If there is to be a villain, it will be a good one, I promise.
There will be opportunities to explore stuff like Kate's family, Kristine Prescott, and other things. Now that I'm not going to be beholden to covering every day of the story it should allow a lot more freedom to explore more of the world of Arcadia Bay.
Victoria exited the same gym doors she thought she had seen Max run away through, looking around for the hipster brunette in the cute Link costume. It took a little longer than she would have liked, but Victoria spotted Max on the ground on all fours by one of the trees and rushed over to her friend, whispering, "No, no, no, no, no," the entire way.
When Victoria reached Max, she only grew more worried at the sobbing. Bending down to come along side the green-tuniced girl, Victoria softly said, "Max?"
No response other than sobbing came from the brunette. Victoria very slowly and carefully moved her arm to the girl's back to act as a comforting touch. When the weather made its own attempt to mask Max's tears Victoria didn't leave or try to shield herself from the rain, she just waited.
The rain had been falling for a good ten minutes, Victoria's hand on Max's back the whole time, before Max turned and looked up. Max's eyes were red and the little makeup that Max had been wearing for her costume was running. "Hi," Max said quietly.
Victoria shook her head but smiled anyway. "Hi."
As Max started to come back to reality she shivered, finally noticing how rainy and cold it was. She looked over Victoria and frowned. "Oh, no, your makeup and costume."
Victoria didn't even have to guess about what Max was talking about. Blue makeup and body paint is meant to come off when wet, so with as hard as the rain was falling it was undoubtedly starting to run and get ruined.
"Who cares Max? It's just a stupid costume, I'm more worried about you." Victoria smiled reassuringly to Max.
Max attempted a smile but it came out looking a little odd on her face. Victoria backed off and held out her hands to help Max off the ground. Max accepted and the two girls were finally standing.
"Now let's get out of this rain Max."
"And out of these clothes," Max said as she started walking back to the dorm.
Victoria remained standing frozen behind her, her lips pursed and looking kind of awkward. Max noticed this and frowned once more.
"Sorry Victoria, poor choice of words," Max added before sighing. "This night sucks."
Gaining her composure she simply brushed it off. "Not to worry Max, I know you didn't mean anything by it, but I do respect that you're trying to watch what you say."
Max nodded and waited for Victoria to catch up to her. When she did the two girls set off for the dorm to get out of the rain.
About an hour later both girls were in Victoria's room in pajamas. They had taken showers for Max to warm up and for Victoria to not be so blue. As could be expected Victoria took way longer, but Max was waiting for her as she had been ordered to.
Sitting on Victoria's bed they sat in awkward silence before Victoria finally broke it. "You know, I'd prefer Advent Children, because at least it's connected to Final Fantasy, but we can watch Spirits Within if you'd like."
A slight smile crossed Max's face. "I'd like that."
Victoria got up and put the movie in her player and turned on the TV.
"So can I ask what happened at the dance? No is an acceptable answer."
Max let out a little sigh. "Brooke and Warren were dressed as a blue butterfly and a pirate."
Victoria frowned and nodded. "I imagine that had to be some very shocking reminders of this month."
"Yeah," Max said quietly.
With the movie starting Victoria sat back down next to Max. Looking over the hipster she started to frown.
"Didn't you have a blue fairy as part of your costume?"
"Well yeah, Link always has a guide, and I thought the blue could memorialize Chloe…" she trailed off, realizing that she had freaked out over Brooke's blue butterfly when she basically had one of her own with her the entire time.
"I'm pathetic."
Victoria stood up. "You knock that off this instant Maxine Caulfield!"
Max was so stunned by the sudden change in Victoria's demeanor that she didn't even bother correcting her back to Max.
"Look, you're suffering, you've been through some things that are very heavy to deal with. It's not your fault that certain things such as a costume trigger it when you have your own representation on you. Maybe it was the combination of her butterfly costume and his pirate costume. Maybe alone neither would have mattered, but together was a double punch in the stomach.
"Max, I'm going to say something to you that I don't think you'll like, but I know I must." She paused for a moment. She had Max's full attention throughout her spiel and she wanted to make sure that it hit home.
"I think you need to seek help."
"You're right."
It was Victoria's turn to be stunned. She hadn't expected that Max would agree with her at all, let alone the idea that Max would agree almost immediately to the suggestion.
"I am?" Victoria asked in shock.
Max laughed at that. "Yes Victoria, you're right. There's lots of little things that are still a mess, and they might still be a mess for a very long time. But if there's any chance that getting help will sort a few things out, or give me enough ways to cope without having to sleep with Kate every night then it's totally worth pursuing."
Victoria beamed. She sat back down next to Max and gave her a big hug. "Just remember Max, you're not alone. You have Kate, and you have me, and both of us only want what's best for you. Everything you're going through is not just your burden, share and let us help you when we can. I know I speak for Kate on this."
"Thanks Victoria."
Breaking the hug they turned back to the movie and just watched it in silence. When Max leaned into Victoria, Victoria put an arm around her friend. Feelings or not, she knew Max needed a friend more than ever.