My Roommate Max... A Max Schneider Fan Fiction

Chapter Eighteen: Meeting the Family

~ I can't ever be brave, cause you make my heart race ~

Chapter Eighteen: Meeting the Family

"Are you sure you don't want me to drive?" Max asked. I rolled my eyes lovingly, pulling out of the airport. My mom had arranged for my old truck to be left at the airport so Max and I wouldn't need a rental car to get home. I sighed, feeling comfortable back in my old vehicle.

"Yes baby," I told him. "It's easier this way, since I know the way home."

He slowly nodded, unbuckling his seatbelt. He slid over into the middle seat, settling next to me. I laughed a little, his arm going around my waist. He took the hand I wasn't driving with in his, lacing our fingers together.

"I'm pretty sure your not supposed to distract the driver," I told him as he laid his head on my shoulder. He chuckled, smirking up at me.

"So I distract you?" he asked, wiggling his eyebrows. I rolled my eyes, nudging him with my elbow teasingly. He laughed, checking the time on his phone. We finally got on the road, on our way back to my hometown.

"How long is this drive again?" he asked. I set cruise control, settling back against the seat and getting comfortable.

"About three hours," I said. "Typically less than that with the way I drive."

He laughed, his body shaking with the gesture. I leaned forward and turned on the radio, just loud enough for me to hear clearly.

"Is it gonna bother you if I go back to sleep for a bit?" he asked with a yawn. I smiled, kissing the top of his head. I was actually going to suggest that he take another nap.

"Of course not, baby," I told him honestly. He leaned up and kissed my cheek, before settling against me again.

"Thanks, love," he said. I felt his breathing even out, letting me know he'd drifted off. I smiled, reaching for my phone. I quickly snapped a picture of him sleeping against me. I smiled at it, before actually using my phone. I sent my mom a text:

'Just left the airport. We'll be there soon.'

I smiled, changing the radio station. I began humming along to the songs, the music keeping me awake. I eventually felt comfortable enough that Max was deep enough in sleep I could sing.

Singing felt so freeing at this point. It had been so long since I'd been able to do it without hiding. Being in my old truck and riding home, singing as I wanted to... It reminded me of my four years of high school, hanging out with Ali. The only difference now, I felt more at peace with myself. The love of my life was sleeping against me, I was still in contact with that wonderful friend that had helped me through high school, and I had a great year ahead of me. It felt good.

For the next two hours, that's what I did. I drove and sang. It made me smile, although I was careful never to sing so loud that it would wake Max. He shifted every once in a while, but never woke to my knowledge.

His grip suddenly tightened on my hand, his head slowly rising from my shoulder. I smiled at him, kissing his cheek as he rubbed his eyes.

"Hey," I said softly, rolling my shoulder. It had started to ache where he'd been laying on it, but I would never tell him that. He smiled, running a hand through his hair.

"You really can sing, you know," he commented, stretching. I felt my cheeks redden, frowning at him.

"How long have you been up?" I asked him. He smiled at me, poking my cheek.

"Half an hour," he said. "I figured you'd stop if you knew I was awake."

I felt myself smiling, despite just having someone heard me sing for the first time in a long time. Max squeezed my waist, the gesture one of love and comfort.