A/N: GUESS WHO'S BACK? That's right, I am finally back after a couple months. University has been kicking my ass and the tea has been exceptionally hot this semester. Anyways, I'm very happy to bring y'all this chapter. I was thinking of waiting until Christmas but I couldn't do it. You've all waited long enough.

This chapter was one of the longest chapters I've ever written and I couldn't be happier. I really struggled with the start of this chapter but it's kind of funny because this became the longest chapter I've ever written. To be honest, I debated splitting the chapter into 2 but it didn't look good. By the way, the line breaks are a change in perspective (basically the perspective bounces between Chloe and Max). Once again thank you all for your patience and I think y'all will find a pleasant surprise halfway into the chapter ;^).

IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS CHAPTER HAD AN EXPLICIT SEX SCENE BUT DUE TO FF'S POLICIES, I CANNOT POST IT. IF YOU WANT TO READ THE EXPLICIT VERSION OF THIS CHAPTER (which I really recommend you check out), PLEASE GO TO THE AO3 LINK ENDING WITH: /works/11992716/chapters/39630969

"So… How's your vacation with Max going?"

Chloe didn't have to see Rachel to know of the expression her best friend wore, an image clear as day as those lips upturned slightly, amber eyes sparkling with playful mirth.

"I mean… we just had a really deep moment. That's all." I'm also basically in love with her but we'll cross that bridge when it happens.

"Should I bring the U-haul or will your truck suffice?" Rachel's voice was slightly distorted over the phone line, but the innuendo was clear

"Please stop." Chloe pinched the bridge of her nose, yet a small smile played on her lips. "Nothing happened it's just been… she's really sweet."

Chloe didn't want to say what happened between Max and her. It was an intimate moment, just between the two of them where Max silently held her as she slowly broke down.

Once the words left Chloe she couldn't help her eyes falling on the figure on the bed. Tangled in brown sheets, Max was peacefully asleep, her face free from any stress. The very sight made Chloe itch to just delve beneath the sheets once more and draw Max close, already missing the warmth she emanated.

"—loe? Earth to Chloe? Do you read me?"

"Huh what?"

"You're staring at Max, aren't you?" Rachel's tone was joking, it was almost heartwarming to hear that jovial tone. "Oh my God Chloe, you useless lesbian. I was asking if you could bring some souvenirs."

"Yeah. Sure. Fine."

"For the love of—" Rachel took a deep breath before sighing. "Look, just go back to being gay and have a good vacay. You deserve it."

Chloe couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her. "Sorry sorry. I promise I'll get you all the crystals and incense you could possibly want."

With that the phone call ended and once more Chloe was alone with Max. Quietly, she padded against the carpeted floors of their motel.

It was evident that the motel was cheap. Plainly decorated with only a dresser, a desk and a TV that was clearly from the 80's. The furniture was an old mahogany while the walls were painted a gaudy yellow. All in all, it was a tacky mess but none of this mattered. The only thing that mattered was that they were right in the heart of San Francisco, a place which hummed with life.

Ocean eyes fluttered open as Chloe planted a kiss on Max's brow.

For a moment, Chloe didn't know what to say. The sheer journey with Max was unique in its own way.

There was always something so fascinating about going somewhere different. For years, Chloe would fantasize about leaving Arcadia behind and just travelling, whether it was with Max or Rachel, Chloe craved freedom from the mundane.

The opportunity to just break away from everyday routine was rare and usually resulted in failure. But with Max here, the impossible happened. They were finally in a place that wasn't Arcadia; where there was actually change from the normal.

With every second spent with Max, it felt like the possibilities were endless. Maybe there was in infinite amount of possibilities with the way time worked and their luck.

"Wake up, hippie. We have to get that fancy camera of yours." Chloe said.

Max 's eyes fluttered open, only to level Chloe with a stare that made Victoria's pretentiousness look humble. "It's not just any camera. It's a Polaroid 600 okay? It's a genuinely—"

"Yes, Max I know how much you nut over cameras. Now come on, get your ass out of bed and into those generic chlorine bleached jeans of yours."

"Looks like someone is happy."

"I am. For once, I've got you all too myself without the universe trying to fuck up my life. I'm takin this break."

Max sighed before shaking her head, a small smile in place. "Lead the way."

"This is… definitely the place." Max's words left her in a breathless whisper.

Chloe knew that look, the same look of wonder as Max silently marveled at the sheer sight of the vintage shop. Chloe could already hear the gears turning in Max's head. She knew Max could already see the age of the building within, with its slightly peeling white paint and the expanse of light bulbs that lit up the room.

