#but yeah max is there almost everyday and helps when she can with physical therapy and always braids billys hair before his exercises and | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

the-rainbow-shaka-brah · 7 years

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Everyday Hero [Completed]

Everyday Hero Pt.1

Everyday Hero Pt. 2

Everyday Hero Pt. 3:

~Max~

I face myself in the mirror, staring intensely into my own blue eyes. I sigh and lift up my shirt, revealing a long, ugly scar. I trace my finger lightly over the tender bit of skin and cringe, "Shit,". I look hideous and deformed... as if I wasn't self-conscious enough. I sigh sharply and force my shirt down, blowing a few loose strands of hair out of my eyes, "Pfft, minor scarring they said, you won't be able to see it, they said. Huh, yeah right," I mutter angrily, turning away from the mirror. I get out today... out of the hospital that is. Chloe's coming by later to pick me up and take me home. Well, it's not home ... I'm going to be staying with Chloe for a while 'till my folks can figure some stuff out. That's code name for they can't take care of me and deal with work and lawyers all at the same time. Anyways, I gather up the few things left in my hospital room and shove them into my tote bag lying on the bed. I grab the cute teddy bear Chloe got for me a few days after I woke up and clutch it tightly against me. Huh, I may be 18 but I still have a soft spot for stuffed animals. I press my nose into its soft fur and breath in. I can smell her... cigarettes... smoke... weed... Chloe. I've grown accustomed to her smell, she's visited me almost every day or even staying the night sometimes. We've talked about telling my parents about our relationship... but we never really act on it. I sigh again and pull the toy away from my face, setting it gingerly in the bag. As I go to lift it, I cringe and clutch my side, "Fuck!". Certain movements make my insides burn in pain but it's bullshit, I can't bend down or pick anything up or reach for anything or... I look down at the contents of my bag which is now spread out across the floor. Anger begins to swell up inside me as I force myself to get down on the ground, ignoring the pain exploding in my brain. I grab my camera and shove it into the bag, "Shit...". I grab some clothes and shove them in, tears forming in my eyes. The bear... where's the fucking bear... under the bed? I lower myself further, black spots begin to cloud my vision. I don't see it... I don't see anything. Everything is dark and fuzzy.... And cold... it feels... nice. I could get used to this. But, I'm abruptly pulled for my dark stupor by strong hands clamping down on my shoulders, "Max?!" The voice says. I blink, shutting my eyes and gripping the hands that hold me, "Huh? What?". "You okay?! You were on the floor,". I nod slowly, waiting until everything seems to settle back into place before replying, "Just... dropped something,". Chloe shakes her head, easing me back onto the bed, "You know you're not supposed to do that, you can really hurt yourself,". "I can do whatever I want," I growl back coldly. She sighs and sits beside me on the bed, resting her hand on top of mine, "But you don't have to do it alone, Max. it's okay to ask for help,". I look up at her, my vision finally clear and sigh, "I'm sorry, Chloe. I just... I hate feeling so goddamn helpless,". "I know, and I'm sorry you feel that way. But," Chloe pauses, picking the stuffed bear up off the ground and handing it to me, "You don't have to". I take the bear and sigh, "I know,". She leans in and kisses me on the lips, holding there for a few moments. "I love you...". "Hmm, me too, dork," she whispers once we pull away, "We good to go?". I nod and allow her to take my hands, pulling me up off the bed and lead me out of the room. As Chloe checks me out of the hospital, I stand beside her, staring blankly into the abyss. Am I really ready to go back out there? Into the real world? I- I mean... what if someone tries to hurt Chloe again? I don't have my powers to protect her... I don't have anything to protect her. Well, besides myself. Shit, I can barely take care of myself.... So how am I? "Max," Chloe says, tapping me on the shoulder. I blink and turn to her, "Yep?". She sighs and points to the guy manning the front desk. "Would you like to talk to someone? We have counselors for people who have undergone recent traumas and tragedies, what'd you say?". He tries to hand me a clipboard but I decline and turn away, "Uh, no thanks. I can handle my own problems,". As I walk away I hear Chloe take the clipboard and quickly jot something down before running over to catch up with me. "What part of I can handle my own problems did you not understand?" I say coldly. "Dude, what are you talking about?" she asks, confused as to what pissed