Just a friendly reminder, this story is envisioned as if it's an anime, so the laws of physics, logic and reality in general, will be suspended in certain situations for a parody effect. Enjoy~
When Dusk Falls
Chapter 12: Stirring (Part 1)
The Thursday morning light gazed in through the surrounding windows.
Max shifted and drifted open her eyes; even though the tent maintained a semi darkness.
She didn't take long to notice the giant wolf face, inches from her own. If her eyes hadn't picked up on it, the weight she felt on her chest would've.
Max turned scarlet and froze as the wolf eyes tiredly watched her own.
"Ch-Chloe ?! Why are you laying on me"? Max asked shyly.
The wolf eyes rolled somewhat. "Yeah sure, blame the canine. Can you let go of my scruff now please"? Chloe replied calmly
"Huh"? Max asked. She then realized she felt wolf fur bunched in her hands and blushed darker, instantly releasing her nervously.
Chloe groaned lightly in relief and lifted her head after what seemed like years.
She stretched her neck a bit, then shook out her mane.
Max shielded her face from the whipping fur.
"Boo-yeah baby, I live on ! I survived the night. Dude do you know that you sleep choke people ? If I didn't have so much muscle in my neck, you probably could've killed me", Chloe teased changing back to her human form.
She sat beside Max,rubbing her neck stiffly.
"I- What ? Oh shit, I'm sorry Chlo", Max replied sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head.
"Nah its all good Maximus, I'm just messin' with ya, it wasn't that bad. Seemed like you were having a bad dream at the time", Chloe replied with a smile, nudging Max on the arm.
"Yeah I do vaguely recall a weird one but, not much... Some sort of water spout or tornado attacking Arcadia", Max stated in a slight mumble, sitting up.
"Seriously ? Think it's like some sort of premonition or vision"? Chloe asked.
"I really doubt it, it had teeth, like a legit mouth and I saw cartoon form hot dog man get sucked into the vortex. But... there was another...", Max stated trailing off a bit, she gripped at the fur bedding under her, bunching it tightly, with a shaky grip.
Chloe watched her hand, and looked to the girl pensively.
"It was harshly vivid... There was fire, like a massive wall of flames, shadows through the flames laughing. Then I was in the forest and... Saw you get shot...", Max replied uneasily.
"Jesus that is harsh. But we're both here and alive", Chloe replied calmly.
"Chloe it was so real though. I felt the heat, the laughter was right in my ears. Then I heard the gun fire, and saw the bullet pierce your dire wolf chest and you fell...", Max explained tensely.
"I tried to help you, I felt the blood seep against my hands, I felt the sting in my eyes when I cried... Chloe it was terrifying", Max stated fearfully. The memories bringing fresh tears to her eyes.
Max felt Chloe put her hand on the top of her head gently; making Max pause and look over at Chloe.
"Easy Max. It was just a couple fucked up nightmares. The heat you felt was probably from my fur pressed against you, plus the handfuls you practically white knuckled all night. We're both alive right now", Chloe reassured, gently placing her free hand over Max's to relax her grip on the fake fur bedding.
Max looked to her, face a little flushed, still with drops of tears in the corners of her eyes.
Chloe smiled at her playfully.
"If it'll put your mind at ease; I could totally flash you right now to prove I have no bullets ordering room service in my chest", Chloe teased comfortingly.
Max turned scarlet, then choked out a laugh and smiled; wiping away her tears.
"Um I... Uh... I'll... Take your word for it, thanks. You've already flashed me once this week when I was giving you a patch job. So I'm good on that for at least one more day", Max replied shyly.
Chloe chuckled and ruffled her short brown hair, before standing up and stretching casually. "Your loss~", Chloe teased playfully.
Max watched her casual demeanor, taking note and relaxing her own more.
"You're in a cheerful mood today. I gotta admit I'm kinda in shock here. You've been very dark, angry and uh... A bit, bitter up to this point... I'm a little frightened", Max stated teasingly with a quirked brow.
"Don't adjust to it just yet Maxie. That sleeper hold you put on me last night knocked me out. I haven't slept that well for that long, in years", Chloe replied playfully.
"Happy... To help"? Max replied with a smirk.
"Anyway, what do want to do today ? Hang out here or what"? Chloe asked casually.
"As much as I'd love to just chill all day in Chloe's cave. I do still have to go to my classes", Max replied teasingly.
"Wait, what ? Are you serious ? You know that's where Nathan and his pedigree ass-hats mingle the most right ? It's way too dangerous Max", Chloe declared firmly, narrowing her eyes.
"Chloe I can't just skip school for the rest of my life to avoid them. I came to Blackwell for a reason, it has the best photography program in like the entire country or at least the state. If I want to be a good photographer, this is where I need to learn...", Max reasoned calmly.
"Besides, tuition was a nightmare... Mom and dad would kill me if I played hooky after they dropped bank to get me in cause I wouldn't stop begging them...", Max stated calmly.
"Fine, I still think your life is more important, but whatever not my call. I'll have to figure something out then... What are your classes today"? Chloe asked curiously, relenting begrudgingly.
"Uh lets see. I don't have the first class until eleven o'clock , that's Art of Science, then lunch break, then Media lab and Language of Photography", Max replied idly.
"Eleven ? You've gotta have a spare then", Chloe stated calmly.
"Yeah, I'm supposed to have English AP but it seems the teacher is out sick and Blackwell apparently doesn't use the substitute teacher program", Max replied calmly.
"Huh, well less work and risk for you then", Chloe replied casually.
"Guess so", Max smiled.
"I'll take you to school. On another note, how's your leg today"? Chloe asked in concern.
"Thanks, and it feels a lot better. Still sore though", Max replied warmly.
"Glad its feeling better, at least somewhat", Chloe stated calmly.
"How could it not feel better ? I mean you did kiss it better yesterday", Max teased playfully.
Chloe turned scarlet and groaned looking away, face-palming.
"Fuck, I was kinda hoping you'd forget that...", She groaned.
Max giggled.
"Nope", she teased playfully.
"...You are never going to let me live it down, are you"? Chloe asked.
"Also, nope", Max teased playfully. Chloe groaned.
Max's stomach growling, broke the moment and they both looked to it as Max blushed.
She chuckled. "Uh heh, s-sorry. Last night you er, mentioned you had food here"? Max asked shyly looking to Chloe.
Chloe chuckled.
"Yeah c'mon hippie, let me fix you up some grub. In the mean time, tell me who your friends at school are, so I have some kind of reassurance you're not going to be by yourself the whole time", Chloe teased offering her hand to Max. Max still blushed and took it.
"Alright, and heh, thanks", Max replied as she was easily pulled up.
Chloe brought Max along by the hand as they exited the tent.
Max was now blushing for a whole different reason as she glanced to their intertwined fingers as she followed Chloe through the lighthouse hatch.
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After a good filling breakfast...
They were walking down the forest trails, Chloe had a cigarette lit up and resting at the corner of her mouth as the duo walked side by side in a comfortable silence.
Chloe seemed to be thinking about something for some time. Then she pauses, closing her eyes and makes her way over to a tree; leaning against it.
Max paused and looked to her curiously.