The scent of incense and musk drifted through the store. The whole area was a mix of old and new, metal and wood interwove to create a modern rustic feel. With one look, the store radiated a comforting, almost homey feel.

Lining the walls were wooden shelves, fully stacked with old technology, retro and almost forgotten. Typewriters, vintage clothing, knick-knacks, you name it. All these items were arranged in organized chaos. But all this paled in comparison to the wall of Polaroid cameras.

There were a lot of things Max thought were beautiful. It was only natural that she'd find the beauty in every shot and scene.

But this place wasn't just beautiful, it was aesthetic, the very definition of a hipsters' wet dream. Complete with Syd Matters playing in the background. The very fact made Chloe want to gag and smile at the same time.

The moment they entered the store, Max by-passed everything, practically making a beeline for the instant cameras.

Chloe merely followed, a fond smile on her face.

"Oh my God this is an original Polaroid One Step, I—Wow it's in beautiful condition…" Max rambled, lost to the vintage aesthetic.

Chloe zoned out, just eager to enjoy the happy energy Max exuded. Although the time they spent together was filled with happiness, there was always a shadow of guilt that never truly went away, no matter how long they spent rationalizing and vowing to change. The facts would never change.

But seeing Max now, in her element, bathed in unbridled happiness was like seeing the first rays of sun after months of rain. And that's just what Max was, she was this beacon of light that not only attracted others, she managed to uplift them; not through words but through actions.

It was in the way Max carried herself, the way she spoke and the way she felt. It was as if with one look, she could just understand Chloe, strip away every wall and leave her bare.

Chloe's gaze drifted to the shelves of cameras before her eyes settled on a particular camera.

Chloe raised the camera, inspecting it in the light. "Hey, isn't this like my father's camera?"

"WHAT?" Max gasped and instantly she was back beside Chloe.

Chloe inspected the camera, keen on matching every detail with her father's. "Yeah this is definitely it."

Max studied the camera before her. From the colour of the camera right down to the flat-shape, it was the same model as William's.

For a moment, time seemed to stop as she merely felt the weight of the camera in her hands once more. It wasn't just any camera. It wasn't just any model. It was something that managed to follow her throughout the course of the universe. From her reconnection with Chloe right down to the journey through time.

"I'm buying this one." Max said.

"Wait really? You sure you don't want anything different?"

"No. I…" Max took a deep breath before she spoke once more. Be honest. "Maybe it's stupid but this camera has always managed to find me and it kinda feels like... fate? Like I'm supposed to be here."

Chloe looked at her, the shock was evident.

Anxiety coiled low in her gut threatening to choke Max. "Forget I said anything. It's stupid, I know."

"It's not stupid. You're right." Chloe took Max's hand in silent hold. "Even if this is a different version of the universe. Just like in the previous timeline, this camera found you and so did I."

"You belong here. With me." Chloe finished.

Max never knew she needed to hear those words, until now. The sincerity behind Chloe's words and the warmth of her palm were the only things staving off her guilt. Suddenly the world was blurry with the sharp sting of tears.

Without any hesitation, Max laid her head on Chloe's shoulder. "God, I thought I was done with crying." Her words came off muffled against the fabric of Chloe's jacket.

No words could be said. Instead Chloe just wrapped an arm around Max's waist in a protective hold, the action spoke louder than words.

One tear became two. Two became three. But that was all Max would allow. Gingerly, Max broke away from the embrace, already missing the warmth.

Her eyes partially stung, the floor now only slightly blurry. An accompanying heat shocked Max as Chloe gently wipes away her tear tracks, a thumb tracing the line of Max's cheekbone.

"Why don't we get you some film?" Chloe whispered.

Even if it's temporary, there is an unbridled happiness that pervades the background guilt. With a deep breath, there's a lightness in her step and soon, Max finds herself already scavenging for film.

Some things never change.

Chloe was always the epitome of comfort, an anchor in the storm. The fact brought an odd sense of comfort, maybe they are not slaves to time. Maybe there is still hope to return to something not so dark.

Her next movements come easy. With one purchase, she feels a sense of normalcy and soon, Max has already loaded her Polaroid, fingers making quick work of the film. Distantly, Max expects to see Chloe behind her but instead her best friend was off to the side, admiring a collection of old grunge music.

Amongst the lights, the blue of her hair stands out and the whole scene seems right. The contrast is perfect and before Chloe can notice, Max already takes the shot.

"Not one minute in, and you're already taking my photo?"

"You make a good model." Max said, a genuine smile blossoming on her face.