me off. "Didn't you sign me up for that counselor?". "You said you didn't want to,". I blush, ashamed that I accused my girlfriend of that, "Then... who'd you sign up?". "Myself,". I might've laughed, but Chloe's serious tone tells me otherwise. "But... Why?". " Oh, I don't know... I've been abused, drugged, and possibly... *ahem*. I watched my best friend get shot, die, and be revived all in the same day. They found Rachael dead in the junkyard and I had to I.D the body. Jeffershit came forward with his creepy ass photo-drug with binders filled pictures of half-conscious girls, which included an empty one with your name on it. Huh, I hate to say it but it ain't all sunshine and rainbows on my end and you sure as hell aren't the only one dealing with shit,". I feel myself shrink back in shame. God... I'm such an insensitive bitch... what's wrong with me? Am I still being selfish? Once we get to the truck after a few minutes of silence, Chloe stops and turns to me, " I- I'm sorry snapped at you... it's just... *sigh*. I'm just not used to you being so pissy and uptight. Do your pain med throw you that outta wack?". I nod a little and apologize in a small pathetic voice. I know she gets fed up with my moodiness, but... she always just keeps her feelings to herself. I'm actually glad that she got upset at me... I deserve to be treated just like anyone else... no special treatment for me. Chloe sighs and embraces me, allowing me to cry into her shirt. "I- I'm sorry, Chloe... I- I just-". "You're scared, and I understand, but you have to talk to me," Chloe says, taking my face in her hands, "I can't help you if you shut the world out... shut me out,". I nod weakly and hug her again, "Y- You are my world,". "And you are goddamn adorable,". I giggle a bit and pull away, gesturing to the truck, "Come on, let's get out of here and get some real food! Everything in there tastes like cardboard,". Chloe smirks and opens the door for me, "Hardly seemed nutritious too, you've lost like what... 6, 7 pounds?". "Ten," I correct with a sigh, scrambling up into my seat. It's one thing on top of the other for me huh? I've got a laundry list of problems... not just mental, but physical too. "We still need to talk about phy-" Chloe begins but I cut her off with a stern look. She raises her hands up in surrender,"Okay, okay! I won't bring it up, but you seriously need to consider it... I think it'll help,". I sigh again and shrug, watching as she closes the door and saunters over to the driver's seat. I try not to think about how physical therapy is going to have to be like... a thing. I guess vegging out in a bed for almost 2 months has its consequences, huh... *sigh*.

Once we're out on the road, I feel like I'm in a well enough state to ask the question I've been dreading for weeks. "Uh, Chloe... I've been meaning to ask... do... do I have to...". "No," she replies quickly, as if reading my mind, "You don't have to give a statement if you don't want to. The police have enough evidence to lock those fuckers away for a long time,". I swallow hard, "W-what did you say?". "Only what I knew at the time... which wasn't much. I just told them about the drugs and Frank's threats, my plan to leave Arcadia Bay if Rachael ever showed up... that stuff. Nonetheless, I got in some trouble, but step-shit would not let me in the hands of the local police,". I giggle nervously, remembering how Chloe said that exact line in another reality, "H-he means well,". Chloe nods, "I know... he saved you and... that's something I can't thank him enough for,". I shut my eyes tightly as a flash of memories bombard my mind. "Hey, you okay?!" Chloe asks frantically. I nod and reach over, grabbing her hand, "It'll pass...". The 'Darkroom', Drugs, Blood, Guns, Camera...click click click. I shiver visibly. "Max, I'm right... just relax... relax,". I take a deep breath and the flashback fades. "I'm...okay,". I open my eyes slowly and turn to see Chloe staring at me, her eyes damp with tears. "What?". "I- I just... *sniff* I hate that I can't help you with the flashbacks... they seem so painful,". I nod in understanding, "I got... I think I've got them under control. They're slowing down... becoming less and less," I reassure her, "I'm handling them a lot better that I was before,". "I know... and I'm really happy you're getting better... but I don't get why you're having these 'Flashbacks' in the first place... none of that shit even happened to you,". She's right... none of the things from that week actually happened to me... well, at least they didn't happen to my physical form... but it did happen in my mindset. So... when I made the choice to take the bullet... I created yet another alternate reality. God... how many fucking timelines and realities have I created? Can I even call this 'real life' anymore? I mean... it's normal