Work Text:
The sounds of the bubbling pots of dry spaghetti noodles and tomato sauce filled the kitchen as Max started setting the bartop with two plates in front of the barstools, a fork and knife atop of both. She grabbed the newly bought champagne — the kind Safi likes — from her fridge and attempted to twist the top off, to no avail. She tried again once more, only to get caught off guard with her phone ringing right beside her. She assumed it's Safi calling, probably to let her know she'd be running late, but she was wrong. It was her parents.
Max stared at the buzzing phone screen, wanting to let it ring until it hung up on its own. But, against her better judgment, she picked up the phone, sighing as she answered.
“Hi Mom. Hi Dad,” Max said as she forced a smile, trying to sound a little pleased they called.
“Hi sweetie!” her mom replied, the relief of hearing her daughter's voice again radiating through the screen.
Max put her phone on her shoulder, holding it to her ear as she tried one last time to open the champagne bottle.
“Me and your mom were just wondering, uh - are you coming back to Seattle? You know, for Christmas break?” Her dad asked.
As he spoke, Max finally opened the bottle, but it resulted in the champagne overflowing and nearly spilling on the floor. Acting fast, she sipped what was spilling over, causing a coughing fit.
“Maybe,” Max cleared her throat. “I- I don't know.”
Of course, that was a lie. She did know. She was not going back to Seattle, not after everything that’s happened. Between the “time storm” revealing her powers to everyone she knew and Safi almost leaving, the last thing she wanted was to travel out of state.
“You know, uhm - my phone’s about to die. I-I’ll call you later.”
Before either of her parents could protest, Max hung up the phone as quickly as she could and tossed it on the countertop, her head falling into her hands. She took a few deep, long breaths, centering herself before she brought her head back up, patted down her messy hair erratically and took the champagne into the living room.
As Max walked past the fireplace, she noticed a small box with festive wrapping on the coffee table. She took a few more steps towards the mysterious box and saw a note with writing taped on the top. Kneeling down, she placed the champagne bottle on the table and ripped the note off the box, a piece of the wrapping paper coming with it.
thought you’d appreciate this since your old one broke after… well, you know. take LOTS of pics with this and p.s you HAVE to show me them.
love, safi
Max’s smile grew as she read each word, then set the letter down to open the gift. When she lifted the top off, her eyes widened and her mouth opened slightly, letting a soft gasp out. It was a camera. Her camera. She grabbed it out the box immediately and observed it, as if it was completely new to her. She peered through the lens, looking around her living room through it, chuckling as she did.
As Max continued to inspect it more, Safi quietly sneaked behind her, holding her laugh as best as she could. She tiptoed a little faster while managing to be inconspicuous, then planted a kiss on her cheek. Max, startled by the sudden touch, screamed and threw her hands up, hitting Safi in the nose with her brand-new camera.
“Shit!”
—
Safi sat on the end of the coffee table, a piece of tissue still stuck up in her nose from earlier to stop the bleeding. Max, who sat right beside her, glanced down at her untouched food, barely having an appetite for it. She picked up her fork beside the plate, moving her food around, then looked up at Safi and immediately noticed her empty plate. Max’s gaze fell on the unboxed camera that sat directly between the two women on the coffee table, a small smile tugging at her lips.
“You didn't have to get me this, you know,” Max gestured at the Polaroid.
“I could've gotten a new one on my own.”
Max knew she was lying, both to herself and to Safi; she wouldn't leave the house ever, even if it was life-or-death.
“I knooow just… it's the least I could do after… everything,” Safi responded with a tinge of guilt.
Max’s mouth curved upwards, forming a soft smile.
“Thank you,” Max whispered.
“You're welcome,” Safi smiled back, eyes fluttering playfully.
Max's phone lit up, catching her attention. It was her parents. Again.
Let us know if you change your mind!
She stared at the notification in disbelief. As if she would “change her mind”.
“Who is it?” Safi asked.
Max’s head spun around in response, then glanced back at the text message before her screen went black.
“You want more?” Max took the bottle of champagne near her, offering it to Safi.