Chloe took a long drag of her cigarette, then pulled it away from her lips, hanging it by her side; slowly exhaling the smoke, swirling it in the air..
She opened her eyes and addressed Max silently. Max adjusted the bag on her shoulder and approached her.
"Is... Something wrong Chlo"? Max asked curiously.
Chloe reached over her free hand, gently gripping Max's wrist and guiding her a few steps closer to her.
Max blushed, glancing to Chloe's hand on her wrist, then flicked them back up to Chloe's intense blue gaze.
"Listen... I want you to stay close to your friends today... Anytime you're not with me, I want you to be with them. Also, no matter what they say or do... You stay away from Nathan and his lackeys", Chloe ordered calmly.
"Easy for you to say it, but, I think I'm stuck in class with a few of them...But I don't really know who all his "lackeys" are...", Max mumbled unsure.
"Basically any prep students or jocks, or Vortex club members. Don't go anywhere with them... Just, avoid them as much as you can. Alright ? I doubt they'd be stupid enough to attack in the classes, it's the in-between that'll be a bit dicey", Chloe instructed firmly.
Max smiled at the concern. "Thanks Chlo but-", Max tried warmly.
"Max. I need you to understand just how severe the danger you're in is. Okay"? Chloe stated firmly, cutting her off.
"I know, you don't need to worr-", Max tried again.
"Don't even finish that. There is nothing about your situation right now, that I shouldn't be worried about. Just do what I say, okay ? I won't be far, I'll stay close enough to the school so that I can intervene if needed; without being so close, Principle Jack off calls the cops. But every second counts, and your chances aren't stellar if they get you alone...", Chloe stated firmly, narrowing her eyes seriously.
"If it were up to me you wouldn't be going back there at all, but it's not. You're there to pursue your dream, and I don't want you to give that up. So, promise me, right now. You will stay with your group of friends", Chloe replied firmly.
"... I promise Chloe", Max answered calmly.
"Good, lets keep going then", Chloe sighed calmly.
She put her cigarette back in her mouth and pushed away from the tree; releasing Max's wrist and pocketing her hands, walking on.
Max followed quietly, looking down; gently thumbing the black leather of Chloe's jacket that clung to her once again.
"Um Chloe, do you want your jacket back"? Max asked quietly.
"It's kinda cold out and you don't have yours on you, so... keep it... Uh, until you get your own back, at least... Maybe longer...", Chloe replied, blushing palely and mumbling the last part.
Max blushed a little too at Chloe's evasive mumble. "Longer"? Max asked curiously.
"Uh well, y-yeah. My scent, can still ward off some wild ones at least... You know... Keep you safe from them... You do tend to make a habit out of, accidentally getting yourself trapped outside after dusk... So, better safe than dead", Chloe replied evasively.
Max smiled and zipped the jacket all the way up, still blushing lightly.
"Thank you", She mumbled, strangely pleased.
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As they walked through the towering trees around them, Max's mind nostalgically drifted back to the picture in her book of memories, when Chloe and her were at their tree-fort; Max being recently thirteen at the time of the photo.
She went deeper into the memories of that night they camped in the tree-house, Chloe's dad out front in a tent so they weren't alone in the forest.
Max then felt another wave of shyness come over her at another memory of that night.
"U-Um, Chlo, do you... Do you remember the time we uh... Slept over in our old tree-house..."? Max asked timidly.
Chloe looked up at the sky.
"Slept over in the old tree fort..."? Chloe idly asked in a mumble, trying to recall.
Then her eyes widened, her confident demeanor briefly lapsed.
"U-uh... W-what about it... Um, specifically"? She asked nervously.
"N-nothing, j-just asking, it was... I was looking through my... Um, n-nevermind, forget I brought it up", Max replied self-consciously, looking away blushing a little brighter.
"S-sure... Easier said than done...", Chloe replied, trailing into a quiet unheard mumble; glancing around for a distraction.
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They walked for a time in silence, leaving the forested area and soon walked alongside the ocean water for awhile, somewhat walled in on the beach by tall rocks and logs.
Chloe finished her cigarette and stomped it out, picking it up and depositing it in a trash can.
"Alright we'll be cutting through here and climbing that hill path on the left. Stay close. We can't go too far down the beach. The border of my territory ends not too far from here on the beach. We need to be off the sand before then", Chloe stated calmly. She gestured to the slope of sand, rock and grass a ways down on the left.
"Kay", Max replied casually. Though soon got distracted by the morning sun glittering under the clouds and along the water.
"Chloe hang on, I wanna take a picture", Max called taking out her camera and positioning herself between a row of big rocks and a couple parallel wooden posts.
She scoped around a bit with her view finder to line up the shot just right and knelt down a bit.
Chloe watched her in amusement and sat down on some piled up logs on the sand, sitting a bit hunched over with her arms resting on her spread legs; folding her hands together loosely.
She smiled as Max clicked her camera going into her own little world.
Chloe leaned back on the logs, gazing up at the light grey clouds drifting over them . She briefly closed her eyes, resting her arms on the logs behind her casually, resting a boot on a raised log in front of her.
Max was smiling as she waved the photo in her hand and put it in her bag. She turned around and saw Chloe relaxing.
Smirking, Max brought the camera up to her eye, leaning forward a bit to line up the shot in her view finder. Then she clicked.
The camera hummed as it slid out the image. Max straightened up and took the photo waving it; then smiled with satisfaction and carefully put it away in her bag.
Chloe hadn't budged or flinched. Max smiled fondly at the wolf girl, before looking around the beach for more photo ops and noticed something in the far distance.
She quirked a brow quizzically and then squinted at it a moment.
Chloe sighed contently and slowly opened her eyes. She glanced to where Max had stood, then closed her eyes.
Not a second later they snapped open and she sat up in alarm, realizing Max wasn't standing there anymore.
Chloe jumped up and looked around in panic.
"Max"?! Chloe called in alarm. Her heart pounding in fear.
"Chloe ! I'm over here"! Max called somewhat distant but casually.
Chloe looked further down the beach and saw Max wave back at her, a little passed the hill path they were to take.
Chloe bolted into a full sprint, within seconds closing the distance. She slowed to a stop in front of Max, the shorter girl looked up into her eyes. Chloe lightly panted from her sprint.
"Don't wander away from me like that ! It's not safe. I told you my territory ends soon", Chloe growled firmly.
"S-sorry Chlo, I didn't mean to scare you. I just got distracted", Max replied guiltily.
She presented a new polaroid to Chloe. Chloe glanced down to it and took it gently from Max; the photo had a few wooden logs floating in a spiral on the water with seagulls roosting on top.
She and Max looked to the water and saw the logs had split apart now, along with most of the birds having flown off, though not all.
Chloe relaxed the tension in her body and looked back to Max, gently handing the girl back her photo.
Max took it sheepishly, looking like a child that got caught with a hand in the candy jar.
"Are you mad at me"? Max asked a bit timidly, looking up at her under the fringe of her brown bangs.
Chloe rubbed the back of her head, averting her eyes, blushing a bit.
"Uh n-no... I'm not mad... It's um, a really cool shot Max... Just... Warn me next time, before you follow your instincts... Kay"? Chloe replied quietly.
