as Chloe leaned over to look at her. Seeing blue hair hang over her field of vision, Max looked up with puffy eyes and smiled weakly at her girlfriend's tear-stained face. Feeling Chloe assist her, Max turned around and let Chloe wrap her up in a hug as she burrowed her face into the bluenette's chest, short breaths slowly turning into normal ones. "What are we gonna do, Che?"
"We'll fucking get through both of our mutual piles of bullshitery, Max. We'll burn the fucking world down if we have to, but we'll get there. Just promise me something."
"What?"
"Stop blowing your nose on my shirt, dude. It's hella gross, Max."
Coughing, Max broke into a fit of giggles as Chloe snickered, the brunette sighing as she patted the damp spot on Chloe's shirt.
"I'm just making sure everyone knows that you're my girlfriend, so you just shut the hell up. Dork."
"Nerd, you're hella gross, but I'm still not going anywhere."
"Chloe?" Max asked, putting her jeep into park before shutting it off, "Um, what are we doing here?"
"Eh?" Max rolled her eyes at how nonchalant Chloe was acting. This isn't the police station, Che. I told you that I would go where you wanted to take me, but after the police station…
"Why, my blue-haired wonder, are we in a fucking junkyard?"
Chloe snorted as she climbed out of the passenger side, closing the door and winking at Max though the window. Staying in the driver's seat, Max watched with a furrowed brow as Chloe walked further into the junkyard before turning around to give Max a plaintive look. I have somewhere else I need to be, Che. Especially if I want to make sure you're safe after I leave tomorrow, dork. Watching as Chloe sauntered back over to where she was parked, Max rolled her window down when the bluenette knocked on it.
"Can I help you?" Max asked, smirking at the pout on Chloe's face, "I don't really need my windshield washed, and I don't have any spare change."
"Ha, lady. I am, matter of fact, looking for someone. Aboot yay high, freckled, kind-of a pain in the ass…"
"Why would you be looking for someone who is a 'pain in your ass', exactly?"
"Well, see, the thing is she's kinda the hardcore love of my life." Max blushed at Chloe's tactless proclamation, her eyes widening before she caught herself. Why am I the one blushing? Goddamnit, Chloe. Why do you have to be so fucking cute sometimes?
"Still, she can't like being called a pain in the ass…"
"I mean it in the best way possible, of course," Chloe said, rolling her eyes as she leaned in to kiss Max on the nose, "Max, just get out of the jeep and I'll explain. Okay? Pretty fucking please, with extra Chloe on top?"
Covering her mouth to hide the smile on her face, Max let out a grunt before reluctantly climbing out of her jeep. Looping her arm around Chloe's, Max walked along as Chloe started to explain the situation. I fought the Chlo and the Chlo won, I guess. The Law came in third.
"Welcome, dear madam, to American Rust. My home away from hell. When shit would get dismal, I'd drag my ass up here. It's a dump, yeah, but it's my dump. I don't have to worry about anyone else here but me and the occasional companion," Chloe stated, gesturing to various little areas where her graffiti was on display next to beer cans and bottles Max had no doubt belonged to the bluenette. Gotcha. This is your kingdom.
"So this is where the revolution starts, Che? Huh. It suits you. Very steampunk, such broken, many beers. Wow." Max snickered as Chloe screwed her mouth up and poked the brunette in the side as payback. The jabbing finger only made things worse, Max's snicker turning into a giggle as Chloe sighed in exasperation.
"C'mon, Laugh Factory. I got some plans for you, muahahaha. Rachel! Raaaachelll!" Chloe put a hand to her mouth and shouted across the junkyard. Looking out past where they stood next to a junked school bus, Max squinted as Rachel's head popped out from a shed across the train tracks. Not able to decipher the look on her friend's face, I'm too far away, Max wasn't left to guesswork as the sound of Rachel calling back gave away her typical playfulness.