Safi, of course, extended her arm, holding the cup out. Just before Max could pour any of it into her cup, Safi reached out with her free hand to grab the bottle instead.
“Just…”
Safi snatched it out of Max’s hand, setting down her cup. Max’s mouth fell open in mock-offense as Safi chugged the entire bottle.
—
The empty bottle thudded against the wooden coffee table as Safi set it down, leaning back on the couch casually, head in her hand.
“Soon as I step outside, I have people staring at me like… like I’m a monster,” She slurred her words, nearly nodding off.
“No wonder my mom won’t even look at me…,” Safi trailed off.
Max was listening to Safi’s alcohol-induced ramble, but was more focused on taking pictures with her new camera, taking photos of almost everything in her house.
“Enjoying your new camera, I see?” Safi teased.
Max turned her head in response, eyes softening.
“Come on, you know I was listening,” Max laughed, her camera sitting in her lap.
“Yeah right, gimme that!” Safi attempted to grab at Max’s camera, but ended up grabbing her arms, pulling her onto the couch.
The two women were wrestling, Max gripping the camera as tightly as possible. Laughter erupted from the both of them as they played tug of war with it, neither of which seem to be winning. Finally, Max was able to pry it out of Safi’s hands and raise it over her head, using Safi’s drunken state as an advantage.
“Okay, fiiine. I give up. You win,” Safi sighed in defeat, laying her entire body on top of Max’s.
Max chuckled softly, running her fingers up and down Safi's back. Safi lifted her head up just a little, but enough to see Max’s face. Messy hair strands covered her face, and her ponytail was nearly loose from roughhousing. Max loved how messy she looked right now. In fact, that's what she loved most about Safi. How messy she was.
Max pushed aside the loose hair strands out of Safi’s face, admiring it. Cupping her face, Max leaned over and kissed her softly. She pulled back, light blue eyes looking into Safi's dark brown, giving her the option to back down — she didn't. Safi pressed her lips against Max’s, pressing her body against the woman underneath her. Their bodies moved in sync as the kiss grew deeper, hands tangled in each other's hair.
Safi broke away, the two women breathed heavily. Safi’s hand slid down Max’s chest, all the way down to the three buttons on Max’s cardigan. Her fingers fumbled with the buttons as she tried to take off Max’s earthy green cardigan. Max assisted her, slipping it off and tossing it on the floor. Safi pulled off Max’s white undershirt with ease, as if it was second nature, then threw it across the room without taking her eyes off Max. Safi leaned over, kissing her on the neck, right hand on her breast, the left unbuttoning her pants.
She continued to trail kisses down Max’s body, from her collarbone to her chest, grinding her hips against Max’s. Max leaned her head back, sharp gasps leaving her mouth. Safi lifted her head up, grazing her hand down Max’s stomach, admiring her disheveled appearance. Her hair was sprawled out on the arm of the sofa, breath hitching. Safi’s hand moved lower, going underneath her jeans and underwear. Her middle finger traced circles around her clit lightly, which was enough to make Max squirm. Safi slowly inserted her finger, eliciting a soft gasp from Max. Her back arched as Safi went deeper, her soft whimpers turned into loud moans.
Safi shifted her knee in between Max’s legs, pressing gently against her. Her lips parted, panting heavily as Safi’s finger as she penetrated faster. Safi placed a kiss on the corner of Max’s lips before capturing them, tasting the lingering flavor of her peach lip balm. She broke away, a whine escaped Max’s mouth in response. Safi took that as a signal to press her knees even further between Max and shuddered at the force. Her breaths became more shaky, nearly trembling, as she felt herself getting close. She inhaled sharply as her orgasm rippled through her body, back curving slightly then settling against the couch.
Safi slowly removed her hand from Max’s pants and lifted her knee to move it to the opposite side of Max’s leg. She leaned forward and rested her forehead on top of Max's, their eyes closing synchronously. The bridges of their noses pressed against each other as the two women inhaled deeply, as if they needed each other's air to survive. Safi’s lips curved slightly upward as she lifted her head up, her eyes softening as she pecked Max on the bridge of her nose. She shifted her body downward and laid her head on Max’s chest, tracing invisible circles with her finger.
