When Max awoke, she awoke with a sudden jerk.

"Chloe! Rachel!" The names tore through her throat, making her cough with pain soon after. She looked around, her vision blurring and her stomach twisting. Heat coursed through her body and she felt bile rise in her throat, "C-Chloe..." she rasped again before she leaned over and puked.

She vaguely heard the door open and a woman go, "Oh!" Before there was a swarm of people around her as she vomited.

The liquid was sickly green and reeked something awful. Max fell limp against the bed and took in the people around her and realized she was in the hospital.

"I'm sorry." She murmured to the nearest nurse, who smiled at her sweetly.

"No worries, we're just glad you're alive." Her eyes darkened slightly before she looked away, "We'll clean this."

Max didn't have the energy to talk anymore so she simply laid back on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her thoughts buzzed like bees in her head, memories of the darkroom led the swarm, making Max tremble slightly.

She jumped as something brushed her arm and she turned to see the nurse holding out some ice water, which Max drank greedily.

Sighing as the dryness was eliminated, Max looked around again. "Where's Rachel? And Chloe?" She asked, her heart quickening as she worried. Had it been too late? Did Jefferson-

"They're in the lobby, they'll be up shortly." The nurse assured her, sitting on the edge of the bed. "The police will be with them," she said softly, her eyes uncertain, "they said they had questions."

Max nodded, "What happened to me?"

The nurse drew in a sharp breath, "You were drugged, a borderline overdose of Gammahydroxybutrate, or what is essentially liquid ecstasy. In small doses, it acts just like that of the pill, euphoria, sensual, uninhabited, or sleepy. In larger doses, it makes people pass out." The nurse hesitated before adding softly, "It's been linked to many rape cases."

Max blinked in a daze, "I remember everything." She murmured.

The nurse had a pained look on her face. "Save it for the police." She suggested softly before she stood.

The door opened and Max grinned slightly as she saw Chloe and Rachel.

"Chlo! Rach!" She tried to move but the nurse quickly stopped her, shaking her head worriedly.

The two punks blinked at her. Chloe was eyeing her, her eyes glowing with tears as she rushed forward and hugged Max.

"I'm so sorry!" She cried, her tears landing on Max's neck, "I'm so sorry!"

Max shook her head, pushing Chloe away so she could wipe her tears. "Don't be, dummy," she murmured, her heart light with love. Chloe grinned then shuffled to the side of the bed.

Her eyes traveled towards Rachel and she frowned as she saw the look in the normally bright hazel eyes. They were sunken in and dull, dark bags underneath them. Yet she still smiled, that same dazzling smile that Max fell in love with every time she saw it.

"I'm so glad you're okay." Rachel moved forward and hugged her, Max returning the hug and nuzzling her neck.

"I'm glad you are," Max whispered in her ear and she could have sworn she felt Rachel tremble, but the model was up and sitting on the end of the bed before she could be sure.

Max looked up at the sound of more footsteps and she smiled as she saw Joyce rush in, David on her heels grumbling at how fast an 'old woman' could move. "Max!" Her southern voice boomed, "What the hell did you get yourself dragged into?" She demanded, her eyes hard as she stared at Max before they softened and she wrapped the girl into a hug. "Thank God you're okay. I thought the worst.."

Max smiled slightly, "How long was I out?" She asked, glancing around and locking eyes with David.

The ex-military stared at her, somehow more grizzled looking than she last remembered. As the question tumbled from her mouth he looked away, his jaw tensing.

Max blinked in confusion, she looked towards Joyce, who looked down her hands gripping her bed frame which creaked under her weight.

Even Chloe and Rachel avoided her eyes, Chloe furrowing her brow in a way that indicated she was upset and Rachel getting this thousand-yard stare, as though she was reliving terrors too much to describe.

Max knew she had.

"How long?" She demanded, her voice shaking.

"It's been two weeks Max." Chloe broke the silence, her voice cracking with emotion. "The reason we were in the lobby is that they thought you weren't going to make it and.." she cut herself off, her lip trembling and her hands balling into a fist. 