"Kay", Max chirped with a warm smile.
"I still hate it when you give me the puppy eyes", grumbled Chloe in a mutter. Max giggled.
"I love that they still work on you~", She teased. Chloe sighed in defeat.
"Yeah yeah. Anyway we need to back track, our exit is back that way and the border is like, seven feet away", Chloe stated calmly.
Max looked further down the beach and squinted at a distant dirty white large object and a brown bundle curled up near it, taking a few more steps closer she vaguely made out a dog's sleeping body, next to an old dirty white RV.
A splashing sound caught both their attentions, Chloe paused and sniffed the air suspiciously.
Max looked to the water and saw the scattering waves in the direction of the sound also near the large dirty white object.
She curiously walked down the beach a bit more watching the water and what seemed to be motion under it's surface trailing toward the drifting logs and remaining birds.
Soon she noticed ears perking up from the waves along with brown eyes and a snout, focusing on the birds.
"A dog"? Max asked quietly, pausing her steps to watch the animal figure close in on the birds, whom were none the wiser.
Faster than Max could blink, the figure launched up and clamped its fangs down around a gull's neck, it gave a loud shriek of agony, and flapped its wings as its flock quickly vacated the log, as it was pulled under water.
Max jerked back in horror, Chloe jolted and looked to the water in time to see the animal face rise back up slowly, with the now dead limp bird its blood coated damp jaws.
Its eyes now zeroed in on Max and Chloe, but snapped fully on Max and let out loud snarl of rage.
Chloe alerted and looked to Max worriedly now noticing how much further Max had traveled when she wasn't looking.
"Shit ! MAX COME OVER TO ME NOW"! Chloe ordered running a few steps closer to her but stopping cold half way.
Max stepped back nervously before trying to run back to Chloe.
The figure dipped down into the water, then lunged out in a high arching leap, revealing it to be a hybrid form werewolf.
"TOO LATE"! A male voice suddenly called out furiously. The blonde/brown, grungy, soaking wet Were, was right above Max, spitting out the dead bird onto the sand off to the side as he came down on her with his claws.
Max staggered backward in fear, narrowly dodging the slash, which slammed hard into the ground spraying forth sand to the sides.
Max tripped up and landed on her back, partially sitting up, looking frightfully at the hostile hybrid, her heart racing.
Max pulled herself back from him a bit, but heard fast lighter thumping sounds on her left and quickly looked over to see that the brown dog by the RV, was now racing toward her.
It skidded to a stop next to her, hackles high, head bowed, teeth bared and growling, giving out sharp angry barks. Max raised her left arm up as a barricade, shifting back from the big dog too.
The hybrid got up, moving closer to her, tensing his claws, growling lowly.
Then his eyes darted from Max to the side briefly and he jumped back from her as a golden brown massive dire wolf landed in front of Max, facing it's side to the male hybrid, snarling angrily at him.
Then looked to the dog and growled threateningly. The dog suddenly whined and lowered it's tail, darting away to the hybrid's side, but still faced them and growled lowly.
Chloe circled around Max and stood over top of her, paws planted on either side of her, keeping her head high, ears back, fangs bared as she snarled at the hostile duo.
Max looked up in brief surprise at seeing Chloe's undercoat above her, before watching the enemies nervously again.
"Chloe we had a deal ! I don't come onto your turf without permission, and you don't come onto mine ! Sending this human on to my land, cloaked in your scent- Are you challenging me punk"?! The hybrid snapped angrily.
"No I'm not Frank ! Calm the fuck down ! If I were going to challenge you I'd do it myself, I wouldn't send a human girl to do it, so step back"! Chloe called angrily.
"She is under my protection though, if you or your hound touch her, I won't even give you a formal challenge. Do I make myself clear"! Chloe snapped sharply, lowering her head, staring him down and growling a warning.
He growled lowly back at her, then looked to Max underneath Chloe.
"Then explain why she's here"? He asked firmly.
"I was taking her to school, we had been nearby on my turf. She wanted to take a couple pictures of the beach away from the boundary of your turf. Then she wandered off chasing another photo op and she passed the threshold of your land, accidentally and unintentionally", Chloe explained calmly.
"She also can't detect the scent perimeters like we can, and your claw marking wasn't within her sight line, and she hasn't even seen my marking pattern yet to distinguish between them", Chloe reasoned calmly, raising her head back up, no longer baring her teeth.
Frank once again glanced between them a couple times in judgment, before relaxing his tension and reverting back to his human form. In turn the dog whined lightly and relaxed as well looking up at him and panting; wagging its tail.
"Alright, I believe you. But keep your human on a shorter leash, or she could get hurt by someone less, understanding. And if she's going to carry your scent like that, be sure to teach her the territory boundaries, Bulldog. Might save you both some grief", He stated calmly.
"Thank you Frank, for letting it slide", Chloe replied calmly. Max got up, slipping out from under Chloe.
"I'am so sorry, I-I didn't know, seriously, otherwise I would've been more careful", Max stated sincerely, her hand semi-folded on her chest.
Frank looked to her a moment, then closed his eyes and started walking back to the RV, the dog at his side. Chloe reverted back to her human form.
"Alright, you wonder twins have permission to cross my territory and back over if needed, for today. Lets not repeat this in the future", Frank called casually but firmly.
"Thank you, Frank", Chloe replied calmly. He waved her off dismissively.
"Pompidou, fetch", He ordered calmly. Gesturing behind him.
The dog barked and darted back toward the girls, pausing a moment to look at them again cautiously, before wagging his tail and scooping the dead bird up into his jaws , then turning and darting after Frank once more.
Chloe and Max watched Frank briefly pat the dog's head before they entered the RV and shut the door behind them.
"I'm so sorry Chloe, I hope I didn't fuck up your truce", Max mumbled worriedly.
"You didn't. Frank fronts tough,but he's one of the decent tames in this town... Come on, let's get you to Blackwell... But we're gonna make a stop along the way", Chloe replied calmly.
She walked back toward the hill path, pocketing her hands. Max followed quickly, putting away her camera.
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As they walked quietly, Max watched Chloe still feeling guilty for causing her trouble and unsure what stop Chloe was intending on making.
Chloe soon paused, sniffing the air, before turning to the right and walking on.
"This way", Chloe called calmly. She stopped by a tall thick pine tree, and looked back at Max waiting for her.
The younger girl stepped up beside her, looking at her curiously. Chloe gestured to a claw mark on the tree, an upside down capital L shape. Though the length and width of the two slash marks, resembled more of a filled in P shape.
"This, is my marking pattern. You see this, you're on my territory and you're safe. I've got various buildings and trees scratched up like this. Looking from a map, the borders of my turf make out more of a jagged puzzle piece, as opposed to a circle or oval shape", Chloe explained.
"Most tames tend to guard a small area, generally their houses and a bit of land around them, though still not a hell of a lot. So even wearing my jacket, you shouldn't run into any confrontations in town, unless you get too close to their homes, like what happened with Frank. Avoid people's houses and yards and you should be fine", Chloe stated calmly.
"Oh, okay, that sounds easy enough", Max replied adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder.