Chloe froze at seeing the uninhibited happiness that crosses Max's face. This is it. This is only the beginning of healing and it feels so damn good. It feels so good that Chloe can support Max, it feels so good to heal together. Even if it's a small step, it's still a step.

That very smile was a rarity of its own kind. It was the same smile Max wore when they were children, the same smile that made its way before innocence was lost.

It was a smile that made the blue of Max's eyes stand out, her eyes crinkling in what could only be described as a goofy yet attractive grin. The very expression had Chloe at a loss for words.

"U-uhm. I mean—I am dating the best photographer so… of course, I'd look good." Chloe coughed, trying to hide the blush rising in her cheeks. Play it cool, Price. Eager to change the subject, she glanced around the store, unable to meet Max's gaze.

But Max wasn't paying attention. Instead she was fascinated by the slow form of the picture, a small smile on her face. As if the picture would shatter with the slightest breeze, Max pocketed the image into her worn leather satchel.

"Thank you, Chloe. I love this." Max's voice was but a murmur as she went to grasp Chloe's hand in a light hold.

I love you.

The thought resonates within Chloe's head, clear as the afternoon sky. Despite the heat in her cheeks, Chloe couldn't help returning that smile, joy welling in her chest.

Together they continued to wander out the shop and through the busy city, feeling the life that pulsed around them. They walked along the streets of San Francisco, stopping occasionally to pick up any souvenirs for the family that waited hundreds of kilometers away.

Incense, candles, chocolate and vinyl cd's of classic rock bands were neatly packed in their shopping bags and before Chloe knew it, the very weight had Chloe's arms almost aching.

The day passed quickly and soon the sky transitioned from blue to pink and finally to indigo. Despite the happy events of the day, time continued to pass and moments fade.

"We should probably head back." Chloe said.

Max sighed, a bittersweet expression on her face. "I know."

All too soon, they were back at the truck, hauling their bags into the back seat before an idea struck Chloe. Maybe it was the night air. Maybe it was the possibility of returning to an ordinary life, but Chloe didn't want any of this to end just yet.

"Wait… there's one more place I want to show you." Chloe said, excitement coating her tone.

"Where?"

"I mean if we leave now and if you are in the mood to camp… we can still make it back in Liberty by mid-afternoon"

Max eyed her warily. "What else do you have planned?"

"It's a surprise buuut I'm pretty sure you'll like it. Trust me it's aesthetic and full of nature. Both things that you love."

An anxious grin made its way to Max's face. "Okay. Just don't murder me."

"I don't think I could murder anyone. Have you not seen how many times I nearly got myself killed?"

A pregnant pause pervaded. Was that too much? Chloe rubbed the back of her neck, an apology on the tip of her tongue.

Yet Max let out a hearty laugh. "It's ok. I'll protect you from your accident-prone self."

"Ah yes. We have a clumsy person helping an accident-prone person. Truly the best combination." Chloe couldn't help the small grin before she extended her hand. "Shall we?"

Max took her hand in a firm grip and once more, they were driving along the streets of San Francisco.

Houses and building, old and new architect blended together seamlessly as they raced down the city and through the Golden Gate Bridge. In a short time the bustle of the city faded with the bridge until they winded up dark pavement. The only thing that accompanied them was the moon's light, the road free of any cars.

It was a relatively short drive as they went higher and higher; up a mountainous area thick with trees. Eventually, the truck no longer ran down pavement, instead there was only the crunch of dirt beneath wheels.

When they came to a stop, Max peaked out the truck and with one look, she understood why Chloe took her here.

The city was in the distance in a dazzling display of light, a sharp contrast from the dark quiet of the forest.

Distantly she saw Chloe shut the truck's door, rummaging for something in the back seat. It wasn't until Chloe came back with a roll of thick fabric and spread it out on the truck's bed; that Max realized the very fabric was a massive sleeping bag.

Chloe met her gaze and smiled triumphantly. "Surprise." And with that, Chloe opened the sleeping bag with a flourish and set it down on the foam.

Max crossed her arms together and shook her head, a small smile spreading on her face. "So, this is why you spent an hour covering the truck bed with foam."

"I mean… it's comfy right?" Chloe smirked.

"I'm always comfy with you."

A peaceful silence stretched out before Max spoke.

"This is beautiful." Max whispered before her eyes traced over the scenery, admiring how the bridge was a border that separated urban from nature.

Chloe stood near the cliff's edge, simply admiring the view. Her silhouette dark against the golden light and before Max knew it, her camera had already clicked and soon, the image was taken.