for everyone else, but I'm the time traveler... or... Time Drifter as I like to call it. I mean, I'll never go back to my reality... my original timeline, the one before my powers... the one where... Chloe dies in the bathroom. I close my eyes again and fight off memories of Chloe getting shot instead of me. "Can we like, not talk about anything right now? Please?"" I ask calmly, knowing she'll understand. "Yeah, of course," Chloe replies quickly, giving my hand another squeeze before returning to the steering wheel. We both stay quiet until we pull up to Chloe's half painted house and wait... for what... I don't know. "Do you need help getting out?" she finally says as she slips out of the truck and awaits my answer. I smile softly and nod a bit, "Yeah... that would be nice,". We share a warm smile before Chloe breaks off and walks over to open the door. "Okay, now... give me your hand," she instructs. I obey and take her hand, allowing her to lead me out of the truck, even though it's not a whole foot off the ground. "You good?" Chloe asks once I'm safely out. "Yep," I reply cheerfully, even though the quick step down gave me a headache. "Well then. Let's meet the parents," she says, grabbing my bags and closing the car door. I giggle a bit and follow her inside.

Joyce waits anxiously for me to sitting down until throwing her arms around me and hugging me as gently as she can, which even then is kinda tight. "Ha, it's good to see you too Joyce," I say once she releases me. "*sniff* Oh, I'm sorry, sweetie, I'm just so glad you're alright. We were all so worried 'bout you," she says, drying her eyes. Chloe shoots her mother a look as if saying: don't say too much. "It's good to know people care," I say, then add quietly, "Some more than others". I meant it as a joke because my parents haven't really been around since the shooting, but... everyone take it seriously. "Uh... *ahem* w-what do you say we head upstairs and put your stuff away." Chloe says, gesturing to the bag in her hand. Joyce nods, "Yes, why don't you two go do that. I'll put whip something up for lunch in the meantime". I let out a sigh, shifting nervously in my seat at the awkwardness I created. Way to go, Max. Invite everyone to your pity party. "How you holding up, there Maxie?" Chloe says. I shrug, feeling myself shutting out the world again. "Well, come on... let's go upstairs and chill for a bit," She says, reaching out to me. I ignore her outreached hand and stand up on my own, despite sending a sharp pain throughout my abdomen. "Take it easy, Max... don't force yourself," Chloe says, seeing my pained expression. "I'm fine, Chloe... h- honest," I say, leaning up against the couch until the pain passes. Something about this trip upstairs feels different, but I can't put my finger on what it is. I turn to Chloe and look her up and down, she looks... well, different. She's not in her normal shredded jeans and tank top, she hasn't been for the past few weeks now that I think about it. Her wardrobe now mainly consists of plain tee- shirts and faded jeans. Hmm.... As we walk up to the door, it too seems different... there's no graffiti or posters. But then again, this is a whole nother reality and I technically haven't been here in 5 years. Chloe seems to notice my slight confusion and clears her throat, "So, uh... my room looks a lot different than the last time you saw it so... fair warning,". I nod, knowing what a trainwreck her room is. When I walk inside I smile, seeing that everything is basically the same except for a few key things. All the trash, boxes, beer bottles, cigarette butts, and the smell of weed have vanished, leaving the room open. My little couch; the one from my dorm, rests at the edge of the bed, acting as a footboard. I vaguely remember allowing Chloe to clear out my dorm when the town shut down Blackwell after everything went down. "Wow, Chloe... this... this isn't wasn't at all what I was expecting," I say, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Yeah... I know," she replies shyly, "I thought you should come home to a welcoming environment... so, I straightened up a bit, moved things around... feng-shui ya know?". I nod again, watching as Chloe comes up and sits next to me, wrapping her arm around me gently. I sigh and cuddle up beside her. "Tired?". "A bit?". "Well, it's been a long day," she says, "you're welcome to take a nap if you want... I think I'm going to help mom with lunch,". "Could you stay for a bit," I ask even though she's not leaving yet, "At least 'till I fall asleep?". She smiles, "Huh, sure... need help changing?". I nod and blush a bit because that's another thing I can't do on my own. "Go find something to wear while I watch the door," Chloe says as she gets up and leans up against the door. "Wait," I say, carefully leaning over and grabbing my bag, "Can't you just lock the door or...". "Yeah... 