"Yoooooooo!" Max heard Rachel shout. "Hurry your asses up! I've places to do and people to go to, shitstains!"
"Who you calling a shitstain, asswipe?" Max shouted back, earning a grin from Chloe as she began to play along with the bluenette and their mutual friend.
"How dare you?!" Rachel snapped back, hopping down the small hill and crossing the tracks as she approached them, "I'll have you know that I am a hooman bean, not some moist towelette!"
Returning Rachel's hug with one of her own, Max and Chloe blushed as Rachel gave them both an appraising eye and smiled knowingly. You need to lay off the psychic crap, Rachel, Max thought. Seriously, stop staring. Stop. Stop it. Frowning under the power of Rachel's smile, Max watched the brunette's cheerfulness tone down some as she playfully smacked Chloe on the shoulder.
"C'mon." Rachel's single word was almost like a command to the bluenette, Max going from walking arm in arm with her girlfriend to being led by the hand. I don't like the looks of this. They're both up to something and I…don't…like it… Feeling her pocket buzz, Max accidentally let out a sigh of relief as Chloe let her go. Seeing Chloe pout at the revelation of her mixed interest in whatever she and Rachel had planned, Max smiled apologetically as she checked her caller ID. Dad, you are a life-saver.
"Hey," Max said, waiting for her father to speak up. "Um, Dad? You there? Is this a butt dial again?"
"Max…I just got off the phone with Joyce. Are you…are you okay, hun?" Max heard her father ask?
"I'll…I'll live, I guess." Max glared at Chloe as she gave the brunette an impatient look before Max put a hand to the phone and hissed "It's my dad, Chloe!"
"Sorry." Chloe hastily said, pouting and looking down at her boots before shambling off the way Rachel had come from, the taller girl following her so that Max was left alone. Goddamnit. This day is not going right. At all. This whole weekend has been boned in one way or another. It's my fault. Taking her hand off, Max let out a silent huff and answered her father, Ryan calling out her name a few times.
"Still here, Dad. Just…just being with Chloe."
"Max, I know you don't want to hear this but I would really like for you to come home…"
"…I know," Max leaned against an old washing machine, "Dad…I-I haven't even given her the ring yet, though. I, ugh, I've screwed up so much this weekend. I'm screwing up over and over."
"Max Caulfield, you listen to me. You've had it harder than most. You're my daughter and I love you, but perfect is one thing you are not. Chloe's been through a lot of hardship too; it's up to you two whether or not this works. For your sake, though, I hope it does," Ryan paused, hearing Max sniffle at his words, "I haven't seen or heard you so happy in years, Max, since you came back from dropping Chloe off. If…if you want, we can talk about you moving down there when you get back."
"Really?!" Ohmygod. Oh…my…fucking…GOD! "You're cereal?"
"My works allows me to be a little flexible, and there's a spot in the Portland marshal's office. If it stays open, we can talk about us moving back to Arcadia Bay when you come home. If, Max. And don't tell Chloe, okay? If this falls through, it'll just make you both a wreck. Got it?"
"Uh, yeah. I mean, I'll keep it a secret." How the fuck can I keep this monumental a thing secret? Dog, I won't be able to look at her with a straight face. Heh, I can hardly do so anyway. Eheheh, Max thought of Chloe and her from last night. Do not think about making love with your girlfriend while talking with Dad on the phone. Ew. Ewww!
"Alright. Well, I'll let you go. Love you-"
Max didn't mean to hang up on him; she was just too excited to stay on the line. Letting out a faint shriek of giddiness, Max clutched at her phone with both hands before putting it up to her face so her smile was hidden. Chloe! I might be able to stay, Chlo! We could live together or whatever! How cool would that be?! Feeling herself begin to hyperventilate, Max stuffed her phone back into her jeans and took a few deep breaths to calm herself down. Smoothing out her hoodie, feeling fidgety, Max unzipped it and tied it around her waist as she enjoyed the sun and faint breeze on her bare arms. Pulling at her tank-top to make sure she looked as ordinary and normal as she figured was possible, Max let out one last deep breath before heading toward the train tracks.
