Lost in Arcadia Chloe Price x Reader (Life is strange)

Part 7 (Redux)

Chloe's truck pulled into the driveway with a screech, the engine rumbling loudly before she cut it off. I could hear the familiar sound of footsteps approaching the house, and I fanned the air, trying to dissipate the lingering smoke from the joint we had been sharing. I stubbed out the last bit of it in the ashtray on Chloe's nightstand and opened the window a crack to let in some fresh air.

"Y/N, you here?" Chloe called out as she entered the house, her voice carrying up the stairs.

"Yeah, I'm in your room," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. I glanced around the room, making sure it looked relatively tidy.

Chloe burst into the room, her face flushed with excitement. "You will not believe the day I've had," she said, her eyes sparkling.

Before I could respond, another figure appeared behind her. A girl with short brown hair, wearing a simple shirt and jeans, her eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of nervousness. Chloe stepped aside and gestured towards her.

"Y/N, this is Max," Chloe said, a proud grin on her face. "We go way back. She just got back into town."

Max gave a small wave, her shyness evident. "Hi, Y/N. It's nice to meet you."

I stood up and extended my hand. "Hey, Max. Nice to meet you too."

Max shook my hand, her grip gentle but firm. "Chloe's told me a lot about you."

"All good things, I hope," I replied with a smile.

Chloe laughed, plopping down on her bed. "Mostly. We have a lot to catch up on, but first, how about we just hang out for a bit? Max had a pretty intense day."

Max nodded, sitting down in the chair by the desk. "Yeah, I could use a break."

We settled into a comfortable silence with some chitchat, the room filled with the faint sound of music playing softly from Chloe's stereo. Chloe leaned back, her eyes closing as she relaxed, while Max looked around the room, taking in the various posters and knick-knacks that adorned the walls.

"So, Max," I began, trying to break the ice. "Chloe mentioned you're into photography?"

Max's eyes lit up. "Yeah, it's kind of my thing. I love capturing moments, seeing the world through the lens."

"That's really cool," I said, genuinely impressed. "Do you have a favorite subject you like to shoot?"

"People Mostly," Max replied, her voice gaining confidence as she spoke about her passion. "I love capturing emotions and stories in a single frame. It's like freezing a moment in time."

Chloe opened one eye, glancing at Max with a smile. "Max is being modest. She's got a real talent. You should see some of her work."

Max blushed slightly. "Thanks, Chloe. But I still have a lot to learn."

"Don't we all," I said, leaning back against the wall. "So, what brings you back to Arcadia Bay?"

Max hesitated for a moment, her eyes flicking towards Chloe. "I guess I missed it here. Seattle was great, but Mr. Jefferson isn't in Seattle. He was pretty famous in the '90s."

Chloe nodded. "Arcadia Bay has a way of pulling you back in."

We spent the next hour talking and getting to know each other. Max was quiet and introverted, but there was a depth to her. She was observant, often preferring to listen rather than speak, but when she did share her thoughts, they were insightful and thoughtful.

Chloe, on the other hand, was her usual self, her energy infectious. She seemed genuinely happy to have Max back, and I could see the bond they shared, even after all the years apart.