In an instant Max understood, she leaned back her head resting on the mattress, "Jesus Christ," she whispered, running her hands through her hair,

An ugly silence filled the room as Max processed everything when the door creaked open.

Through the door stepped a middle-aged man, probably in his early to mid-thirties. He was handsome, slightly taller than average, thin but filled out, with kind green eyes. He had a beard, full but maintained in a way that made her think this man was a father. His hair was slicked back, but not with gel, it looked like he just ran his fingers back through it as a few strands were sticking out of place.

Max looked him over, he was wearing a black vest over a blue shirt that was tucked in, he had black dress pants that were secured firmly to his waist with a belt. On his belt was a badge, marking him as a person of the law. His shoes weren't anything special, looked like the dress shoes William wore once to prove a point to Joyce.

Max smiled at the memory, recalling how much William complained that his feet hurt after that and how he tossed them into the back of the closet, never to be seen again.

The man extended his arm, "Hello Max," he greeted, "My name is Matthews," he grinned slightly, "Skip Matthews." He winked and Max felt a laugh bubble in her stomach. Oh, this man was a nerd, she could sense it. "I'm a private investigator but I work closely with the police force in Portland."

Max shook his hand, "Nice to meet you." She said softly, glancing over at Chloe. "You hired a private investigator?" She teased, making the girl go red.

"I didn't hire him." She piped, looking away.

Skip laughed slightly, "I've known Chloe for a long while," he looked at the tattoo artist, "I lost my job because of her."

"Chloe!" Joyce snapped, glaring at her exasperatedly.

Skip held his hands up, "No, no!" He shook his head, "It was the best thing to ever happen to me." He reassured Joyce, "I was lost and making less than I should have at Blackwell anyway, the principal couldn't give less of a shit about me."

"That drunken fool?" David snorted, "It's a wonder that school hasn't gone under."

Skip nodded in agreement, "After I was fired, I focused on music for a while, making singles and albums here and there. I'll never be Firewalk, but people kept coming back for more and more." His eyes glittered, "Soon enough I made enough money to live comfortably. I loved music but I knew it wasn't going to get much further than it had already, so I went to college and got a degree in criminal justice and I've been an officer ever since." He nudged Chloe, "I wouldn't have done that working at Blackhell," he winked and she rolled his eyes, grinning. "So when she called, I figured it was time I returned a long owed favor." He smiled warmly, "I'm mostly here as a formality, however, I know what happened," he took a wavering glance towards Rachel, "and I can assure you that you won't be hassled after this report."

Max understood in an instant and nodded, looking down at her feet. She had passed out as Rachel pulled the trigger but she remembered the bang. She let out a shaking breath and met Skips' eye, "Ask away."

...

"Officially, his death has been rolled a suicide." Max rolled her eyes at Principal Wells faked sadness. He couldn't act worth a damn and all the students knew that he was lying, though no one but those involved knew of the atrocities Jefferson committed- the principal wanted to keep his squeaky clean reputation. "There will be a memorial in his honor in front of the school." He backed away from the podium and that was that the assembly dispersed and Max found Rachel in the crowd.

"This is all bullshit," Max said softly, making Rachel hum in agreement just as soft as she did. Max's heart clenched in her chest as she took the model in. She had gotten thinner, her hair was a rats' nest, and her clothes were wrinkled. "that asshole doesn't deserve a memorial." Max growled. Not after what he did to you. The words needn't be spoken, Mark had taken something that Rachel could never replace.

The model sighed, "Classes are canceled. Wanna go see Chloe?" Her voice was thin and distant. Her eyes clouded with thoughts and memories that Principal Wells's speech had stirred up. Max reached out a hand and gently tapped her arm, her heart clenching as the blonde flinched away from the contact and wrapped her hand on the area where Max had tapped.

When Max met her eyes, she saw hell. Pain, regret, sorrow, anger, hatred all melded down into one haunted, sunken-in, stare. Her hazel eyes, normally flickering like embers, we're now dull charcoals left forgotten. Then she saw an emotion that made her chest tighten, guilt.