“You know I don't think you're a monster, right?” Max asked, running her fingers through Safi’s hair.
Safi lifted her head up to meet Max’s eyes, scoffing lightly at the question.
“I mean, yeah, obviously, but…” She trailed off, her eyes lowering.
“Everyone else does,” Safi sighed.
“So? Who cares what everyone else thinks?” Max said, forcing a smile.
“I do, Max,” Safi shot back, sitting up to look at Max. “And so do you.”
Max’s eyes fell to the wooden floor, avoiding Safi’s glare. She knew Safi was right deep down — she was experiencing similar alienation from Vinh, Gwen, even Amanda. Of course, it wasn't the same, but she knew how Safi felt, at least a little. She looked up at Safi slowly, her face noticeably softened.
“Come on, wouldn't it be nice to just… get away from here?” Safi brushed Max’s cheek gently with her thumb.
“We could live somewhere… bigger. It would be just us two… you get to have your own little studio, no one would know we have powers,” Safi paused. She tucked loose strands of hair behind Max’s ear, cupping her face and Max naturally leaned into it.
“It’d be perfect.”
Safi bent forward, kissing Max on her forehead, a grin creeping up on her face. Max forced a smile back, hoping it didn't look as unconvincing as it felt. She hated putting up this facade, letting Safi think that they’d leave Lakeport together. Hell, she’d thought Safi let it go by now. Maybe it was the alcohol that was getting to her? Maybe she'll forget about it all by tomorrow?
–
Midnight came, and the two women were laying in bed, Max wrapping her arms around Safi’s body, her head resting over Safi’s shoulder.
“Running away won't fix all of our problems, Safi,” Max broke the silence.
“It's not just that.”
Safi turned to face Max, though she refused to make contact with the wide blue eyes staring at her.
“We could find people with powers, people like us.” She said.
“It’d be a hell of a lot better than getting dirty looks just for leaving my house,” Safi joked, at least trying to, but her strained smile didn't completely convince Max of it.
“Shit, Safi,” Max shook her head.
As Max opened her mouth to speak again, Safi cut her off.
“Just… don't. I know what you're going to say, so just don't.”
Max paused.
“I thought I’d convinced you to stay,” She insisted.
Safi scoffed, furrowing her brows.
“You didn't.”
Max tilted her head, staring at Safi with narrowed eyes.
“Then why did you —”
“I didn't stay because you magically convinced me, Max.”
Safi stopped for a moment, her eyes darting around as if looking for the right words.
“I stayed because you wanted me to.”
Max’s gaze fell, trying to piece together a response.
“But, that doesn't make any sense. You didn't have to stay just because of me.”
Safi glanced up at Max for a half second, then looked back down at the mattress, fidgeting with the plain white sheets. She sighed and sat upright, her back facing Max.
“Didn't feel like I had much of a choice,” Safi finally said, her arms clutching her knees against her body.
Max sat up as well, moving up right next to Safi. She tried to put a hand on Safi’s shoulder, but she flinched at the touch. Max put her elevated hand back on the bed, shifting her body to where she and Safi are barely touching.
“You did have a choice,” Max stated.
“I just… didn't want you doing something you’d regret. Honestly, you act like I forced you to —”
“But you did,” Safi snapped, glaring at Max.
“I should've never stayed here.”
Safi turned around to the edge of the bed, her feet planted on the hardwood floor.
“You-you acted like me wanting to run away was the worst decision I could've made,” Safi said harshly, her hands grasping at the mattress.
“When really, you just can't handle the fact that it just didn't work for you.”
Safi’s words stung Max, her throat feeling like it was closing in on her.
“That's not fair, Safi,” Max said softly, her breath shaky.
“Isn't it?”
Safi stood up slowly, then faced Max, whose eyes are red and welled up with tears, but they refuse to flow down her face, her quivering lips proof of how hard she's resisting it. Safi looked away, her eyes wandering everywhere else except Max’s puffy, red face.