"Yep. Most aren't greedy and prefer to just keep to themselves and avoid confrontations anyway. Sometimes territory is more divided and not just a mass of land, a tame may scratch up their shop no where near their houses in hopes of warding off other werewolves from destroying their businesses", Chloe explained casually.
"That does make sense, wouldn't want to lose their livelihood overnight", Max replied.
"That and, for some, that's all that's left of their memories of being normal people once, and a good disguise to fool the people who actually are normal... After all, ALL werewolves are savage brainless beasts apparently, why on earth would they have businesses and jobs; and normal lives outside of terrorizing the little humans", Chloe stated in a slightly bitter tone.
Max gazed at her sympathetically and worriedly. Chloe sighed. "Anyway, there you go, that's my mark, look for it, avoid lawn gnomes. Let's go", Chloe stated calmly walking on.
Max walked with her. "Are you okay Chlo"? She asked worriedly.
"Peachy. Don't worry about it. Let's, talk about anything else...", Chloe replied quietly.
Max watched her worriedly and unsurely, before sighing and deciding on a new topic.
"Okay... Where do... The dead weres go during the day. I never see any bodies around"? Max asked calmly.
"You've seen left over blood stains on the walls and grounds before right"? Chloe asked.
"Yeah"? Max probed curiously.
"If the blood isn't from an attack, chances are, its all that's left of a wild one. They are hyper nocturnal, and rapidly decay in daylight, basically melt away, disintegrate, whichever you prefer, that's if other wild ones don't eat them first". Chloe started casually.
"Tames have a slow decay rate, due to maintaining their human selves and not being heavily dependent on the night to survive. Though tames are rarely out at night except to defend their turf or reclaim it", Chloe stated calmly.
"But if they are out and die, usually the street sweeper gets them when the sun is just barely out and the wild ones have turned tail for the day. Then their bodies get burned in a pile somewhere where the stench won't crinkle the humans' sensitive little noses. Unfortunately us Weres will still occasionally get a whiff of it depending on the winds, and get warm fuzzies as we get reminded how much we matter", Chloe sighed.
"That's awful... I'm so sorry Chloe...", Max stated worriedly.
Chloe shrugged. "It is what it is... But you better check that, "I feel sorry for you guys", tone though Maxie, the same treatment and worse goes to human sympathizers, like I told you last night. Play it safe and pretend you hate us like everyone else", Chloe advised calmly.
"But... I don't hate you Chloe", Max replied quietly.
"I know you don't Max, but they can't know that. If there ever comes a time where I'm under attack by humans, DO NOT defend me. Run away like you're scared of me, attack me, or insult me, or all of the above. You can not be seen caring about me in front of other people Max", Chloe ordered firmly.
"Chlo... I... I don't know if I can do that...", Max replied meekly, slowly hugging herself loosely in discomfort at the idea, looking away from Chloe.
Chloe sighed. "Dude don't get me wrong, I appreciate the love and loyalty, really I do, and I'm hoping we'll never be in that situation; but if we do get into it, I'm going to need you to trust me on this and do what I said to, okay"? Chloe asked calmly.
Max nodded quietly, but noncommittally, simply wanting a fast way to end the unpleasant topic.
"Good. Anyway we're almost there. Amazing how talks about doom and gloom pass the time, isn't it"? Chloe asked managing a smile as she pat Max on the shoulder as they walked on.
Max giggled lightly and gave a small smile.
"Yeah, but um, maybe next time we should just play "I spy" while we walk"? Max suggested.
Chloe chuckled. "Works for me", She replied teasingly.
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Soon they made it to their destination and stopped on the sidewalk nearest the dorms, facing each other.
Max glanced back at the dormitories, then back to Chloe and looked down; anxiously gripping the strap of her camera bag.
"...Is it going to be different this time"? Max asked quietly.
Chloe quirked her brow a bit in confusion. "What"? She asked curiously.
"...I'm going to walk away happy and not get another "leave me alone" phone call and be blocked again"? Max asked somberly.
Chloe glanced down, guilt washing over her; she looked back up at Max.
"I'm not leaving you again... I promise, Max", Chloe replied calmly.
Max raised her head, looking Chloe in the eyes.
"Swear"? She asked.
"I swear. I'll even call you later on", Chloe offered firmly.
Max smiled brightly. Chloe smiled back.
"Come on short stop. I'll walk you to your dorm", Chloe replied calmly.
"Alright... And I'm not that short, so bite me Snoopy", Max smirked playfully.
"Sure thing kiddo, you can be whatever you want", Chloe teased patting Max's head lightly.
Max laughed and pushed her away. "Oh okay grandma, hope you don't break a hip trying to catch me", Max taunted back playfully, setting her camera bag down and swiping Chloe's beanie, taking off running.
Chloe laughed. "Hey ! You little brat, you lookin' to get spanked ? Cause beanie stealing is a high offense in the Chloe court of law", Chloe called playfully taking chase.
Max laughed. "Try me Fido", She taunted back playfully.
Chloe laughed and caught up to her. Max squeaked in alarm and laughed tossing aside the beanie, but Chloe didn't change course.
She grabbed her grabbed her sides with her hands, lifting her up high spinning her around a bit with the momentum before both ended up in grass laughing.
"Looks like the "old dog" has still got it, cause I just caught me a dorkus Maximus~", Chloe teased playfully.
Max giggled and pushed Chloe off her, and rolled over, grabbing her beanie and tugging it onto Chloe's head; even concealing Chloe's eyes with it a bit. Chloe laughed and adjusted it properly.
"You're the dork", Max teased back as she got up and brushed the grass off, and went to retrieve her bag.
Chloe jumped up and brushed herself off too. She paused momentarily as she felt eyes on them; briefly narrowing hers suspiciously, before going over to Max and smiling again as she brought the girl into a playful headlock and laughing as she was elbowed away by Max.
Both chuckled and walked on.
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Dana, Kate and Juliet stood together, arms crossed at the front steps of the school, looking worried.
"Where the hell could she have gone"? Dana asked uneasily.
"There's no way she snuck out after dusk on her own, right"? Juliet asked worriedly.
Kate was squinting off into the distance.
"I don't think so, she should know by now how dangerous it is. At least I hope so...", Dana stated.
"You know, I've been watching a girl that looks exactly like Max, running around and playing with a blue haired girl... person, for seven minutes now", Kate stated casually.
Both Dana and Juliet looked to her, then to where she was staring; they too squinted at the figures, watching yet another game of chase or racing.
"I, think that actually is her", Juliet stated. "Are you sure"? Dana asked unsurely. "Really"? Kate asked looking to them. "Yep it definitely is", Dana confirmed.
"Oh... Well in that case; hey girls, I found her"! Kate declared cheerfully smiling, with her eyes closed.
Dana and Juliet face-palmed quietly. Dana sighed tiredly.
"Oh Katie... Sometimes... You, hurt me...", Juliet sighed rubbing her temples.
"Welcome to the club... Come on, let's go", Dana replied. She walked toward the dorms. Juliet followed, Kate care-freely and proudly skipped after them, humming happily.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Chloe and Max arrived at the dorm entrance, the shutters long since lifted, bent over a bit as they slowed from their latest run, lightly panting. They turned to each other, laughing through the breath catching.