"Che, I'm sorry," Max said, letting her guard down with a pleading tone in her voice as she stood in front of the shed's locked door, "My dad got word from Joyce about what happened with David and I had a mini-meltdown. Please don't be mad. Please? Can I come in?"
"I dunno," Rachel teased, leaning against the other side of the door until she heard Max begin to cry, "Shit! Max, I was kidding. We were waiting on you, we…oh, you motherfucker!"
Max gladly accepted Rachel's punching of her shoulder as she ran straight inside the shed and wrapped herself around a forlorn Chloe. Squeezing her girlfriend tightly, barely able to contain her elation at the news of possibly moving back to Arcadia Bay, Max actually managed to lift Chloe a few inches in the air. Hearing Rachel break into laughter as Chloe shouted "Lemme down, Max! Jesus, Incredible Max! Lemme down!" Max dropped Chloe and the bluenette fell all of two or three feet. Standing on her tip-toes, Max kissed Chloe on the lips with a gentleness that expressed how sorry she was. I don't need words to tell you how I feel, Max thought as she bumped her forehead against Chloe's before realizing their threesome had turned into a foursome.
"Hi," Kate Marsh said, sitting on a countertop with her violin alongside, "Um…uhh…"
"Kate!" Max said, brightening the shy blonde up with a smile as she walked over and gave Kate a hug, "Hey! Um, this is unusual…heh…"
"I invited her," Rachel explained, pulling Max's guitar out from behind Kate, "We…well, Kate has something she'd like to ask."
"…Is it okay if I blaze while you do?" Max asked, pulling out a joint. Seeing a poorly hidden eagerness in Chloe's eyes, Max shook her head before tossing a second joint at the giddy bluenette, "One, Che. You fucking owe me some hella nice grass after I've pretty much supplied you so far this weekend. Kate, is it cool if I smoke? It's prescription, anxiety issues and all that. It's been a stressful 24-hour period."
"I guess," Kate said, her mouth in a slight frown, "Um, can we leave the door open, though? I…I don't want to get high…"
Rachel acquiesced, leaving the door wide open as Max lit hers and Chloe's joints before taking in a long drag. Blowing a smoke ring at her girlfriend, Max took her guitar from Rachel's outstretched arms. Seeing the amp tucked into a corner, Max eyed all three girls suspiciously. You touched my baby without permission? Not fucking cool, dudes.
"My baby better be in perfect working order, Rachel," Max said, the warning in her voice getting a smile and defensive raising of hands as Rachel emphasized that everything was fine, "So, Kate. What's up?"
"There's an open mic at, well, at The Pier tonight," Kate said, looking down at her dangling legs, "I was, um…well, I was wondering if you would like to do something? You can play Apocalyptica, so I thought we could do a track from them…?"
"Chloe wants you to do something with her, too," Rachel said, Chloe walking over to elbow her before Rachel continued, "Ow, Chlo, but you did say that. I told you last night and you nearly jumped at the chance! Don't hit! Agh, don't hit me, Blue Meanie!"
"Is it just covers," Max asked, her tone calm as she thought of actually performing in front of people, "Or can we do original material?"
Max watched as the three girls both looked at her with grins on their faces. What?
"Look at you," Chloe said, a smirk on her face as she slid back over to wrap her arm around Max, "My lil lady rawker. Riot grrrl in a kids' meal size."
"Fucking hilariballs, Che. I'm serious."
"I know, Max. That's why we're excited, dude. You're fucking on-point with your music, we've all seen it, so if you were just playing around with us we want to see your real skills."