“Just because your problems lingered over you doesn't mean mine will,” Safi quipped.
“That's not the only reason why I wanted you to stay,” Max said.
“Then tell me,” Safi scoffed, throwing her arms up.
“Tell me your ‘reasons’, Max.”
Max bit her bottom lip, ripping off dead skin with her teeth. Her gaze stayed on the mattress for a few seconds longer before looking up at Safi.
“You're not stable, Safi. You can't control your powers. What if, when you're out of here, doing God knows what, your powers spiral out of control again and I’m not there to help you?”
Max slowly slipped off the bed as she spoke, her tears evidently wiped away.
“I don't need you, or anyone, protecting me,” Safi argued.
“I’m trying to help you,” Max said.
Safi rolled her eyes and turned her head to the side, crossing her arms.
“If you were really trying to help, I would've been out of state by now.”
Max looked away from Safi, her eyes burning with tears once more.
“Since you're so against running away, why haven't you left the campus, hell, this house in the past what? Two weeks?” Safi chided.
“That's not the same,” Max snapped back.
“Oh, but it is!”
Safi stepped closer to Max, her entire body towering over the shorter woman.
“You're going through the same exact situation I am, you just don't want to admit it.”
“Okay, you know what? Fine, I admit it,” Max confessed.
“I haven't left this house, this campus because no one, not even my own friends will talk to me normally, like it used to be before the storm you caused —”
“I didn't cause shit!” Safi retorted.
“It doesn't matter who did!” Max said, exasperated.
“I don't even want to go back home for Christmas break! I-I’ve been dodging my parents’ calls and texts, acting like I’m still considering it…” She rambled, pacing back and forth.
“And it's not even because of how they've been treating me, it's ‘cause of you. I can't trust you, Safi. I could come back and you’d be gone!”
Safi stepped back slightly, snickering at Max’s confrontation.
“If you don't trust me, why not just take me with you?” She responded, a tinge of bitterness in her tone.
“I don't even know what we are! What would I tell my parents, that you're the girl I’ve been sleeping with for the past two weeks?” Max blurted out.
Safi’s eyes widened in response, but instead of yelling or having a sarcastic remark to make, she simply walked past Max. Max, riddled with guilt, turned around, watching Safi move towards the dresser, grabbing an empty duffel bag beside it.
“What are you doing?” Max sighed, crossing her arms.
Safi pulled hard on the drawers, taking pieces of her clothing and stuffing it into the open bag.
“It's obvious you don't want me here. Why waste any more of my time?”
Max pressed her lips together, pushing her hair back with her entire hand.
“I didn't mean to say that. It just —”
“Came out? Spare me the bullshit, Max,” Safi cut in.
Safi stopped throwing crumpled items of clothing in her bag, clutching one in her hand. She stayed kneeling, biting her lip as she thought on what to say next. She stood up, facing Max and looked her directly in the eyes.
“If you didn't want something serious, why not say anything? Why keep me around?” Safi asked, gesticulating as she spoke.
Max tilted her head, her eyebrows furrowed together as she listened to Safi.
“What are you talking about?” She tittered.
Max stepped towards Safi, only stopping when she started to back away.
“I do want something serious. Safi, I love you.”
Safi’s breath hitched. She hadn't heard those words ever, not even from her mother. She broke eye contact, looking at the hardwood floor, trying to process the last five seconds. Her eyes darted back and forth as she was thinking, then lifted her head back up, her expression unchanged.
“If you really mean what you say, you'll come with me.”
–
The Hellerton house was left exactly as it was the night before. Plates and pots untouched and unwashed. Drawers still open. Bed unmade. No one knew about their departure. No note on the coffee table. No texts.
Max sat in the passenger seat of Safi’s Porsche, looking out the window, camera in hand. Safi, of course, was driving with one hand on the steering wheel, her eyes extremely focused on the road.
Max turned to Safi. “Where are we going?”
Safi shrugged, looking back at Max.
“Wherever we want.”