After the Fall

Addressing Issues (Fluff and Oop)

Lucas makes his way inside of the room, him going to close the door behind him. His head pounds, his body is now so sore from working out so much, his whole body sweaty. He uses the towel over his shoulder to wipe his sweaty face, him going to take off his shorts and his boxers and throw them into the hamper, making his way into the shower.

He turns the hot water on, him putting his hands on the wall to lean a little, letting the hot water hit his back from the four shower heads, feeling his back hurt. He knows he wasn't acting the best, Amberlee's words resonate with him at what he said, how he always looses control when he is mad. He sighs a little, him going to run his hands through his hair.

He hates this feeling, he hates the feeling of both guilt and strong anger. He just doesn't understand where it came from. It seemed like it was just yesterday where Amberlee was proclaiming how much she hated him, now she is kissing him and saying she wanted it to happen. The words angered him to no end, because he feels like he just got played by his own daughter, it seems like she was telling him to draw away from the situation that way he can distance himself from the situation and that would allow her to get closer to Ryder.

The thought makes his blood boil even more, ever since he has got here it was just been trouble. Amberlee gets on him about how she needs to handle the situation on her own and it causes a big argument, now this. It causes a disagreement between her and Amir and they end up mad at each other. Lucas hates it, and he doesn't know why Amberlee doesn't see it.

He feels soft hands run up his back, him sighing a little while still leaning a little. Max's hands trail down his back, lightly going to massage it. He closes his eyes, letting her arms wrap around him and hug him from behind, her head rested on his back. Lucas keeps his eyes closed, he keeps his head low and he keeps his hands on the wall.

Max looks up when she hears him sniffle, seeing how his shoulders moves along with his cries. Max goes to make her way in front of him, she goes to put her hands on his cheeks, making him look at her with teary eyes. Max's face and expression softens, her going to slowly wipe the tears that stream down his eyes with her thumbs, her gaze assuring him that she is here. He closes his eyes after a minute, more tears going to escape him.

"What am I doing wrong Max?" Lucas questions after some time in a tired voice, his eyes closing before they open back up. "What am I doing wrong?"

"You are not doing anything wrong Lucas." Max responds. "You can't guard her from every little thing, there are some things she is going to have to experience for herself."

Lucas closes his eyes a little, Max going to kiss his cheeks and bring his head down for her to kiss. He closes his eyes while she does so, them going to bathe before they make their way out of the shower, Lucas not wanting to stay in there for long. After they are done moisturizing and putting on their night clothes they make their way back into the room, Lucas just going to sit down while he sighs out. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for yelling I...."

Max goes to stand in front of Lucas, her standing in between his legs. She goes to lay his head on her chest, her scratching the back of his head and her other hand running through his damp hair, going to scratch lightly through his scalp. Lucas arms wrap around her, pulling her closer. Her smell and her touch doing a lot to comfort him. "It's okay." Max responds softly to him, going to give him a soft kiss on his forehead. They sit in this position for a long time, Lucas eyes closing while she scratches the back of his head and scalp. "I know you want to talk to Ambie, but talk to her later. You both are still mad and you both are sad, confused, puzzled. Let your minds clear then you both can talk okay?"

Lucas nods his head while his eyes are still closed. "Okay."

Max feels his forehead with the back of her hand. "Did you eat today?"