Taking a drag from her joint before snuffing it out, Max tucked the half-smoked dope behind an ear as Kate held out the portable amplifier. Looking for an outlet, Chloe took the amp from a searching Max and plugged it in for the amused brunette. You really want to hear me show off? Um, well, that is…that's kinda intimidating, Che. Oh Dog, a live crowd. Like, actual crowd. Wowsers, I-I don't want to piss myself from fright. Smiling nervously as she tried to slide past the other girls, Max whined when Rachel stood in front of the door with her arms closed.
"Hey!" Max cried out, pouting only to have Rachel point her back in Chloe's direction. Groaning, Max dragged her feet across the short distance and let Chloe connect her guitar to the amp. Taking a deep breath, Max ran her fingers over the guitar's double necks and quietly tuned the instrument until she was satisfied. "You sure?"
"Max!" The exclamatory tone in the girls' collective shouting of her name jostled Max for a second before she nodded mutely.
Starting with a simple rhythm to warm her up, Max played a pleasant melody that made Kate and Rachel smile as Chloe watched her intently. Geez, Che. Back down, girl.
"I can't focus if you're watching me like a kid in a fucking candy factory, Che."
"Then go hardcore, Max. Really show us something amazeballs."
"Gee, thanks."
Not paying attention to the reproachful look on Chloe's face, Max broke into the start of Bullet For My Valentine's "Scream Aim Fire". Seeing Chloe's eyes widen as Rachel's jaw dropped, Max began to move her hands across both necks of the guitar as she slid from that song into "Hell Frozen Rain" from her favorite game, Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. Coughing as she played, Max shied away when Chloe tried to pat her on the back.
"In your mind's eye," Max began to sing, ignoring the whoop of Rachel's elation, "lives a memory hard to find, blinded by sorrow…"
Singing the lyrics for a bit longer, Max thought of Chloe's beautiful singing voice. I'm okay but nowhere near you, Che. You should sing, and not just at the open mic. Transitioning from the Akira Yamaoka song to her last cover, Paramore's "That's What You Get", Max bounced on her heels a bit as she played, finally getting over her stage fright. Seeing the smile on Kate's face grow, Max smiled back as she looked over to see Chloe positively glowing as Rachel leaned against the bluenette with a smile on her face as well. Uh, leggo my girlfriend, Max thought, flashing Rachel a playful smile. Knowing that Rachel was just hanging with all of them, Max felt a surprising ease at the sight of Rachel and Chloe together. Why did I ever feel jealous of them in the first place? They're friends. Besides, I know how to make Chloe moan, eheheh. Strumming a little as she wound down, Max finished with some crosspicking and took a couple of short breaths. Wow. I, heh, I got kinda lost for a sec.
"Dude!" Chloe's excited tone making the other girls jump as she abruptly broke the silence following Max's playing, "Mad Max, Maxnado, my Max…"
"Those are names to which I am associated, yes," Max said, smirking wryly before meeting Chloe's lowing head for a kiss, "Yes, Che? You were saying something, I think?"
"We have to play, Max! It's not even fucking noon, and the open mic isn't until later tonight! All those in favor of Max's hardcore jamming skills, say 'hella' and raise up your hand!"
"Heh. Hel-la!" Rachel joined Chloe's raised arm with both of her own.
"…Hella…?" Kate said, blushing as she timidly raised her hand, an embarrassed smile on her face.
"Do I get a vote?" Max asked, putting a hand on her hip as she held her guitar in place with the other.
"Fuck no! Your skills already voted for you, babe, and it's unanimous!" Chloe said, her cheer catching as Max giggled at her now-dancing girlfriend. "Go ahead, Max. Call me a dork, call me-"
"Hey, can I get a moment alone with my girlfriend?" Max cut Chloe off, the shed becoming quiet as the question unknown meaning hung over Rachel and Kate. Helping Kate off the countertop, Rachel took the shy blonde's hand in her own and closed the door behind them. Chloe's gaze switched from Max to the door before looking back at Max with a mixture of what the brunette perceived to be worry and anxiety. "Relax, Che. No yelling Max. Swear."
