Almost is Never Enough | MIKHAIAH

7

Third-Person P.O.V.

As Z and Max made their way the penthouse, Z felt a strange sense of calm wash over her. Despite everything that had happened, she knew she wasn't alone. Max was there, and somehow, that made all the difference.

When they arrived at Max's penthouse, Z could sense the shift in atmosphere. The spacious, elegantly designed living space felt like a safe haven, a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil Z had just experienced.

Max led Z to the guest room, which was just as cozy and inviting as the rest of the penthouse. The soft lighting and warm tones made it feel like a comforting retreat.

"You can sleep here tonight," Max said gently, opening the door and stepping aside to let Z enter.

"If you need anything, I'm just down the hall."

Z looked at Max, her eyes reflecting a mix of exhaustion and relief. "Thank you, Ave," she whispered, her voice soft but sincere.

Max gave her a reassuring smile. "No need to thank me, Quise. Just get some rest, okay? Tomorrow's a new day. We need to start preparing for the event."

As Z stepped into the room, she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. The events of the night had been overwhelming, but being here, with someone who genuinely cared about her well-being, made it all feel a little more bearable.

As Z stepped into the guest room, she suddenly turned back and, without a word, wrapped her arms around Max. The hug was warm and tight, filled with unspoken gratitude and a need for comfort.

Max was momentarily surprised, but she quickly returned the embrace, her arms gently encircling Z. She could feel the weight of everything Z had been through in that single gesture.

"Thank you so much, Ave," Z whispered, her voice slightly muffled against Mikha's shoulder.

Mikha held her a little tighter, her voice soft but firm. "I'm here for you, Quise. Always."

As Z pulled away from the hug, tears welled up in her eyes. She tried to hold them back, but the overwhelming emotions of the day were too much to bear. Before she knew it, she was crying softly into Max's shoulder.

Max froze for a moment, feeling the warm tears soaking through her shirt. She gently rubbed Z's back, whispering, "It's okay, Quise. Just let it out."

Z's grip on Max tightened as the sobs came harder. She felt safe in Max's arms, like everything would be okay as long as she was there. When the tears finally subsided, Z lifted her head, her eyes red and puffy.

After a few moments, Z slowly pulled away, looking up at Max with a small, appreciative smile. Max smiled back, her eyes full of understanding and care.

As Z continued to cry softly, Max wiped away her tears with a tenderness that made Z's heart ache. Max leaned in closer, and without thinking twice, she gently pressed a kiss to Z's forehead.

The warmth of Max's lips on her skin sent a shiver down Z's spine, and for a brief moment, the world outside faded away. It was just the two of them, wrapped in the safety of that small, intimate gesture.

Max pulled back slightly, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and something deeper, something that made Z's heart race. "Hon," Max whispered, her voice soft and reassuring.

"I'm here for you. Always."

Z's breath hitched, her eyes locking with Max's. There was something unspoken between them, a connection that neither of them fully understood but couldn't deny. Z reached up, her fingers brushing against Max's cheek. "Ave, I don't know what I'd do without you."