'bout that. Joyce says there are no locked doors as long as we're in the house together... it's like she thinks we're gonna do the nasty or something,". We look at each other with sly grins before snickering to ourselves. I sigh, looking around the room wearily as if looking for something. "The cameras are gone, if that's what you're looking for," Chloe says, pointing to one of the vents, "I made David remove them," "Oh," I reply quietly, standing up with Chloe's help. My cheeks grow red when we face each other, why am I so nervous all of a sudden? I've dressed in front of Chloe loads of times as a kid... so what makes it so weird now? "Uh, would you mind if I try dressing myself?" I ask shyly. "Sure... uh... want me to leave or...". "No, you can stay just.... Don't look maybe?". Chloe nods and turns away, walking back to the door with embarrassment covering her face. I sigh to myself and lift my shirt up a little, testing how long it'll take for me to react to the pain. The answer is immediately and I have to hold my breath to prevent myself from crying out in pain. I continue to lift my shirt and a small, almost inaudible cry escapes my lips. Chloe hears it and shifts around a bit on her feet, "Sure you're alright?". "Yeah," I breathe out. I try to move faster but fall to my knees as pain once more explodes in my gut, another pitiful cry leaving my lips. Chloe spins around and gasps a little when she sees me. "Shit, Max!". She slides up to me on her knees and grabs me by the shoulders. I grab her arms and hold on to her like she's the only thing keeping me from losing myself entirely. "I- I'm fine... I- I just... I need...". "What... what do you need, Max? Tell me," Chloe says, clearly determined to find out what's ailing me. I sigh out a shaky breath... "I need help,". She looks a little shocked but allows me to continue. "I- I can't... move... certain ways without...hurting myself,". I lift the corner of my shirt to reveal the scar and mutilated skin surrounding it, "T- the doctors... kept saying that... I'd have some nerve damage but... I- I didn't want to believe them b-because that would mean I m-might... n-never do some things on my own ever again a- and I... I...". I can't keep myself from crying anymore and I start tearing up which makes Chloe seem even more concerned and almost weepy. Her hand extends out towards me and I instinctively move back but then relax... somehow sensing that she needs to do this. Her hands are cold and clammy and I can feel them shaking as she rests it lightly over the scar. I wince slightly which makes her recoil. "I- I...," Chloe mumbles, her voice thin and shaky, "I'm *gulp* I'm s- so sorry, Max. I- I did this to you... this is all my fault, It's my fault. I- I hurt you... I- I...". Her voice finally breaks and she breaks down before my eyes. I've never seen her cry this hard before.... Not in this, or any other reality.... And she's crying for me. "Why did you do it, Max? W- why did you choose me... I'm not a good person.... I don't get it... I don't know what you see in me,". I blink, trying to hold back more tears from leaving my eyes, "C- Chloe. I- I fell in love with you and I-". "Which me was that, Max?". Then I get it... this isn't my Chloe... and I'm not her Max. "Look, I am in love with you and I want to spend my life with you but, I think you should get to know this me first,". "Yes, yes, I'll do anything! J-just don't leave me!" I cry frantically, grabbing her and hugging her tightly against my body. "What?! Max, I... I'm not going to leave you. I just said I was going to spend the rest of my life with you," Chloe says, trying to pry me off of her. I just hold on tighter and continue to cry, feeling another flashback cloud my thoughts, "I- I don't want to do this, Chloe! D-don't make me do this... I- I can't lose you again... I won't, I won't!". "Max, what are you talking about? I'm not making you do anything," Chloe tries to reassure me, but her voice and presence fade as reality seems to melt around me. I can almost hear the wind whirling around me and feel the ice cold rain striking my skin as I stand on the cliff with one of the many Chloes I'd created during the course of the week. I start shivering violently from the cold even though it only exists in my mind. "Max?". "I won't let you go, Chloe. I won't. I'll find a way to bring you back!" I continue, clutching my hands to my head. "No...no no no no no, I won't trade you!". "Max!". Something thuds to the ground and footsteps echo away from me as Chloe calls out for help. Everything is so cold and the wind is so loud... I- I don't know what to do. Everything is too much. I curl up into a tight ball, continuing to grab at my head and ears. My head and heart are pounding as my panic seems to climax until... everything goes black.