Max had taken hundreds of photos, just viewing the transition from black to reality was always fascinating.

Soon the image blurred and focused. Blue hair was tousled by the wind as the city continued to bustle before her. Chloe was the very image of tranquility among the busy streets below. The very image made warmth flood Max's chest.

Despite their knowledge of each other, inside and out, each picture was a visual representation of what Max loved and right now, Chloe was one of those treasured things. The picture was somehow comforting, they were safe, in a place where nothing could hurt them, with only each other as company.

But there was distance between them. A distance that Max wanted to close. She came to the edge of the mountain, just beside Chloe and breathed. Her eyes shut just taking a moment to admire the cool air that twirled around her like the presence of time.

Chloe's voice was quiet in the breeze. "Can I take a picture of you?"

Normally, she never would let anyone touch, let alone hold her camera. Yet the idea of Chloe, using her camera made Max feel oddly calm, hell even trusting. She cradled the Polaroid in her hands before passing it to Chloe. The click of the camera resounded in the forest, the very note brought a small smile to Max's face.

She opened her eyes only to see Chloe admiring the shot, merely watching in fascination as the black faded into a scene.

"I'm keeping this." Chloe said.

Max raised an eyebrow, only to peep over Chloe's shoulder in curiosity. The image was almost shocking, Chloe made her look beautiful.

It was a side shot of Max, her head tilted up as she basked in the moon's rays. Her face framed by the stars above while lights dance within the city.

"Wowser that's a nice shot. Maybe I'll make a camera junkie out of you." Max said.

Chloe chuckled, yet there was an inquisitive tone to her gaze as it glossed over the photo. "Can I see the photo you took of me?"

Max looked at her curiously, after a moment she rifled through her bag and found the stiff edge of the picture. "I didn't think you'd be curious about my work."

Emotions flitted across Chloe's face, too fast to really decipher. Yet Max didn't miss the wonder and softness that flitted across Chloe's face as she studied the picture.

"It's just that… with every shot you take, I feel like I get to understand you better? It's like I get to see the world through your eyes" A blush rose to Chloe's cheek. "God that sounds so cheesy."

"I think it's really sweet." Max giggled as she watched Chloe rub the back of her neck.

This whole scene was so damn cheesy but she couldn't help the fondness that rose in her heart when she saw Chloe. Instinctively she kissed Chloe's cheek, watching as colour flooded pale cheeks.

"Thanks. San Francisco is pretty, but I figured you needed some R and R before we head back to boondock central." Chloe turned around and that dazzling smile left Max breathless. "What better way than to sleep under the stars?"

"Being with you, despite the hardships, it's been the happiest time of my life." Although the words left Chloe easily, she couldn't look face Max. Instead Chloe just turned her head up to the night sky.

It was supposed to be a happy moment, yet Chloe's words left Max longing. She deserves to know.

Max could have said a dozen things in this moment. She could have thanked Chloe. She could have come up with some grand confession. But in this moment, in their quiet bubble of comfort, Max just knew and her insecurities faded.

She didn't know when they'd have this time to themselves and right now there was no better time to say the words that always wanted to be spoken.

Max took a shaky breath, balling her fists at the sudden rise of emotion. Her heart ached at the earnesty behind Chloe's every word and action. It was the same sincerity that inspired courage and soon, the words left Max, like a dam that's spent so long holding back water. Unstoppable.

"I love you."

It was everything Chloe wanted to here and more. Max's voice, the airiness of her tone continued to resonate in Chloe's head.

I love you.

I love you.

I love you.

It's as if this were a dream and the words Chloe desperately wanted to hear became reality. Yet instead of moving Chloe was frozen, willing her breath to remain steady as she simply felt the cool air fill her lungs.

Finally, her gaze traveled to Max, only to see the other girl's head bowed, focused on the ground as she tried to battle her feelings. Slowly, ever so slowly, Max is breaking, a slave to her emotions.

The struggle that Max is going through is evident, deep inside, Chloe knows the plethora of emotions that conflict within Max. Body language is telling, with every tremble and clench of her fist, Max breaks down more.

Chloe sees it in the way her chest heaves, barely containing emotion and it chips away at Chloe.

The sight leaves Chloe longing to provide a small amount of comfort. She gently grasps Max's hand in her own, and just like that, the tension fades and Max's fingers unravel from the clenched fist only to tangle with Chloe's in a warm hold. But the urge for human contact is powerful and soon, Chloe is tugged into a hug.

Instinctively, her hands came to wrap around Max's shoulders, drawing her further into the abyss. For a moment, they just held each other against the chill of the breeze. In Chloe's arms, Max trembled with each sob.