"…Okay. I really do want to sing with you playing, though. I…I know you've been through some hella craziness, babe. I just thought that it might be something to remember the weekend by, something amazeballs for us to do together."
"You mean besides you taking my virginity with intense love-making?" Max asked, sliding up to Chloe with a sly look on her face, "That not enough for you, nerd?"
"Umm…uh, yeah, that was…well…," Chloe stammered, scratching at her beanie as she looked anywhere but into Max's eyes, "I mean to say…fuck, Max, you know last night was. The us part, I mean. Ugh, I'm no good at talking about…intimate stuff, dude. Don't make me talk about it. I won't be able to express it the way I want, Maxaroni."
Unslinging her guitar, Max set it on top of the soft case and put the amp away. Hopping onto the spot where Kate had been, Max took the blonde's seat and beckoned for Chloe to come over. She's so adorable, Max thought as the bad-ass punk girl turned into an awkward, blue-haired bundle of nervousness. I'm the one who's nervous, Che. I'm just better at the mushy than you. No worries. I gotcha, babe. Pulling the velvet pouch from her pocket, Max weighed it in her open hand as Chloe watched in confusion.
"What's that?" Chloe asked, jerking her hand toward the bag in Max's hand.
"…It's a promise," Max said, her voice growing quiet. "Chloe, it's…it's a ring…"
"Oh," Chloe said, indifferent until she realized the gravity of the moment, "Oh. Holy sh-"
"Let me speak before you hit me with swear words and stutters, Che," Max pleaded, using her free hand to take one of Chloe's hands, "I'm anxious as fuck and if I can't say it now I don't know if I will be able to at all. Relax. It's not an engagement ring. We're both teenagers and while I know that I only want you I also understand that we are still becoming, still growing."
Chloe tried to speak, but Max's watery eyes silenced her. Please let me finish this while I can, Chloe. I know you get jumpy at this type of stuff.
"Don't laugh. I-It's a promise ring, okay?" Max opened the small pouch and pulled out a white gold band that held two gems, one blue and one green. "I've…I've been holding onto this for a month-"
"A month?! Max, this is-"
"A month, so I'm going to finish my lil speech, Chloe Elizabeth Price." Chloe's jaw clamped shut as Max caught a glimpse of Rachel and Kate watching from the window, both girls having giddy looks on their faces. You jerkfaces. "Chloe, I know I will marry you somewhere down the line. I don't know when, and I sure as fuck don't know where. I do know, however, that wherever I go I want you with me. I need you. You remind me that, well, that there're things in my life that make living worthwhile. Be my rock?"
Max smiled as Chloe hesitated before opening her mouth to speak, trembling lips parting with Rachel and Kate watching the couple from outside. Go ahead, Che. I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere.
Author's Note
Eheheh.
Ahahahahaha!
How 'bout that ending, huh? I feel like I forgot to add something…maybe a response from someone to a question…hmm…
Nope. You get to find out Chloe's answer in Part 4. Part 4 will also be the conclusion and lead-in to the next section of story. I'm not going to spoil too much, save that the name of the third installment is tentatively "Someone, Somewhere"by Asking Alexandria and it takes place over a longer span of time in Seattle. Whose perspective is it? You'll know who and understand why in the next, concluding, chapter of this story.
Read, review, and I'll see you for the conclusion to Wake Me Up When September Ends.
Up and Down
Worlds crashing around…
Stay hella, Cinnamon Rolls!
PS – Thanks to the following people for listening, in regards to something that I kinda dropped onto Tumblr: ubiwarehomo, cas2130, surroundedbybluestars, jessicaahla, pricefieldismylifenow, aerostallic, sm295, imdyingforthis, straightupgod, elenyiorene, and Candle In The Night. I've been getting some hateful shiz for nearly a week and it came to something of a head earlier today. Thanks, Cinnamon Rolls. Thanks for listening and caring. :)