As is it's at the snap of a finger, I jolt awake instantly, panicking slightly. It takes me a moment to figure out where I am... I've been moved from Chloe's room to the living room downstairs. I must have blacked out, which is usually what happens after I have a major panic attack. "Dammit," I mutter, punching one of the couch cushions. I'm never going to get better if this keeps happening to me. I sigh sharply and slowly swing my legs around up off the couch, taking my time to get up. It's starting to get dark, so I figure I've been out for at least a few hours. I find myself heading towards the kitchen, following the voices that flow out of the room. I stand silently at the doorway, using the frame for support and just watch as Chloe and her mother work quietly around each other. "How are you holding up, sweetie?" Joyce asks, caressing her daughter's back. She shrugs and leans all her weight on the counter, "I'm here.... So, I'm okay, I guess,". "Max'll be fine. She's tough like you,". Chloe sighs again and continues to scrub at the counter, "I know... I just wish I could help her, that's all,". I sigh inwardly, sad that I made Chloe fret so badly... and over me. She's so strong, but lately Chloe's shown me a side of her personality that's vulnerable and insecure. She's my strength and I'm her weakness.... Is... is this how love is supposed to work? "Hiya, sweetie... feelin' any better?" Joyce says when she realizes my presence. I nod and turn to Chloe waiting for her to respond to my awakening. She looks over at me wide-eyed and smiles, "Max!". I jump unintentionally at the intensity and excitement in her voice, my nerves not quite back to the way they're supposed to be. "H- hi, Chloe," I mutter weakly, hugging my partner when she comes up embraces me. "Shit, Max... what happened? Are you okay, you totally blacked out. I thought..." Chloe stops, seeing my dazed expression, her words not exactly computing in my head at the rate they're coming out. "I'm... okay," I say softly, pulling myself away from her. "Chloe, give the poor girl some space," Joyce scalds, "She clearly still needs a little time to wake up and readjust,". Chloe turns back to me and asks if I need a few minutes to collect my thoughts before joining everyone back for dinner. I nod slowly and allow her to give me a quick peck on the cheek, "Yeah... just... give me a bit,". "Cool, cool... now, uh...," Chloe says, seeming nervous all of a sudden, " Are you sure you're okay? D- do you need anything, some food, water? I uh...*sigh* sorry,". I giggle lightly and hug her gently, knowing that she's still worried about me, "I'm fine, Chloe... remember what I told you... I... I got this,". She sighs and breathes deeply into my hair, sending a light shiver throughout my body. "I love you," she whispers. I smile again and bury my face into her shirt, "Me too,". Joyce sighs wistfully when she turns and sees us in each other's arms, "Oh, young love. I remember a time when me and your father were lovestruck fools,". "Which one?" Chloe asks innocently, wondering which of her technical two fathers her mother was referring to. "Both, actually. William was always a charmer as you both know,". Chloe and I nod, remembering what a sweetheart her first husband was. "And as hard as it may be to imagine David being romantic, he has his own ways of showin' his love,". Does that include abusing his own step-daughter? I want to say but don't because Chloe and David already buried that hatchet and I don't want to be the one to bring up the past. But I'll never forget that he hit or tried to hit Chloe on multiple occasions. At some point I'll have to forgive him fully, but... for now, all that's keeping me from going off on him again is that he saved my life twice, cried when I told him that Jefferson had killed Chloe in one of the alternate realities and the fact that he actually does care about his family. "Max?" Chloe whispers, bringing me back into reality, I blink and pull away a bit, "I'm here... just thinking. I um, I'll be with you in a little bit, okay?". Chloe nods and kisses the top of my head, "Alright, Just hurry back, dinner'll be ready in a bit,". I nod a little and push off, making my way back into the small dim living room. I grab my phone and plop down on the couch, filtering through my texts quickly, picking out a few from my parents wishing me well after the day's incident. The least they could do is call me, I think, seeing that I have no missed calls aside from the ones Warren has been leaving me. That boy still thinks Chloe and I are just gal pals even though we've been together