⚠️As the title says, there is themes of self hatred, insecurities, and more of those same kind of themes in this chapter. Reader discretion is advised.⚠️

//Max's POV//

"Ew," I remarked at the nickname, making her giggle.

"I like that laugh," I smiled, "You should laugh more often, Y/n."

She blushed again, "T-Thanks."

"No problem, hermosa."

"You speak Spanish?" She asked me.

"Yeah. I'm actually half Cuban."

"Really?? That's so cool, Max."

"Not really but thanks," I looked to the ground.

That's when I thought about them.

I don't want her to know about them.

I don't want to ruin this night with my sad sack bullshit.

She shouldn't have to know about anything that happened back then.

Only now matters.

Only she matters.

"Max? Are you okay?" Y/n snapped me out of it.

"Oh shit, I'm sorry. I kinda spaced out for a second," The rubbed the back of my neck.

"Oh, are you alright though?"

"Yeah, I'm good, hermosa."

"Oh..alright."

I put my hand on the side of her head, "You're too sweet, you know that?"

"Heh..thanks, I try."

I played with her hair for little bit, her actually leaning her head into my hand.

We then laid down again, her letting me hold her to my chest.

This girl was fucking adorable.

Y/n was so smart, and sweet, and kind.

She was just so different from all the dumb broads at our school and I loved it.

And the fact that she was beautiful was another perfect factor.

By this point I already knew I was starting to like her more than a friend.

Y/n was amazing.

I wanted to protect her.

I wanted her to be mine.

"Y/n..."

"Hm?"

"I'll always be there to protect you, okay? If anyone, and I mean, anyone, bothers you, or god forbid hurt you, just let me know and I'll take care of it all for you," I held her hand and squeezed it.

"Thank you, Max."

"Forever, Y/n."

It was silent for a little bit.

"Max?"

"Yes, hermosa?"

"Why do you...nevermind."

"What?"

"Nothing, really. It's stupid," Y/n was blushing.

"C'mon tell me."

"No, really."

I put my thumb on her chin, making her look at me, "What were you gonna say, Y/n?"

"No!"

"Why do I, what? I'm not gonna stop until you tell me what's wrong."

"I..*sigh*, I was going to ask, why do you even like me?" She sighed.

"Y/n.."

"I know what you're going to say. Something along the lines of 'it's because you not a fake bitch!', but like, why do care about a person like me?"

"..what do you mean?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Why you do care so much about someone who's just..some pawn in everyone else's game. Some person who just wants to fit in but just can't and the person who everyone pick on and throw the blame onto when they can, and then can be discarded like a broken toy," Y/n sat up, venting.

"Y/n...I-"

"My friends are the only people I can trust without using me or being overbearing like my parents. And I want to let you in too, but I'm just..I'm just scared! I'm scared you're just going to use me like the others," Tears started to fall from her eyes.

By instinct I hugged her tightly, her gripping onto the back of my sweatshirt and crying.

"I'm so sorry, Y/n, I had no idea that's how you feel.."

"Max..I'm sorry.."

"No, no, don't be. I needed to know," I put my hands on her shoulders, "Listen to me, Y/n. I would never, in my life take advantage of you. You mean so much to me, and whoever treats you like that, can kiss my ass. I really do care about you and I don't want you to be afraid of opening up to me, okay? Like I said before, I'll always be there to protect you, I promise."

"T-Thank you, Max," She smiled.

"Of course, hermosa," I nodded.

We then just laid down for a little bit longer, while I stroked her hair.

Sometimes she would shake or sniffle, so I'd hold her just a little tighter to comfort her.

After some time, Y/n turned to her clock and said, "Shit."

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"It's 7:30. My parents will be home soon."

"You're grounded..I forgot."

"Yeah. That and my dad has a strict no boys in room policy. Unless it's Aidrain, since we're just friends."

"Your dad sounds like a smart guy," I shrugged.

"He makes me feel trapped sometimes."

"At least they care.." I mumbled, Y/n luckily not hearing.

I got my stuff together and she walked me to the door.

"How are you going to get home?" She asked me.

"I'm probably just going to walk."

"Wait, I'll give you money for an Uber."

"No, it's fine."

"I really don't want you to go," Y/n rubbed her arm.

"I don't want to leave either but I also don't want you to get in trouble."

I put my hand on her cheek and she leaned her head into my hand again.

"Call me whenever you want."

"Okay."

I then got an idea.

I took off my sweatshirt, "Here, you can have this."

"But it's your sweatshirt. Don't you want it?"

"I have other sweatshirts. Besides, I think it'll look cute on you," I helped her put it on.

It was big on her but it made her look even more adorable.

"I was right," I smiled, making her blush, "That sweatshirt means I'm always with you."

"Thanks, Max. Though you're making it sound like you're dying."

I laughed, "No problem."

She hugged me again, wrapping her arms around my neck, "Thank you so much. For everything."

"Always, Y/n."

"See you tomorrow, Max."

"Later, hermosa."

And I left my Princess.

It was okay though, I was going to see her tomorrow anyways.

And I sure as hell couldn't wait.

———
howdy hey.

yeah so this shit got S A D

also I might have a kink for Max speaking Spanish (as long as he's aged up, of course, I ain't no pedo.)

so ya hoped you enjoyed the chapter and aren't too annoyed with me implementing my head canon of Max.