They managed to catch their breath and straightened up. "So, you're standing by it ? You'll call me"? Max asked playfully.
"Of course, you'd miss my hot ass if I didn't; and I'd hate to hear that you cried out in class, "Oh Chloe, why oh why did you forget me !? I shall never love again" ", Chloe teased playfully.
Max laughed and pushed her in the side.
"Shut up, I so wouldn't say that. There's plenty of other werewolves in the Bay", Max teased in a playfully smug tone.
Chloe laughed. "Oh damn Max, your cruel arrow burns me so", She smirked jokingly.
"Put a bandage on it, you'll live", Max teased lightheartedly.
"Ouch, the wound gets deeper", Chloe stated gripping at her heart dramatically with a grin on her face. Max laughed.
"You're such a dork", Max laughed. "Yeah well it takes one to know one, dweeb", Chloe teased gently and playfully poking the girl in the forehead to lightly push her back.
Max chuckled and swat the hand away.
Chloe heard distant shuffling sounds and looked over to see Dana, Kate and Juliet making their way over.
"Alright dorkus Maximus, your roadies have arrived by the looks of it. That's my cue to head out and scope the perimeter as my step-ass would say", Chloe stated calmly.
Max glanced over at the three approaching.
"I don't know Chlo, I have a feeling they're going to interrogate me again", Max replied.
She then felt herself get a quick shove toward them. She stumbled a bit and rights her balance; looking back at Chloe in confusion.
Chloe pockets her hands casually and smiled at her.
"Get going hippie. Just tell them you were abducted by aliens", She teased with a shrug.
"I'm looking at one now, so it could work... Did you really sleep THAT well"? Max asked teasingly.
Chloe chuckled. "Totally, now go play with your friends kid. I won't be far", She replied dismissively.
Max rolled her eyes and laughed. "Alright talk to you soon Chlo", She replied calmly.
"You bet", Chloe smiled back.
Max then made her way to the other three, waving back at Chloe. Chloe nodded in return, still maintaining a smile.
When Max turned her back and ran off; Chloe's eyes sharpened, her smile gone.
"Stay safe", She mumbled quietly.
Then she glared back over her shoulder at another figure, ducking behind the far wall.
A low growl rumbled in Chloe's throat.
She checked back to clarify Max reached her friends; before she turned away and walked off to investigate...
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Chloe rounded the corner of the far wall fast in pursuit of the fleeting figure and quickly caught up.
She grabbed the person and thrust them up against the nearest wall; one arm crossed over their throat, applying pressure lightly.
Her other hand tightly gripping the navy blue t-shirt of the person.
"Ah ! W-wait a minute-", The brown haired boy panicked nervously.
"Who the hell are you and why were you spying on Max and me ?! You one of Nathan's goons"?! Chloe demanded angrily.
"Wh-what no I-", The boy tried in a slight panic.
"Then who ARE you ?! No normal person creeps around corners watching girls", Chloe stated in annoyance, biting back a growl as her anger started to stir the sleeping beast inside her.
"And I better like your answer", Chloe warned lowly. She added pressure, tightening her grip on his shirt; raising him up a little from the ground so the tips of his shoes, barely touched the grass.
"T-take it easy, I wasn't- Well I was- But i-it's not what you think. Holy shit you're strong... I'm Warren, a f-friend... Of Max's. I was just worried about-", He tried.
"If she's really your friend and you're so concerned about her, why don't you walk up and talk to her. You don't step into the stalker zone"! Chloe snapped in annoyance.
"And in case you were wondering... No, I DON'T believe you. Additionally, I don't like you either... Something about you just rubs me the wrong way...", Chloe stated in a low angry tone.
"No really I'am her friend, I swear"! He stated quickly and nervously.
"Which is why she never mentioned you when she listed off her new friends to me recently, isn't that convenient"!? Chloe stated coldly.
"Oh sh-she didn't"? Warren mumbled nervously.
Chloe kept her sharp gaze on him.
"He's human, that much is true, but there's something off about him. Maybe I'm on edge, but I don't trust him; not after that first impression... But why am I feeling, territorial suddenly"? Chloe thought to herself.
"L-lay off", Warren tried to sound intimidating, but the unease on his tone was blatantly obvious.
Chloe scoffed at his unease and dropped him.
He quickly righted his balance after a brief stumble and brushed the wrinkles from his shirt.
"If you know what's good for you nerd... Don't let me catch you creeping up on Max again. Now get lost", Chloe ordered firmly in irritation.
Warren quickly bolted mumbling "crazy" . He glanced back at her, then watched where he was running.
Chloe eyed his path sharply.
Then she ran her hand through her bangs, closing her eyes.
"Fuck, what is getting into me lately. He was just a dumb kid, why'd I get so pissed... ? Oh right, he was acting like a peeping Tom, that's why", Chloe muttered.
She walked on to check the perimeter further.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Max walked on looking stoic and apathetic as Kate circled her, eyeing her suspiciously as they walked.
Dana and Juliet shared similar looks.
Max sighed as Kate kept making perfect circles around her despite them moving.
"Kate, you're kinda making me dizzy here. What, what is it ? Do I have something on me"? Max asked boredly.
"No, you have something, OFF you...", Kate replied in a suspicious tone.
"Uh... Huh..."? Max asked in confusion, trying to make sense of the incorrect wording, tilting her head a bit.
Kate pushed her back into a stop. Dana and Juliet also stopped.
"Your necklace, the one I gave you... Where is it"?! Kate asked a little sharply and warily.
"Huh ? Oh, it fell off at some point I guess. I'm sorry", Max replied evasively; recalling she tore it off and threw it aside to hold Chloe.
"With my sturdy clasp-menship ? There are only two ways to get it off. Unclipping it, or breaking it off. You didn't say you took it off so that means it broke off ! Which can mean two other things, you were attacked by a werewolf or you ripped it off when you transformed so it wouldn't burn your wicked flesh"! Kate deducted quickly in a rant.
Max barely had time to register all the words that ran together without a breath in between, before a rosary was around her neck and a small bible thrust to her forehead roughly.
"Evil spirit begone"! Kate called authoritatively.
"Okay, ow. Look I'm not possessed, or a werewolf Kate", Max smirked in amusement pushing the bible back to Kate and taking off the rosary handing it back.
"Oh okay~ I believe you~ Hugs"? Kate asked in a chipper voice; putting the items away and opening her arms.
Max chuckled and moved to hug her. They embraced, then Kate abruptly pulled away grabbing Max's arm.
"Aha ! I – Oh wait, here let me just, take this this first...", Kate exclaimed but trailed into a mutter.
Max quirked a brow as Kate took off her camera bag and calmly handed it to Dana, then turned back to Max.
"Oh yeah, sure, I'll just, hold this for you... No problem...", Dana replied in a slightly bitter mutter.
"Okay great thanks~ Now where was I-? oh right", Kate replied calmly.
She grabbed Max's arm again.
"Aha ! I've lured you into a false sense of security"! Kate called out.
And in one fluid motion, Max was thrown over her shoulder and planted on the grass on her back roughly.
Kate still holding her arm up with a dangerous determined gleam in her eyes.