Chloe's hand tangled in brown hair, cradling Max's head against her chest. "I love you too." The words are said in a hushed whisper yet in four words, Chloe's never felt so free.

Her thumb brushed against Max's cheekbone. Soon the tension fades along with the anxiety that gripped her heart and soon, Chloe can't stop the smile that spreads. She needs to reaffirm these feelings. "I've always loved you, you big softy."

Though her voice was scratchy, Chloe only now realizes that they're both crying, the kiss they share is soft and tender, like the love between them.

On the tip of her tongue, Chloe can taste the salty tang of Max's tears. Yet in this moment, nothing has ever felt so right. Where words cease to have meaning, only action is left and with every movement Chloe longs to show Max how needed she is.

The fingers that weave through blue hair will be Chloe's undoing, and soon she can barely grasp her self-control.

Her mind blanked and all that was left was the heat and feel of lips against her own. Of the push and pull of contact, that left Chloe hungering for more.

With what little self-restraint she had, Chloe pulled away breathless. The implication of where this could lead to hung in the air. "Wait. If this goes on, I don't think I'll be able to stop."

"I don't want you to stop."

Max paused and cupped Chloe's face and it was here, where Chloe gets to see the deep blue gaze that left Chloe drowning. In that gaze, was a longing that left Chloe aching. "I just want you."

Max bit her lip, a habit that managed to make Chloe's heart burst and ache with the familiarity of it all. Nervousness shined plainly in darkened ocean eyes and that very look is enough to make Chloe freeze. With one look Chloe understood the anxiousness that courses in Max's form. The very sight was its own kind of heart ache.

"If you're not ready it's fine. We shouldn't do anything you're not comfortable with." Chloe whispered.

Max looked away, the hand that tangled itself in Chloe's shirt clenched into the fabric once more. "It's not that I don't want to it's just that—I don't… I don't know where to start with all of… this."

Chloe melted, fondness burning in her chest at the quiet admission before she found her words. "How about this? I take one piece of clothing off and we go back and forth from there. But if you ever get uncomfortable, we'll stop."

Max could only close her eyes, trying to calm the pounding in her chest. The cold air rushed into her lungs before she opened them once more and all she saw was teal. She didn't notice Chloe gently tugging her towards the bed of the truck until they lied facing each other.

Admiration shone plainly in Chloe's gaze. The very look left Max longing for so many things and yet it all went back to Chloe.

Their hands are still connected and with one small pull, their lips brush once, twice, three times. The very sensation was calming and gradually Max found herself wanting more. The build up was so familiar that it put Max at ease.

As if Chloe could sense that building need, she broke away with a small grin on her lips. With about as much subtlety as Chloe's capable off, she casually shucked away her jacket.

Chloe still wore her tank top but it's different this time and Max can't explain it. She knew Chloe was pretty but, in this light, she's beautiful. As soon as Chloe's jacket meets the ground, their lips meet once more. Gently, Chloe fiddled with the zipper of Max's hoodie, with that one touch came the question: Can I peel this off?

Where words cease and only action remains. Max knew this was Chloe's way of comforting her, easing her into the act; yet she can't help the fondness that builds in her chest.

The patience and understanding that spoke in every touch, quelling the anxiety in her form. It's just Chloe.

Chloe peeled away the rest of their clothes and soon, both were bare to the world.

By the end of it, they're both a panting, sweaty mess yet Max couldn't help the slightly delirious smile that spread across her face. "Wowser that was…"

Chloe chuckled, still cradled between Max's thighs. "Amazing? 10/10 would go again?"

Max hummed, still slightly lost in the bliss of aftermath before realization dawned on her. Chloe hasn't… "Actually… yeah I do."

"Wait, really?" Chloe's eyes widened, the implication ringing clear. "I mean, you don't have to."

"But I want to." Max pushed against Chloe's shoulder, a silent ask to lie down.

Max went to straddle Chloe's hips. The sight of Chloe beneath threatened to steal what breath Max had left. There was a vulnerability shown only to Max with teal eyes reflecting awe and lust.

Max leaned down, her words whispered against Chloe's lips.

"Let me take care of you now."

A/N: I had a good time writing this chapter. While I was editing it, I realized how wholesome and fluffy it turned out to be ah ha (I also forgot how much of a b*tch editing is).

If you guys have any thoughts on this chapter, I would love to hear what you have to say! :) No matter what is said, reading the comments always brightens my day and encourages me to write.

I'm sorry that I couldn't post the explicit version but I don't want to risk getting this story deleted :(