She feels guilty for flinching away. The thought made Max want to cry but she pushed the feeling down and offered a small smile.

"I got reminded about it.." Rachel murmured, her eyes glazed, "I'm sorr-"

"-Never be sorry for that." Max interrupted her firmly. She offered her hand and Rachel stared at it hesitantly before she reached out and twined their fingers together.

The photographer wished she could pull the model into a hug but she reeled in the want and led the blonde away.

She sped past the memorial for that jackass as quick as she could, Max didn't want Rachel to see anyone crying over him or mourning his loss. He didn't deserve it, then a voice made her freeze in her tracks.

"Aren't you going to pay your respects?" It was Dana, the cheerleader had spotted them passing and chased them down. "He was your teacher, right Max?"

Max tensed and glanced at Dana then at the memorial.

It was extravagant and looked like it cost a lot of money. Many flowers had been placed as a frame with the center being Jefferson's smiling face as the photo with dark letters reading: "To a man who wanted everyone to be an everyday hero. Rest now, Mark Jefferson."

It made Max sick.

"I've already paid him farewell." She muttered, looking away.

Dana mistook her sharp tone and avoidance of eyes as a sign that Max was upset because she reached over and gently rubbed at the tenseness of the photographer's shoulders. "You don't have to pretend you're not hurting. He was a wonderful man."

"Dana, please," Max begged in a strained tone, feeling Rachel tense beside her. The model thankfully didn't turn around, she too didn't want to see students mourning the death of her tormentor.

But the cheerleader, ever peppy and not wanting anyone to be sad, kept going. "Max, it's okay." She cooed then turned to Rachel, "I know that you and-"

"Dana, don't you know how to take a goddamn hint?!" Rachel's voice was a low, angry snarl that made the cheerleader flinch back as though the model had swung.

The students in the yard turned, eyes wide as they realized who had spoken in such a tone. Slowly a crowd began to form, though they stayed behind Dana in case a fight broke loose.

"I... I was just trying to..." Dana trailed off, too shocked at Rachel's outburst to form a coherent sentence.

Rachel did not incline to allow her the time to come up with one. "We aren't sad about his fucking death," she hissed in a scathing tone. "Good fucking riddance." She spat, earning loud gasps from many of the students gathered around before she gripped Max with an iron grasp and led her away.

Max dropped her gaze and allowed herself to be dragged, she glanced behind her to see that the cheerleader was watching them go helplessly confused.

Sorry, Dana. Max turned her back on the girl and followed Rachel into the bus where they sat down in the back.

Rachel slumped in her seat and held her head in her hands, silent tears flowing down her face. Her body shook and trembled with sobs that were unheard and Max could do little but offer a hug that Rachel declined.

The photographer stared on helplessly as one of the girls she had fallen in love with sobbed relentlessly, her knuckles white as she gripped and tugged fistfuls of her blonde locks.

"I'm sorry Rachel." Max's voice was barely a whisper. "I'm so sorry."

The blonde looked up, roused by Max's words, and stared at the photographer before she stood abruptly.

"Chloe." Her voice was strained and Max nodded, following the blonde off the bus and toward the large building.

The two walked in silence as the bus lurched away from them. Max's eyes were fixed on Rachel, noticing every tense feature on her face. The way her eyebrows were furrowed, the way her eyes were sunken in with dark circles under them, the way not even the sun could make her eyes shine.

The way her normally kissable lips were thin and tense.

Max couldn't help it, she gripped Rachel's wrist gently as they reached the door and the girl paused, turning towards Max in confusion.

"What?" She asked, her voice soft and barely audible.

"Kiss me." It was almost an order, Max watched as Rachel's eyes flickered with shock and something else before returning to dull grayness.

"What?" Rachel recoiled as Max stepped closer.

"Kiss me, Rachel." The photographer leaned in close, her nose brushing Rachel's.

The model blinked, her eyes confused and uncertain.

Max flinched, suddenly her heart lurched as the memories of what had happened recently rushed back to her. Her form began to tremble and she leaned back suddenly, "Never mind, that was a stupid suggestion," She's not ready! "I'll give you space, I'll.."