Dana and Juliet looked at the scene nervously.
There was silence... The wind lightly rustling the grass and their clothing.
"...Well... That was fun... Why"? Max asked in a slight groan but strangely calm tone.
"Your jeans are torn into baggy shorts, clearly they ripped like that during your transformation or... Something... And you smell like wet dog ! So I won't be fooled"! Kate called firmly.
She looked away closing her eyes, a dramatic single tear in her eye, as she took a steeling breath.
"Oh Max, you were so young, so sweet. But you've been taken by darkness, and in order to free you, I must slay you... With a heavy heart", Kate stated dramatically. Reaching into her blouse for a stake.
"Okay tiger, down girl", Dana called tossing the bag to Juliet and restraining Kate, who flailed and released Max's arm as she was picked up around the abdomen, by Dana.
"Release me, she must be saved"! Kate proclaimed.
"Okay deep breaths, happy place angel, happy place, pretty sure Max isn't a demon, rosary didn't burn her, same for the bible", Dana soothed petting Kate's hair.
Kate huffed and crossed her arms, dangling in mid air as she was pet. "Okay, true but the shorts and scent don't lie"! Kate added.
"Uh ...huh... Right. Kay, so my friend, who I stayed with, Chloe ? Yeah she gave me these last night, because my jeans were, dirty and in the wash... Just kinda borrowing them... And she has a dog... Jackson, he uh, needed a bath, Chloe and I had to give him one last night", Max explained, lying through her teeth, but convincingly.
"Really ? What breed"? Kate asked suspiciously.
"German Shepard, golden retriever cross I think", Max answered, careful to select a fur type match up to the colour, texture and length of Chloe's wolf fur.
"Pics"? Kate probed suspiciously.
"Too tired last night to play photo op, so I kinda forgot. Can I get up now"? Max explained casually.
Kate eyed her suspiciously. Then suddenly looked cheerful.
"Huh, that makes sense... Okay then~", Kate piped up cheerfully and dismissively.
"...Are you calm now"? Dana asked cautiously, keeping Kate held in the air.
"I believe so...", Kate answered. "... Are you sure ? If I set you down, you won't pile-drive Max into the garden"? Dana probed suspiciously.
"...Maybe...", Kate answered. "...Katie...Will you play nice with the hipster nerd"? Dana warned.
Kate crossed her arms. "Yes ! Okay I'll... Play nice...", She replied grumpily.
"Good", Dana replied and set her down carefully.
Juliet moved to start helping Max. "No ! This, is my burden to bear", Kate stopped her sharply.
"Hey okay, I wasn't... Doing anything...", Juliet defended quickly, hands up and backing up a bit.
Max narrowed her eyes. "...Burden ? You know I could just get up myself-"? She started trying to.
"My burden"! Kate quickly declared and Max instantly laid down again. "Okay okay"! She defended, practically flattening herself to the grass.
Kate took a calming breath and put on another chipper smile and helped Max up dusting her off.
"There we go~ All better~", Kate replied cheerfully.
"I think my appendix and spleen switched places... But I'm sure that's nothing to be concerned about. So yep, all better", Max groaned sarcastically but playfully and sorely; getting settled on her feet again.
She rubbed at her shoulder and stretched it a bit. "Aaand that's going to hurt for at least two hours, seven minutes and fifteen seconds...", Max grumbled stiffly.
There was a light popping sound that made her wince. "Er, make that two hours, EIGHT minutes and fifteen seconds...". She sighed.
"Sorry Max, can't be too careful these days, you know"? Kate replied sheepishly.
"That's alright, at least you spared my camera and other essentials from your wrath...", Max replied taking her bag back from Juliet and putting it over her other shoulder.
She started walking on and they followed. "Plus, that grass is really soft and hasn't been mowed yet, so there was cushioning at least", Max shrugged casually.
"I know right ? So soft~", Kate agreed cheerfully as they all entered the school.
"...What, just happened"? Juliet asked, confused. "Also... "Clasp-menship" "?
"It involves Kate. There are no answers", Dana replied boredly with a shrug.
The doors shut behind them.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
The day passed relatively peacefully, Max stuck to the plan Chloe had made; staying close to her friends, and not going anywhere with anyone deemed as, "popular kids".
Warren even hung around for a bit trying to talk her up; though he received minimal enthusiasm and responses from Max, whom was still quite a bit on edge. Too focused watching corners for signs of Nathan.
But Warren still tried, at least until Brooke dragged him off to their next class.
Chloe on the other hand stayed around the edge of the forest near school grounds, keeping out of sight, but remaining close by.
Chloe looked around in agitation. "Damn it, what the hell, is Prescott skipping or something ? I can't find him anywhere"? Chloe muttered to herself. Looking over the groups of students mingling for lunch.
She looked on, vaguely recalling what it was like to be a normal teenager. It stirred up unpleasant feelings.
The last time she remembered being normal, was when she had Rachel with her.
Teenagers going about enjoying their free time to catch up with friends before their next classes, was a painful reminder of all that's changed.
Chloe closed her eyes in frustration and walked on; continuing her search.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Max and Juliet learned their media lab class had been canceled so they had a spare following their lunch period.
Dana and Kate however, still had their own classes; but time to spare, to enjoy the normal bustle of lunchroom eating and socializing.
They sat down at a lunch table away from other students; though Max could feel eyes on her...
"What is up with that Warren kid, he was practically hanging off of you earlier; until Brooke kidnapped his ass", Dana smirked teasingly.
Max chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah, he almost was, wasn't he", She agreed sheepishly.
"I bet he has a crush on you, it's kind of cute~", Kate teased playfully.
"Er, you really think so ? I doubt it, I'm sure he's just being nice", Max replied hesitantly.
"Well I think it's a definite crush, he's being nice so you like him back~", Kate teased playfully.
Then her expression abruptly darkened and she leans toward Max, almost menacingly.
"In which case run. Teenage boys with hormones running rampant are vulnerable to possession by the devil in a split second when you least expect it... Tread carefully Max. Being a werewolf isn't the only way to fall into corruption...", Kate warned darkly, her tone low.
The other three girls looked at her nervously and awkwardly.
Max leaning far back in her seat, chuckling hesitantly. "U-um... I'll... Keep that in, mind..."? Max replied unsettled.
Dana recovered next.
"Uh what Kate is trying to say, is don't let any of the guys here force you into something you're not comfortable with, even nice ones. They don't have a ton of self control sometimes", Dana explained looking to Max.
Kate looked to her. "Well duh, I kinda thought I was pretty straight forward about it", Kate replied in a slight quizzical tone, quirking her brow.
Dana looked to her and held her hands up a bit defensively, closing her eyes.
"Er of course, just reinforcing your words; you put it very well and clearly. Yep no complaints here", Dana replied nervously.
Kate's expression lit up with a big smile. "I know~", She chirped cheerfully and giggled.
"Right, um, re-phrase, I'll keep, "all" of that, in mind. Thanks", Max replied awkwardly.
Juliet leaned back in her chair. "Though I recommend you don't let it get that far. I dated a guy like that, he was cute and sweet at first; than he got creepy and obsessive. It did not end well", Juliet added casually.
