Max was nervous. More nervous than she had been in years. Today was her first art show.

She never thought she would get to this point, especially after hell week back in 2013, but here she was. Tonight, everyone would see what she went through. They would see what she and Chloe went through, and how they got through the ordeal. She didn't know how many people to expect or if anyone she knew would be there.

The most important person would be there, though. Chloe.

After escaping Arcadia Bay, she and Chloe made their way to Seattle. Even though they were together and they had each other, they dealt with their fair share of hardship.

Many of their nights were spent sobbing in each other's arms. Max felt an immense amount of guilt, as did Chloe. Especially after she found out her mother had been killed in the storm. All Chloe had to quiet her mind were David's reassurances that her mother loved her and was proud of her. Max tried her best to help Chloe while stuffing down her own guilt about the situation, but it wasn't enough. Max came home from school one day to Chloe passed out in the bathroom with a finished fifth of whiskey. She was unconscious and would not respond to Max's screams. After a brief stay in the hospital, Chloe came back home to the Caulfield's with orders to go to therapy. To quell her parents' worries, Max agreed to go to therapy as well.

"I'm so sorry, Max!" Chloe sobbed into Max's shoulder, balling the brunette's pink shirt in her hands. "I felt so empty. I just wanted to forget, even if it was just for a second." Chloe continued to shudder. "I didn't mean for that to happen. I lost control. I'm so sorry. Don't leave me, Max."

"I'm here, Chloe. Forever." Max had never said anything with more conviction. Max continued rubbing Chloe's back until her crying quieted. "How could you think that? I sacrificed a town for you, Chloe. I need you. If you died, I wouldn't be able to live with myself."

Chloe sniffed and chuckled, "I realize the flaw in my logic, okay. My brain just went into overdrive I guess. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, baby." Max felt her heart drop into her stomach. Did she really just say that? It was out before she had a chance to think!

Chloe raised her head from Max's shoulder. Her face was red and tear stained. Her eyes glistened in the darkness. Max stared into her blue eyes, mouth slightly agape, not sure what to say. Chloe smirked mischievously. "What did you just call me, Caulfield?"

Max swallowed hard, "'Baby.' I called you 'baby.'" Max leaned forward and placed a quick peck on Chloe's lips. She backed away quickly to see Chloe's response.

Chloe licked her lips and her eyes dropped to Max's for a split second. She grinned again. "If I'd known that's all I had to do to get a little action…"

"Shut up!" Max shoved Chloe's shoulder. "Don't make jokes. I almost lost you."

Chloe returned her head to Max's shoulder and lightly brushed her lips on Max's neck. "I can't express how bad I feel, Maxie. I'm so sorry."

"I know, Chloe." She ran her fingers through her blue hair. "Just remember that I chose you. I will always choose you."

Chloe held on tighter if it was possible. "I love you, Max."

"I love you too, Chloe."

They fell asleep in each other's arms that night. That's when they both started healing.

Lots of therapy and few years brought them to this point. Max finished high school, Chloe got a job and her GED. They moved into their own apartment in Seattle and carried on with life. Victoria asked Max to provide photos for an exhibition, and now they were here.

Over the years, Max and Chloe's relationship had evolved. They loved each other, and most of their relationship was comforting each other and being there for each other. They shared a bed, they cuddled, but they never really went past that point. Both of them feared they might be pushing each other too far too soon.

They talked about everything with each other except for IT. The thing. Max had the desire to do so. She knew Chloe did, too. Max was just too chickenshit to bring it up. She wished she still had her rewind powers just to test the waters. Max knew it was ridiculous to think Chloe would ever leave her. They'd come so far, and Max didn't want to upset her or cause an argument.

Max looked at the clock in their bedroom. She had to leave, and Chloe wasn't back from work yet. It was making her more anxious than she already was. Max had commissioned Victoria to dress her and do her make up for the evening. She wanted to look impressive, but she was also kind of hoping to wow Chloe a bit. Maybe it would make her confident enough to tell Chloe she wanted more from her. More of her.

Max texted Chloe to ease her worries.

Max: Where are you? Are you gonna make it? :S

Chloe responded moments later.

Chloe: I'm headed back on the bus right now. Don't worry!

Chloe: I guess I'll give you an emoji pass today.

Chloe: Still meeting you there right?

Max: Yes. I feel sick.

Chloe: Are your palms sweaty?

Chloe: Knees weak?

Chloe: Arms Heavy?

Max: Dammit Chloe

Chloe: Don't vomit on your sweater Max!

Max: I hate you.

Chloe: MOM'S SPAGHETTI

Chloe: Ok, I'm done.

Chloe: You love me!

Max: Ugh you're right. I do.

Chloe: That's right. I'll see you there babe. Don't worry. It will be great.

Chloe: Almost as great as you.

Max: Oh you shush

Max blushed.

Chloe: I love you Max!

Max: I love you too baby