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It was the morning after New Year’s Eve, 1995. There was no snow in the streets as Lucas was used to in his childhood. Max and him had spent the holidays at the Sinclairs, basking in the familial and festive atmosphere between Sue’s cooking, Charles’ barbecue, and Erica’s playful teasing. Everything had felt like a balm to his heart, seeing his family exchange gifts to one another, seeing again how seamlessly Max fitted in, and how radiant she was. That’s why coming back from Hawkins to Sacramento felt like a pinch in Lucas’ heart despite how happy he was here with Max.
He felt the silhouette of Max slowly shifting next to him in the bed, some of her copper waves peaking from the duvet. He felt her breathing slowly picking up as she brushed the duvet away and softly opened her ocean eyes at him, sleep still painting her freckled face. The sight of her being so relaxed after the tiring road trip they came back from in the evening made his heart ooze with affection. He had so much love for her. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he watched her consider going back to sleep, only to let out a small chuckle instead.
- Aren’t you tired of looking at me, stalker?" she said in her morning voice, an octave lower than usual. Her cheeks were turning a light shade of pink under his warm gaze.
- When I have the woman I love the most in front of my eyes? Never." he declared as if he had just stated a general truth such as the sky is blue.
She looked at him with such tenderness that he sensed his own cheeks darkening. He then felt her arms slide on his shoulders, one slowly guiding his head to her heart. He paused there, breathing in the soft scent of her skin mixed with a hint of her sandalwood perfume, feeling the slow and steady heartbeat underneath her tank top. He found the sound of her heart the most comforting sound ever, especially since the incident at the Creel house a decade ago. He protectively wrapped his arms around her waist as she curled her legs around him.
- Lucas… I love you so much", she said as she gently brushed her fingers around his dark coils near his nape, feeling his body slowly relax under her reverent touch.
Lucas felt it reverberate through her chest, and he couldn’t help but sprinkle small kisses along her throat until he reached her lips. He kissed her in the most gentlest way he could think of, pouring all the love he had for her in this small gesture. She kissed him back with the same devotion, her hands wandering on his jaw, caressing his face softly. As they both broke apart for air, he put his forehead on hers and replied in a whisper, "I love you too, baby" before settling back onto her chest.
They stayed there, tangled together as the sun was slowly rising, the warm sunlight piercing through the burgundy curtains. Eventually, they both drifted away, feeling safe and loved in the embrace of the person they loved the most, with no threats hanging over them.