"Anyone we would know"? Dana asked curiously.
"Nope, he was from my old school; he was hot, and I was crushing on him hard. I didn't pay attention to the warning signs as fast as I should've. And it got messy and violent", Juliet stated looking to her.
"Shit, sounds horrible", Max replied sympathetically.
"Yeah the first crush rarely ends happy, I know. Crushed on a guy that was a player, my mistake. But you know there are some genuine good guys out there", Dana agreed casually.
"This is why I prefer my innocence", Kate replied with a shrug. They all chuckled.
"I remember he was a good kisser though, or at least as good as a first kiss can get anyway", Juliet added idly.
"Yeah same", Dana agreed.
"Does kissing a bunny on the nose count"? Kate asked curiously.
"Er... No", Juliet replied with a slight grin.
"Then my innocence is going strong~", Kate chimed in cheerfully, closing her eyes and smiling.
The other girls chuckled again.
Max's mind wandered again to that picture of Chloe and her at their tree fort, preparing to sleep in the woods that night; thinking it over for a few minutes.
"Juliet to Max, come in Max", Juliet called playfully.
Max snapped out of her daze and looked to her. "Huh, sorry, what"? She asked confused briefly.
"And she's back. Let's try again. Who was your first kiss or crush"? Juliet asked curiously.
All of her friends eyes were on her. Max looked between them all a little apprehensively.
After a few moments of hesitation, she looked down at her crossed arms on the table top; a light blush on her cheeks.
"Uh... W-well...", She hesitated.
Then she sighed, calming her nerves a bit, but still wouldn't meet their eyes.
"I was newly thirteen at the time and uh... It was with a fourteen and a half year old...", Max started shyly and somewhat evasively.
"Ooh, an older kid huh ? Was he cute"? Juliet asked playfully.
Max's blush darkened and she fidgeted in her seat; and glanced off to the side, hesitant once more.
Again she sighed, then closed her eyes. "Yes, "she" was...", Max answered timidly.
"Ooh Max likes the ladies does she ? Remind me to get drunk around you. I apparently give the best lap dances", Juliet teased jokingly with a wink.
Max's blush darkened further. "Er well, I mean n-not exactly, I think...M-maybe... There are some cute boys, but... Um... I don't know...", She replied timidly and uncertainly.
"Undecided huh ? Or maybe you just like both. Don't sweat it, it's perfectly normal. You'll know what you're comfortable with one day. No need to rush~", Juliet replied calmly and reassuringly.
Max timidly nodded, thinking it over shyly.
Dana laughed. "Exactly ! And don't be so nervous, we won't judge~ Anyway. Juliet, lap dancing, seriously"? She grinned.
Juliet laughed and elbowed her.
"Oh like you're innocent. I remember that casual dancing strip tease you gave me on our girl's night out four months ago; and then you fell over and laughed, before passing out", Juliet teased.
Dana laughed. "I was wasted ! Worst hang over ever~", She replied playfully.
They both laughed, so did Max, relaxing again and managing to smile at the distracting conversation.
"I almost wish I could've been there with my camera", Max teased playfully.
Then Max dawned a realization. She quickly jolted to attention and recoiled back guarding herself from Kate.
"Hm ? What's wrong Max"? Kate asked calmly and cheerfully.
Max hesitantly peeked at Kate from between her arms warily.
"Oh erm... I just thought... Well I uh... I know your religion isn't a fan of... What I did... And the way you react to... I uh... I don't know...", Max replied cautiously.
"Oh don't worry, I find it cute~ Besides it's not like I'm some religious zealot or vigilante, I would never assault anyone with religious artifacts~", Kate replied casually.
There was a silence as they looked at her with disbelieving quirked brows.
Kate simply smiled with her eyes closed and took a sip out of her tea; then let out a relaxed sigh.
"...Never ever...", She reaffirmed contently; taking another sip.
"Was her previous exchange with Max just wiped from her memory"? Juliet asked quietly.
"I'm more concerned about where that tea came from personally", Max replied quietly.
"Guys. No answers. Give up". Dana replied calmly, closing her eyes and relaxing casually back in her seat; taking a bite of a fry from her plate.
"Okay, moving on with the reality that makes sense. Who was the mystery girl that took our little Maxie's first kiss"? Juliet asked teasingly.
Now all eyes were back on Max. Max fidgeted a bit, and blushed; looking down and away from them.
She closed her eyes steeling herself, then re-opened them.
"...Chloe...", Max answered shyly.
"Wait, is she the same Chloe we've been hearing about"? Dana asked curiously.
"And was she the blue haired skater chick we saw you with earlier"? Juliet added inquisitively.
Max sighed lightly. "Yes... But ! The kiss, i-it was just part of a game ! Totally chaste and not weird"! Max quickly defended, looking to them.
Then she glanced away again. "Er, mostly...Chaste... I think...", She thought nervously.
Her friends laughed at her shyness.
"So, what game were you two playing, that made you perform that "mostly chaste and not weird" kiss"? Kate asked curiously and a little playfully.
"Truth or dare. It happened on a night we were going to have a sleepover in our tree fort in the woods. I always chose truth. Chloe always chose dare", Max started explaining.
"To make it interesting, the penalty for not following through; was the loser had to buy both movie tickets and the snacks, for our next trip to the theatre". Max continued.
"There was a loss limit, we both had one more loss and it was game over, there was no way I was paying again so I got desperate to win. Chloe chose dare, I , dared her to kiss me... She, didn't lose...", Max finished shyly.
Her friends laughed lightly. "Well that's one way to do it", Juliet teased.
The other three spoke to each other about it. Max smiled faintly, and looked down. Their voice's becoming muffled as she drifted her mind back.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
"Okay okay, your turn Max. Truth or dare"? Fourteen year old Chloe asked playfully. Her long strawberry-blonde-ish, light brown hair draping down over her shoulder.
"I can't believe you actually licked the pillar, do you not care if your tongue gets a splinter"? Thirteen year old Max stated in disbelief, combing her fingers over her short shoulder length dark brown hair, at a loss for words; her hair freed from its usual small ponytail.
"What can I say ? I'm a cheapskate. I will do anything to avoid flipping the bill. Now truth or dare Max"? Chloe asked with a smirk as she rinsed out her mouth with water.
"Still, gross. Hardcore, but gross Chlo", Max smirked.
Chloe gargled the water and spit it out the small window to the forest floor below.
"Yeah well desperation can make a person do strange things. At least it had a barely passable, lemony after taste", Chloe smirked playfully.
"It's called, furnishing", Max grinned teasingly.
"You're stalling Max. I mean, if you want to give-...", Chloe teased playfully.
"Fine, truth", Max answered crossing her arms.
"Dude again ? I've got soo many dares for you...", Chloe groaned.
Max giggled and stuck out her tongue defiantly.
"Oh you'll regret that in time... But fine, let's see... Shoot, not a lot left to ask... Okay, darkest secret I don't know about"? Chloe asked casually.
Max sat back on her hands, gazing at the wooden tree fort ceiling, thoughtfully.
"Hmm... Let's see; there's gotta be something...", Max mumbled quietly.