Her voice drifted in the air as Rachel stared at her. Then the girl breathed out a shaky sigh.

"Do you really want me to?" Her voice was soft and vulnerable. An uncertainty glowed in her eyes that wasn't typical for her.

Max wished she could lie and say no but... "Yeah." Her voice was low and sheepish. "I've wanted to touch and kiss you for awhile now." She couldn't help a little sadness weave its way into her voice.

Rachel didn't say anything but she step closer and grabbed Max's hand, interlocking their fingers, and lowered her chin to look into Max's eyes.

Dull gray eyes searching baby blue eyes, Max stood very still and let Rachel analyze her before the model smiled slightly.

There it was, a little glimpse of the Rachel Max had come to know. The model leaned in and brushed their noses together and Max felt her heart skip a few beats.

Max gripped the girls waist hesitantly and Rachel's breath hitched. She leaned in and brushed her soft lips to Max's, and a shock ran down Max's body.

Want rushing through her, the photographer leaned in slightly and Rachel responded in kind. Lips colliding, Max relaxed against Rachel, feeling the models small form melt into hers. It was a slow waltz, multiple lazy and long pecks that ended in soft sounds of lips pulling apart.

Rachel leaned into the kiss, giving it more depth and feeling and Max was almost overwhelmed. The amount of desperation that the model poured into every movement of her lips made Max dizzy. The blonde gently pushed her into the window of the building, bracing her hands on Max's thin hips.

They pulled apart and Max stared up at Rachel, who had tears in her eyes. She took in every beautiful feature that she had fallen in love with and then lifted her gaze to Rachel's eyes and stared into the soul that she had fallen in love with.

"I love you Rachel Dawn Amber." Max let the words be soft but absolute, feeling Rachel's grip tighten and saw her eyes widen. The photographer leaned in and kissed her cheek, "I love you." She murmured, leaning up to kiss her nose, "I love you..."

Rachel let Max cover her face in kisses before she pushed Max against the glass and captured her lips in a surprisingly soft kiss considering the rough actions. Max placed her hand against Rachel's chest and felt the nineteen-year-olds heart pounding against it. A small smile rose on her lips and Rachel's soft growl made a trill of pleasure run down her spine.

"Stop smiling, you're fucking the kiss up." There was no anger and, for once, the tenseness was gone from Rachel Amber's beautiful face.

"Am I?" Max grinned and leaned in. "I'll make it up to you." She breathed and captured Rachel's lips.

Again, their lips danced in a slow waltz.

Rachel

This was a language she understood. Unspoken words and phrases ran between them. Apologies and promises. The model let herself relax into a silent bliss as Max kissed her.

Once again, the photographer was sunlight piercing through the dark storm clouds that had taken hold of Rachel's mind. The dark memories faded away as did the memory of lifeless eyes staring at her accusingly.

Max pulled away and wiped the tears rolling from Rachel's eyes away. "I'll keep you safe.." her voice was soft and Rachel felt her heart tremble.

She leaned forward, breathing in vanilla, and nuzzled the photographers neck. Max's arms wrapped around Rachel's neck and her breath hitched as the model's nose brushed under her ear.

Rachel froze slightly as impure thoughts came to the front of her mind but she shook her head to clear them.

She didn't want it. Not right now and probably not for a long while.

Max leaned up and kissed under her jaw then placed a few more kisses on her face again.

Rachel grinned slightly, genuine happiness making her heart throb.

"You okay?" The hipster breathed, her mint breath making Rachel want to taste it again.

"I won't be a hundred percent for awhile." Rachel admitted softly, leaning her head against Max's. "But... I think I'll get through it."

Max smiled and leaned up to kiss the model one more time.

Their lips connected and Rachel melted.

Once again, she had fallen hopelessly in love with Maxine Caulfield.

It was far too soon when Max pulled away and giggled softly, the sound making Rachel smile.

They stared at each other for a few moments before Rachel sighed.

"Come on, Chloe's waiting." She said, leaning back to give Max space.

The photographer nodded and led Rachel inside. The model glanced around, smiling slightly as she saw heard a funky groove float through the air.