for almost 2 months now. Wow... it's been 2 months since the shooting... *sigh*. I shake my head, not really wanting to relive the occurrences of that day. Anyways, I pocket my phone and lean back, closing my eyes and sighing deeply. The world slowly seems to been flowing around me as I nod off for a bit. I only open my eyes when I hear someone shuffle up behind me, "David?". He must have gotten home when I was out cold. "Heya, Max. How are you?" he asks, seeming concerned. I muster up a light smile and turn to him slowly, "I'm here,". He nods understandably, "Well, I'm glad to see you're okay. Not a lot of people can handle intense flash like the one's you're experiencing,". I nod again, knowing that he knows about my slight post-traumatic stress. "Come one, kid. Let's not leave our girls waitin',". I smile, glad that David somewhat knows of me and Chloe's strong bond. Oh please, you know very well David knows about your relationship with his daughter... he saw you two kiss. And Joyce has made it clear she wants no 'funny business' In the house, at least, not without fair warning. With David's help, I get up and let him lead me over to the kitchen table where Chloe and Joyce are setting out tonight's meal. It's a hearty meal of pot roast, mashed potatoes and an assortment of vegetables, a little somethin' to put the meat back on your bones, I can almost hear Joyce saying. I smile a little and sit down, suddenly remembering how Chloe once commented how I ate like a pig when she snuck a couple of Twinkie Bars into my hospital room. I couldn't help myself, it felt like forever since I actually let myself relax and enjoy something as simple as a fucking piece of food. I sigh and try to regain the appetite I once had but to no avail. All I end up doing is pushing my tiny (and lemme put extra emphasis on tiny) helping of food around my plate and sighing at the worried looks Chloe keeps giving me. Just to ease her nerves a little, I forcibly take a few bites of my mashed potatoes which, despite being loaded with butter, tastes like paste. Chloe sees my effort and gives my shoulder a light, loving squeeze. "It's okay, Max. I... I'll put together something for you in a bit," she says, referring to the practically endless amount of Chicken Soup she'd make for me for the first few weeks of my recovery. That was one of the only things I was able to hold down. Ya know, with the whole shot in the gut thing... I mean, from what I heard, the bullet did hit a part of my stomach which is why I have trouble eating certain foods... that's why I have trouble eating in general. "Chloe? Actually cooking somethin'? Huh, better keep 9-1-1 on the phone," David says with a hearty laugh. Chloe smirks and sticks her tongue out at her step-father... father, I correct, remembering how Chloe personally asked me to start referring to him as such. It's ironic how now I'm the one who can't quite stand him. As everybody eats around me, I start feeling very awkward and almost out of place. I close my eyes and just wait, listening to the Price/Madsen family resume their meal. The clanking of silverware suddenly seems... so loud, and sharp, ear-piercing almost. Oh, no... please not right now, I think, getting a sinking feeling in my stomach. I open my eyes again... and sure enough, I'm back in that fucking bathroom. I hold my breath and wait for it to be over but I'm just standing there alone and wait for the shot that I know never comes, It's the anticipation that's unnerving. My hands start shaking and I find it harder and harder to breathe, like the walls are suddenly closing in all around me. I shut my eyes again, I'm safe I'm safe I'm safe... think of Mom and Dad....think of home, of Joyce and David, think of Chloe... think of Chloe, Chloe. I stand up abruptly, opening my eyes again and only seeing true reality, "Can I be excused?". Everybody jumps at my sudden movement and looks at me funny, "Uh, of course, darlin' everything okay?" Joyce says, shooting Chloe a look. I nod, "Yeah... I need to take a breather, maybe... splash water on my face,". I shudder, remembering saying those exact words in another reality. Chloe grabs my arm as I pass by, "Whoa, Max, you okay? You look totally pale,". I shudder again, "I'm fine... j-just... I just need a minute alone, c- collect my thoughts,". She nods wearily and releases me. I shuffle upstairs, the pain in my side flaring up slightly. Just relax, just relax. Don't panic, don't panic... you'll only make it worse, I scream at myself as I enter the small bathroom and lock the door behind me. I rip off my hoodie and head to the sink, splashing