"Don't hurt yourself Max. You can just give up and pay the price... Pun intended", Chloe smirked confidently.
"Not happening Chloe... Let's see... Oh I know", Max replied sitting up right again; looking to Chloe.
"Remember our first fight"? Max asked.
"The one three years ago over something stupid ? I can't really remember the topic, but we were in the middle of another sleep over and we clashed hard. You even stormed out...", Chloe started as she thought back.
"I think... You accused me of cheating at a video game we were playing. You lost bad for the twelfth time and were cranky as fuck cause you were tired", Chloe replied idly.
"That was the one... I still think you cheated by the way", Max smirked playfully.
Chloe chuckled. "Three years and still a sore loser~", She teased back.
Max laughed lightly. "Anyway, when I stormed out I uh kinda in a rage, dropped your toothbrush into the toilet; but then immediately felt remorse and childish. So I thoroughly cleaned it after", Max stated lightly scratching her cheek nervously.
"What ?! Seriously ? Dude you were gone for like twenty minutes ! Please tell me it hadn't been in use", Chloe replied in alert.
"Gross I wasn't that pissed or petty. But yeah, I spent almost half an hour cleaning it anyway", Max replied calmly.
"Wait, is that why it tasted like soap for like, two weeks"? Chloe asked.
"Yeah... Sorry", Max replied sheepishly.
"Ass. Okay okay, let's keep this going, I need to purge this memory. We're still teetering on the edge, one more loss and it's decided. So hit me", Chloe declared with a light chuckle.
"Damn that's right. Okay, truth or dare Chloe"? Max asked.
"Dare, duh. One of us has to keep it interesting", Chloe teased playfully.
"You call me repetitive... Let's see, something that you won't do, something you won't do...", Max muttered contemplatively.
"Don't bet on it kid, my cheapness runs deep", Chloe smirked smugly. "Not sure if you should be as proud of that as you seem to be", Max teased back.
Chloe laughed. Max looked down in thought, lightly chewing her lip. She definitely felt the pressure to win, since her allowance was small.
She wracked her brain for another dare. Then got an idea.
"Growin' old Max, anytime now", Chloe teased.
"I dare you to kiss me, on the lips", Max smirked smugly.
"Wh-what"? Chloe asked startled, jolting up a bit, her eyes alert.
"Aand that's a wrap on this game~ I'd like an extra large cherry soda and-", Max smirked closing her eyes and crossing her arms triumphantly.
She was cut off by a rough kiss planting on her lips. Max's eyes opened wide, she jolted a bit and froze as her eyes confirmed it was in fact Chloe kissing her.
Chloe's eyes were closed. The roughness eased off, softening up. But then it left as Chloe quickly pulled back; and for a moment, she wouldn't meet Max's eyes.
Both girls blushing, Max more so. She swallowed nervously, then relaxed herself when she saw Chloe was just as nervous and tense.
Max gave a lighthearted smile. "What do you know, that furnishing actually did have a lemony after taste", She joked to ease tensions.
Chloe looked to her surprise, then grinned and laughed. "Told you, never doubt my words dweeb", Chloe replied teasingly. Max laughed.
"Okay dork the game is still on, so uh, truth or dare"? Chloe asked calmly.
"Truth, duh", Max replied smugly.
Chloe glanced away, palming her jeans lightly. A faint blush on her cheeks.
"Did you... Uh... How was...", Chloe mumbled quietly.
"Huh"? Max asked quizzically looking at her. She noticed Chloe's nervous hesitant body language. Then saw it relax slightly and Chloe met her eyes, confidence seemingly returned.
"What did you think of the kiss"? Chloe asked calmly.
It was Max's turn to blush again and she looked down fidgeting. Before taking note of Chloe's own recovered confidence; she looked up at the older girl once more, and smiled reassuringly.
"It was nice. A bit rough and sudden, but not bad", Max replied calmly and sweetly.
She noticed Chloe's posture relax more.
"So, does kissing always feel like that, do you think"? Max asked curiously.
"Not that I would know for sure, but I think real kissing is way better. That was rushed and clumsy. Course, I'm not an expert", Chloe replied casually.
Max grinned a bit. "That's for sure~", she teased playfully.
"Hey bite your tongue ! That was a first attempt and there was wallet pressure on the line here, and the moon was in my eyes... And other excuses... I mean perfectly reasonable... Reasons...Shut up...", Chloe retorted with a laugh, crossing her arms.
Max giggled at the defensiveness. Smirking and crossing her own arms.
"Truth or dare"? She asked casually.
"Dare. Do we even need to ask the question anymore"? Chloe asked playfully.
"Alright, I dare you to prove yourself, Ms. Defensive~", Max challenged teasingly.
Chloe blinked in confusion briefly, before it fully clicked in her head the game being played.
"Uh, yeah, s-sure. I mean, yeah, I will"! Chloe replied starting off nervous before trailing into over-confidence.
She shifted closer to Max and chuckled a bit.
"Geez, you get one kiss, now you can't get enough. I think I already have proven myself, you're just digging for seconds", Chloe teased playfully.
"Uh huh, right. Pucker up or pay up dork", Max taunted back playfully.
Chloe laughed. "Bossy much ? Okay okay, prepare to be dazzled", Chloe declared playfully.
They closed their eyes and moved in again for a second kiss, this time gentler and couple seconds longer.
Then parted, Chloe smirked. "Well"? She asked.
Max was a bit flustered and took a moment to settle her beating heart. Then took on a thinking posture quickly to cover up.
"Hmm, yeah no, I didn't feel any dazzling to be honest...Guess you gotta pay up", She teased casually.
"What ?! That's bullshit ! The system is rigged ! You just don't wanna pay for the movie"! Chloe retorted with a defiant laugh.
Max giggled. "That's a dollar for the swear jar~", She teased playfully.
"Fuck that"! Chloe retorted again. "That's another dollar for the swear jar~", Max teased again.
"Shut up"! Chloe countered again. Max only giggled again. Only to be tackled into a round of play-fighting by Chloe.
Both girls laughing.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
A very loud wood slapping sound jolted Max from her nostalgic thoughts; giving a yelp of fear from it.
She looked in front of herself, to see all three of her friends, staring at her. Leaning toward her intensely. Eyes serious.
"We want to meet this infamous Chloe"! All three declared in determined unison.
Max jerked back at the tones, raising her hands up defensively as she blinked nervously and awkwardly tried to register what just happened...
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~~oOo~
~A Note from Pure Set~
That concludes Chapter 12: Stirring (Part 1).
Hope you all enjoyed. I apologize for the incredibly long delay, it's been a rough several months.
The hard copy of the chapter I had written, unfortunately was spilled on ; and it took nearly a month to dry and repair it.
Then the keyboard broke down, on top of trying to sell the house and working.
And worst of all, I lost someone very dear to me a few months back, so my motivation has been blocked by grief for some time.
Sadly there's been a couple other life and death struggles with family recently as well, that are ongoing.
I can't guarantee fast chapter uploads, there's still so much to do in the coming months, and Part 2 is longer than part 1.
Again I apologize for the long delay. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Drop a review if you feel like it~ They mean a lot~ And all help greatly and keeps me going~