“There’s no way to know what the future holds, but one thing I’m sure of, they WON’T walk out on you. — yes, people change and people come and go, but certain people always stay, and your friends? They aren’t going anywhere, no matter how bad you argue, no matter how many times you screamed at each other, they’re still there,” Hunter reassured. – And truly, Max’s relationship with her friends reminded him of his family. To say the least, they were dysfunctional; they fought, they screamed, they hurt each other, but they were always there for each other, and sometimes that was enough. “They’re your FAMILY, Max,” he added later, his tone low and caring, “— and I’m here too, whenever you need.” Reaching out, he caught a strand of her hair and slowly, gently wound it around his index finger, fingers grazing the side of her neck. “Yeah, and it worked,” he mumbled as a smug lifted the corners of his lips, eyes shining with satisfaction. “I’m always nice, excuse you. — I mean, except that one time, but you were in my spot,” he argued. “I was joking, and I didn’t think it was possible for you to like me more.”
Even if Hunter didn't know what every individual relationship Max had with her friends his words were still... COMFORTING. They allowed a form of peace to settle in her thoughts and in her stomach, though the weight of all her secrets REFUSED to budge. “They... are,” she nodded slowly as her bottom lip was caught between her teeth. She remained still has the older male's hand swept through her hair, dark eyes falling upon his. Pushing herself up slightly, the cheerleader slowly rested her palm on the curve of his neck, slowly inching it towards the back of his neck where she cupped the base of his hairline. The worry that often came attached to the HEAT OF HER TOUCH was soon discarded as she fought every urge in her body to kiss him. Instead, she rested her forehead against his and closed her eyes for a couple of seconds - allowing herself to relax in his presence. “--- I SHOULDN'T like you more,” she mumbled softly after a stretch of silence on her part. If anyone knew where she currently was she knew a storm would be kicked up, but for once in her life - Max didn't care. She was tired of fighting what felt natural, and the being around Hunter was as natural to her as spending the day with Eva. “We should uhm... we should order some food now.” She slowly detangled her fingers from his hair and moved to grab her phone from the table so that they could phone the order in.