Cause you're my painkiller

When my brain gets bitter

You keep me close

When I've been miserable

Rachel blinked and she couldn't help but glance at Max, who seemed to know the song because she was grinning ear to ear and humming along.

And it takes forever

To let my brain get better

You keep me close

You keep me close

The model listened as Max sang the song softly, her baby blue eyes closing as she listened. Rachel couldn't help but feel that the lyrics were calling her out specifically because as she stared at the photographer bouncing from artwork to artwork in the wall she couldn't help but relate the two.

The song faded away then Chloes voice echoed from down the hall where her studio was. "Alright, that ends the ink today. Next week for the color, same time, same day?" There was a squeal of a chair and soon the punk emerged out of the room, followed closely by...

Rachel tilted her head.

Huh.

Nathan followed behind her, nodding. "Same time. Same day." He agreed, glancing at the expensive watch on his wrist briefly before flicking his dark brown eyes up.

"Hey Rach." He said easily, making Chloe blink in surprise.

"Sup, blondie." She chirped but Rachel's eyes were fixed on Nathan.

"A tattoo? Didn't figure you'd be getting one." Rachel titled her head and the Prescott shrugged.

"Needed a change." The teen glanced at his phone as it buzzed. "Gotta go." He passed the two girls. "See ya on the flip side." He did a small wave without looking back and disappeared out of the glass doors and rounded the corner of the building.

Rachel glanced at Chloe curiously, the pink was behind the counter typing into the computer what was most likely the scheduled appointments and such.

"What's his tattoo?" The blonde couldn't help but ask.

Chloe flicked her eyes up and Rachel, despite herself, felt her heart thump a little harder as she looked into the ocean eyes of the punk.

"It's a custom." Chloe replied, flicking her eyes back down much to Rachel's dissatisfaction. "It's weird though." Her lip quirked up into a smirk.

"Weird how?" Max asked, tilting her head cutely.

"It's a lemon."

Silence fell over the two girls as they processed Chloes reply and Rachel recovered first. A snort tore through her throat and she began to cackle.

"A lemon?" She echoed through her laughs.

Max couldn't help but join in, laughing much quieter than Rachel however.

Chloe was grinning, "Yeah- a sorta detailed lemon. Says it's an inside joke."

"With whom?" Rachel demanded and Chloe met her gaze with a lopsided grin that made Rachel want to pin her against the wall.

"You won't believe it." The punk said, and Max leaned on the counter with Rachel.

"Who?" Max demanded, her curiosity getting the best of her.

"Warren!" Chloe bursted, and Rachel felt herself recoil in shock.

"Warren? You mean that nerdy science geek?" Rachel asked, tilting his head. "Short twink with brown hair?"

"That's him." Max chirped, then cringed. "Twink? Ew, Rachel." She laughed but it was one of those grossed out laughs.

"That's what he is!" Rachel replied with a shrug then a devious thought struck her. "Hey Maxie," she purred, and the photographer rose a brow at her, "do you think Nathan just pins him down and-"

"Ew! Ew! Ew! Ew! Ewewewew!" Max cried, covering her ears and walking away. "Gross, disgusting.." she cringed and stuck her tongue out.

Rachel couldn't help the shit-eating smirk that split her face in half and Chloes laughter from in front of her rang pleasantly in her ears.

"Nice." Chloe high-fived the model, then interlocked their fingers. "Are you okay?" She whispered as Max ranted about the fact that the less she thought of Warrens sex life the better.

Rachel felt her heart thump in her chest as she stared into the sea.

Normally she would lie, she would say yes and go about her day with a mask disguising her true feelings. But Chloe and Max would see through that facade in an instant and Rachel knew it.

She let out a small sigh, "I won't be okay for a long time Chlo." She murmured softly, "But..." she eyed Max, who still was ranting away. "But I will be." She said with a small grin.

Chloe followed her eyes and breathed out a laugh. Then she said words that made Rachel not just fall but plummet in love with the punk all over again.

"We'll get through this together Rach. You, me, and Max."