what feels like gallons of ice cold water on my face, until I can barely feel anything. "Fuck these panic attacks... fuck this wound... f-fuck everything!" I mumble angrily, towelling my face dry. I sigh and stare at myself in the mirror once again, "Why me? What... what makes me so special?". Why does it feel like the universe is trying to dick me over, and for what? I stopped the tornado, I saved lives, I saved Chloe's life and that's all that matters... right? "She's safe. That's all that matters," I say aloud, closing my eyes, "Chloe is all that matters,". "Huh, I wouldn't say that... I think you're just as important as anyone," a voice says behind me. I jump nearly a foot and somehow manage to not scream, "Chloe! H-holy shit... d-don't fucking... sneak up on me like that!" I say, turning to face my girlfriend as she leans casually up against the door frame, "How did you get in her anyways? I locked the door,". "You forget my badass lock picking skills," She replies, showing me a bent paperclip. I can't help but smile, "Hmm, god, you're a hand full,". "I know and I'm your handful and you're stuck with me," Chloe says, coming up and holding me in a tender embrace. "Are you sure you're alright? You seem kinda out of it... y- you had another flashback at the table didn't you?". I nod slightly, "It was a little one... I- I was fine,". She holds me a little tighter, "Please don't lie to me, Max... you know I can always tell when you're lying,". I sigh sharply and push away from her a little, "So what if I lie a little... I- I'm just trying to protect you,". "From what? I- I get nightmares all the time, Max. Of you. Dying. And don't I tell you about what I saw?". I nod slowly. "So why can't you do the same for me?". "I- I don't know... i- it's hard for me to talk to you about things that happened to us... things you don't remember. I-" I choke on a half cough half cry, "Y-you said those moments between us were real a- and they'll always be ours b- but they're not... they're mine and I just...". "Hey, hey, hey," Chloe says, holding me again as I cry pitifully into her shirt, "It's okay. I... I know you're having trouble... adjusting to this... reality but... but you can't lose yourself in the process,". I just continue to cry, feeling like that's the only thing I can do right now. Chloe sighs deeply, blowing a stream of warm air over the top of my head. I shiver again. "C- can we just go to bed?" I squeak. "*sigh* You haven't eaten at all today, Max. Aren't you the least bit hungry?" Chloe asks as she starts brushing my hair with her fingers. I shrug, "The soup you offered sounded pretty good,". I can almost feel her smile with relief, "I'll get to it right away,". "No," I say, pulling away a little, looking up into my partner's icy blue eyes. "C- can you... stay up here with me? I don't... I can't... *sigh* being places with a lot of noise... t-that kinda freaks me out... even if it's just with your family,". Chloe nods understandably, "I'll get mom to bring it up here, okay? We can... I don't know... watch TV while we wait?". I nod, picturing myself cuddling up next to Chloe... for the first time actually. Kinda hard to spoon when you're hooked up to a shitton of machines in a tiny hospital bed. "I see those gears turning... what are you thinking, Maxi Pad?". I giggle, "I'm thinking you need to lose that particular nickname,". "What?! No way, 'Maxi Pad' is a classic... remember how you got it?" Chloe says wiggling her eyebrows mischievously. I put my hand up and cover her whole face, "Oh my god, you promised never to bring it up again!" I say with another giggle. Chloe's impish look grows as she licks my hand. I recoil in mock disgust, "Eww Chloe!". We laugh and playfully wrestle in each other's arms for a moment before resting our foreheads against one another. "I love you," she whispers. I smile and kiss her on the nose, "I love you more,". We stand there for a while, just enjoying each other's presence. "It everything okay up there you two?" Joyce calls from downstairs. "We're fine, Mom. But uh... think you could get some soup goin' for Max? I'ma stay up here with her if that's okay," Chloe says, rocking me on my feet. "That's fine, sweetie, and, Max, If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to ask Chloe for it. I'm sure she'll be more than happy to help you," Joyce continues. Chloe nods in confirmation, "I'm at your service, Maximus". I smile and nod, "Don't worry, Joyce. I've got everything I could ever need right here,".

#Life is Strange #Chloe Price #Max Caulfield

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